High Frequency; Independent Report by Ciara Messenger. (C.I.B.T.A.C./M.G.P.B.T.)
High Frequency as a treatment, dates back quite a few decades, when it was first used by hairdressers to stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles, and to assist in treating scalp disorders. Like any electrical treatment, over the years has seen great developments in the use of this particular electrotherapy. It is and has been for over 30 years a recognized remedial treatment in both hairdressing and beauty therapy. Whilst its use in hairdressing has diminished, it has maintained its use and effectiveness in beauty therapy treatments. Its use is delivered theoretically and practically in all level 3/HND beauty therapy programs in colleges, both private sector and government funded, and is also used in many spas, health clubs, salons worldwide.
Electrotherapy: The passage of electricity through the human body, which is composed largely of water with a host of materials dissolved in it. Many of these materials are ionized, and as such the body is a great conductor of electricity.
The stratum corneum(top layer) of skin has a low water content and is coated with a greasy sebum which can make a current difficult to penetrate, however once through the barrier, the current travels with ease.
High Frequency is an electrical current which moves backwards and forwards at very high speed. The current is termed an alternating or oscillating current. This rapid backwards and forwards movements creates high frequency vibrations over a skins surface of between 100,000 and 250,000 vibrations per second. The result is a heating, stimulating effect.
There are 2 methods of application: Direct and Indirect.
Direct: using an electrode direct onto the skin.
Indirect: ‘vienesse massage’ creating a circuit between client and therapist, via an electrode that the client holds and the therapist is linked via H.F. machine to product current through therapists fingertips.
EFFECTS OF INDIRECT HIGH FREQUENCY:
• Increases circulation
• Increases metabolism
• Improves skin texture
• Warms and relaxes tissues
• Calms sensory nerve endings
• Improves moisture balance
REASONS FOR USING INDRECT HIGH FREQUENCY:
• To improve dry/dehydrated skins
• Minimise fine lines
• Relax tissues
• Stimulate poor circulation
• Improve tired skin
EFFECTS OF DIRECT HIGH FREQUENCY:
• Warms and relaxes tissues
• Improves skin texture
• Improves moisture balance
• Calms sensory nerve endings
• Produces ozone; antibacterial, germicidal effect on the surface of the skin.
• Due to the stimulation of the fine nerve endings, in the dermis and the astringent effect on the surface of the epidermis, the appearance of fine lines and open pores is reduced.
• As a result of stimulating the circulation, and in turn the lymphatic system, toxins and waste accumulations are reduced, which reduces appearance of puffy, sluggish looking skin. i.e. puffiness around the eye area (which is very translucent, and delicate) is diminished.
• Due to the heat created superficially on the surface of the epidermis, products are more readily absorbed, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
REASONS FOR USING DIRECT HIGH FREQUENCY:
• Improve oily, congested skins
• Aid healing of skin
• Destroy bacteria
• Stimulate skin to rebalance (i.e. dry skins)
• Reduce the appearance of sluggish complexions.
• Gives the skin a glowing, clear and toned appearance.
N.B. Within each electrode a small amount of inert gas is sealed, usually argon, as the current flows through the gas, a coloured glow is produced. The electrodes glow either blue/violet if they contain argon or red/orange if they contain neon.
References:
Publications:
Professional Beauty Therapy, L. Nordman, L. Appleyard & P. Linforth (H.A.B.I.A approved)
Science of Beauty Therapy ; Ruth Bennett (BTEC, HND & NAT, IHBC, B.A.B.T.A.C)
Health & Beauty Therapy – Practical approach to NVQ L 3-Mernagh & Cartwright (City & Guilds, VTCT, ITEC, CIBTAC, CIDESCO)
The Science of Cosmetics – John V Simmons (Chief examiner, City & Guilds Beauty Therapy)
Beauty Therapy S/NVQ L 3 – J. Hiscock, E Stoddart, J Connor. (approved by F.H.T. (Federation of holistic therapists)
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