14th Sep 2022
byPublishedby PB Admin
Plasma claims a non-invasive route to results that rival cosmetic surgery and last just as long. Originally developed for medical applications, plasma emerged as an aesthetic treatment around 2017. More recently, its adoption by salon brands has seen the technology transition into more mainstream use. However, not all plasma is the same. Devices vary largely in energy output and results, and with so many now on the market it’s important to understand the differences in capabilities and risks of each.
Plasma is often referred to as “the fourth state of matter”, after solid, liquid and gas. It is created when electrostatic energy mixes with an ionised gas. When the thermal energy from a plasma device reaches around 1mm from the skin, it mixes with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere and creates a plasma arc, which vaporises upon contact with the skin.
“In doing so, we force immediate contraction of the skin tissue at the surface and cause thermal disruption within the dermis below, especially to the fibroblasts,” explains Louise Walsh, chief executive of PlasmaPen by Louise Walsh International. “The precision trauma we cause to the epidermis makes the skin dry superficially into tiny carbon crusts, which fall off within a few days, leaving new, rejuvenated skin at the surface.”
Plasma is generating a lot of attention because it offers a non-surgical alternative to blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). “There’s really no equivalent treatment out there for the eyes outside of plastic surgery. We can work all around the periorbital region,” says Walsh.
Other indications include frown lines, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, jawline augmentation, the backs of hands, and loose skin on the arms, stomach, neck and décolleté.
“Most indications will only require one treatment, but it is affected by the depth of the indication,” says Josh Yardley, director of The Smart Group, which distributes the Accor Cosmetic Corrector plasma pen in the UK, adding: “80% of all Accor treatments are individual treatments.”
The Accor pen has built-in NF+ technology, which means “the intensity of the thermal energy diminishes the further down into the skin it goes”, explains Yardley. This low-frequency delivery is intended to keep the treatment area superficial but allow the device to work safely on a larger area, reducing swelling and redness.
There are, however, contraindications for aesthetic-grade devices, and because the technology is still relatively new to this arena, it’s likely that more will emerge as the devices become more widely used. “We have a very broad and constantly updated list of contraindications that our technicians work to rigidly,” says Walsh.
The first is that PlasmaPen can’t be used on skins darker than a Fitzpatrick 3 because of the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, Accor lists the following contraindications to plasma treatment with its Cosmetic Corrector:
• Pregnancy
• Nursing mothers
• Metal implants
• Pacemakers
• Fever or current infections
• Anti-acne medication
• Skin lesions in the area being treated
• Cancers
• All forms of hepatitis
• Varicose veins in the area being treated
• Bone disease
• Epilepsy
• Autoimmune disease
• Diabetes
• Keloid predisposition
• Filler, thread-lift or botulinum toxin in the area being treated.
As with any tech, each device will have slightly different contraindications, so always check with manufacturers before investing.
There are a few other important considerations to be aware of before adding plasma treatments to your menu. Most devices require post-treatment downtime of at least a week, with clients encouraged to let the skin go through its natural healing process for seven days and just use sun protection. Tracie Giles, founder of Tracie Giles Bespoke Permanent Make Up, instructs her plasma clients to send her a picture of their eyes every morning for 10 days after blepharoplasty to check how they’re healing.
“However prepared a client is, if they’re having plasma around the eyes, they’re going to get massive lymphedema and that can be quite scary,” she says.
Giles also patch tests every client: “I patch test so clients can experience how it feels and how their skin is going to heal,” she explains. “It’s also about checking for compliance with the aftercare advice I give them for the skin we tested.”
It is important clients are aware that aesthetic-grade plasma treatments are painful and require topical anaesthetic: “It’s a really painful treatment and there’s no getting away from that,” says Giles.
However, devices like the Crystal Clear Plasma Lift, which uses nitrogen from a built-in tank in the machine, have a much lower energy output than their aesthetic counterparts and are generally less painful.
It’s also imperative to make sure the device you’re thinking of investing in has a CE registration and certificate of compliance that indicates product liability insurance, says Yardley, in light of the influx of cheap, nontraceable plasma devices entering the market from overseas. He advises to “check the output of the device and its effects on the epidermis” beforehand, adding, “In the wrong hands, it can cause scarring and bleeding.”
It’s even possible that some of these imported pens or machines aren’t actually plasma devices. “Some actually burn the skin upon touching it, which means they’re not plasma at all but cauterising devices,” says Giles, and of those that are plasma, “a lot of them are uncalibrated, so there’s not a safety standard for it to adhere to.”
All the brands we spoke to for this feature stipulate a minimum Level 3 qualification for therapists to train in and take on their plasma device.
However, insurers may operate on a case-by case basis. Walsh says, “Insurers each have their own requirements and Level 3 is not always essential, depending on other training, techniques and each practitioner’s background.”
Accor will only supply “clinically experienced” therapists of Level 3 and above, with a firm understanding of anatomy and physiology, who have worked in salons or clinics for a minimum of three years.
“We have a duty of care to the consumer so as a manufacturer or supplier we must pass that on to our practitioners,” says Yardley of Accor’s training programme. Practical training is done by one trainer to two students and they’re mentored by a trainer with a minimum of five years’ experience as well as a master trainer. Practitioners comalso have the support of fellow Accor users through a Facebook network.
Since plasma has started to generate interest in the beauty world, Giles tells of clients contacting her for help after experiencing bad treatments, prompting concerns that the technology should be reserved for Level 5 and above. “They’re left with little indentations in the skin because the spot was held on for just a fraction too long. My feeling is that it’s a Level 5 treatment and nobody below that should be offering it,” she says.
Giles is particularly concerned about the targeting of plasma devices towards semi-permanent make-up (SPMU) artists on social media platforms: “My concern is that some SMPUs aren’t even Level 3 trained, and while the pens are very similar to SPMU pens, the application of the technology is entirely different. It’s quite a scientific treatment and there’s a lot of physics, physiology and anatomy involved.
“Plasma is an alternative to surgery and we mustn’t lose sight of that. It’s an unbelievable treatment – the results are life changing for some people – but it has to be delivered in competent hands,” she says.
High Frequency is a popular skincare technique that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including acne management, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and puffy or dark eyes.
To fully understand the concept of high frequency, it is helpful to learn about the science behind its creation and the benefits it has when used on your skin.
The first high frequency appliance was developed in the late 1800’s by renowned scientist Nikola Tesla and was referred to as the Violet Ray. While it offers a number of functions, before the invention of ‘modern’ antibiotics it was largely used for medical purposes such as in the treatment of strep throat and other infections and to expedite the healing of wounds.
French biophysicist Jacques-Arsène d’Arsonval also did early work in the area of electrotherapy. In 1892 he introduced the use of high frequency currents to treat diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. High frequency is traditionally referred to as “D’Arsonval high frequency” or the “Tesla current”.
In the 1970’s, European salons discovered the cosmetic and healing benefits of high frequency electrical stimulation on the skin and by 1980, the the technology became widely used in North American by skin care professionals. Considered a very safe and non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation, high frequency technology became quickly recognized by licensed as the leading treatment for many skin conditions ranging from acne to wrinkles to hair loss.
All high frequency facial machines function by using a glass high frequency electrode to treat various contours of the face and body. When applied to the surface of the skin, a mild electrical current passes through the neon, or argon gas filled glass electrode, causing it to emit a subtle glow and buzzing noise. Depending on the inert gas that they are filled with, the electrodes produce either a neon red/orange or violet/blue light. Traditionally, acne prone skin is treated with violet and aging skin is treated with red, however, recent studies show that both are effective regardless of the skincare concern.
During the high frequency treatment, enriched oxygen molecules are produced that create an anti-bacterial action and a “natural” thermal tissue warming. This reaction helps your blood vessels push away toxins, while the cells in your skin are enriched with nutrients and hydrating volume. This in turn creates an increase in blood circulation and cell renewal that supports increased levels of collagen and elastin. The skin is left feeling instantly energized and noticeably softer after just one treatment.
High frequency has proven to be effective on almost any skin lesion from acne and burns, to waxing procedures and cold sores. High frequency facials are considered to be a safe, gentle and therapeutic approach to skin rejuvenation, quickly healing and restoring your skin’s health.
Schedule a consultation with one of our aestheticians to see if high frequency is right for you. You can learn more about our high frequency services by calling Laser Skin Solutions.
High frequency increases oxygen to the skin, improving the overall texture, tone, and glow and helps to treat acne problems. All of this promotes collagen stimulation and elastin production, providing a firmer and more youthful appearance. The oscillation produced by high frequency aids in lymphatic drainage and helps to evenly disperse excess fluid.
High Frequency oxygenates the surface of the skin, kills P. acne bacteria, stimulates circulation and aids in detoxification, contracts blood vessels minimizing red inflamed skin. … This kind of treatment also can aid in shrinking pores, reducing signs of aging and stopping persistent acne in its tracks.
The high frequency facial is used to treat and prevent stubborn acne, shrink enlarged pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decongest puffy eyes, fade dark eye circles and even rejuvenate the condition of the scalp and nourish hair follicles for healthier hair growth.
Considered a timeless and essential skin rejuvenating treatment in the skin care industry, high frequency stimulates cell renewal and assists with improved skin care product penetration and absorption by gently warming the tissues of the skin.
High frequency facial machines and devices (traditionally referred to as “violet rays”) vary in design and appearance however the underlying principle, technology, and operational functions are the same. Most professional high frequency machines used in medical offices operate at a frequency of 100,000–2500,000+ Hertz (cycles per second).
The safe and gentle oscillating and oxygenating power of high frequency electrical current has been shown to enhance blood circulation, increase collagen and elastin production, eliminate toxins and acne-causing bacteria, encourage lymphatic drainage, exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin care product absorption. The primary action of high frequency current is thermal (heat producing) and is characterized by a high rate of oscillation. Due to its rapid rate of oscillation, high frequency does not cause muscular contractions — instead, it works on the principle of skin toning.
High frequency facial machines work in conjunction with high frequency electrodes which are made of clear tempered glass and come in a variety different shapes and sizes to facilitate the treatment of various contours of the face and body. When the high frequency electrode is firmly inserted into the high frequency hand piece, a gentle alternating electrical current is generated by the high frequency machine which then passes through the attached glass electrode upon contact with the skin. This contact ignites the inert gas within the electrode which produces healing electrical light energy and unstable oxygen which instantly converts into purifying ozone. In other words, when mixed with the air outside of the electrode, the electrical current infuses the skin with rejuvenating oxygen molecules and a therapeutic zapping or tingling sensation is experienced.
In treating aging skin, high frequency current firms and tones by causing an immediate circulation rush to the skin in addition to subtle tissue warming. These functions cause a very safe and natural contraction of the underlying blood vessels and tiny muscle groups. The dilation of the underlying vessels pushes away toxins, while the cells enjoy a feast of increased nutrients and hydrating volume. This result is in an increase in blood circulation and cell renewal as well as increased production levels of Collagen and Elastin which soften and smooth away wrinkles, reduce pore size and improve overall skin texture.
The application of high frequency current to the skin also promotes a natural cleansing and antibacterial action that helps treat existing acne and prevents the onset of new acne. Clients experiencing cystic acne will benefit greatly from the deep penetrating germicidal action of high frequency. The skin is left feeling instantly energized, rosy, firm, refreshed and noticeably softer — even after just one treatment. The enriched oxygen molecules produced by high frequency machines are safe and have been proven to be effective in helping to heal and restore the skin’s health. High frequency is used to treat a range of concerns from skin lesions, acne, waxing procedures and cold sores to fine lines, sagging skin and puffy eyes. Common areas of treatment include the face, neck and scalp but high frequency can be used on the entire body including the back.
The power level and output strength of a high frequency machine is ultimately measured by the high frequency oscillation rate (measured in Hertz), NOT by the level of wattage! It is important to choose a portable high frequency facial machine that operates at a relatively LOW wattage level (anything less than 10 watts) and a high rate of oscillation (>100,000+ Hz). This optimal combination is a signal of efficiency in operation and output.
Quality high frequency electrodes are typically made of tempered glass and filled with either
1) argon gas which produces a subtle violet colored glow, or 2) neon gas which produces an orange glow. The high frequency electrode acts as a safe conductor of the current. High frequency is a wonderful holistic treatment offering a host of benefits for many skin care concerns ranging from acne to wrinkles.
Electrode Color Inert Gas Type Intended Use
The orange electrodes are generally indicated in the treatment of aging skin because they are said to direct more warmth to the treatment area which promotes blood circulation, encourages cellular turnover and improves product penetration.
High frequency electrodes are available in a variety of convenient shapes and sizes to facilitate the treatment of different areas of the the face and body.
High frequency facials offer a safe and gentle alternative to dramatic plastic surgery procedures, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, Collagen and Botox injections and other invasive skin rejuvenation procedures. When using high frequency for anti-aging purposes, results can vary by individual and skin type, are gradual, and do not occur overnight! Although high frequency has been shown to produce an immediate and temporary lifting effect, continued daily application can provide more cumulative long-term, lasting results. Interestingly, many acne sufferers have found improvements in their complexions after only a few days of use.
1) An Improvement In Acne
Sometimes the body can become immune to certain acne medications if used over an extended period of time. When combined with an effective acne treatment lotion, regular application of high frequency keeps the acne away long after other expensive medications and treatments can fail. High frequency gently cleanses the skin of acne-causing bacteria and unwanted toxins while making the skin more receptive to acne lotions, creams and other skin treatment products
2) A Reduction in Enlarged Pores & Blackheads
With regular use, high frequency facials can be quite effective at reducing the size of enlarged pores, softening skin, controlling excess sebum production and eliminating the occurrence of blackheads. The gentle spray of oxygen molecules produced by the high frequency current diminish enlarged pores by penetrating deep down into the root of the affected area and cleaning out unwanted debris and toxins allowing the pore to quickly regain its natural size once again
3) A Softening of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Sagging Skin
The oscillating action of high frequency can increase blood circulation, which in turn nourishes the skin’s surface and renews underlying cells. It also produces an enriched form of oxygen, which can provide the skin with a firm, youthful, vibrant glow. It can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten double chins and jowls and improve overall skin texture and tone by promoting increased collagen production
4) A Reduction in Eye Puffiness
The pulsating “oxygenation” action produced by high frequency current aids in lymphatic drainage and disperses excess fluid while increasing blood circulation. The result is a reduction in the appearance of congested, tired, puffy eyes. High frequency also helps the skin more efficiently absorb skin care products thereby extending their effectiveness.
5) A Fading of Dark Eye Circles
New scientific research has shown the cause of severe dark eye circles to be broken capillaries that have leaked hemoglobin, creating a red-blue pigment deposit under the eyes. High frequency creates a circulation rush in the area and helps your current under eye product penetrate deeper into the skin tissue. The application of high frequency can be very effective at fading dark under eye circles resulting in a fresher, brighter, more youthful looking appearance.
6) An Improvement In The Appearance of Cellulite
With regular use, high frequency treatment can be very effective at reducing reducing the appearance of cellulite when used in conjunction with a quality cellulite product. For years, the skin care industry has relied on this same high frequency, oxygen molecule producing technology to aid in lymphatic drainage, gently exfoliate the skin, increase blood, circulation, assist in the production of collagen and elastin and promote healthy cell metabolism. The result: smoother, firmer, more refined skin.
7) Healthier Hair Growth
Through its rapid oscillation, high frequency current improves the process of nourishment, gently exfoliates the skin, promotes local blood circulation, stimulates local glandular activity, supplies heat to the area which is soothing to the nervous system and significantly improves the scalp’s receptiveness to and the overall effectiveness of post-treatment hair growth formulas.