Alternating Current (AC)
Rapid and interrupted current, flowing first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.
Amp (A)
Unit that measures the amount of an electric current (quantity of electrons flowing through a conductor).
Anaphoresis
Process of forcing liquids into the tissues from the negative toward the positive pole.
Anode
Positive electrode.
Blue Light
Therapeutic light that should be used only on oily skin that is bare; contains few heat rays, is the least penetrating, and has some germicidal and chemical benefits.
Cataphoresis
Process of forcing acidic substances into deeper tissues using galvanic current from the positive toward the negative pole.
Cathode
Negative electrode.
Circuit breaker
Switch that automatically interrupts or shuts off an electric circuit at the first indication of overload.
Complete circuit
The path of an electric current from the generating source through conductors and back to its original source.
Conductor
Any substance, material or medium that easily transmits electricity.
Converter
Apparatus that changes direct current to alternating current.
Desincrustation
Galvanic current is used to create an alkaline chemical reaction that emulsifies sebum and debris.
Direct Current(DC)
Constant, even-flowing current that travels in one direction only.
Electric Current
Flow of electricity along a conductor,.
Electricity
Form of energy that when in motion, exhibits magnetic, chemical or thermal effect; a flow of electrons.
Electromagnetic radiation
Energy in the form of electromagnetic waves; also called radiant energy because it carries, or radiates, energy through space on waves.
Electrotherapy
The use of electrical devices for therapeutic benefits.
Fuse
Special device that prevents excessive current from passing though a circuit.
Galvanic Current
A constant and direct current (DC); used a positive and negative pole to produce the chemical changes of desincrustation, an iontophoresis.
Infrared Light Rays
Infrared light has longer wavelengths, penetrates more deeply, has less energy, and produces more heat than visible light. Makes up 60% of natural light.
Insulator (nonconductor)
Substance that does not easily transmit electricity.
Iontophoresis (ionization)
Process of introducing water-soluble products into the skin by using electric current such as that from the positive and negative poles of a galvanic machine.
Kilowatt (K)
1000 watts
Laser
Acronym for Light Amplification Stimulation Emission of Radiation; a medical device used for hair removal and skin treatments.
light therapy
the application of light rays to the skin for the treatment of wrinkles, capillaries, pigmentation, or hair removal.
microcurrent
a device that mimics the body's natural electrical energy to reeducate the tube and facial muscles; improves circulation and increases collagen and elastin production.
Milliampere
One-thousandth of an ampere.
Modalities
Currents used in electrical facial and scalp treatments
Ohm (O)
Unit that measures the resistance of an electric current.
Phototherapy
(Light Therapy), this is a form of treatment used for various skin conditions using artificial light wavelengths from the ultraviolet (blue light) part of the sun's spectrum.
Photothermolysis
Process by which light from a laser is turned into heat.
Polarity
Negative or positive pole of an electric current.
Rectifier
Apparatus that changes alternating current to direct current.
Red Light
Therapeutic light used on dry skin in combination with oils and creams; penetrates the deepest and produces the most heat.
Sinusoidal Current
Alternating current similar to faradic current; produces mechanical contractions and is used during scalp and facial manipulations.
Tesla High-Frequency current
Thermal or heat-producing current with a high rate of oscillation or vibration; also called Violet Rays
Ultraviolet Rays (UV)
invisible rays that have short wavelengths, are the least penetrating rays, produce chemical effects, and kill germs; also called cold rays or actinic rays.
Visible Light
The primary source of light used in facial and scalp treatments.
Volt (V)
unit that measures the pressure or force that pushes the flow of electrons forward through a conductor.
Watt (W)
Measurement of how much electric energy is being used in one second.
Wavelength
Distance between two successive peaks of electromagnetic waves.
White Light
Referred to as combination light because it is a combination of all the visible rays of the spectrum.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Also known as electromagnetic spectrum of radiation. Made up of all forms of energy whose spectrum ranges from the longest waves to the shortest.
Intense Pulse Light
Light device that uses multiple colors and wavelengths (broad spectrum) of focused light to treat spider veins, hyperpigmentation, rosacea/redness, wrinkles, enlarged hair follicles/pores, and excessive hair.
Invisible Light
Light at either end of the visible spectrum of light that is invisible to the naked eye.
LED
Acronym for light emitting diode. A device used to reduce acne, increase skin circulation, and improve the collagen content in the skin.
Yellow Light
A light emitting diode which aids in reducing inflammation and swelling.
The pressure of the flow of electrons through a conductor is measured by:
volts
Which of the following conditions are contraindications for electrotherapy ?
pacemaker; open cuts or sores; epilepsy
Electricity travels:
186,000 miles per second
UVA rays can penetrate the skin down to the:
dermis
Psoriasis and acne can be treated by using:
ultraviolet light
What skin benefits have LED devices been shown to provide?
helps control acne; improves collagen content; reduces redness
A volt is a measurement of how much electric energy is being used in:
1 second
All of your electrical equipment must be:
UL certified
How should you disconnect your equipment?
grasp the plug and pull it straight out from the outlet
What do broad spectrum sunscreens protect against?
UVA and UVB rays
Which type of light is referred to as "combination" light?
White light
Intense pulse light is used to treat:
spider veins
Invisible rays make up about ____ of natural sunlight.
65%
Which of these devices generally uses alternating current?
curling iron