Iontophoresis is a method that uses electrical currents to facilitate the penetration of ions into the skin, allowing the delivery of active ingredients in beauty treatments and skin cleansing. This process is based on the principle that positive and negative ions can be attracted or repelled by an electric field, which aids in the removal of impurities and the penetration of products into the deeper layers of the skin.

Research has shown that iontophoresis can significantly enhance the delivery of substances through the skin. For example, one study found that iontophoresis increased the penetration of a photosensitizer into deep tumor regions, suggesting that this method may be effective for delivering topical treatments to hard-to-reach areas (Lemos et al., 2016). Additionally, it has been observed that iontophoresis can increase the size of pores in the skin, facilitating the permeation of medications and other compounds (Prasad et al., 2011). This is particularly relevant for deep skin cleansing, as opening the pores allows for better removal of dirt and impurities.

The ability of iontophoresis to facilitate the delivery of active ingredients has also been demonstrated in the context of cosmetics. For instance, one study showed that the application of vitamin C through iontophoresis improved its penetration into the skin, contributing to anti-aging effects (Yan et al., 2022). This type of application not only helps to cleanse the skin but also enables active ingredients to penetrate deeper, enhancing their effectiveness.

Moreover, the combination of iontophoresis with other methods, such as the use of liposomes, has shown a synergistic effect in delivering drugs to the skin (Kigasawa et al., 2012). This suggests that iontophoresis is not only effective on its own but can also be even more potent when combined with other delivery technologies.

In conclusion, iontophoresis is a promising technique for deep skin cleansing and the delivery of active ingredients. Its ability to manipulate ions and open pores in the skin allows for more effective product penetration, resulting in cleaner and healthier skin. Ongoing research continues to explore and validate these benefits, indicating a bright future for its application in beauty treatments and skin care.

References:

1. Lemos et al. "Iontophoresis Improved Growth Reduction of Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Topical Photodynamic Therapy" Plos one (2016) doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145922 
2. Prasad et al. "Biophysical assessment of DC iontophoresis and current density on transdermal permeation of methotrexate" International journal of pharmaceutical investigation (2011) doi:10.4103/2230-973x.93011 
3. Yan et al. "Efficacy of handheld iontophoresis device in enhancing transdermal vitamin C delivery: A split‐face clinical trial" Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2022) doi:10.1111/jocd.14702 
4. Kigasawa et al. "Efficient Intradermal Delivery of Superoxide Dismutase Using a Combination of Liposomes and Iontophoresis for Protection against UV-Induced Skin Damage" Biological and pharmaceutical bulletin (2012) doi:10.1248/bpb.35.781