How to safely combine technologies to create results-driven facials
There’s been a steep increase in the number of technologies being mixed together to create “wonder” combination treatments. While these protocol blends can be used effectively to provide great results for clients as part of an ongoing treatment plan, it’s really about the therapist knowing what works well together and what doesn’t.
Just because you can combine a treatment doesn’t mean that you should, and an aggressive approach isn’t always a progressive one.For example, the classic combination of galvanic desincrustation with high frequency is a match made in heaven for the right client.
Galvanic desincrustation uses a low-voltage negative current that deep cleanses the skin, reducing sebum and congestion in preparation for extractions. High frequency uses a direct current to help healing after extractions and to dry secretions. The ozone produced has an antibacterial and germicidal effect on the skin, which is why these two technologies work cohesively to treat congested and oily complexions.
It’s also important to note that many protocols do not require treatment combinations because they are great standalone procedures, such as microneedling. This technology can be used in combination with other treatment modalities such as chemical peeling, radiofrequency and lasers, but it works best as a standalone protocol with topical products to create a glide, creating micro punctures that allow for deeper penetration of the actives.
The introduction of chemical peeling to microneedling can improve results too, but if it is not carried out safely it can have a detrimental effect, especially on darker Fitzpatrick skin types. Chemical peels is another fantastic standalone treatment and again it doesn’t really need to be combined.
Plus, if the blended protocol is not right for your client’s skin then these one-hit-wonder combinations can in some circumstances cause lasting damage to the skin and further complications such as post-inflammatory pigmentation, granulomas, further collagen degradation, inflammation, infection and scarring.
However, to propose any kind of treatment combination without excellent knowledge of the skin and the treatments you provide is naïve and unsafe. Thorough knowledge of the benefits, limitations and complications of the ever-expanding array of possibilities for skin health is essential for any aesthetic therapist wanting to treat clients with skin complaints.
The day course issue
Education is key in this diverse industry and the core to getting this right. During my 23 years working as an aesthetic therapist, I’ve seen a lot of new treatments emerge and while some stand the test of time, others tend to be fads.
For example, day courses that offer a mirage of treatments combined into one session and give them their own Insta-friendly names are not bespoke offerings, as the combination is not suitable for everyone and these academies do not explain that.
Private online academies advertising to train anyone to become a specialist in a singular treatment with no formal beauty qualification is detrimental to the industry and in the long run will raise the debate of regulation(again).
The ability to carry out only one treatment does not make you a specialist. A specialist works hard over a period of years, continuously attending professional development courses, to truly understand the skin and how to combine and carry out treatments safely.
If result-driven facials are something you’re really passionate about then becoming a skin specialist is possible, but it takes time. Research how to improve your knowledge and attend reputable courses to get you to where you want to be.
Jody Adele Taylor