Let’s face it (no pun intended): aesthetic equipment is an investment. By following the manufacturer’s care and maintenance guidelines, you may prolong the life of your machines beyond the warranty as well as practicing safe aesthetics.
When it comes to caring for your equipment, cleanliness is next to Godliness. If you think the spots, cloudy water, dust, or wax drips go unnoticed by your clients… think again. As a spa client, the first thing I do when I enter the room is observe my surroundings. I expect that whatever is being used on my skin is disposable, sterilized, sanitized, or disinfected and is in good working order. If I observe aesthetic equipment in need of repair (drippy steamers, tape on the H/F holder, rust or sharp edges on a skin scrubber spatula), I’m outta there!

Facial Steamer – We learned in school to empty the glass beaker at the end of each day, and yet I repeatedly see this rule being ignored. By emptying the water, you are protecting the metal or plastic piece that sits within the beaker from unnecessary corrosion caused by overexposure to water and moisture. Most steamers require the use of distilled water and failure to follow manufacturer’s guidelines can result in mineral and metal build-up (shortens the life expectancy of the steamer). However, there is a steamer on the market that requires the use of tap water and failure to follow instructions will burn out the steamer. If you notice your steamer dripping hot water, chances are your client does too. Not only is it annoying to you, but it is unsafe for the client. Contact the vendor you purchased the steamer from and either resolve the issue through troubleshooting or purchase a replacement piece.
Multi-Function Machines: High Frequency, Galvanic, Brushes – Not only should these items be disinfected and sanitized with OSHA approved products, but they should be checked regularly to be sure they are operating properly. Plastic spray bottles have a tendency to split when not used for a long duration of time (similar to dry rot), so use it or lose it.
UV Sterilizers, Magnifying Lamps, and Wood’s Lamp – When cleaning these items, avoid touching the bulbs with bare hands or a damp cloth. Touching the bulbs with dampness or oil from hands can affect the life span of the bulbs. Some states require the use of UV sterilizers and it is suggested that UV light bulbs be checked frequently and replacement bulbs kept on hand.

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Karen Osterblom has 30 years experience in the skin care industry. She left her Executive Director position with a leading cosmetic company to pursue her dream: training with famed make-up artists Kevyn Aucoin and John Maxwell. She later accepted a position as Educator for Vidal Sassoon’s Academy until moving to Florida. With her savvy business background and passion for aesthetics, Osterblom opened a successful aesthetic practice in Cocoa, Fla. Her knowledge and dedication has led to yet another phase of her career as Director of Education for SSI. To contact Osterblom, call 321-327-3799.