Adapting your anti-ageing advice for each client

As spa professionals, we need to give the right advice for the individual client, whether they’re in their 30s, 40s or 50s. The skill is to provide a thorough consultation, using a skin scanner if possible, and adapt the skincare routine to the results of the scan, as well as to the client’s lifestyle and budget. 

Around the age of 30, the skin’s elasticity has been reduced by 10%, the concentration of vitamins C and E has dropped by 30-40% and the skin’s natural defences are weakening by the day. At this stage, protecting the skin from oxidisation is key, as well as minimising the early signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

By 40, clients will have lost 40% of skin firmness and 50% of hyaluronic acid, leading to depleted skin volume. Boosting the skin’s own collagen and hyaluronic acid production for a lifting, firming and volumising effect should be the key focus. 

When a client reaches 50, they might also be looking for help with pigmentation, dryness, dehydration, sensitivity and general skin health. By the age of 60, cell mitochondrial mass has been reduced by 50%, which means the cells’ ability to generate energy and produce collagen, elastin and fibroblasts are greatly reduced. It also means the skin’s ability to benefit from products is inhibited. 

At this juncture, we should be treating these points to give the skin the best possible chance of fighting the ageing aggressors. Spas should be somewhere clients come for the best skincare advice and services, leaving with knowledge on how to improve the skin’s ability to protect itself against and combat the ageing process.

Tracy Brasenell is national sales manager, UK and Ireland, for skincare brand Caudalie and has more than 25 years spa industry experience.