We wanted to share this article from SkinInc, by Erika Lauren, as these devices have been such a hot topic with our patients and staff recently who have seen such amazing results with even these most basic and important skincare devices. Please enjoy!
Acne is agonizing. With an etiology that is complicated and often unknown, acute unpleasantries and long term results such as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, it is as clear as the skin we covet why the industry is churning out new and improved ways to combat it. The options to treat acne are no longer limited to topical wonders such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinols, nor are they limited to spa services rendered. The devices available today to combat acne are long time treatment room warriors, many with versions available for at-home retail.
High Frequency
This device is certainly not new to estheticians, but with recent retail accessibility and client knowledge, it’s a tool that may be more sought after, both in the treatment room and for home use. High frequency works by heating up the sebaceous gland and using low level electricity to oxygenate the skin. The ultraviolet electrode creates an argon gas that kills acne associated bacteria instantly. Red electrodes release a neon gas that has anti-shining benefits and reduces inflammation from skin disorders such as rosacea.
Once a spa treatment exclusive commodity, companies such as esthetician owned Stacked Skincare now sell high frequency devices to the general public for home use. The device comes with specific instructions for proper use and contraindication warning against use with certain skin and health conditions such as pregnancy. It is important to instruct clients that the electrode should not be placed directly to skin, but with a gauze buffer to reduce risk of damaging skin cells. When used properly, ultraviolet high frequency has been proven to speed up the healing process of papules, pustules and cysts, while reducing the chance of pigmentation.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
Light therapy, or heliotherapy, was used by the ancient Greeks to promote healing and wellness. It entered the scope of dermatology in the 19th century and has been used as a non-invasive approach to treating skin conditions, gaining popularity in the last few decades in spa and at-home treatments. Blue LED has been shown to fight bacteria associated with difficult acne and oxygenate the skin. Red LED has been shown to improve blood flow and collagen production, reducing effects of inflammation and scarring. Light therapy still works best when coupled with topical treatments such as glycolic or hyaluronic acid.
LED devices for home use have been gaining broader accessibility in the last decade with blue light devices ranking most popular. Options include devices that use a dual action bacteria killing blue light with sonic vibration to reduce the span of active breakouts. Many are compact and portable in a pen-like form for on-the-go implementation. The handheld device MYSKINBUDDY has been a spa favorite acne fighting tool that is paired with additional features such as thermal heat therapy and ion care with promise to clear skin and improve radiance and tone.
LED face masks have been alluringly sweeping social media pages, making them a trendy at-home staple. These masks work by resting on the skin for up to 20 minutes. Efficacy can vary, but in general, blue light therapy promotes improvement of acne conditions and red light therapy improves aging and scarring conditions.
Prices of quality LED masks can cost upwards of $450, like Dr. Dennis Gross’ SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Mask. The mask is FDA cleared and in clinical studies has shown 97% improvement of skin clarity and tone with two to 10 weeks of treatment on blue or red light therapy mode for three minutes per day.
Cleansing Brushes
Facial cleansing brushes are spa treatments that are also evolving in the acne-fighting arsenal. These easy to maintain brushes effectively remove impurities such as dirt, oil and makeup in a deep cleansing and exfoliating manner, which preps the skin for optimal absorption of serums and moisturizers.
The newest brushes on the market provide a thorough cleansing experience with hygienic silicone surfaces and gentle sonic massage with a range of intensity levels.
PMD Clean Brush works to enhance tissue tone with pulsations of 7,000 vibrations per minute and has a larger variation for body use.
Infusion Technology
Although skin care professionals love the Dr. Lucas Pulverizer Championniere, there are more compact and portable atomized misters available. Droplette is a mist technology device for post-cleansing that uses piezon technology to infuse products into the skin via high velocity aerosol. Acne fighting ingredients can penetrate up to 20 times deeper than topical application alone, allowing for clearer skin much quicker. This innovative device is a wonderful addition to the treatment room and retail shelf.
Microneedling
The idea of damaging the skin barrier by prickling the skin with small sterile needles to regenerate and repair has been a long used method to treat scarring caused by acne. This collagen promoting ritual improves tissue tone and reduces pore size in a simple and relatively painless manner.
Microneedling is another spa treatment that has crossed the “professionals-only” realm into the home. Microneedling is a rejuvenating abrasion technique first used by a German dermatologist in 1905 to treat scarring caused by acne.
The latest microneedling tools such GloPRO use red light therapy to further promote cellular turnover and pigmentation disruption and is neatly packaged with night time skin care products. These kits have made top tier spa treatments more accessible and affordable than ever for regular use, and awards clients with that “something is happening” sensation.
Crossing Over, Hand in Hand
From treatment room to bathroom sink, hundreds of variations of these once professionals only devices have lovingly made their way into the retail realm. Embrace this revolution, as it can and should be received with a positive perspective by skin care professionals. We can offer knowledge and guidance on these devices for customized, effective and most importantly, safe home care use. Offering a wide range of treatments that include these devices is imperative to staying ahead of the curve. Combining them with professional topical treatments and technique will maintain that spa only experience that clients will always depend on and appreciate.
Source: Reposted from SkinInc. Article written by Erika Lauren, licensed esthetician and makeup artist. She is the owner of Art + Sol, a mobile esthetic artistry and airbrush tan business.
Be sure to book your appointment at Hela Medical Spa to find out what’s the perfect treatment plan and regimen to achieve your skin goals! Text 202.333.4445 now!
