Product Knowledge, Ingredient Selection, and Electrical Equipment
Ingredients and equipment
Understand functional categories: humectants draw water (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), emollients soften (oils, esters), occlusives seal (petrolatum, dimethicone), surfactants cleanse, preservatives prevent microbial growth, antioxidants stabilize (vitamin C, E), and exfoliants loosen corneocytes (AHAs, BHAs, enzymes). Concentration, pH, and formulation determine efficacy. Retinoids and acids can irritate; layer cautiously and advise sun protection. “Natural” and “hypoallergenic” are marketing terms, not guarantees. Patch-test new products, especially on sensitive clients.
Electrical equipment: galvanic current drives water-soluble products (iontophoresis) or creates an alkaline reaction for desincrustation; microcurrent uses low-level current for muscle tone; high frequency uses alternating current for a germicidal and vasoconstricting effect; ultrasound uses sound waves for product penetration; LED uses light wavelengths. Safety: no water near equipment, check cords, ground properly, and screen out pacemakers, pregnancy, epilepsy, metal implants, and photosensitivity. Traps: using high frequency over a pacemaker; assuming more current equals better results; confusing iontophoresis with desincrustation. Rule of thumb: follow the manufacturer’s protocol and the client’s tolerance. Worked example: desincrustation uses the negative pole to create an alkaline environment that softens sebum before extraction.