Image, Jan 2024

Happy Ending

January 1, 2024 | by Julie Grosso

How to conclude a facial treatment

As estheticians, we were taught how to start a facial treatment. We double cleanse, we do an analysis, and we de-grease. What happens after that is dependent on the protocol. However, we should be ending every facial treatment the same way, regardless of treatment or skin condition. The aftermath is arguably more important now that the skin is sensitized and vulnerable.

““We should be ending every facial treatment the same way, regardless of treatment or skin condition. The aftermath is arguably more important now that the skin is sensitized and vulnerable””

Once the treatment has been completed, every skin condition should end with a light acid, bio-cellulose fibers, red light therapy, a hydrator, and sunscreen – in this order. Sunscreen is the only product that is optional based on the treatment and time of day. This order of operations is what I call “the care method.”

It is imperative that we focus on ending the treatment with anti-inflammatory ingredients, fibers and devices. It is also crucial to end the treatment by strengthening the new skin cells exposed and use anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients.

“The post-care method” consists of three stages. Post-care should start in the treatment room and be followed for seven days after the treatment, regardless of treatment type. The three stages of the post-care method are as follows: repair, hydrate, and build.

We need to repair the barrier, hydrate the new cells that shed over the next few days, and build new collagen into the skin. There is a short window after a professional treatment where the skin can change dramatically for the better or even for the worse. It is our job, as estheticians, to recognize this and treat the skin vastly different after a treatment than you would otherwise.

Once the treatment is complete, be sure to give your clients a post care method form and review it before they leave. Check-in on your clients after the treatment to see how the skin is reacting. This will help deliver the best results. We start facial treatments the same, so let’s end on the same note to ensure the best results for our clients.