New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is galvanic current primarily used for in esthetics?

1. Electrical stimulation

2. Product penetration

3. Skin exfoliation

4. Hair removal

The correct answer is: Product penetration

Galvanic current is primarily utilized in esthetics for product penetration. This type of current employs a direct electrical flow to facilitate the absorption of skincare products into the deeper layers of the skin. When a galvanic device is used, the electrical current creates a chemical reaction that can help to alter the skin's permeability, allowing the active ingredients in products to penetrate more effectively. The process of iontophoresis, which is often associated with galvanic treatments, enhances this penetration by using charged ions in the skincare products. This technique can be particularly beneficial for infusing hydrating agents or nutrients into the skin, improving the overall efficacy of the treatments provided in an esthetic session. Other options may have their own applications in esthetics, but they do not align with the primary function of galvanic current. Electrical stimulation, for example, relates more to muscle contraction and toning rather than product infusion. Skin exfoliation typically involves physical methods or chemical peels, which do not require the use of electrical currents. Lastly, hair removal can be associated with other electrical modalities, like high-frequency treatments or laser hair removal, rather than galvanic current specifically.