What is Microcurrent
Microcurrent in Esthetics
Innovative applications for microcurrent technology encompass the beauty industry for face and body sculpting. There are significant benefits when applying these external energy sources. The application of microcurrent also supports skin correction by encouraging the repair process. Damaged skin requires a program of restoration that is gradual and progressive for long-term optimum health. Microcurrent mitigates the practice of aggressive peels and thermolysis (laser) as newer research has revealed that these modalities may be adding more injury to compromised skin. Clearly all modalities of correction certainly have their place. Prior to choosing a course of treatment including product selection,
the first step in skin correction is to determine the level of damage caused by sun damage, the ageing process, and other skin conditions. Microcurrent gently encourages repair of the stratum corneum, the bi-layers and dermal components to foster the skin into a healthier state. Cosmetic microcurrent is beneficial for improvement in the appearance of the skin.
- Aged and slackened skin.
- Improvement of skin texture.
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduction of acne scars.
- Use pre and post surgery to improve the both muscle and tissue for optimum outcome.
- Post surgically the application of microcurrent supports reduction of trauma, irritation, inflammation and helps foster skin healing as well as minimizing scar tissue.
- Muscle tightening in the abdominal area.
The Technology - Microccurent
The use of microccurent in medicine and cosmetic improvement has been studied for more than 30 years. Stimulation with microcurrents is also called bio stimulation or bioelectric therapy because it encourages cell physiology and growth. Essentially, microcurrent is a low level of electrical current that mirrors the natural current flow of the body. It serves as a non-invasive augmentation of the body's natural electrophysiology through frequency, polarity balancing, and homeostasis. The effects of microcurrent (electroporation) in clinical medicine has demonstrated acceleration of healing
bone tissue, wound healing, muscle rehabilitation, TMJ, tendon repairs, lymphedema, diabetes, and collagen remodeling.7.
In summary microcurrent:
- Promotes cell metabolism and tissue repair
- Supports circulation - blood and lymph
- Reduces inflammation
- Diminishes lymphedema in cancer patients
- Helps increase mitochondria activity through increasing ATP
- Increase natural production of collagen and elastin
- Support scar repair by dispersing scar tissue and collagen remodeling
- Increase protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis (GNG) and membrane transport.
- Reeducate and rejuvenate muscle tissue
- Supports healing of bone8
- Heals skin ulcerations9,10
- Used in equine medicine
The Research
Reports in the research involving the application of electrical stimulus on wounded tissue have been documented since the 1830's when Carlos Matteucci confirmed that electrical current was generated in injured tissue. During the past 30 years and with the invention of sophisticated instrumentation, scientists are able to explore and measure the effects of low level of electrical stimulation and the positive effects on tissue. The principles of microcurrent in both healing and beauty therapy applications share a commonality and consensus regarding its effects on improving the function and
appearance of tissue. In wounded skin there is a specific biological pathway for repair. Referred to as current of injury,living tissue has a direct current surface electro-potential to regulate this healing process.11 Moreover intervention is critical in order to prevent further deterioration.
It is reasonable to believe that this concept holds true for ageing and damaged skin including injury to the acid mantle,stratum corneum and epidermis. There is an interruption in the biological movement of electricity that controls cell behavior for normal skin function (Wounds, UK, p 1). The ability for the skin to repair and maintain water balance, the process of epidermal differentiation, collagen synthesis, and maintaining an overall healthy appearance becomes increasingly challenged. More so this is apparent in xerosis skin (abnormal dryness). It has been confirmed that the application of low levels of microcurrent directly effects circulation (capillary density and perfusion), increased ATP, and
improved fibroblast activity for collagen synthesis.