Case Study:

A 33-year-old female arrives at your spa for a facial treatment. During her consultation, you find out that she has never visited a spa before. This new client is concerned about her skin’s overall dull appearance, specifically her face. At her age, she is already experiencing fine lines. In addition, she also expresses her concerns with her skin having a grey appearance and the presence of dark circles under her eyes. After reviewing her client intake form and asking a few additional questions, you find out the following: she works an extremely stressful job, working anywhere from 45 to 62 hours a week; she does not have any children; she takes daily vitamins; and she is not on any prescription medication. As for her skin care routine, she has been taking guidance from her doctor, using only a bar soap to cleanse her skin before applying makeup. When discussing this topic, she expressed concerns about the expensive prices of home care, explaining why she does not use any.

As a skin care professional, what solution do you propose to treat this case study?

Solutions:

Rachael Pontillo, licensed aesthetician and board certified health and image coach

“Dull skin and a grey tone are most often symptoms of internal imbalance and toxic overload – the presence of dark circles under the eyes especially may indicate issues with the kidneys and liver. Many spas and wellness centers now offer detoxification services in some way, so this is a great opportunity to offer services such as hydrotherapy, body wraps, dry brushing, ion foot baths, lymphatic drainage massage, et cetera or refer the client to a nutrition coach or practitioner. Another possible reason for dull skin is dehydration. While aestheticians on their own cannot make nutritional recommendations, there is no harm in encouraging clients to drink enough water every day. Regarding the client’s concern about the high prices of home care, I would focus on explaining the benefits of using professional products with higher quality ingredients and only offer her what she needs to get started – maybe a cleansing oil and a sunscreen.”

Gül Ç. Zone, president of DERMAWARE

“There are several factors I would take into consideration when making my recommendations for this client. Firstly, I would approach her slowly and gently when making my suggestions, since she is a novice to spa services and professional home care products. Then, I would perform a facial spa treatment that would mirror our home care recommendations. In effect, the results from our spa service would convince her of the benefit of starting to use some effective home care. Our professional spa-service would consist of: 1. Gentle, non-abrasive resurfacing to lift and remove the dull skin; 2. Epidermal thickening enhancement with bio-active retinoid and peptide mask for her skin color and a specialty eye treatment add-on for her dark circles; and 3. Circulation improvement to brighten and heighten glow from the inside out with stimulating vitamins. Secondly, I would educate her on the skin science of how this spa service would benefit her skin care concerns in an easy to understand manner, once again reinforcing why we recommend what we do. Lastly, I would ask her to try to reduce her stress levels with diet
and exercise.”

 Mariamar Masso, international educator and skin care coach for Lélexo™ Skincare

“When it comes to investing in good skin care, nothing pays off more than education. In today’s fast paced world, simple and affordable solutions for healthy skin are attainable. For this client, I would explain how exfoliation is one of the easiest and cheapest skin correctors. Accelerating cellular renewal promises healthier, smoother and radiant skin. Finding a cleanser that contains round beads will exfoliate the skin without cutting into it and causing micro-scratches. Although bar soaps are less expensive than liquid cleansers, they disrupt the skin’s normal pH balance which can encourage bacterial growth and may leave a filmy residue. In addition, the pH disruption may also lead to a barrier malfunction whereas the water retained by the skin will evaporate quicker leading to drier skin. In addition, I feel that it is important to point out to the client that stress also has a powerful impact on the skin and it matters how it’s handled. Stress triggers a chemical reaction which makes the skin more sensitive and reactive. Wounds heal slower, breakouts are more frequent, and, in some cases, stress can worsen skin conditions like rosacea and psoriasis. Furthermore, sleep and exercise are pivotal to relieve stress and setting limits to lower it will benefit in the end.”

Patricia Strunk, licensed aesthetician and associate publisher of DERMASCOPE Magazine

“This case study suggests she needs to go through a skin/body detoxification program. First, I would give her a tour of our facility and suggest a sauna treatment, full body polish and/or wrap, followed by a stimulating mask or lymphatic massage to begin flushing toxins from the body. This will also be a stress reducer. The grey/dull appearance and circles under her eyes would suggest her skin is suffocated. A stimulating deep pore cleansing facial with microcurrent will stimulate lymph flow and aid in the renewal of a healthier overall skin appearance. Most important would be educating her on the benefits of using a professional skin care line (skin brightener, eye cream, et cetera) for her at home regime instead of her current soap cleanser; then follow up in a week.”

Alexandra J. Zani, owner of Aesthani Education Pathways

“Education is key in this consultation considering the client never visited a spa in the past. During her consultation, I would provide her with a brief introductory on why an individual would seek services of an aesthetician and the benefits of professional care. She is still relatively young given that she is 33; however, as time progresses, she will begin to have alterations in her hormone levels as well as her cells. Her current life/work-style is adding to her concerns regarding her skin. At this age, her stress levels appear high. Her health depends upon paying attention to this fact. Key questions should be asked before treating the client. Is she a smoker?  This could affect her circulation, resulting in an unhealthy appearance. She mentioned that she takes vitamins, however, what is her daily food intake including water, fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals?  Does she exercise? This supports her circulatory system (blood and lymph). Does her job require her to frequently fly?  Flying and cabin air changes can dry her skin. Share with her that as she progresses in age, her skin barrier requires more support to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Her budget:  The fact that she came for an appointment is an indicator that she has concerns about her skin. Outline a simple plan for her that includes a hydrating facial utilizing an enzyme in the cleansing process. Proceed with offering a very simple product plan, even if it is a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. Provide a plan A and B and allow her to choose.”