Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which term refers to a modality in electrical use?

1. Ohmic current

2. Galvanic current

3. Faradic current

4. Cyclic current

The correct answer is: Faradic current

The term that accurately refers to a modality in electrical use is "galvanic current." This current is a direct current, meaning it flows in one direction and is used in various skincare treatments. Galvanic current has applications such as iontophoresis, which helps drive products deeper into the skin and facilitates the treatment of conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation. While other currents also have specific uses in esthetics, they do not define a modality in the same way galvanic does. For instance, faradic current is used primarily for muscle stimulation, focusing on electrical muscle contraction rather than a direct skincare approach. Ohmic current, while relevant in electrical theory, does not specifically relate to esthetic treatments in the same manner as galvanic current. Cyclic current refers more to alternating current concepts rather than specific modalities utilized for skincare purposes. Thus, the designation of galvanic current as a modality highlights its foundational role in various esthetic applications.