Skin treatments are a combination of both cosmetic and medical procedures that help to address common skin problems. These include exfoliation, rejuvenation, acne prevention, and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Some skin services require regular health solutions like facials and ointments while others are more invasive and may involve the use of lasers or chemical peels. Some are available only at medical spas, which combine the tranquil ambiance of traditional spas with advanced skincare options that promise not just pampering, but results.
The first step of any skin service is to clean the client’s face using products designed to cleanse and moisturize at the same time. These products are typically made with a combination of natural ingredients that the skin can absorb, such as shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil.
Next, the therapist may exfoliate the face and neck. This can be done with a manual method using gloved hands and gentle pressure, or with a mechanical tool that gently buffs the skin. This removes the dead outer layer of skin, which promotes healthy cell growth and leaves the skin looking brighter and more youthful.
Once the skin is clean, the therapist may apply a mask. This can be a deep cleansing mask for oily or blemished skin, or a more intense facial treatment that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve the appearance of sun damage and pore size or even out coloration. Some facial treatments may include extraction, which involves the use of a metal tool to remove blackheads and other impurities from the pores of the skin.
Another popular skin treatment is a microdermabrasion, which uses an instrument that sprays minute crystals on the skin’s surface to exfoliate it. This can also be used to reduce age spots, eliminate acne scars and tighten the skin. This treatment is particularly effective on the neck and decolletage.
A more invasive skin treatment is a laser resurfacing. This is a hybrid technology that combines the benefits of both ablative and non-ablative lasers. This helps to smooth out the skin’s texture, reduce pore size and boost collagen and elastin. This is an ideal option for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving the appearance of scars.
In addition to these more intensive treatments, medical spas often offer a wide range of less invasive options such as chemical peels and microneedling. These treatments can be combined to create bespoke treatment plans, which have proven to be more effective than single treatments.
When planning a skin treatment, it is important to know what your cosmetic goals are. Most clients come into the salon with a few key aesthetic issues in mind and will want to focus on those issues during their skin consultation. This will allow the provider to streamline the appointment and offer a treatment plan that is most suitable. This will ultimately lead to the best possible results.