Frequently Asked Questions about Ultrasonic Skin Care Devices
1. What is Ultrasound? What does an Ultrasound Skin Device do?
Ultrasound is a continuous cycle of sound waves at a frequency of (>20 KHz) which actually is by definition, beyond the upper limits of the human auditory sense. Ultrasound utilizes sound energy in the form of sound waves to disrupt the assembly of the dermis/epidermis cells to create channels in the skin to both draw out cellular debris and dead skin cells and to penetrate the skin care product.
2. What is a Galvanic Energy? What does and Galvanic Skin Device do?
A Galvanic device utilizes the flow of ions (in this case electrons) to draw some formulation of a skin care product into the skin by simulating the creation of a closed circuit loop. The Galvanic Device works because essentially all chemical compounds dissociate into their ionic derivatives when in solution (in both liquid and gel mediums). Therefore, an electrical charge from a circuit would literally pull/attract ions of the opposite charge toward it (or deeper into the dermis), while repelling ions with similar charge (out of the body). For example, visualize this electrical charge-to-ion interaction as magnets that either repel or attract each other.
3. Are Ultrasonic Devices safe?
Ultrasound technology is absolutely safe WHEN USED AS DIRECTED. In fact it has a long history of use in medicine. For example Medical Sonography Imaging is commonly used during pregnancy to determine the health and development of the fetus. Both Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS) and High Frequency Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) have been used in the treatment of both benign and malignant tumors. Focused Ultrasound are also tools used in the treatment of cataracts, dislodging kidney stones, teeth cleanings, physical and occupational therapies, liposuctions etc. Ultrasound has also been shown to facilitate the delivery of drugs across the skin, promote gene therapy to targeted tissues and deliver chemotherapeutic drugs into tumors. Many of these examples have been FDA approved for many years.
4. What is the difference between 1MHz and 3MHz Devices?
Ultrasonic Massager's come in many different strengths. The general rule is the lower frequencies penetrate deeper. Thus 1MHz devices are generally better for the body where tissues and muscles are thicker and the 3MHz devices (like our FACE Ultra-3 are generally better for the face where tissues and muscles are thinner. With that said 3MHz devices may also be used for the body.
Our devices also have varying power intensities, a greater power intensity is generally used when a breakdown of scar tissue is the goal.
5. How do Ultrasound Devices work in conjunction with topical compounds?
Transdermal delivery of topical compounds using Ultrasound devices has the potential to be an extremely efficient delivery mechanism. Ultrasound energy produces a mechanical pressure wave through the soft tissue. This pressure wave may cause microscopic bubbles in living tissues, and distortion of the cell membrane, influencing ion fluxes and intracellular activity. When ultrasound enters the body, it causes molecular friction and heats the tissues slightly. This effect is very minor as normal tissue perfusion dissipates heat. With high intensity, it can also cause small pockets or gas in body fluids or tissues to expand and contract/collapse in a phenomena called microcavitation. Ultrasonic cavitation alters the structure of the lipid-bilayer of the stratum cormeaum by washing way the fats and oils holding the skin intact and removing the dead skin cells. The process creates reversible micro channels (smaller than the width of a strand of hair) through which medicines or topical nutrients can be delivery and analytes extracted. The skin returns to it's initial state in 24 to 48 hours. The overall effect of Ultrasound energy is to enhance the penetration of the topical compounds.
6. What are the effects of using Ultrasonic Devices?
The use of ultrasound devices in treatments has three major effects.
a). Mechanical Effect - the mechanical effects include the very important micro-message of soft tissue, softening of scars, increased superficial toning and increase elasticity of the skin.
b). Thermal Effect - the thermal effects of ultrasound create friction and increase local heat. By increasing the metabolism of fibroblasts and other connective tissue cells, production of collagen and elastin increases. Increased temperature also stimulates blood flow to the area, bringing with it more oxygen an nutrients for healing. Another benefit of increased blood flow is an increase in lymph flow which aids in removing toxins and waste products.
c). Chemical Effects - Ultrasound helps increase the rate of chemical reactions in cells to facilitate healing. It also decreases the local pH and increases the permeability of skin cells, effects that favor the penetration of active ingredients in the epidermis.
6. How do I maximize these effects?
Ultrasound waves do not conduct well through air. They need a medium (such as liquid/gel) to produce an effect. For product penetration, if the active ingredients you are using dries quickly or produces friction between the device head and skin, you might not be getting all the benefits of the above effects due to a shortened treatment time. The best thing to do is after applying the active ingredients to the skin, add a bit of our O2 Calming Gel to the skin surface and proceed with the treatment.
7. How can I tell if my Ultrasonic Device is working?
Ultrasonic Wave is invisible for human eyes - your Ultrasonic Device emits a deep micro-vibration so rapid, that cannot be seen or felt at the surface of your skin. So don't think your FACE Ultra3 Massager isn't working!
To so see the transmission of the ultrasonic waves, put some water at the metal head of the FACE Ultra3 massager - turn on the power - set intensity to "High".
Holding the unit with one hand tough the head with the finger of your other hand - you will see the vibration of water, caused by the ultrasonic waves.
8. Who shouldn't use these devices?
We do not recommend that you use Ultrasonic Devices if you have a body temperature over 38C, a cardiac condition, extreme hypertension and cerebral infractions, have an implant of an intrauterine contraceptive device, and pregnant and menstruating women should refrain from using the instrument in the abdominal area.
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