What is Darsonval: darsonvalization of hair and facial skin

In Soviet times, the darsonval device was in almost all physiotherapy rooms, and the darsonvalization procedure was prescribed to patients with a variety of diagnoses. Nowadays, this device is more often used in beauty salons; many people buy it for home use. Meanwhile, not everyone understands the operating principle of darsonval, why it is needed, in what cases it is useless, and when it is indispensable.

What is darsonval

Darsonval is a physiotherapeutic device for influencing the skin and mucous membranes with high-frequency pulsed current. That is, this is one of the methods of electrotherapy.

The device received its name from the name of its creator, the French physiologist Arsene d'Arsonval, who was one of the first to study the therapeutic effect of high-frequency current on the human body.

Content:

• What is darsonval
• How to carry out darsonvalization
• Efficiency and safety
• Contraindications
• When is it useful?
• Use in medicine
• Rules for darsonvalization at home

Nowadays, there are variations of the Darsonval apparatus for physiotherapy and cosmetology.

This device is often used as an additional method of treating dermatological, gynecological, urological, cardiac, dental and surgical diseases.

In beauty salons, this device is used in the treatment of cellulite, varicose veins, problem skin and hair growth disorders.

A modern darsonval is a compact device consisting of a generator, a transformer and electrode attachments of various shapes (elongated, T-shaped, scalloped, mushroom-shaped).

The most popular models on the market:

• Gezatone BT-101 (a compact device made in France, suitable for home use, has 3 attachments: mushroom-shaped, curved and comb-shaped);
• Gezatone Healthy Skin (designed for skin and hair treatments, suitable for the treatment of neurological diseases, made in France);
• Gezatone Family Doctor (French compact device for local darsonvalization);
• Gezanne (small-sized device, used mainly in beauty salons, intended for the treatment of skin problems (wrinkles, acne), suitable for neurological disorders; France);
• Corona (a device for local darsonvalization made in Ukraine, suitable for the treatment of respiratory, vascular, neurological, skin diseases, also used to restore hair health);
• Elad MedTeCo (a compact device made in Russia, used in dentistry, dermatology, cosmetology; in addition to standard attachments, there are nasal, ear, gingival, vaginal and rectal attachments).

Rehabilitation

Standard darsonvalization sessions do not provide special post-procedure care. However, treating the skin for the purpose of rejuvenation is a completely different matter. Blood and lymph continue to circulate vigorously for at least another half hour, and it would be wise to take advantage of this to introduce useful substances deep into the dermis.

Aftercare products

Just like in a cosmetologist’s office, the classic anti-aging “troika” comes to the rescue here: peptides, vitamins C and E and hyaluronic acid. Any of the products is applied immediately after the session to warm skin along the same massage lines. If we are talking about problem skin, mineral compositions have a beneficial effect on it: you can apply thermal water (look for a product with high mineralization, zinc and silicon in the composition, with a pH no higher than 5).

Photo gallery: skin care products after a darsonvalization session

Substances produced by the body based on peptides take part in the regeneration of skin cells

Hyaluronic acid perfectly retains moisture in the skin, preventing its excessive evaporation

Vitamin E is a classic antioxidant essential for mature skin.

How quickly can you expect results?

Numerous patient reviews echo the cosmetic recommendations: the effect of darsonvalization is visible only after a course of procedures. If sessions are carried out every other day, the first results appear after 1.5 months. The effect will be “more eloquent” if you use the right care products each time after electrotherapy.

The only result that can be observed almost immediately concerns swelling. Accelerated lymph circulation helps remove unnecessary fluid from tissues in a matter of hours.

How to carry out darsonvalization

Darsonvalization is of two types: local (diathermy) and general (inductotherapy).

In the first case, individual areas of the patient’s body are exposed (contact or non-contact) with a glass electrode. If necessary, it is moved over the skin, hair, oral mucosa or injected into the rectum. During a darsonvalization session, a complex effect occurs of high-frequency current, electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet radiation (weak influence), ozone, and nitrogen oxides. During the procedure, heat is generated in the tissues. Local exposure to darsonval is used in medicine, beauty salons, and at home.

General darsonvalization is not widely used and is practically not used in medicine. Not least due to the lack of specific equipment. The essence of the procedure is that the patient (sitting or lying down) is placed in the so-called d'Arsonval cage (oscillatory circuit coil). In this case, the impulses affect the entire body simultaneously. The mechanism of action of general darsonvalization has been poorly studied. Nowadays, researchers say that this method of physiotherapy calms the patient, lowers blood pressure, improves metabolism and blood microcirculation, tones the vascular network, and therefore can be useful for grade 1 or 2 hypertension, sleep disorders, neurasthenia, and disruptions in metabolic processes. General darsonvalization is useful for headaches and increases performance.

The principle of operation of the mechanism with procedures

The specificity of darsonvalization does not allow its use in parallel with many procedures. To know exactly what can be used during treatment with Darsonval, you should familiarize yourself with the following list:

1. Mesoscooter. Used on different days.
2. Manual and lymphatic drainage facial massage. There is no reliable information. Some cosmetologists do not recommend it, but some always do it before the procedure.
3. Vacuum massage. Very rare, but combined.
4. Gas-liquid peeling and the use of chemicals are allowed only 3 days after darsonvalization.
5. Phonophoresis is combined in the same way as a mesoscooter.

This is what the main specific procedures look like, which are worth remembering during the darsonvalization course.

The use of darsonvalization for mechanical cleansing of the face

Mechanical cleaning is ideally combined and works with Darsonval. This is a fairly rough procedure, after which the skin needs to recover, the Darsonval principle improves blood flow and metabolism, which promotes accelerated damage recovery, scar prevention, irritation relief, as well as easy post-cleaning. Other methods of atraumatic cleaning are presented in this material.

Efficiency and safety

It is interesting that the therapeutic effectiveness of darsonval has not been proven, and at one time in the United States, advertising and sales of this kind of equipment were even punished with fines and destruction of goods. Today it is increasingly said that the effectiveness of darsonval depends on the individual characteristics of the body. The nature of the effect on the body can only be determined after a course of physiotherapy. But you should understand that you won’t be able to overcome chronic diseases or instantly improve the condition of your skin and hair with just one course. Physiotherapists and cosmetologists talk about the need for systemic treatment. But, if a person decides to undergo darsonvalization for the first time, he must be warned about possible adverse reactions.

The d'Arsonval device is designed to apply electric current to the human body. It is logical that many people have a question: how safe is such treatment? During darsonvalization, impulses affect the body according to a sinusoidal principle (waves) with a frequency from 110 to 400 kHz. For darsonvalization, a current of fairly high voltage (about 20 kV), but low strength (no more than 100-200 mA) is used. This type of electrotherapy does not cause significant changes in the body. The result of darsonvalization is based on improving the outflow of lymph and venous blood, which in turn “triggers” all the positive effects of the procedure. But, at the same time, many experts admit that any type of current cannot be completely harmless, since it always causes stress in the body and affects the physical and chemical reactions occurring in the human body. Pulsed current is especially dangerous in the presence of neoplasms: darsonval accelerates the growth of malignant tumors and leads to the degeneration of benign ones. If the device is used incorrectly, it can cause burns and aggravate existing diseases.

conclusions

1. Couperose accelerates skin aging, provokes the appearance of early wrinkles, and deprives cells of adequate nutrition.
2. Before starting the procedure, you need to conduct a test to determine the body's reaction to current.
3. Darsonvalization includes 2 different methods of influencing the epidermis: silent and spark.
4. For complete therapy, the following are used in combination with the device: vitamins, angioprotectors, plant extracts, oils, elastin and collagen.
5. Treatment of bruises can only be prescribed if you are absolutely sure that their cause fits the spectrum of action of the technique.
6. Familiarization with contraindications will help you avoid side effects, because allergies, itching, redness.
7. At home, such therapy must be used carefully due to the high probability of incorrect use of the Darsonval apparatus or the possibility of side effects.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that debate about the effectiveness of the device continues, most researchers agree with the opinion that darsonval is categorically contraindicated for some people.

Darsonvalization should not be performed by people with epilepsy, benign or malignant neoplasms, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, cardiac arrhythmia, blood diseases and bleeding. The procedure is prohibited in case of acute mental disorders, fever, purulent processes in the body, hypersensitivity of the skin, poor blood clotting, as well as excessive growth of facial hair. This type of therapy is prohibited for children under 6 years of age, pregnant women, people with a pacemaker, as well as those with individual intolerance to darsonval.

Preparatory stage before the session

No special preparation is required for the darsonvalization procedure: the main thing is that the affected area is clean and dry. You can use any usual cleansing products, the main thing is that they do not contain abrasive particles, i.e., do not disturb the structure of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. For dry skin, it is allowed to apply an oil-based cream or a light non-comedogenic product (grape seed oil, for example). It is better to avoid acid peels on the eve of a Darsonval session - you should not cause unnecessary stress to the skin.

If the skin has visible irritations, pimples, blackheads, pustules, it is better to use antibacterial talc and use the device almost without touching the skin. The device works even at a short distance from the skin, but it is actually very difficult to hold the handle for 15 minutes in the air without support.

When is it useful?

Pulsed exposure to high-frequency current helps improve blood circulation, tissue oxygenation, reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors, and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Local darsonvalization activates some biochemical reactions in the body, improves tissue trophism and increases the phagocytic activity of leukocytes (the protective function of white blood cells against viruses, pathogenic bacteria and toxins). The darsonvalization procedure is considered useful for relieving pain, muscle spasms, swelling and inflammation. Hardware treatment is used to increase immunity, improve skin elasticity and hair condition. In cosmetology, darsonval is used to increase muscle tone and accelerate the penetration of cosmetics into the deep layers of the skin and fiber.

Prevention of wrinkles

To prevent skin aging and wrinkle formation, strong exposure is not required. How to use Darsonval for preventive purposes:

1. Only contact technique is used. The massage attachment fits tightly to the skin, but without pressing. In this case, the current strength will be less than with a non-contact massage.
2. Darsonvalization is performed by moving along massage lines from the center to the periphery. No lateral movement required.
3. The course includes fewer procedures - from 10 to 15.
4. The session time does not exceed 10 minutes.

Use in medicine

In traditional medicine, physiotherapy using the Darsonval device can be used in different cases.

The most common indications for the procedure:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (varicose veins, coronary heart disease, obliterating endarteritis, early stage of Raynaud's disease);
• disorders of the respiratory system (bronchitis, bronchial asthma, tracheitis);
• ENT diseases (laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, frontal sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis, hearing impairment, inflammation of the auditory nerve);
• disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system (insomnia, depression, neuroses, headaches, migraines, osteochondrosis, neuromyositis, neuralgia, radiculitis, inflammation of the nerve plexuses, consequences of spinal cord or brain injury);
• diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, inflammation of the walls of the rectum, intestinal or gastric dyskinesia);
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system (myositis, arthritis, polyarthritis, myalgia, periostitis, spondyloarthrosis);
• gynecological diseases (colpitis, erosion, vulvitis, postpartum ruptures, vaginismus, amenorrhea, endocervicitis, cracked nipples);
• urological disorders (cystalgia, cystitis, urinary incontinence, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction);
• dental problems (stomatitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis, pulpitis, glossalgia);
• problematic skin and hair (ulcers, non-healing wounds, frostbite, burns, scaly lichen, hematomas, eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, furunculosis, pustules, acne, scleroderma, stretch marks, scars, cellulite, wrinkles, porous and oily skin, infiltration, dandruff, seborrhea, baldness).

Galvanization

Galvanization is a technique of electrotherapy, during which the patient’s body is exposed to a constant low-voltage electric current. Galvanization is applied locally to affected areas and reflex segmental areas, and there is also a method of general galvanization.

Dermatologists traditionally use several galvanization methods:

• local - to foci of inflammation;
• intranasal;
• general according to Vermeule;
• galvanization of the collar zone according to Shcherbak;
• four-chamber galvanic bath;

Indications

Galvanization is indicated for patients with:

• neurodermatitis;
• other itchy dermatoses;
• scleroderma or nodular vasculitis;
• psoriasis or lichen planus;
• keloid scars.

Contraindications

Galvanization is not recommended for:

• eczema, dermatitis and pyodermitis;
• stage 3 hypertension;
• feverish condition;
• oncological diseases.

Rules for darsonvalization at home

At home, using Darsonval, you can carry out both contact and non-contact procedures. The recommended course is 10-12 procedures.

Contact procedures at home are most often used to treat cellulite, varicose veins, prevent skin aging, against hair loss, and for a bactericidal effect. The procedure is performed using a glass electrode from which air has been pumped out. The session is accompanied by a so-called silent electrical discharge. If the electrical voltage is increased during the procedure, a spark discharge occurs, which is used for cauterization.

Non-contact treatment with high-frequency pulses is accompanied by a spark discharge and slight tingling of the skin. During the session, the electrode is moved above the skin (distance from 1 to 10 mm). This type of procedure is considered useful for neuralgia, hematomas, poorly healing wounds, and pain syndrome of various etiologies.

Before starting the session, a suitable electrode attachment should be treated with alcohol, dried, and only then turn on the device. Darsonvalization at home is carried out on clean and dry skin or hair. To avoid burns during the procedure, it is prohibited to use cosmetics containing alcohol or acids. Also, substances incompatible with ultraviolet radiation should not be used. Before darsonvalization, it is important to remove all metal-containing jewelry from the body, and during the procedure the patient should not touch other people.

For facial skin

Darsonval against pimples and acne is considered a very useful procedure, but it is not recommended to do it yourself at home. Electrodes are applied to skin that has been previously cleaned of cosmetics and dirt and then dried. If there are inflammations on the face, they are cauterized using a pointed nozzle using a strong current mode. The second stage is treatment of the entire surface of the face (except for inflammation and pustules) using the contact method using a flat nozzle. The duration of one session is from 2 to 10 minutes. The treatment course consists of 10-15 procedures.

If there are a large number of pustules and inflamed areas on the skin, then the procedure is carried out exclusively using a sharp nozzle. Each problem area is treated for no more than 10-15 seconds. After several sessions, when inflammation and suppuration begin to heal, a mushroom-shaped attachment is used to avoid scarring and relapses. With its help, the face is treated using the contact method. To disinfect the skin, massage it with a mushroom-shaped nozzle for 7-10 minutes. The procedure is carried out every other day. The full course consists of 10-15 massages. In beauty salons, before darsonvalization, the face is often treated with special products that do not contain acid or alcohol.

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A mushroom-shaped electrode is also used to combat wrinkles. Sometimes the procedure is carried out by applying cream to the skin. It is important to follow the correct trajectory of the nozzle: from the collarbone to the chin, from the nose to the ears, across the forehead to the hairline. The current strength during the session increases gradually (until a feeling of pleasant warmth). Darsonvalization of the eyelid skin is strictly prohibited. The anti-wrinkle treatment course consists of 20 daily procedures, 5-20 minutes each. During the year you can take 2-4 courses of darsonval.

To lift the skin of the face, you will need the same mushroom-shaped electrode, but in this case they resort to a non-contact method of therapy. The device is held at a distance of about 0.5 cm from the surface of the face. It is interesting that after the first few procedures, skin problems may worsen, but usually after 5-7 sessions, cell regeneration begins, the color and condition of the skin improves.

For cellulite

Darsonvalization helps in the fight against cellulite of various types and stages. But the most noticeable results are obtained by treating the initial stages of the disease. To achieve the effect of hardware treatment, experts advise additionally following a special diet.

High-frequency current pulses irritate nerve receptors and improve blood circulation, which in turn activates metabolism and the breakdown of fat cells in the subcutaneous layers. In addition, darsonvalization tones problem skin and tightens it. It is useful to combine hardware treatment with anti-cellulite agents: under the influence of impulses, the active substances penetrate faster and deeper into the tissue, as a result of which their effect is enhanced.

Tips from cosmetologists

To get the maximum effect, you should follow some recommendations:

• Before purchasing a device, you should familiarize yourself with all available models and consult with a specialist. For home use, there is no need to buy an overly powerful device;
• you need to follow the rules for using darsonval. Particular attention is paid to restrictions;
• Electric massage must be applied in courses, observing frequency. A haphazard massage will not bring any benefit;
• Darsonval is combined with other anti-aging technologies.

To enhance the impact during the procedure, you can use special contact gels. However, they are recommended for use only on deep wrinkles and folds. Find the best facelift masks here.