Ultrasound/Dermal Delivery

Question 1

What is the mechanism of Ultrasound/Dermal Delivery?

Answer 1

Ultrasound delivers high frequency sound waves through the skin creating heat and vibration, this disorganises the corneocytes and create gaps for the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin

• Cavitation effect: Oscillations effect (fluid moving back and fourth) forms tiny gas bubbles and collapses = disorganisation of SC for deeper product penetration
• Thermal effects: Heat increase product diffusion
• Convective transport: Ultrasound energy for deeper product infusion
• It consists a handheld device containing a piezoelectric crystal that contacts and refracts, which turns the electrical current/energy into sound waves
• The audio/soundwaves creates heat and vibration, which helps disorganises the corneocytes and create gaps for the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin/epidermis

Mechanism of Action
- Cavitation: - bubbles formation in SC, the oscillations (move back an forth) and shock wave from bubbles collapse causes disorganisation to the channel formation (SC). Active ingredients move via channels into the skin
- Thermal effects: Ultrasound generate heat in tissues, increase diffusion of active ingredients
- Convective transport: Movement of fluids within tissue by ultrasound energy help move active ingredients

Question 2

Benefits?

Answer 2

• Deeper penetration of active ingredients
• Deliver different benefits depending on client skin concern; Brightening, hydrating and moisturising
• Plumping, soothing, hydrating
• Wound care
• Debridement (removal of debris/dirt out of wounds)

Question 3

How often?

Answer 3

2-4 weeks apart

Question 4

After care?

Answer 4

• Apply sunscreen
• Maintain a stable skin regimen
• Avoid active ingredients (retinol or AHA/BHAs)
• Avoid excessive sweating and hot environments

Question 5

Suitability?

Answer 5

• Dry/dehydrated skin
• Dull skin
• Low elasticity
• Wound healing: Granulation and debridement

Question 6

Contraindications?

Answer 6

• Directly over eyes
  -­ Malignant or precancerous lesions
  -­ Electrical implants
  -­ Acute infections
  -­ Areas that have been exposed to radiotherapy in the previous 6months
  -­ Pregnant
  -­ Tissues at risk of haemorrhage (rupture vessels)
  -­ Severely ischemic tissues (low blood circulation)
  -­ Recent venous thrombosis
  -­ Exposed nerve tissue
• Recent post surgery that may have air in the wound.