UV30403- Provide facial electrotherapy treatments
Teya Johnson
Outcome 1F) Describe salon requirements for preparing yourself, the client and the work area.
The therapist should always make sure they are in the correct posture when sitting, lifting and
carrying when doing certain working methods for health and safety reasons to prevent
Repetitive Strain Injury. It is also advised that therapists do regular hand exercises to prevent
cramps. Standing posture is just as important as sitting posture due to the long hours.
Before undergoing any treatment, the client must be in protective clothing for health and safety
reasons. Every client should feel comfortable with the amount of privacy they receive and they
must always be comfortable and positioned correctly to avoid any bodily strain on the client or
the therapist and to also ensure the client gets the maximum benefit from the treatment.
The work area must be clean and hygienic at all times for health and safety of the clients and
therapists. Height adjustable chairs are used to find the perfect position for the client and
therapist during treatments to prevent injury. Correct lighting and ventilation is important in terms
of maximum quality treatments. The noise, temperature, music, ambience must be kept minimal
for the clients satisfaction. No loose wires or equipment should be lying around to prevent
hazards. Therapists must ensure any spillages/ unused chemicals are seen to straight away, all
waste is disposed of correctly and all pedal bins have liners.
In general, all tools must be sterilised and work surfaces disinfected at all times. All workers and
therapists must ensure they cover all cuts and abrasions as well as hands always being
sanitised. Therapists must make sure to change to clean towels between each client and that all
products are dispensed through a spatula, pump or spray to avoid cross contamination.
Disinfection of tools can be done through heat, chemicals, bactericides, fungicides, viricides and
UV.
G) Describe the environment conditions suitable for facial electrotherapy treatments.
The most suitable environment conditions for facial electrotherapy treatments is for the heating
to be warm for the clients comfort, for the lighting to be soft and calming. The noise level and
music selection is to be made relaxing, there should be sufficient ventilation with a pleasant
aroma. The therapist should ensure there is privacy of the work area so the client feels
comfortable. It is important that health and safety requirements are carried out throughout.
H) Describe the different consultation techniques used to identify treatment objectives.
Different consultation techniques are differently effective depending on the client. Professional
communication skills, verbal and nonverbal are a consultation technique that must be used to
inform the client. It is important the therapist can identify the key information that is necessary to
meet the clients expectations and meet the outcome. The therapist must be able to ask suitable
questions to also gain information. The therapist must listen and respond appropriately and be
able to give recommendations. The therapist can find out; client body type, conditions and
characteristics, treatment plans, suitable treatments, prevent worsening of conditions, accurate
aftercare advice and identifying future needs.
I) Explain the importance of carrying out a detailed skin analysis and relevant tests.
A skin analysis is important as it gives the therapist a clear picture of the current state of their
clients skin, from which a suitable treatment plan can be made. It can also spot any possible
issues early, which the therapist can help prevent.
A skin analysis is carried out using a magnifying lamp. The clients eyes must be protected using
damp cotton wool pads. The clients face and neck are all checked to find the correct skin type,
skin conditions and characteristics. The therapist must record all results onto a record card for
future treatments. A suitable treatment plan can then be made and recommendations of suitable
products can be given by the therapist.
A skin sensitivity test is also important as this can show how the skin responds to different
objects before going ahead with any treatment. To do a skin sensitivity test, firstly a tactile test is
to be done to test sharp and blunt, this is done by the therapist using a sharp (orange stick) and
a smooth (cotton pad) object, these are then to be stroked over the skin in the area to be treated
and the client should be able to differentiate between the different sensations.
Next, a thermal test is done to test for hot and cold. To do this, the therapist fills a test tube up
with cold water and one with hot, the test tube is placed onto the clients skin area to be treated
and the client is asked to tell the difference between the sensations.
The results from the tests should then be recorded, if the client could tell the difference between
the sharp and blunt and the hot and cold, then they are able to go ahead with the treatment. If
they were incorrect, the treatment must not go ahead as the client would not be able to feel if
the electrical current is too high which causes risk of damage to the skin.
J) Describe how to select products, tools and equipment to suit client treatment needs, skin
types and conditions.
After carrying out a consultation and skin analysis, the therapist should have generated an idea
of their clients skin type, characteristics and any skin conditions. This way, the therapist knows
what products they can and can't use on their client during their treatment.
A galvanic facial is designed to power charged ingredients into the clients deeper layers of skin
which are concentrated there. Products needed for this treatment would be; cleanser toner,
moisturiser exfoliant, desincrustation gel, iontophoresis gel, masks.
EMS treatment (electronic muscle stimulation) is designed to provide relief by stimulating
muscles. Products used for this treatment are; moisturizers, exfoliant, conducting solution,
masks.
Lymphatic drainage treatment is a massage for the face which moves fluid out of the clients
tissues and into lymph nodes where bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms are
destroyed. Products needed for this treatment would be; cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliant,
lubricant (oil/cream), masks.
High frequency facial treats and prevents stubborn acne, shrinks enlarged pores and minimises
the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Products needed for this treatment would be;
cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliant, massage cream, oxygenating cream or talc, masks.
A microcurrent treatment is a facial that mirrors the body's electrical currents to repair damaged
skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. Products used for this treatment would be;
cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliant, non- surgical face lifting gel masks, paper cotton buds.
The most popular tools used in most treatments are; spatulas, facial sponges and mask
brushes. In terms of equipment, the client should be dressed in a headband and covered with a
towel for protection, the couch, stool or chair must be in a suitable position for both the therapist
and the client. The bin should be fresh with a liner and the work area should be set up with;
cotton wool, bowl, mirror, magnifying lamp, tissues, machines (EMS, lymphatic drainage unit,
high-frequency, galvanic, microcurrent) and all relevant leads, electrodes, pads.
K) Describe the different skin types, conditions and characteristics.
There are three different skin types, normal, oily and dry. Some people can have combination
which is more than one of these skin types combined.
● Normal = This skin type often has fine texture with no visible pores. This skin base is
usually smooth, supple and flexible due to no excess oils or dryness.
● Oily= This skin type often is shiney with slight thickening of the skin. Oily skin is usually
sallow, coarse in texture with enlarged pores, congestion and comedones.
● Dry= This skin type often lacks moisture leaving it dry to touch. With this skin type you
will usually find flakiness, fine texture such as the skin being thin and tight. Small pores
are common with broken capillaries and ageing.
● Combination= This skin type is usually a mixture of oily and dry. It is most common for
people with a combination skin type to have an oily t-zone ( forehead, nose, chin) and
dry cheeks.
There are three main skin conditions, mature, sensitive and dehydrated.
● Mature = This skin condition often has loss of elasticity, lose muscle tone and wrinkles.
● Sensitive= This skin condition often has pale skin which is dry. This skin condition
usually colours easily such as redness and reacts to products more.
● Dehydrated = This skin condition often has normal, sebaceous secretions but is still flaky
and tight.
Skin imperfections are also common, you will find broken capillaries, pustules, papules, milia,
comedones, open pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
L) Explain the contra- indications that prevent or restrict facial electrotherapy treatments.
There are many different examples of contraindications that may prevent a facial electrotherapy
treatment such as; contagious skin diseases and disorders, dysfunction of the nervous system,
heart disease/ disorder, undergoing medical treatment, pacemaker, any cancer related
treatments, recent scar tissue, undiagnosed lumps, inflammation, medication causing thinning.
There are also many different examples of contraindications that may restrict a facial
electrotherapy treatment such as; micropigmentation, botox, dermal fillers, diabetes, epilepsy,
high/low blood pressure, history of thrombosis or embolism, metal pins or plates, medication,
pregnancy, piercings, varicose veins, cuts, abrasions, bruises, recent dermabrasion and recent
chemical peels.
Outcome 2H) Explain how to communicate and behave in a professional manner.
Communicating in a professional manner is vital as it gives the therapist and salon their
reputation. Ways to communicate in a professional manner include, taking the time to listen to
the client and their needs, informing and inspiring, avoiding engaging into inappropriate
conversation, good use of eye contact, positive and open body language, tone of voice and
positive word choice.
Behaving in a professional manner is just as important as communicating, ways to behave in a
professional manner include; good punctuality, being aware of your surroundings, positive
attitude, working effectively alone or in a team, avoiding non verbal barriers and giving clients
and other workers their personal space.
I) Describe health and safety working practises.
The therapist should always be aware of the rules and regulations in the salon. All spillages
should be cleaned immediately and any slippery surfaces must be reported. Therapists should
ensure they have easy access to trolleys and equipment, all tools must be disinfected and
sterilise as well as work surfaces and equipment. All therapists and clients must wear protective
equipment when needed. All electrical equipment should be checked to make sure it's all still in
fully safe and working order. All products must be PAS tested before use. The therapist must
always make sure they are in the correct posture when sitting, lifting and carrying when doing
certain working methods for health and safety reasons to prevent repetitive strain injury.
Chemical products must be stored properly and stored to manufacturer's recommendations.
Waste disposal is also important ensuring all waste is placed into the correct bin, all bins should
be lined. Therapists should be aware of data protection when storing clients information.
Therapists must be aware of the routine in the event of a fire and also must be aware of their
first aider. Any accidents must be recorded.
J) Explain the importance of positioning yourself and the client correctly throughout the
treatment.
It is important that the positioning of the therapist and the client is correct throughout the
treatment as. The part of the body that is getting treated on should be directly in front of the
therapist to avoid them leaning into the clients personal space and to avoid straining the body.
This also ensures that the treatment is performed to it’s maximum ability.The therapist must
position the client's body so the client is comfortable and so that the therapist can remain as
much possible, upright, joints aligned, without bending forwards, twisting or reaching out in front
of them.
Bad body posture can cause long term back and neck injuries for both the therapist and client if
not monitored.
K) Explain the importance of using products, tools, equipment and techniques to suit clients
treatment needs, skin type and conditions.
It is important that the correct products are being used to ensure that the treatment being
delivered is beneficial to the client and their needs. If incorrect products are used this could
cause a risk of reaction to the skin and body. The correct tools must always be used in every
treatment for health and safety. Use of incorrect tools could cause serious injury to the client
and even the therapist. All tools and equipment must be sterilised to avoid cross contamination.
The correct equipment to match every treatment and skin type must be provided for each
treatment, if not, the treatment must not be carried out. The therapist must have a clear
understanding of how every treatment works and what its purpose is to ensure they are able to
give the correct recommendations to each client with their skin type. It is important that the
therapist is qualified and educated on each treatment they’re giving to avoid any risk of harm
towards the client.
All these added up together means the therapist can give a successful and beneficial treatment
to clients of all skin types, needs and conditions in a safe way.
L) Describe the effects and benefits of electrotherapy equipment and products on the skin and
underlying structures.
There are effects and benefits to every treatment. The effects and benefits of electrotherapy
equipment and products vairy. For example;
EMS treatment;
● Possible effects = Improved firmness of facial muscles, improved circulation, increased
metabolism of stimulated muscles, waste products more readily removed from muscles.
● Possible benefits = Improved skin condition for mature clients and clients who lack
muscle tone.
● Possible contra-actions = Muscle fatigue, erythema,.
Galvanic treatment technique;
● Possible effects = Increased blood and lymphatic circulation, improved function of skin,
improved appearance of skin, improved texture, skin types and conditions treated
through application of specific gels/ampoules, dispersal of waste products and fluid from
area.
● Possible benefits= clients with specific skin condition, improved skin appearance and
deep cleansing.
●
Possible contra-actions = burn (sterile cold water), excessive erythema (apply
cooling/soothing mask)
High frequency (direct) treatment;
● Possible effects = warm skin, increased circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolism
to the area, stimulation of nerve endings, germicidal effect, drying effect.
● Possible benefits = improved skin condition for oily skin, mild acne, sluggish skin.
● Possible contra-actions = excessive erythema (cold compress, apply cooling/ soothing
mask), tissue destruction (caused by sparking)
High frequency (indirect) treatment;
● Possible effects = Increased sebaceous activity, improved circulation, lymphatic
circulation and drainage.
● Possible benefits = dry/ dehydrated skins, improves skin appearance, soften/ plump fine
lines and wrinkles.
● Possible contra-actions = Excessive erythema, tissue destruction.
Lymphatic drainage treatment;
● Possible effects = Improved blood and lymphatic circulation, stimulation of sluggish skin,
reduced oedema, desquamation and fine lines.
● Possible benefits = Mature clients, dry skin conditions, improved skin appearance.
● Possible contra-actions = Bruising, over-stretching of skin.
Microcurrent treatment technique;
● Possible effects = Improved blood circulation, improved lymphatic circulation, improved
muscle and skin tone, stimulates cellular function, treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
● Possible benefits = Mature clients, improved skin appearance, improved facial contours,
fine lines and wrinkles.
● Possible contra-actions = Muscle fatigue.
M) Explain the principles of electrical currents.
The principles of electrical currents is to be able to alternate the current to suit the treatment.
The therapist should be able to change the direction of flow and the direct current. This uses
effects of polarity, constant flow in one direction, chemical action, anode & cathode frequency
and electrons, biphasic and monophasic.
N) Describe how treatments can be adapted to suit client treatment needs, skin types and
conditions.
All treatments can be adapted to suit the clients needs in ways such as; adjusting the treatment
to suit skin sensitivity, visual erythema, intensity turned down, timing shortened, frequency of
treatment, combination of electrical equipment, products applied to the skin, and adjusting the
intensity over specific areas.
O) State the contra-actions that may occur during and following treatments and how to respond.
There are contra-actions that may occur during and following treatments, here are a few and
how the therapist should respond;
● Erythema
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Aching/ tenderness= adapt technique and reduce pressure.
Headache= drink plenty of water, rest and get fresh air.
Nausea= rest and deep breathing patterns.
Fatigue= rest and fresh air.
Thirst= drink water.
Increased urination= due to toxin release so drink more water.
P) Explain the importance of completing the treatment to the satisfaction of the client.
The therapist and the client should agree the result verbally and have written through client
feedback on their record card. This should contain the client objective, results of treatment,
before and after photos, future treatments, they should also record any adjustments for future
treatments. All details on the record card must be accurate.
It is important for the client to be satisfied with their treatment because it makes the customer
loyal, it can also attract new customers.
Q) Explain the importance of completing treatment records.
It is important to complete treatment records because it holds previous important information of
the client and also prevents the same questions being asked over again. Record cards must
always remain updated. Treatment records can hold vital information such as any contra-actions
and contraindications that may of happened. This ensures that the therapist knows exactly what
method of work they’re going to need to perform on the client.
R) Describe methods of evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.
Communicating verbally is the best way to find out how effective the treatment has been. If the
client and the therapist are both in agreement of the results of the treatment, then it has been
effective. A discussion of any contra-actions and any further treatments is to be discussed after.
S) Describe the aftercare advice that should be provided.
The therapist should always give aftercare advice after performing a treatment. Aftercare advice
can include directions such as; no makeup for 24 hours, no further facial treatments for 24
hours, use cleanser, toner and moisturiser morning and night, eye cream, neck cream, avoid,
UV light/heat/swimming for 24 hours, drink plenty of water, regular/ further treatments.
T) Describe the structure, growth and repair of the skin.
The skin has three layers, the epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis.
● Epidermis = this is the outer layer of the skin. This gives a waterproof barrier and gives
our skin tone.
● Dermis = this layer is beneath the epidermis. This contains connective tissue, hair
follicles and sweat glands.
● Hypodermis = this is the deeper tissue, which is made from fat and connective tissue.
In terms of skin growth, the epidermis has 4 layers, stratum germinativum, stratum spinosum,
stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. In the lowest layer, new cells are produced, as the
new cells move to the surface and build up strength, they eventually start to break down and by
the time they reach the surface, they become dead skin cells which are constantly replaced as
they wear away and the cycle starts again.
When the skin is injured. It is important it repairs itself. To do this, it repairs the damaged tissue
and replaces the lost tissue with new cells. During the process of repair, dead or damaged
tissue is initially supplanted by scar tissue and eventually by healthy new cells, in some cases,
the scar remains.
U) Describe skin types, conditions, diseases and disorders.
There are 3 main skin types, normal, dry and oily. Sometimes people can have a mix of the 2
also known as combination.
● normal= fine texture, no visible pores, smooth, supple, flexible.
● dry= lacks moisture, dry to touch, flakiness, fine texture, thin, tight, small pores, broken
capillaries, ageing.
● oily= shiny, slight thickening, sallow, coarse texture, enlarged pores, congestion,
comedones.
● combination = combination of 2 or more skin types. Usually oily t-zone, normal or dry on
the cheeks.
The 3 most common skin conditions are; mature, sensitive, dehydrated.
● Mature = loss of elasticity, lose muscle tone, wrinkles.
● sensitive= often pale skin, dry, colour easily, redness, reacts to products.
● dehydrated = normal sebaceous secretions but still flaky, tight.
Common diseases and disorders in the skin are;
● Congenital = eczema, psoriasis.
● Bacterial = acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, folliculitis, boils, impetigo.
● Viral = warts, verruca, herpes simplex, herpes zoster.
● Fungal = tinea.
● Infestations = scabies, pediculosis.
● Pigmentation = vitiligo, albinism, chloasma, ephelides, lentigo, papilloma, naevae, port
wine stains.
● Others = basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas.
V) Describe the structure, function, position and action of the head, neck and shoulder muscles.
● Head - the neck muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius are
responsible for the gross motor movement in the muscular system of the head and neck.
They move the head in every direction, pulling the jaw and skull towards the shoulders,
spine and scapula. ​these muscles control the flexion and extension of the head and
neck. The muscles of the head and neck perform many important tasks, including
movement of the head and neck, chewing and swallowing, speech, facial expressions,
and movement of the eyes. These diverse tasks require both strong, forceful movements
and some of the fastest, finest, and most delicate adjustments in the entire human body.
The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The shoulder
joint is formed where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the scapula (shoulder
blade), like a ball and socket. One important function of the shoulder is preventing joint
dislocation when a person carries heavy objects.
W)Describe the location, function and structure of the bones of the head, neck and shoulder.
The bones of the head and neck play the vital role of supporting the brain, sensory organs,
nerves and blood vessels of the head and protecting these structures from mechanical damage.
Movements of these bones by the attached muscles of the head provide for facial expressions,
eating, speech and head movement.
Y) Explain how the ageing process, lifestyle and environmental factors affect the condition of the
skin and underlying structures.
The ageing process affects the skin as it results in loss of elasticity, dryness of skin, cell
regeneration slows, slack muscle tone, thinning of skin, broken capillaries, poor circulation,
waste product removal slows, less fatty tissue, irregular pigmentation.
The lifestyle process can affect the skin through; occupation, diet and fluid intake, sleep
patterns, smoking, exercise, hobbies, home situation, stress levels, medication, illness,
premature ageing, poor skin condition, loss of muscle tone, dehydration, poor circulation,
excess fatty tissue, increased cellulite and slow metabolism.
The environmental process can affect the skin through; UV lights, weather, central heating,
drugs, alcohol, serious illness, medication, occupation, dry, dehydration, premature ageing,
wrinkles and loss of elasticity and slower metabolism.