I feel like I am constantly hearing about sensitivities lately. Unfortunately, when it comes to skin care, skin sensitivity has crept its way to the top of the skin concern list in recent years, and sadly, it does not seem like it is going anywhere anytime soon. 

There was a time when sensitive skin was a temporary, reactionary concern – the result of medication or an external influencing factor – but today it affects over 80% of clients. As with any skin condition, understanding the multitude of causes is the only way to improve the condition. Since there are far more than just a handful of influencing factors, the challenge is up to skin care professionals. This month’s issue is loaded with information that will lead readers down the path of “skinsensitivity,” but there are two things that are worth sharing that will serve as a driving success force. The first point is the importance of a thorough consultation and the second is thinking outside the box. 

The consultation is the most critical part of any skin treatment. Yet, treatments are often performed without any conversation about the client’s skin. A client books an appointment for a particular treatment, and the professional performs the service, no questions asked. Why? Because the client knows best, right? Wrong. 

 Sometimes, a client books a particular treatment because it sounded appealing on the spa menu or because their best friend recommended it. In no way does this mean that the treatment is right for them. Consult, be thorough, and educate the client as to what would be best for their skin and why. This is the professional’s job and responsibility. Product use, lifestyle factors, eating habits, medical conditions, and more can impact the condition of a client’s skin, and they should be talked through it. 

After the consultation, think outside the box. Take all the information received and carefully look it over to determine the best course of action. In most cases, the problems are factors that have absolutely nothing to do with skin; they just directly affect it. It can be difficult to deal with skin sensitivity in clients, but if the professional taps into their knowledge, skill, and expertise, they can stay ahead in the sensitivity game.