DF Technology

Environ products are designed to get the optimal delivery of ingredients for true benefits to the skin. They are known for their lipid-soluble ingredients, cosmetic microneedling devices, and DF technology. Lipid-soluble ingredients are often chosen since they are transported to the skin easier and gentler than water-soluble products. The main purpose of cosmetic needling is to create microchannels for products to enter the skin more effectively. DF technology, created by Dr. Des Fernandes, is low-frequency sonophoresis and pulsed iontophoresis combined for optimal product enhancement. In this blog we will focus on the science behind DF technology.

Sonophoresis or ultrasound technology has been used for skin rejuvenation in aesthetic treatments after being discovered for stimulating wound repair in poorly healing skin. The physiological benefits of ultrasound are categorized as thermal, heat-producing which are used in a medical setting and non-thermal, non-heat producing used for increased product transport. The non-thermal nature of ultrasound acts to create microscopic bubbles through vibrations produced by sound waves, known as cavitation. Cavitation essentially creates small pathways in the lipid bilayers allowing products to work more effectively. Animal studies have shown that low levels of ultrasound may deliver significant levels of hydrocortisone, certain antiviral agents, and even aspirin. (1.) Ultrasound is delivered through a rapidly oscillating probe to create sound waves that are conducted to the skin through a water-based gel. Clients describe it as relaxing, and they appreciate the immediate glow to their skin.

Iontophoresis, more commonly known as galvanic current, is a noninvasive technology that increases product delivery to the skin. It has proven its effectiveness for over a century. Iontophoresis works through an electric current in a continuous circuit. There must be a positive and negative electrode both in contact with the client to be effective. It works on the principle that opposite charges attract and like- charges repel, similar to a magnet. Iontophoresis only works with water-soluble products that have a positive or negative electrical charge. For instance, if you are using a positively charged product that you want to drive to the skin, you would use the positive electrode since it will push it away from the positive and toward the negative, causing it to be delivered more effectively to the skin. If you had a negatively charged product, you would use the negative electrode. Iontophoresis can be delivered though a probe or with attachments through a conductive medium. The technology is easy to use and clients remain comfortable during the treatment.

The DF technology is a combination of these two product-enhancing modalities. The DF is offered in a professional strength device for the treatment room as well as a home device for clients to purchase and use at their leisure. As with all treatments, the client must be educated properly, it is important for them to know that several treatments may be needed to achieve desired results. Always check for contraindications and follow treatment guidelines for safe, effective outcomes. Utilizing methods to increase product effectiveness will enhance results and keep clients coming back.