Electrical Modalities + Basic Chemistry + Electricity + Specialized Services

Electrons

negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus of an atom. Their movement creates electric current used in esthetic devices.

Fuse

A safety device that protects an electrical circuit by melting and breaking the circuit when too much electrical current flows through it.

Red LED Light

A longer wavelength light used to stimulate cellular activity, increase circulation, and support collagen and elastin production.

Blue LED Light

A shorter wavelength light used for its antibacterial effects, especially against acne-causing bacteria.

Green LED Light

A wavelength of light used to help calm and balance the skin and is often associated with improving the appearance of uneven pigmentation.

• Soothing sensitive skin

• Helping reduce the appearance of discoloration

• Promoting a balanced-looking complexion

Yellow/Amber LED Light

A wavelength of light used to calm the skin, reduce the appearance of redness, and support circulation.

• Sensitive or irritated-looking skin

• Redness reduction

• Skin calming treatments

Circuit Breaker

A safety switch that automatically interrupts (breaks) an electrical circuit when it detects excessive current or an overload.

• Protects electrical equipment and people.

• Unlike a fuse, it can usually be reset and reused.

Grounding

A safety method that provides a pathway for electrical current to flow safely into the ground if a malfunction occurs.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A safety device that quickly shuts off electrical power when it detects an imbalance or leakage of electrical current, helping prevent electric shock.

• Commonly required in areas where electricity and water are present.

• Important in spas and treatment rooms.

Electrode

A conductor through which electrical current enters or leaves a device or the body.

• Are used with electrical modalities.

• In galvanic treatments:

  • Anode = positive electrode

  • Cathode = negative electrode

Polarity

The condition of having opposite electrical charges, such as positive (+) and negative (−) poles.

• Like charges repel.

• Opposite charges attract.

• Important in galvanic treatments because products and ions move according to charge.

High-Frequency Current

A type of alternating electrical current that produces a high rate of oscillation and is used in esthetics for its thermal and stimulating effects on the skin.

• Benefits: Increases circulation, Helps stimulate skin tissue, and has a germicidal effect due to ozone production (especially with oxygen-filled electrodes)

heat + stimulation + germicidal action*

Effects of Galvanic Current: Anode (Cataphoresis)

• Produces Acidic reactions

• Closes the pores

• Soothes nerves

• Decreases blood supply

• Contract blood vessels

• Hardens and firm’s tissue

Effects of Galvanic Current: Cathode (Anaphoresis)

• Produces Alkaline reaction

• Opens the pores

• Stimulates and irritates the nerves

• Increases blood supply

• Examples blood vessels

• Softens tissue

Inverter

An apparatus that changes direct current to alternating current. Inverters usually have a plug and a cord. Ex: Phone charger in a car

Alternating Current (AC)

An electrical current in which the direction of electron flow reverses or alternates back and forth at regular intervals. Associated with devices such as high-frequency machines.

Electricity

The movement of electrons from one atom to antoehr along a conductor. It is a form of energy that, when in motion, exhibits magnetic, chemical or thermal effects

Electric current

The flow of electricity along a conductor

Conductor

Any material that conducts electricity. Most metals are good conductors. This means electricity will pass through the material easily. Copper is a great conductor and is used in electric wiring and electric motors.

Nonconductor

known as a insulator; a material that does not transmit electricity. Rubber, silk, wood, glass, and element are good insulator.

Safety Data Sheet (SFS)

A written document that provides detailed information about a chemical product, including its ingredients, hazards, safe use, storage, handling procedures, and emergency response information. 16 categories

pH (potential hydrogen)

The measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a substance, indicating whether a product is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.

Sodium Hydroxide

A strong alkaline substance also known as lye or caustic soda, used in some cosmetic and chemical products because of its ability to raise ph. It can cause chemical burns if it contacts skin or eyes. Used most commonly in hair relaxers.

Solution

A stable, homogeneous mixture in which one substance is completely dissolved into another substance.

Water -in-Oil Emulsion

W/O: An emulsion in which small droplets of water are dispersed throughout a continuous oil phase. Has a higher oil content. Feels richer, heavier, and more moisturizing. Often used in products designed for: Dry skin, barrier protection, and Rich creams

Immiscible

Two substances that cannot be mixed together, such as oil and water. *Won't mix.

Ion

An atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons and has an electrical charge. *Charged atom or molecule.

Ionization

The process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, becoming an ion with a positive or negative charge.

Lipophilic

A substance that is attracted to oil or fats ("oil-loving").

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Oil-in-water emulsion

O/W: An emulsion in which tiny droplets of oil are dispersed throughout water. These emulsions are light, non-greasy, and easily rinsed from the skin. *Mostly water, feels light.

Emulsifer

A substance that helps mix two liquids that normally do not combine, such as oil and water, and keeps them blended.

Memory tip: Mixes oil + water.

Endothermic

A chemical reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings.

Enters → Heat enters the reaction.

Exothermic

A chemical reaction that releases heat into its surroundings.

Exits → Heat exits the reaction.

Glycerin

A colorless, odorless humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.

SDS - 1. Identification

Product name, manufacturer, emergency contact, and recommended use

SDS - 2. Hazard(s) Identification

Health and physical hazards, warning labels, and signal words.

SDS 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients

Chemical ingredients and their concentrations.

SDS 4. First-Aid Measures

What to do if someone is exposed.

SDS 5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing methods and fire hazards.

SDS 6. Accidental Release Measures

Procedures for spills and leaks

SDS. 7. Handling and Storage

Safe handling and storage instructions.

SDS 7. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Exposure limits and the required personal protective equipment (PPE).

SDS 9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance, odor, pH, flash point, etc.

SDS 10. Stability and Reactivity

Conditions to avoid and possible hazardous reactions.

SDS 11. Toxicological Information

Health effects and routes of exposure.

SDS 12. Ecological Information

Environmental impact. (Not enforced by OSHA but included.)

SDS 13. Disposal Considerations

Proper disposal methods. (Not enforced by OSHA but included.)

SDS 14. Transport information

Shipping and transportation requirements. (Not enforced by OSHA but included.)

SDS 15. Regulatory Information

Safety, health, and environmental regulations. (Not enforced by OSHA but included.)

SDS 16. Other Information

Date of preparation or last revision and other relevant details.

Hydrophilic

A substance that is attracted to water or mixes easily with water (“water-loving”).

Element

A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that is attracted to the positive electrode

Cation

A positively charged ion that is attracted to the negative electrode

Alpha Hydroxy acids

are water-soluble acids derived from fruits, milk, and sugar that exfoliate the skin by loosening and removing dead skin cells from the surface, helping improve skin texture and appearance.

Atoms

smallest units of an element that retain its chemical properties. They are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons. 

Protons

positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom. They determine the identity of an element and balance the negative charge of electrons.

Molecules

groups of two or more atoms chemically bonded together. They form the substances that make up living organisms and cosmetic products.

Cathode

the negative electrode in galvanic current. It produces an alkaline reaction, which softens sebum, opens follicles, and is used during desincrustation.

Ohm

unit of electrical resistance. It measures how much a material resists the flow of electric current.

Volt

the unit of electrical pressure, or electromotive force, that pushes electric current through a circuit.

Ampere

the unit of electrical current. It measures the amount of electricity flowing through a circuit.

Solvents

Ingredients used in skincare formulations to dissolve, dilute, or help distribute other ingredients so they can be evenly mixed and applied to the skin. (BLANK) help create the proper texture, consistency, and absorption of a product while allowing active ingredients to be delivered effectively. Common skincare (BLANK) include water (aqua), alcohol, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Some (BLANK) can also act as penetration enhancers, helping ingredients move into the skin more easily. State board tip: Water is the most common skincare (BLANK) because it dissolves water-soluble ingredients, while oil-based (BLANK) dissolve oil-soluble ingredients. Remember: “Like dissolves like.”

Watt

the unit of electrical power. It measures the rate at which electrical energy is used or produced and is calculated by multiplying volts by amperes.

Desincrustation

a galvanic treatment that uses the negative electrode (cathode) with a specially formulated alkaline (BLANK) solution to create an alkaline reaction on the skin. This reaction softens and emulsifies sebum, loosens compacted keratin, and increases skin permeability, making clogged pores and comedones easier to cleanse and extract. It is most beneficial for oily, congested, and acne-prone skin and is commonly performed before extractions.

Iontophoresis

A galvanic treatment that uses a direct electrical current to enhance the penetration of water-soluble, ionized products into the skin. The polarity used depends on the charge of the product: positively charged solutions are delivered with the anode (+), while negatively charged solutions are delivered with the cathode (–). The treatment increases product absorption by repelling like charges into the skin.

• Acidic products → generally positive (+)

• Alkaline products → generally negative (–)

Saponification

the chemical reaction in which alkali combines with fatty acids to form soap. During desincrustation, galvanic current creates an alkaline reaction that softens and emulsifies sebum, making extractions easier. It is best for oily, congested, and acne-prone skin and should not be used on sensitive or inflamed skin. alkaline + oil = soap

Thermolysis

electrolysis method that uses high-frequency current to produce heat and permanently destroy the hair follicle. It is faster than galvanic electrolysis and works best on fine to medium hair. Avoid treatment over infected or inflamed skin.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve completely in a liquid, such as water or oil, to form a uniform solution. In esthetics, (BLANK) determines how ingredients are formulated, where they penetrate, and how effectively they work within the skin. Water-soluble ingredients primarily act on the skin's surface or in water-rich environments, while oil-soluble ingredients can penetrate through sebum into the pores. State board tip: Remember, "like dissolves like"—oil dissolves oil and water dissolves water. AHAs are water-soluble, while BHAs are oil soluble.

PH Scale

 a measurement system used to determine how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic and contain more hydrogen ions (H⁺), while substances with a pH above 7 are alkaline and contain more hydroxide ions (OH⁻). In skincare, pH is important because it affects product performance, skin barrier function, and how the skin responds to treatments. The skin’s natural acid mantle has a slightly acidic pH of about 4.5–5.5, which helps maintain hydration, support beneficial bacteria, and protect against harmful microorganisms.

Acidic solution

A solution with a pH below 7 that contains a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺). (BLANK) are commonly used in skincare for exfoliation, brightening, and stimulating cell turnover.

Alkaline Solution

A solution with a pH above 7 that contains a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻). (BLANK) substances can soften and swell the skin, making them useful in some treatments but potentially irritating if too strong. Examples include soap, sodium hydroxide, and some chemical depilatories.

Neutral solution

A solution with a pH of 7, meaning it is neither acidic nor alkaline. Having an equal balance of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. Pure water is the most common example.