The Aesthetic Spectrum: Pairing Holistic & Medical Treatments

Originally published in Dermascope.com’s July 2021 edition by Beatrice Van, certified aesthetics master educator and certified advanced aesthetician

Even though COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are currently being administered, experts predict it is going to be a while before things fully return to business as usual.

With that in mind, the beauty world continues to look for new ways to innovate and make close-contact services safer.

When it comes to spa and skin care services, it seems professionals will be seeing more of holistic and medical aesthetic practices merging. There are multiple layers that go into creating a facial treatment that not only provides clients with results but also gives them a sense of balance and recovery. Supplying great skincare along with a relaxing facial may feel good, but it may not be sufficient enough to retain clients.

Professionals should offer clients a soothing sense of touch that improves their results and makes an in-person treatment more valuable.

ADDING NEW MODALITIES

Due to the pandemic, many clients have anxiety about in-person treatments. However, skin care professionals can still give clients a sense of balance without coming into close contact with them.

This may done by implementing the latest skin care tools and technology.

For example, integrate a holistic and medical approach by adding cupping, gua sha, or jade rollers to promote facial toning and lymphatic drainage instead of performing a full-facial massage.

Incorporate CBD skincare into the spa's practice and add gemstones for additional balance and healing. Facial device-based treatments such as dry or infused microdermabrasion, high frequency, and collagen induction therapy such as nanochanneling and microchanneling, oxygen therapy, microcurrent stimulation, lasers, or LED light therapy can also be included.

By combining multiple modalities into one treatment, practitioners can enhance their clinical results as well as help their clients take the stress out of self-care by maximizing their time.

By utilizing effective natural techniques along with modern technology, practitioners can provide results for common skin concerns and repair clients' glow with a customized nurturing experience. The incorporation of devices in a facial treatment can offer a long list of skin benefits such as brightening and improving skin tone and texture, as well as aiding in the overall glow and health of skin.

Adding on high technology machines can achieve an accelerated and longer-lasting result. Before incorporating these facial boosting treatments, make sure to check with the corresponding state board to see if it is within the spa's scope of practice to receive the required training.

SKIN CIRCULATION

The circulatory system supports the main functions of skin by delivering nutrients through blood and lymph.

It delivers food, water, oxygen, and nutrients to every cell in the body, supplying raw materials for the energy that powers an individual's every thought and action.

If the circulatory pathways become congested, the supplies needed cannot reach outer tissues, which will result to the uneven distribution of vital materials.

This may cause various skin conditions such as blotchy, uneven skin tone, dehydration, edema, and keratinization. With improved circulation, skin's own natural elimination system discards impurities from tissues more efficiently.

Therefore, incorporating different forms of lymphatic drainage will be a gamechanger for the results of facials. The lymphatic system, designed to rid the body of waste, is an important part of the immune system. When functioning properly, it eliminates waste through respiratory movement and natural muscle contractions.

However, lymphedema will occur when fluid, cellular wastes, and toxins buildup in the lymphatic system often due to surgery or other damage. Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates lymph and drains these wastes and toxins from the body.

Additional benefits include enhancing skin health, relieving stress and tension, strengthening the immunesystem, improving breastfeeding, and benefiting those with edema.

This type of massage can also be used before and after surgery (especially cosmetic procedures). It increases blood flow, removes stagnant tissue fluid, and reduces stress andanxiety associated with surgery.

After surgery, this massage will speed healing and reduce scar tissue and inflammation.

It should not be performed immediately after surgery due to the risk of blood clots and infection. Clients should wait at least six weeks after surgery or for a doctor's approval to undergo lymphatic drainage. Additionally, lymphatic massage should be practiced under the guidance of someone with the right training such as a massage therapist, nurse, doctor, or physical or occupational therapist.

Detoxification increases circulation. The ideal time to activate circulation is at the beginning of a facial treatment. This will positively affect the rest of the treatmentand enhance all other techniques used.

Remember, if toxins are not filtered and disposed of efficiently, they can manifest on the surface of skin as congestion, edema, acne, or a blemish.

For additional safety measures, consult a doctor before using lymph drainage massage, as it can affect the flow of fluid and lymph if one has certain health problems or are taking particular medications.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Clients with skin that is blemished, acne prone, oil-rich, congested, or lacking circulation will benefit from lymphatic drainage most.

There are circumstances in which to avoid lymphatic drainage massage. Detoxification on clients with rosacea, heavily couperosed areas, or overly dry skin should be limited as it can exacerbate these conditions.

Clients at risk of blood clotting should also rule out deep venous thrombosis before being treated with lymphatic drainage massage. Congestive heart failure clients should be monitored before the massage as well so that too much fluid does not move too quickly and put a strain on the heart.

A few other contraindications would be if a client has kidney problems, bronchial asthma, acute thrombosis, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, hypotension, malignant tumors, or are being treated with chemotherapy or any medication. These clients should consult their doctor before being subject to lymphatic drainage massage.

Lymphatic drainage can be performed mechanically or manually. Facial cupping, gua sha, and jade rolling are mechanical ways to promote lymphatic drainage.

These ancient practices have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for ages. Facial cupping is used to gently pull skin away from deeper layers of fascia. This increases oxygen-rich blood flow to the treated area and rejuvenates skin without leaving cup marks behind.

Over time, this treatment can decrease puffiness, improve complexion, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Never leave cups to rest on the face but instead, move them to release suction.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha is an ancient East Asian healing practice in which a practitioner takes a flat tool and uses a generous amount of pressure, pulling it across facial skin to increase blood flow.

The word gua translates to scraping, and the word sha refers to the marking that appears. It was originally intended to break up stagnant energy called chi and promote internal healing. Now, gua sha is used to drain the lymphatic system, lift and sculpt facial muscles, ease muscle tension, improve skin health, and produce a soothing effect.

According to Janel Luu of LeMieux Skincare,

“There are 12 major meridian lines in the face, and the points along these meridians correspond to 11 organs in the body. By keeping all these energy points open, we can prevent stagnation and the buildup of toxins in these organs."

In addition to facial detox and energetic stimulation, gua sha is great for facial contouring and lifting.

One should apply a facial oil or moisturizer onto clean, toned skin and then gently use the smooth edges of the jade to scrape and lift skin from the center brow upwards toward the hairline. Then, begin at the side of the nose and jawline and scrape outward and up towards the ears along the meridian lines. Then, gently scrape downwards to the sides of the face for release or drainage.

There are different types of jade (jadeite, Transvaal jade, and nephrite jade) that are known for their energetic properties in Eastern healing, as well as metaphysical healing using crystals and gemstones.

Jade rollers are also used for plumping, de-puffing, and toning skin.

However, not all jade rollers are created equal. Many tools on the market are made of plastic and contain harsh dyes or are sourced unethically. Authentic jade stone will always feel cool to the touch.

Although facial cupping and gua sha are generally considered safe, clients can experience some minor side effects which typically occur during or immediately after the treatment, such as dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and swelling.

It is important to remind clients to drink lots of fluids post-treatment and avoid salt. Furthermore, do not perform facial cupping or gua sha over moles; on broken, inflamed, or sunburnt skin; or on clients who are pregnant or have blood deficiency. This also includes active breakouts, rashes, and sores.

CBD SKIN CARE BENEFITS

Research has found cannabinoids (CBD) to be a beneficial antioxidant.

Many essential amino acids are found in cannabidiol (CBD) as well as B-complex vitamins. Skin has an endocannabinoid system of its own which works to keep it in a healthy, balanced state.

Just like the body's endocannabinoid system, the goal is stasis or keeping various systems and organs in the body on an even keel. Although CBD is not a total cure for acne, research has found that it can fight inflammation related to swelling. CBD is a potent antioxidant that can control sebaceous glands, normalize skin cell growth, reduce redness, and relieve many skin issues such as eczema. CBD can soothe itching and block the sensation in nerve endings.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed CBD safe, and the cannabinoid works with any skin type, making it the perfect addition to existing treatments. However, if clients are pregnant or breastfeeding, the FDA warns against CBD use in all forms.

The federal agency is studying the safety of CBD products, including cosmetics, food, and supplements. Before trying any CBD products, make sure to read the product labels carefully for active ingredients. Even so, it can be hard to know exactly what is in the product and how many CBD milligrams it contains. If any questions arise, please advise a medical provider.

Incorporating lymphatic drainage, gemstones, and CBD skin care into medical skin treatments is perfect for those needing the relaxing properties of a facial with recuperating and healing elements. These add-on treatments are customizable since facials are not a one-size-fits-all.

Gemstones carry different properties that work to rebalance or clear out stagnant energy. Although beautiful in their appearance, each gem should be intuitively chosen throughout interactions with clients and thoughtfully placed.

These holistic methods are effective add-ons for post-medical treatments, as there is science and technology behind these modalities. These treatments include microcurrent, high frequency, oxygen therapy, as well as collagen induction therapy.

If practitioners are looking to take their skin treatments to the next level by wowing clients and keeping them coming back, embracing the full aesthetic spectrum might be their next step.

Beatrice Van is an award-winning aesthetics master eductaor. She is an enthusiastic and positive self-starter with over 17 years of progressive experience in the beauty industry. In addition to her role as a clinical casteraesthetics educator at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, she is the clinical director for Fearless Beauties, a certified advanced aesthetician, makeup artist, and nail specialist. On her days off, she works at Indie Esthetics, helping her clients look and feel like the best the versions of themselves, or off traveling throughout North America as an education ambassador for CND and Fearless Beauties.

Her passion is to empower both students and beauty professionals to boldly invest in their education and strengthen their skills, while elevating standards in the industry.