Skin Prepping Technology Achieves Superior Treatment Results

As we know, the ongoing competition between salons and clinics to outperform each other has never been fiercer with skin therapy objectives rapidly moving beyond the basics, to visible and sustainable skin improvement results as the ultimate goal that consumers are demanding. 

• This is giving rise to new advances in technology that can reach deeper levels of the skin to activate cellular function and achieve consistently improved results in skin correction and a more vibrant and youthful complexion.

While manufacturers can train you on the capabilities of their devices and how to use them, how you will deliver the end results safely and appropriately for each client, is up to you to determine as an individual pursuit. 

• This requires comprehensive training, as in your aim of improved treatment results, it is important to also evaluate the safety considerations against adverse reactions. 
• One mechanism for ensuring that all will go well with your treatment is to effectively prepare the skin to withstand the changes in improvement that you wish to introduce.

Skin reaction happen when the condition of the skin is insufficiently assessed for potential deficiencies to optimise a positive response to your treatment plan. This is where skin prepping is so important.

• Skin therapies, ranging from simple facials to advanced laser treatments, require careful preparation to ensure optimal results and minimise risks.
• With more advanced procedures now on offer, prepping procedures are now a priority consideration as the critical steps taken before introducing a comprehensive treatment plan for skin improvement.

Why skin prep?

The main objective in prepping the skin is to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, while also ensuring safety. Let’s look at various skin therapy prepping procedures and their benefits.

Why it’s important?

It maximises efficacy

• Proper preparation can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of active ingredients used in treatments.

Minimising risks

• Prepping helps reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions, such as irritation or infection.

Enhances safety

• Thorough preparation ensures the skin is in the best possible condition for treatment, reducing complications.

Improves outcomes

• Prepping can lead to more uniform results, longer-lasting effects, and overall satisfaction with the therapy.

What compromises skin health

• There are numerous reasons why skin may be prone to adverse reactions from your treatment. 
• These may vary from changes to health, medication, high stress levels and poor diet. 

It is important to review a client for such changes before commencing any advanced treatment protocol that has limitations or potential for adverse reactions as it is your responsibility as the practitioner to ensure your client’s skin has been supported to respond as positively as possible to your treatment.

Enhancing skin health

• The skin’s microbiome and immune response play crucial roles in maintaining overall skin health and resilience, especially when preparing for advanced skin treatments.
• It, therefore, stands to reason that your first point of call is to focus on improving the skin’s microbiome and strengthening the skin’s immune response before introducing any advanced procedure.

Identifying symptoms of compromised skin

When examining the skin symptoms that can point to skin deficiencies look for the following

• Redness and inflammation
• Patches that look dryer than the rest of the skin
• Poor skin quality with disturbed levels of hydration and even skin tone
• A tendency for flare-ups or itchiness.

A balanced microbiome helps protect against harmful bacteria and environmental stressors, while a strong immune response ensures the skin can heal and recover effectively.

Let’s explore this further as well as recommended ingredients to help you achieve this

Understanding the skin microbiome and immune response

Skin Microbiome

• The skin microbiome consists of a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on the skin’s surface.
• A balanced microbiome is essential for protecting the skin against pathogens, reducing inflammation, and maintaining a healthy barrier function.

Skin Immune Response

• The skin’s immune system includes various cells and molecules that detect and respond to threats, such as infections, wounds, and environmental damage.
• Strengthening this response is crucial for the skin’s ability to repair itself and maintain its integrity.

Key Skincare Ingredients for a Healthy Microbiome

Prebiotics – How they function in the skin

• Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the skin.

Sources include

• Inulin
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
• Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

How they work

• Nourish beneficial bacteria on the skin.
• Help maintain a balanced microbiome.
• Reduce the risk of infections and inflammation.

Probiotics – How they function in the skin

• Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can be applied topically to support a healthy skin microbiome.

Sources include: 

• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium
• Streptococcus thermophilus

How they benefit the skin

• Restore and balance the skin microbiome.
• Improve skin barrier function.
• Reduce signs of inflammation and irritation.

Postbiotics – How they function in the skin

• Postbiotics are metabolic byproducts of probiotics that have beneficial effects on the skin.

Sources include

• Fermented ingredients
• Bacterial lysates

Benefits

• Enhance the skin’s natural defense mechanisms.
• Promote a healthy and balanced microbiome.
• Soothe and calm irritated skin.

Key skincare ingredients for strengthening the skin immune response

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Function

• Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties.

Benefits

• Enhances the skin’s immune response.
• Reduces redness and inflammation.
• Improves barrier function and hydration.

Peptides

Function

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help stimulate collagen production and support the skin’s repair processes.

Benefits

• Boost the skin’s natural healing and repair mechanisms.
• Improve skin elasticity and firmness.
• Enhance the skin’s immune defense.

Beta-Glucans

Function

• Beta-glucans are polysaccharides derived from oats, yeast, or fungi with powerful immune-modulating properties.

Benefits:

• Stimulate the skin’s immune cells.
• Enhance wound healing and repair.
• Provide antioxidant protection.

Ceramides

Function

• Ceramides are lipids that are essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier function and hydration.

Benefits:

• Strengthen the skin’s barrier.
• Prevent moisture loss and dryness.
• Support the skin’s natural immune defense.

Antioxidants

Function

• Antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can impair the skin’s immune response.

Sources:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
• Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
• Green Tea Extract
• Resveratrol

Benefits

• Neutralise free radicals.
• Reduce inflammation and damage.
• Support the skin’s repair processes.

Preparing for advances skin treatments

Incorporate Beneficial Ingredients

Routine

• Use products containing prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to maintain a healthy microbiome.
• Include niacinamide, peptides, beta-glucans, ceramides, and antioxidants to strengthen the skin’s immune response.

What to do with products in skin prepping?

Cleansers

• Choose gentle, microbiome-friendly cleansers.

Serums

• Use serums rich in niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants.

Moisturisers

• Choose formulations with ceramides and beta-glucans.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

What routine should my client follow?

• Minimise the use of harsh exfoliants, sulphates, and alcohol-based products that can disrupt the microbiome and weaken the skin’s barrier.

Products

• Exfoliants: Use gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or enzyme-based products.
• Cleansers: Avoid foaming cleansers with high sulphate content.
• Toners: Choose an alcohol-free toner.

Maintain Consistency

Routine for immune-boosting ingredients

Consistent use of microbiome-friendly and immune-boosting ingredients can prepare the skin for advanced treatments, ensuring it remains resilient and healthy.

Products for Client Homecare

While your professional treatment will aim to strengthen the skin, your treatment aims must be supported by the appropriate products that your client also uses at home. 

Ensure you provide them with both their daily routine as well as additional products such as a mask, that they can use weekly. Collaboration is important in order that the skin is supported for ongoing improvement.

Further tips for clients

• Enhancing the skin’s microbiome and strengthening its immune response are essential steps in preparing for advanced skin treatments.
• Incorporate prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, niacinamide, peptides, beta-glucans, ceramides, and antioxidants into your skincare routine, you can ensure your client’s skin is in optimal condition to handle and recover from advanced treatments.
• Consistency and careful product selection are key to achieving a balanced, resilient, and healthy skin barrier.

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