How Professional Skin Care Uses Science
Professional skin care is an all encompassing approach to treating skin. It’s set apart from mass marketed skin care because the professional skin care industry leverages the training and education of estheticians. These licensed professionals work in what we see as a 5-step process that uses advanced science to assess and maximize skin health.
This process is implemented in 3 key areas. 1. Assessing the skin to determine the skin’s current health and formulate how to implement the 5 step process. 2. Providing skin care treatments that have highly scientific products, devices, tools, and machines. 3. Recommending home care products with technologically advanced delivery systems and ingredients for the client.
How Science Improves Professional Skin Care
When estheticians work with skin care clients to help maximize skin health, they tend to focus on 5 key activities. These activities are the components of a skin care treatment plan determined by the skin assessment and client’s goals. The goals and current skin health determine which of the 5 areas will be the focus of the overall professional skin care plan.
The 5 Areas Of Professional Skin Care
Advertorial featuring sponsors: DermaMed Solutions, Hale & Hush, Immunocologie, Celluma, BiON, EF Tropics, SilcSkin, DermaJem, MYSKINBUDDY, MedSpa Distributors, PFB Vanish, Circadia and SESHA Skin Therapy.
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Balancing
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Hydrating
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Protecting
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Correcting
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Stimulating
The beauty of the products, devices, tools and machines used in professional skincare is that often times they are so sophisticated that they can help to impact multiple areas. Some treatments can provide assistance with all 5!
1. Science Of Balancing The Skin
Balancing the skin is a crucial first step in optimizing skin health. Ensuring the surface of the skin is in homeostasis is a key factor in ensuring the skin is properly hydrated and protected from external aggressors.
It’s important that there be an understanding of the lipid barrier and its function. There can be many reasons that contribute to barrier disruption, resulting in irritation, and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). They can include topical medications, exposure to pollution, excessive exfoliation, skin disorders and cancer treatments.
If skin is out of balance there can be inflammation, redness, irritation, dry patches, and breakouts. These can range from mild to severe. Understanding the science of professional skincare can help to create a treatment plan. However, often times clients are using skin care products that are causing an imbalance in the pH on the skin’s surface. One of the most common culprits are harsh cleansers that strip away the natural oils on the skin’s surface. Another common imbalance is an allergy or reaction to an ingredient.
Balancing Professional Skin Care
O2SKINPRO - Balance + Soothe
O2SKINPRO by E.F. Tropics
Balance with O2SKINPRO
It has been shown to relieve and soothe allergic reactions many clients have to more powerful enzymatic ingredients often used in a variety of topical creams and serums.
Correct and Stimulate with O2SKINPRO
Primarily, professional estheticians will be able to add O2SkinPro™ to serums after micro-needling, use in acne treatments, and for all corrections whose purpose is healing and rejuvenation.
O2SkinPro™ is a powdered form of oxygen, developed by a US-based company. It’s the only solid, non-gaseous, form of oxygen in existence. It is designed to be applied topically, for its healing and pain-relieving properties by delivering oxygen directly to any wounded area. Tested over several years, it’s non-toxic, easy to use, and compatible with your current after-treatment products.
O2SkinPro™’s ability to provide oxygen makes it a therapeutic solution for any insult or injury to cells and tissues that results in low oxygen levels, such as abrasions, burns, rashes, bruises, or any skin treatment procedure affecting the epidermis. Also, O2SkinPro™ has been shown to relieve and sooth allergic reactions many clients have to more powerful enzymatic ingredients often used in a variety of topical creams and serums.
O2SkinPro™is a Back-bar product that pros can add to their treatments to promote skin healing and cell regeneration and will be sold only to professionals in the spa and med-spa industry.
MYSKINBUDDY - Balancing The Cleansing Step
MYSKINBUDDY
Balance With The Gentle Cleansing of MYSKINBUDDY
Using mild cleansers that have a pH that is as close to the skin’s natural pH of 5.2-5.5 is ideal. To insure a deep cleansing step, use the science of professional skin care in the MYSKINBUDDY!
MYSKINBUDDY uses Positively Charged Ions, Heat Therapy and Ultrasonic Vibration for a gentle deep cleansing by emulsifying dirt and oil so that it can easily be swept away. Thermal heat therapy has also been shown to improve with skin tightening, promoting more oxygen to the cells by improving blood circulation and the reducing appearance of pore size.
Stimulate and Hydrate with MYSKINBUDDY
Negatively Charged Ions to help improve product penetration as well as offering LED Light Therapy.
2. Science Of Hydrating The Skin
Science Hydrating with Professional Skin Care is more than applying a cream to the skin. It’s a more complex process! The skin is an incredible organ and designed to hydrate itself and to keep that hydration locked in, selecting what it will allow to enter, ensuring it keeps bacteria and other such non-desirables out. It does all of this in the stratum corneum in and around the corneocytes.
There are 2 Keys To Maintaining Hydrated Skin the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) and the Lipid Matrix.
The amount of research and development that are invested into the professional skin care industry’s ability to properly hydrate the skin is incredible. There are sophisticated ingredients, delivery systems and treatments that are designed to meet the skin’s specific needs.
Sesha Skin Therapy leverages their patented P.E.T™ Delivery System by Sesha Skin Therapy to deliver intense hydration and other advanced correcting ingredients to the skin. Immunocologie also features Vital Oligo Science, their all-natural ionic delivery system.
Hydrating Professional Skin Care
Super 7 Elixir Serum - Hydrate with 2 Forms Of Hyaluronic Acid
Super 7 Elixir Serum by Immunocologie
Hydrate with Super 7 Elixir Serum
The magic of Super 7 Elixir Serum comes from an oil, and the filtrate of snail secretions. The science will back this up! The secretions are processed and filtrate that is left is rich in a very unique form of Hyaluronic Acid, that combined with Dessert Date Seed Oil gives the skin serious hydration.
Stimulate with Super 7 Elixir Serum
The filtrate of snail secrection is also rich in peptides which jumpstarts fibroblast activity in the skin!
Evanescent Mask - Hydrate With Ionic Barrier of Bound Water
Evanescent Mask by Sesha Skin Therapy
Hydrate With Evanescent Mask
Register As A Sesha Professional For More Information
The Evanescent Mask comes in two parts, the Seaweed Polysaccharide Mask that dissolves into the skin when the Australian Seawater Activator is added.
Seaweed Polysaccharide Mask: Soothes and provides a cooling sensation, able to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water, hydrates skin by creating an ionic barrier forming a reservoir of bound water.
Australian Seawater Activator: Stimulates synthesis of epidermal lipids, improving moisturizing of the skin, reinforces cohesion between dermis and epidermis.
Stimulate and Correct with Evanescent Mask
The Australian Seawater Activator also prevents skin from aging, it’s rich in vitamins and trace elements to improve skin elasticity.
The treatment’s first step is a Clarifying Serum that brightens by using Octadecenedioic Acid, and Diacetyl Boldine, which is delivered using Sesha’s patented P.E.T Technology
3. Science Of Protecting The Skin
One of the key areas in any professional skin care treatment plan is to include products that will protect the skin. It’s a main reason that we look to balance skin as an initial goal. An intact lipid barrier is designed to protect the skin from any external aggressors. However, pollution, poor diet, UVA/UVB rays and unhealthy lifestyle choices can leave the skin vulnerable.
Protecting the skin with antioxidants and sunscreen are two of the most effective methods to ensure the skin is at maximum health. Fighting the battle of free radicals in the skin with antioxidants is one of the biggest areas of research in the professional skincare industry. Many of these antioxidants also play a dual role of correcting hyperpigmentation which is the result of damage.
The single most important way to protect the skin is to use sunscreen daily. The research shows that mineral based sunscreens are most effective. Sunscreens not only protect against the potential of skin cancer, they also help to keep collagen fibers in tact, resulting in firmer skin over time.
Protect with Professional Skin Care
Brilliant Eye & Lip Serum - Protect with Spin Trap
Brilliant Eye & Lip Serum by Hale & Hush
Protect with Brilliant Eye & Lip Serum – With the highly intelligent antioxidant “Spin Trap”
Topical liquid crystal helps fortify, protect and condition the structure of delicate skin. With the highly intelligent antioxidant “spin trap” added, you have a truly brilliant formula that improves cell resilience by not only stabilizing free radicals, but trapping them before they can react and cause damage.
Hydrate with Brilliant Eye & Lip Serum – Liquid Crystals
Brilliant Eye & Lip Serum is made almost entirely of liquid crystals, which are an essential component of cell membrane. Enhances lipid levels and barrier function by replenishing cholesterol.
4. Science Of Correcting The Skin
Correcting skin issues is the heart and soul of the professional skin care industry. Ask any esthetician, “What do you love about your career?” and they’ll always answer, “Being able to help clients correct issues with their skin!” It’s a universal sentiment!
The amount of science being used in this section is incredible. The advancements we’ve made in tyrosinase inhibitors, brighteners, types of acids, and resurfacing devices is staggering.
Some brands even repurpose the science from medical supplies to help correct age-related skin aging. Silicone has been used in wound healing for years, but now SilkSkin is using silicone to minimize wrinkles in a similar manner.
Estheticians can correct so many skin issues such as acne; our Quick Reference Guide To Understanding Acne is a great resource. Treating skin with sensitivities can be so hard; here’s 6 Pillars To Treating Sensitive Skin that can help. If you need help with learning about Rosacea, our Expert Advice Column, What Is Rosacea can help you navigate this delicate topic. Finally, tackling dark spots is one of the hardest issues to correct; we have 4 Expert Tips For Treating Hyperpigmentation.
Correct with Professional Skin Care
Mandelic 5% Toner Pads - Correct with Multiple Acids
Mandelic 5% Toner Pads by BiON Skincare
Correct with Mandelic 5% Toner Pads
Tone, exfoliate and brighten all with one jar of the Mandelic 5% Toner Pads. BiON has combined the benefits of mandelic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide and essential oils to produce a toner for mature skin, as well as acneic skin. The three acids gently remove bacteria, control sebum production, clear pores and help control acne. Mature skin will enjoy an even skin tone, less wrinkles and a reduction in hyperpigmentation. All of this while bathing your skin in three essential oils that rejuvenate and lighten dull skin, and provide moisture.
- Acne – Has antibacterial properties, regulates sebum production, clears pores preventing recurrence of acne
- Hyperpigmentation and Melasma – Breaks up discoloration caused by sun damage, PIH and hormones
- Anti-Aging – Encourages exfoliation and reduces fine lines
ULTRA - Correct with Tyrosinase Inhibitor
Ultra by PFB Vanish
Correct with PFB Vanish
PFB ULTRA is a unique, cosmetically elegant roll-on gel formulated to fight ingrown hairs. It contains the tyrosinase inhibitor, Chromabright. It also contains the lightening power of shiitake mushroom. Now you can get the cult favorite ingrown hair fighter that will brighten any dark spots left behind by those ingrown hairs!
The Element Facial - Correct with Hydro-Dermabrassion
The Element Facial – by DermaJEM
Correct with The Element Facial
DermaJEM presents the Element Facial using the Anima Element Hydro-Dermabrasion and Oxygen Infusion, it’s a perfect way to introduce your clients to hydrodermabrasion. Even your clients that have had hydrodermabrasion have not had the special Element Facial. The Element is unique because it is so versatile and allows you to work on all skin types.
We have harnessed the power of the mechanical exfoliation of diamond microdermabrasion and the chemical exfoliation of hydrodermabrasion and put them together in the Double Light and Double Exfo Hydro tips. Which allows you to give your clients deep and effective exfoliation without irritation. With the Ruffle Wave tips you can offer hydrodermabrasion to your more sensitive clients. The Ruffle Wave gives you the ability to have a more gentle mechanical exfoliation without the diamond tip and still have the chemical exfoliation with the serum that you choose. Finally, the spiral deep tips are made of soft silicone and can create gentle vacuum pressure that is perfect for extractions. The Element comes with one set of twelve tips for a various sizes.
Stimulate + Protect with The Element Facial
Oxygen infusion is the perfect follow up to the hydrodermabrasion. With its soothing, cooling, and healing benefits it really helps to calm the skin after the stimulation of the hydrodermabrasion. What’s best is that the serums you apply with the oxygen gun stay on the skin and don’t end up in your waste jar! So all of your skin-loving ingredients stay where you need them to be, on the skin!
SilcSkin Pads - Correct with Silicone
SilcSkin Face Pads
Correct with SilcSkin Full-Face Set
Facts About SilcSkin Pads
When the SilcSkin Full-Face Set pads are applied to the skin, electrostatic energy starts a wound healing response and starts collagen production in the area. They eliminate wrinkles by improving the irregular collagen structure and creating an increased blood flow which will result in an improved skin tone and plumped wrinkles.
Silicone contributes in moisturizing the skin by drawing the skin’s natural moisture to the surface, which hydrates the skin.
Camille della Santina, founder of SilcSkin, was the first to repurpose and redesign Silicone Scar Gel Sheeting for antiwrinkle anti-aging products. Made in the USA
The BodEx - Correct with Microdermabrasion
Coming Soon…..The BodEx from MedSpa Distributors
5. Science Of Stimulating The Skin
The amount of research and development that is invested into the skin care industry in an attempt to stimulate the skin’s functions that slow down with age is staggering. Scientists are always looking for new peptides, more sophisticated use of stem cells and growth factors that will work on the cellular level to stimulate the skin cells in older consumers after the body’s metabolic processes have slowed.
However, getting these larger weight molecules such as peptides and acids through the stratum corneum’s lipid barrier that we worked so hard to balance can be challenging. The science of professional skin care has to focus not only on finding these effective ingredients but the researchers also have to find a delivery system that will help them reach the living tissue where they can stimulate the living skin cells.
Advances have been made in the science of delivery systems, take the intercelluar delivery system, P.E.T™ by Sesha Skin Therapy. It was patented in the late 90’s for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Then in the early 2000’s was brought in the professional skin care industry in the Sesha Skin Therapy line of professional skin care. Then there are transcellular delivery systems such as microneedling, which is a hugely popular modality to deliver growth factors to the skin.
However, beyond ingredient technology, advances have been made in the use of LED Light Therapy. This modality works to stimulate the production of ATP in skin. Having an LED light therapy device has become universally accepted as a required device for every professional skin care practice.
We’ve also seen advances in the use of microcurrent technology. In February of 2021 NeurotriS launched a new probe. The new probe that combines the power of dynamic microcurrent with holistic facial massage that stimulates the facia, much like gua sha. The result is a more effective tool for the skin care professional in treatment and for the consumer to enjoy at home!
Watch our Gua Sha IGTV Series.
Stimulate with Professional Skin Care
iPRO - Stimulate with LED Light Therapy
iPRO by Celluma LED Light Therapy
Stimulate ATP Production with iPRO from Celluma LED Light Therapy
The Celluma iPRO is the battery-powered option of the Celluma PRO. This breakthrough technology, offers all the benefits of the original Celluma PRO with even extra mobility and versatility. With the Celluma iPRO, there are no limits to where you can take your Celluma. First ever battery-driven full size LED panels. Ideal for mobile practitioners and those on the go. Freedom to use anywhere. Get More Professional Information on Celluma.
“LED therapy supports skin health by providing energy to skin cells that are under-functioning allowing them to get back to work. For example, an underperforming fibroblast that absorbs the light energy will increase its production of collagen and elastin proteins to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Cells may under-function due to a variety of reasons, age, injury, disease and poor lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise and poor diet. In particular, red and near-infrared LED light can directly benefit skin health as these wavelengths are deep reaching and capable of supporting a variety of different cells types at different tissue depths from the epidermis, through the dermal layer and even into the subcutaneous layer.” Denise Ryan, Celluma LED Light Therapy
dmGlow - Stimulate w 3 Essential Elements
dmGlow by Dermamed Solutions
Stimulate with dmGlow’s 3 Essential Elements
DermaMed Solutions™ is proud to present a new and game-changing facial treatment. Introducing dmGlow, a renewing and rejuvenating treatment that combines facial cup vacuum massage, mechanical exfoliation, advanced chemical peels and botanical skin care to produce a fresh, radiant glow for everyone.
3 Essential Elements of dmGlow
- Lymphatic massage to oxygenate & detoxify the skin
- Exfoliation to bring new cells to the surface
- Botanical skin care to add vitality
SWiCH Dermal Rejuvenation - Stimulate From The Inside Out
SWiCH Dermal Rejuvenation – by Circadia
Stimulate with SWiCH’s Enhanced Penetration of Pyruvic and Succinic Acid
SWiCH, Circadia’s signature treatment, is a unique alternative to chemical peels that takes advantage of the skin’s natural repair mechanism without causing damage. This treatment imparts an immediate boost to the look and feel of aging skin. It leverages an enhanced penetration system that delivers Pyruvic and Succinic Acid deep into the skin where it works to stimulate the production of ATP in the cells!
Thank you to DermaMed Solutions, Hale & Hush, Immunocologie, Celluma, BiON, EF Tropics, SilcSkin, DermaJem, MYSKINBUDDY, MedSpa Distributors, PFB Vanish, Circadia and SESHA Skin Therapy for sponsoring this article.