Hardware cosmetology: the best technologies for rejuvenation and figure correction

Cosmetics for devices

Hardware cosmetics is a collective concept. These are means that are compatible with the action of physical factors. And cosmetics for each factor have their own characteristics.

Electrical procedures – electrophoresis (iontophoresis), galvanization, microcurrent therapy, myostimulation, lymphatic drainage. The general requirement for products for hardware electrical procedures is, of course, good electrical conductivity. Aqueous solutions and gels have such electrical conductivity. Products containing a lot of fat and paraffin do not conduct electricity well. Therefore, creams, oil concentrates and greasy masks are not suitable for electrical procedures at all.

Gels are preferable for working with moving electrodes. The gel is easily and evenly applied to the skin, does not dry out for a long time and provides good glide for the electrodes.

For stationary (fixed on the body) electrodes, you can use either an electrophoresis gel or a solution.

Losing popularity

There are not very many such procedures, however, they are in less and less demand among patients. This happened for various reasons, which we will examine in more detail.

Myostimulation

This procedure involves applying electric current to the muscles, thereby strengthening them. This procedure is used to correct the body without going to the gym. Most likely, the decline in popularity of the procedure is due to the fact that there are other equally effective methods, which, moreover, affect not only the muscles, but also affect the condition of the skin, improve metabolism in tissues, due to improved blood circulation ( for example, vacuum roller massage).

At the same time, the decline is very slow and can be seen over a period of 5 years.

Photoepilation

This is a method of hair removal using high pulsed light. Although the method is not traumatic and quite effective, laser hair removal, which is one of the most popular procedures, is considered more effective. This is why photoepilation is becoming less and less popular. At the same time, there is a clear downward trend.

Nanoperforation

A procedure that involves microscopic puncture of the skin with laser beams. It is performed to rejuvenate the skin (mainly the face). However, now there are more advanced laser rejuvenation techniques, which patients prefer to perform more often.

A downward trend has been observed over the past 2 years.

Microdermabrasion

This is skin polishing using microcrystals. Although it is one of the most delicate methods, carbon and hydropilling, which are now gaining popularity, are replacing this procedure, which is clearly visible from the trend of the last two years.

Cosmetics for iontophoresis: gels, products and preparations

For iontophoresis and galvanization, direct galvanic current is used. This current causes directional movement of ions.

Using direct current, particles of medicinal substances carrying an electrical charge can be injected through the skin and mucous membranes. The administered medicinal ions penetrate the epidermis and accumulate in the upper layers of the dermis.

Thus, iontophoresis products must necessarily contain substances that can disintegrate into ions (dissociate) in an electric field. For iontophoresis, substances are used whose phoretic properties have been experimentally proven. The list of these substances is small, and it will be useful to check the physical therapy reference book when purchasing the drug.

Preparations for iontophoresis are marked (+) or (-) on the packaging. This means that they should be introduced from the appropriate electrode.

Negatively charged ions are introduced from the negative electrode, and positively charged ions are introduced from the positive electrode. The greatest mobility of medicinal substances dissolved in water. If the drug has poor solubility in water, dimexide or ethyl alcohol is used as a solvent. For phoresis of complex organic compounds (lidase, ronidase), special buffer solutions are used.

Directions and classification

Hardware procedures effectively affect the body and have the following characteristics:

1. versatility (solves several problems);
2. permeability (impact on deep layers);
3. painlessness (unpleasant sensations are minimized).

Procedures are classified in the following areas:

1. type - rejuvenation, liposuction, hair removal, peeling, massage, etc.;
2. localization is a problem area that can be put in order in different ways
3. method - laser, ultrasound, electricity, vacuum, etc.

Galvanization: means

The galvanization procedure uses the therapeutic effect of galvanic current and a solution or gel as a conductive medium.

In cosmetology, solutions of collagen, elastin, and herbal preparations are actively used. These substances do not have mobility in an electric field. Iontophoresis, for example, of collagen does not occur. Large protein molecules have no charge and are not able to penetrate the skin. But the collagen solution conducts current well. We use a collagen solution as a conductive substance to carry out galvanization.

Substances that are not phoretic are successfully used in galvanization procedures. The cosmetic effect of such procedures is much higher than the effect of simply applying the substance to the skin due to the activation of blood vessels and increased permeability of cell membranes.

New trends in hardware cosmetology

Hardware cosmetology began to actively develop in the middle of the last century, when methods of photorejuvenation, photoepilation, laser hair removal and fractional photorejuvenation appeared. However, the direction dates back to the 16th century: then physiotherapy was first used in medicine. Radiofrequency (RF) lifting became popular only in the 1990s. Since then, no fundamentally new developments have appeared in hardware cosmetology, but this does not mean that this segment of aesthetic medicine stands still.

Why do you need hardware cosmetology?

The main goal of hardware cosmetology is to improve the quality of the skin: its tone, structure, color and texture. It works in deeper layers of the skin than professional cosmetics. Hardware methods are actively used for non-invasive introduction of drugs into the skin and for the reduction of fat cells. All this allows you to make your face younger and your figure slimmer without the intervention of plastic surgeons. It cannot be said that hardware cosmetology works more efficiently than other methods of aesthetic medicine and you need to rely only on it. Maximum results can only be achieved with an integrated approach.

“The devices work on the tone and quality of the skin, but do not restore the bone structure, like, for example, contour plastic surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to combine hardware cosmetology with other procedures. There are some people who resort to the services of hardware cosmetology exclusively because they are against injections or are simply afraid of injections. Such patients achieve very good results, but in combination with other methods it would be much more effective,” says Natalya Khabas, dermatocosmetologist at the Klazko Aesthetic Surgery Clinic.

Trends in hardware cosmetology

Today, hardware cosmetology is developing most dynamically in the field of lasers, because it is with the help of laser techniques that one can obtain a complete renewal of the skin. The procedures themselves become less and less traumatic over the years. “The laser beam is being improved, it becomes easier for the doctor to control it, and the patient experiences less and less pain,” says Alexey Mimov, Ph.D., dermatocosmetologist and laser therapist at the Tori Cosmetology Center.

Also today, broadband light (BBL) therapy is very popular, which affects skin cells at the gene level and restores the activity of genes that have undergone age-related and pathological changes. In modern hardware cosmetology, it is possible to combine in one procedure different techniques that were previously carried out separately. During one session, a cosmetologist uses techniques that work in different layers of the skin, and products whose ingredients do not conflict with each other. According to the latest protocols, up to three techniques can be used within one procedure without danger to the patient’s health.

“Now it is permissible, for example, to perform an ultrasonic SMAS lifting procedure (tightening the superficial muscle corset and collagen fibers of the face), then correct small wrinkles in the same area with a superficial filler and carry out reinforcement in the deeper layers of the dermis using a biostimulator,” says Alexey Mimov. “It is believed that such an integrated approach works better than a single effect, because this ensures maximum stimulation of all skin resources with subsequent maximum effect.”

In addition, laser devices for hair removal are being actively developed. Modern laser hair removal devices provide a more powerful light pulse, which allows reducing the required number of procedures. It's all about special sensors that determine the hair and skin type of each individual patient, which significantly reduces the risk of burns. They also have additional cooling modules, which makes the procedure more comfortable. “When we opened seven years ago, lasers were less advanced and the procedure was painful. The effect of rays on the human body has not been fully studied. Since then, technology has moved far forward, and we use only those techniques that guarantee high-quality results and comfort for the patient,” says Maria Ginzburg, owner of the Wax & Go waxing salon chain.

New laser devices

Sciton Joule is considered one of the most advanced laser devices. It has many different functions: improving skin tone and texture, removing scars, stretch marks, eliminating wrinkles, age spots, blood vessels and rosacea. In addition, it has additional attachments. The first is for broadband light therapy, the second is a Halo hybrid laser head with two beams of different lengths. With the first attachment you can rejuvenate your skin, treat acne and remove hair. It has different light filters that are selected for the patient’s individual problems, and the cooling system makes the procedure as painless as possible.

The Halo attachment simultaneously affects the deep layers of the dermis, triggering the synthesis of new collagen, and corrects visible signs of aging on the surface of the skin, evening out its relief. It also has built-in cooling and smoke intake systems, a temperature optimization system and a scanner speed adjustment system. This allows you to treat every area of ​​the skin, eliminate burns and reduce pain for the patient. The attachment is used against pigmentation, wrinkles (both small and deep), scars and stretch marks.

Another favorite among cosmetologists is Icoone Laser for skin rejuvenation, lifting and modeling body contours. It has 36 programs for different purposes - from improving the tone of the skin around the eyes to reducing belly fat. The device combines several technologies: diode laser, LED laser and patented MMAS (Multi-Micro-Alveolar Stimulation) technology. All this stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and reduces the number of fat cells in problem areas. In addition, some laser functions can be used during pregnancy (in the absence of other contraindications) and for varicose veins. The specialist tailors the program to each client depending on the pain threshold.

The Soprano XL Ice laser hair removal device combines alexandrite and diode laser waves and In-Motion technology, which allows you to treat different areas of the skin very quickly and almost painlessly. With such a “machine,” hair removal can be done at any time of the year, with any hair color, skin tone, and even if you have a tan. The big advantage of the laser is that it can be used from the age of 14.

If previously blue and red vessels were removed using different lasers, now this can be done in one procedure. The Candela Perfecta Vbeam+Nd:Yag device has two types of lasers: pulsed Vbeam for small red vessels and neodymium Nd:Yag for blue ones. The device is also suitable for removing scars, stretch marks, age spots, for anti-acne therapy and for skin rejuvenation. The device has a built-in cooling system that is effective for any skin tone, including tanned skin.

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Myostimulation: gels and compositions for wraps

For myostimulation, pulsed current is used. In most cases, this is alternating current, and phoresis of medicinal substances does not occur during the procedure.

The myostimulation agent is used as a contact medium. The cloth electrodes are moistened with saline solution. Rubber, latex - lubricated with conductive gel. Movable (labile) electrodes also require a contact gel. The gel may not contain special medicinal substances.

However, if the electrodes are stationary on the skin for 10 to 30 minutes, it makes sense to carry out combined procedures.

Facial myostimulation can be carried out simultaneously with the mask, and body myostimulation can be carried out simultaneously with the wrap. In this case, masks and compositions for wraps must have good electrical conductivity. Gel and mud masks and wraps are ideal for myostimulation.

Body cosmetology

Myostimulation promotes contraction of muscle fibers, activating blood circulation and metabolism. This method allows you to remove excess weight, improve muscle and skin tone, and correct problem areas.

Lymphatic drainage combines several procedures. Vacuum, low-frequency current, pressure and ultrasound help accelerate lymph flow, thereby reducing swelling, weight, and reducing volume in the waist and hips. This therapy is done by the master taking into account the initial data.

Liposuction breaks down fat cells and promotes the removal of metabolic products from the body. The following methods can be used:

1. electrodialysis;
2. vacuum and LGP massage;
3. cryolipolysis;
4. laser;
5. ultrasonic;
6. radio wave.

Phonophoresis: means

Ultraphonophoresis (phonophoresis) is a combined method of therapeutic use of ultrasound and a medicinal substance applied to the skin. In ultraphonophoresis, as in electrophoresis, the medicinal substance enters the body through the excretory ducts of the sweat and sebaceous glands. A relatively small list of medicinal substances can be used for phonophoresis. The unsuitability of a number of medications for this purpose is associated with a significant change in their properties during voicing. Ultrasonic influence is a stream of strong mechanical vibrations of small amplitude. And not all drugs can withstand such a shock.

Ultrasound destroys, inactivates or changes the properties of medicinal substances such as ascorbic acid, B vitamins, caffeine, novocaine. It is known that ultrasound quickly destroys medicinal substances with high molecular weight and high biological activity. Many protein preparations are classified as high-molecular compounds, so the possibility of using them for phonophoresis should be especially carefully studied.

When choosing means for phonophoresis, it is also useful to check with a physiotherapy reference book or request protocols for testing a substance for phoreticity.

Medicinal solutions for phonophoresis are prepared using water, ethyl alcohol, and oils. It is more convenient to use gels for ultrasound therapy, since the gel does not spread over the skin during the procedure.

Possible contraindications

Judging by the photos and videos that beauty salon specialists post on the Internet, using hardware techniques you can get rid of many age-related problems.

But remember - even minimally invasive procedures have their contraindications. They will be different for each technique, but general prohibitions on hardware rejuvenation are imposed in the following cases:

• the presence of rashes and violation of the integrity of the skin in the treatment area;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• menstruation period;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• infectious diseases;
• the presence of prostheses and other foreign bodies in the areas of correction;
• asthma and other neurological diseases;
• systemic pathologies.

To determine whether a particular patient has contraindications to rejuvenation procedures, the doctor carefully collects anamnesis and, if necessary, prescribes an examination. Only after you are completely sure that the body is ready to use hardware techniques can you begin therapy.