Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which type of current does galvanic treatment utilize?

1. Alternating current

2. Direct current

3. Wave therapy

4. High frequency current

The correct answer is: Direct current

Galvanic treatment utilizes direct current, which is a type of electrical current that flows consistently in a single direction. This method is often employed in esthetics to facilitate processes like iontophoresis and desincrustation, helping in the penetration of products into the skin. Direct current is essential for these treatments because it allows for the transfer of ions and assists in deep cleaning and hydrating the skin by effectively opening up the pores. The other types of current mentioned do not align with the functions and applications of galvanic treatments. Alternating current, for instance, switches direction periodically and is associated with different types of electrical therapies rather than the ion movement required in galvanic treatments. Wave therapy typically refers to a broader category of treatments that may utilize different forms of energy and currents, while high frequency current is used for its specific benefits such as disinfecting and stimulating the skin, rather than the ionization process central to galvanic treatment. Thus, direct current is the correct choice for galvanic treatment as it directly influences the treatment outcomes in esthetics.