Beauty | Infrared Types of infrared equipment

Beauty | Infrared
www.fht.org.uk
Types of infrared equipment
In the beauty therapy industry, there are two
types of heat radiation treatments – infrared,
generated by non-luminous lamps, and
radiant heat from luminous lamps.
The difference between infrared and
radiant heat treatments is the way they induce
warmth in the part of the body being treated
and the depth the rays penetrate into the
skin. With radiant heat, the reddening effect
on the skin is caused by heating, while with
infrared the reddening effect is due to an
irritant reaction called erythema, as there
is little direct heating of the skin. Radiant
heat penetrates into the dermis but infrared
reaches no further than the living layers of
the epidermis.
There are numerous types and models of
infrared lamps and, in practice, most can be
either non-luminous or luminous, depending
on the voltage at which they operate and,
therefore, the temperature they reach. For this
reason, heat lamps should only be operated
by therapists who are qualified to NVQ Beauty
Therapy Level 3 and have been taught or
diligently read the manufacturer’s instructions
about using the lamp appropriately and safely.
Three of the most common types of
infrared lamps are:
l Fireclay heat lamps
Used in pairs, these older heat lamps can be
switched to operate with very little glow. They
include a fireclay support with a Nichrome
heating element wound around it.
As infrared the bulbs in each fireclay lamp
are connected ‘in series’, which means the
voltage is distributed between each of the
bulbs, thus reducing the lamps’ glow and
overall power output.
If the bulbs are connected ‘in parallel’, each
bulb receives the same voltage and therefore
the power output is increased, the lamp
glows and radiant heat is produced.
Other types of fireclay lamp include one
where the heating element is completely
embedded in the clay with no visible
glow at all.
l Steel tube lamp
Consisting of a steel tube containing a
Nichrome element, the space between
the element and the tube is packed with
magnesium oxide powder, providing thermal
insulation. The elements are usually mounted
in a half-cylindrical reflector. The bulbs are
connected in series, giving infrared rays.
l Filament lamps
These are similar to large lighting lamps with
a built-in reflector, with red tinted glass that
cuts down the light output while letting out
the heat rays.
It is essentially a radiant heat lamp, but can
be adjusted to a predominantly infrared output
if it is fitted with a dimmer switch. The red
tinted glass, as well as reducing light output,
indicates that the lamp is in use, as infrared
light is not visible.
22 | International Therapist
Shedding
light on the
problem
Angela Barbagelata-Fabes explains some
of the beauty applications of infrared
Distance, angle and intensity
When treating a client with an infrared lamp
there are two factors other than the output of
the lamp that govern the intensity of the rays
received on the skin. These are the distance
between the lamp and the skin, and the angle
at which the rays strike the skin.
The formula to calculate the intensity of the
rays means that if you double the distance
from the lamp to the skin, the intensity falls to
a quarter, but if you halve the distance, the
intensity is four times greater. Normally, the
lamp is placed 45 to 60 centimetres from
the skin, but the exact distance should be
established once the lamp is fully warmed up
and should never be too close for comfort.
To get the correct dose from an infrared
lamp it is important that, as far as possible,
the rays strike at right angles to the skin.
Infrared waves goodbye
to cellulite
In order to reduce cellulite the body needs
to eliminate stored waste and fluid retention
should be prevented where possible. A good
diet should be advocated, as well as regular
exercise to increase metabolism.
Infrared penetrates the epidermis only,
Issue 89 | July/August 2009
Infrared | Beauty
What is infrared?
Infrared is an invisible light , forming part of the electromagnetic spectrum (below). Although we
cannot see it, we can feel infrared because it produces heat.
radio
microwave
infrared
visible
ultraviolet
x-ray
gamma ray
conditions. However, it should be noted that
as microcurrent is used to tighten and tone
muscles, any ‘heating’ should be done before
this treatment, not after.
Some lamps offer variable intensities
through the range. Radiant heat is more
beneficial for soothing muscular aches, so a
lamp used in radiant heat mode (i.e. without
the dimmer) would be beneficial for clients
with this complaint.
Contraindications and safety
increasing the temperature of the area
being treated. The rate of metabolism is also
increased, as is the rate of circulation. This
helps to remove waste products and reduce
swelling, and sweat and sebum are secreted
for a deep cleansing of the skin. Heat ray
treatments usually take between 10 and 30
minutes, depending on the size and bulk of
the area to be treated.
Infrared can be effectively used as a
treatment for cellulite in advance of both
manual techniques, such as lymphatic
drainage, and mechanical ones, including
machine-based massage and galvanic.
The infrared treatment warms the tissues
in preparation for these manual and
mechanical treatments.
Galvanic is a direct current that flows
through the skin. A circuit is formed between
the active electrode and the passive
electrode, in this case two pads that go
across the limbs. The pads should be
placed opposite or in line with one another,
with the active electrode placed on the
area of cellulite. Using iontophoresis, active
ingredients from specific products, such as
ampoules or gels, can then pass into the skin
on this galvanic charge.
For a cellulite treatment the active electrode
is always negative. This is the most effective
polarity as it stimulates circulation and nerve
endings, softens tissues and opens up the
pores, as well as creating an alkaline effect
on the skin. These effects help to move the
tissue fluid in order to reduce the appearance
of cellulite.
The treatment aims to break down
stubborn, hard fatty deposits and disperse
the fluid retained in the area. Other benefits
include an increase in circulation in the
area, the dispersion of toxins, increased
metabolism and improved skin texture. It
may be followed by a faradic treatment to
tone specific areas or by a manual or
mechanical massage treatment to encourage
lymphatic drainage.
It may be used on most skin types, except
hyper-sensitive skin. Contraindications
include epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy,
Issue 89 | July/August 2009
Twin luminous
therapy lamp
heart conditions, very high blood pressure,
pacemakers, skin diseases and infections,
direct use over recent scars, bruises, varicose
veins, cuts or abrasions. The kidney area,
breasts and sciatic nerve as well as any bony
areas should never be treated.
A treatment could include a pre-warm with
the infrared lamp (20 minutes maximum),
followed by a galvanic treatment, then a
manual or mechanical massage.
Other applications of infrared
On the face, infrared could be used in
conjunction with other treatments, such
as high-frequency and microcurrent, in
order to prepare the skin by increasing
circulation and warming tissues. It may also
be used with a hot oil mask to treat dry skin
By dilating the blood vessels in the treatment
area, heat ray treatments such as infrared
will lower the blood pressure and induce a
greater rate of blood circulation. Therefore,
clients who already have uncontrolled low
blood pressure should not be treated as this
could cause fainting.
Similarly, clients with artery disease
should not be treated as the heat could
‘overtax’ the heart.
Clients with defective skin sensation could
be unknowingly burned as the therapist relies
on the client reporting the feel of the rays on
the skin. This is particularly true with infrared
treatments as they are not as ‘feelable’ as
some other heat treatments so it is possible
to overdose. Overdosing can cause an
over-dilation of the capillaries, resulting in a
mottled effect on the skin.
Other contraindications include:
l Fever, heavy colds and influenza
l Skin diseases and disorders
l Burns and sunburn
l Metal pins and plates
l Diabetes
l Oedema
l Cuts, scars and skin abrasions.
A detailed consultation should always be
carried out with the client before treatment,
checking for any contraindications. The skin
should be properly prepared and a skin
sensitivity test conducted before treatment.
The client’s eyes must be protected and
the lamp pre-heated before it is positioned
over the treatment area. Clients should not
be left unattended.
As mentioned earlier, it is vital to follow the
manufacturer’s guidelines and to study the
lamp’s safety features before treating clients.
Safety checks are imperative, including
electrical safety of the plug, flex and switches;
ensuring that there are adequate guards on
the lamps; the tightness of joints so that they
don’t droop; and stability of the lamp even
when it is fully extended.
Angela Barbagelata-Fabes is chairman of The Carlton Group and has
developed a variety of electrotherapy machines for the face and body,
providing training and demonstrations to colleges and salons in the UK
and overseas. In 2007, she created SEBTA, the Student Electrotherapy
Beauty Therapist Award, the first award to celebrate excellence in
electrotherapy. Tel: 01903 761100 or visit www.thecarltongroup.co.uk
International Therapist | 23
PICTURE: photodisc. Illustration: dot moran
www.fht.org.uk
The electromagnetic spectrum runs as follows: Longest wavelengths to shortest wavelengths
Long wavelengths
short wavelengths