Marrying the Old with the New

There are so many treatments and services available to clients in 2018. It's amazing to see how far technology has taken us and where we are headed. There are treatments that estheticians have been performing for many, many years. You know what they say about those. Oldies, but goodies. And others are pretty new to the scene in my treatment room. In the with new, out with the old. Does that have to be the case? What if you could have the best of both worlds?

I would love to "propose" marrying old services with new ones for optimal benefits. Here are four techniques to consider that I currently use in the treatment room for facials. Which do you think are old and which are new? Say hello to High Frequency, Microdermabrasion, Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber, and Rose Quartz Massage Tool.

High Frequency

High Frequency is also known as Tesla high frequency current and was developed in 1892. Named after the inventor, Nikola Tesla, this was used to treat strep throat and other skin conditions before antibiotics were in play. In the 1970, European spas noticed the change on skin when using them in facial treatments. And how it so often happens, North America follow suit in the 1980s.

How it works

High Frequency uses alternating or sinusoidal current which produces a heating effect with vibration. In the glass electrode, the oxygen is removed and neon or argon gas is put inside which creates a yellow/orange/red or blue/purple hue and a buzzing sound. The electrode is applied to the face (usually gauze is in between the skin and the hand piece) and slowly moved over the areas. Indirect sparking is where the electrode is placed close to the area without touching and is able to bridge the gap sending energy into the skin.

Benefits

• Stimulates blood circulation

• Increases absorption

• Increases metabolism

• Relieves congestion

• Has an antiseptic and healing effect on skin

• Helps coagulate and heal open lesions after extractions

• Generates a warm, relaxing effect on skin

Nutshell

High frequency sends a low wave energy source which helps products penetrate better on the face while drying up acne and healing the skin.

Microdermabrasion

This technique developed over time, but started around 1500 BC with sandpaper, then wheels and needles. The first microdermabrasion (also known as microderm) machine was invented in Italy by Dr. Mattioli and Dr. Brutto. By mid 1990s, microderm machines were seen across America. Traditionally, crystals and vacuum suction were used to exfoliate the skin. Other machines offer diamond tips.

How it works

Microderm is a powerful electronic vacuum with high grade microcrystals that spray onto the skin's surface through a hand piece. It can be done quickly in a 30 minute treatment or part of a facial.

Benefits

• Diminish sun damage, pigmentation, open and closed comedones, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and coarsely textured skin

• Stimulates blood flow

• Stimulates metabolism

Nutshell

Microderm is a non invasive procedure that gently exfoliates dead skin cells of the face while polishing the skin to be smooth and soft and stimulating collagen growth and healthy looking skin.

Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber

The Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber is also known as the Ultrasonic Spatula is considered the new generation of microdermabrasion. Which is a little ironic, seeing as how ultrasonic devices have been showing up in treatment rooms since the 1980s (but Microderm was 1996). This treatment has really taken off and is one of my NEW favorite options.

How it works

Ultrasonic tool is placed on the skin with product and/or water. The tool is used on both sides - one for exfoliating and the other for product penetration. It uses a frequency above the sound range of a human ear and works for cleanse, exfoliate or push product.

Benefits

• Soft peeling of the skin

• Exfoliation of dead skin cells

• Removal of black heads

• Stimulates natural collagen fibers

• Helps in rebuilding tissues

Nutshell

Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber can first help to cleanse, exfoliate and remove debris effectively and second increase product penetration so you see amazing results.

Rose Quartz Massage Tool

Another new to me technique I've been using is the Rose Quartz Massage Tool. Stones have been used for ages and rose quartz is said to be a high energy stone that produces love. It opens up the heart chakra which causes self-love, leading to love for others. (This feels a lot like self-care. LOVE it!) Gem stone facials have been used before recorded history, but they are new to my treatment room. Manual lymphatic drainage was developed in the 1930s by Emil Vodder.

How it works

Using this tool, I apply massage oil and then gently press these stones in a specific pattern to release stress points and to promote lymphatic drainage. It is simple, but yet I am thrilled every time I perform this treatment. It just feels amazing on the skin.

Benefits

• Reduces inflammation

• Reduces puffiness

• Increase circulation

• Drain congested lymph nodes

• Rid the body of toxins and waster

• Stimulate collagen production and improve elasticity

• Promotes anti-aging

Have you tried all four? If you haven't tried each of these treatments, now is your time. Schedule an appointment today and we'll go over the specific benefits for you!

Don't forget to Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, Licensed Esthetician