Some say “Po-TAY-to,” some say “Po-TAH-to.” Some say “Galvanic Facial,” some say “Cataphoresis.”

By emilyprestige
March 8, 2024

No matter how you say it, it seems to be a hot topic!

First, a quick note: Our purpose in providing this information is to increase awareness of this technique and point out products that may be helpful for those who use it. Before offering this service, make sure you understand and follow your state’s guidelines related to the procedure, as well as any relevant instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your epilator.

Whew! That said, what exactly are we talking about anyway? If you missed last week’s discussion of Galvanic facial treatments, you may want to start here.

Cataphoresis and Galvanic Facials are terms that reference the same functionality most epilator machines are capable of performing. “Cataphoresis” is the term more commonly used in electrolysis. It describes a post-treatment technique that firms the skin and reduces redness while neutralizing the sodium hydroxide produced in follicles.

Estheticians, on the other hand, may use the exact same functionality to provide beneficial skin care treatments called “Galvanic Facials.” The goal of using the technique is to encourage better penetration of skin care products— in this case, serums. Again, same functionality, just different names.

The gist is that if you have the equipment and qualifications to perform electrolysis—and you practice in a state that allows you to perform such procedures—you can also offer your clients cataphoresis and galvanic facials. That’s two easy extra revenue streams for you and two additional and beneficial services for them! Important side note: you should not perform galvanic facials immediately following electrolysis treatment on the same area.

How does it work? Here are the basics. After the desired cream or serum is applied to the client’s skin, the client is provided with an electrode to hold in their hand which is set to the negative polarity. Then, using a stainless steel facial roller or sphere in positive polarity, you gently roll the product into their skin. The difference in polarity constricts the blood vessels and helps draw the product deeper into the skin. Used for cataphoresis, the result is firmer tissue and reduced redness. In facials, the technique encourages better absorption of beneficial serums.

Best of all, if you perform electrolysis and your epilator features phoresis functionality, you already have the most important equipment you need to offer these services—your epilator! You’ll need just a few extra products, such as those included here:

Clareblend Cataphoresis Roller (Shown at Left)

When you are deciding on a product to use in the process, be sure it is water soluble and with the proper pH and charge. In this case we are looking for acidic products, such as TheraGenesis Vita C Serum. In addition to suffusing skin with Vitamin C to protect against damage caused by UVA/UVB rays, it is an excellent choice to illuminate skin and bring out a radiant tone. To further enhance the absorption of the serum, apply a layer of Electro Gel on top.