Industry Talk

What are tips estheticians can share with their clients to help combat Maskne?

With every spoken word, over 6 billion bacteria are spewed into the close-fitting face covering. For the first time, mask-wearing clients are exposed to massive amounts of bacteria throughout the entire day, which break down the skin barrier that shields skin from external stressors. The mask is like a petri dish of bacteria, leading to blackheads, breakouts, clogged pores, redness, and skin irritation.

Iso-Cell Recovery Solution can help because the formula contains healing minerals that the body cannot produce and creates a healthy environment for skin trapped underneath the mask. Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc help eliminate redness and irritation caused by face coverings, calm breakouts, strengthen the skin barrier to combat dryness and sensitivity, and provide immediate relief and hydration to stressed skin.

How can estheticians create their own cocktail of serums? What are the do’s and don’ts?

Environment and lifestyle impact skin all throughout the year, so customization is crucial—the same product isn’t sufficient all year long. Customization is key. Estheticians can cocktail Iso-Cell Recovery Solution with any Le Mieux classic serum or ampoule, and they can even mix together a customized blend for their clients to take home. When customizing, be sure to mix water-based products with water-based products, and oil-based products with oil-based products.

Estheticians should make sure that the client uses sunscreen during the day, especially when cocktailing products with vitamin C.

Need an “oxygen line-filler?” Estheticians can cocktail AND oxygenate skin at the same time: Le Mieux will soon launch an oxygen infuser tool. This oxygenating tool combines an activator and a serum that are dispensed in an oxygenized mist for skin from head to toe.

How should clients’ skincare routines change in spring and summer?

After winter, clients should exfoliate two or three times a week, depending on skin sensitivity, so that serums can be absorbed more deeply and be more effective.

In spring, to brighten up skin, pair up serums with a mild mandelic exfoliant (Perfect Renewal) or scrub (Microderm Exfoliant) or pad (Vita-C Clear Skin Pad), and then use a serum with vitamin C in the evening (and be sure to use sunscreen during the day), which will help brighten skin and strengthen it against environmental damage since more time will be spent outside.

In summer, moisturizing skin is essential—without putting a heavy load of oils and waxes on skin. Amp up hydration with moisture-boosting ingredients that target skin’s NMF. Mineral-based toners, and serums with hyaluronic acid will create a moisture cushion against the dehydrating effects of summertime climates.

This spring and summer, be ready to think outside the box during the reopening of spas. Estheticians can customize a signature serum. Estheticians can be innovative—no facial should ever be the same so that clients are motivated to come back for something new. Add a new “post-covid protocol” that detoxifies and strengthens skin. Build customized serum cocktails for clients. Continue with virtual consultations to check with clients in case they have  additional needs.

What are the top three ingredients of this year?

Kombucha (Black Tea Ferment): 

Balances skin & packed with antioxidants & vitamins to strengthen skin & create a luminous, dewy glow, minimize inflammation, reduce the look of skin imperfections, helps keep pores free from excess oil & blemish-causing bacteria, shield skin from environmental damage & pollution

Tranexamic Acid

Brightening powerhouse; addresses discoloration, melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, splotchiness; evens out and reduces visible pigmentation or discoloration from Maskne.

Succinic Acid (from amber or sugar cane)

(Not and exfoliating acid) Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and hydrating effects; Helps balance sebum, reducing excess oil and congested pores that can lead to breakouts; helps combat acne without causing skin irritation, even for sensitive skin; works well with salicylic acid and with hyaluronic acid; hydrates skin, since it is similar to our skin’s own lipids, conditions, and softens especially when paired with HA; helps ward off environmental damage; helps encourage cellular renewal to increase firmness and elasticity.

What is next for the future of skincare?

There is more and more proof that blue light, or HEV light, from tech devices like cell phones and computer screens really can damage skin. So, products that prevent or repair damage from HEV light from tech devices will be more and more essential.

What is also very exciting is that mitochondria-impacting ingredients are also being introduced into products in order to impact skin on a molecular level.

Consumers will become more educated through technology, such as advanced skin imaging systems. As time passes, the pendulum will swing back to a personal touch, with an individual customization of products for each season and every skin concern.

Estheticians will be more actively embracing their power and influence in the skincare realm. In addition to spa treatments, they can do virtual consultations with clients, post videos, post before/after pictures, join affiliate programs. Go where the skincare industry is headed—don’t be left behind when the BEST can be right in front of you.