Machines can amp up your services and provide a level of result not otherwise possible with a conventional facial. Many of the new machines today are developed to penetrate active ingredients deeper into the skin, allowing better absorption of skin care products.
This may seem incredibly obvious, but since machines allow products to gain additional depth penetration, let’s be sure we’re using skin care products with high percentages of active ingredients. In addition, it’s advantageous to have this large percentage of actives available for delivery via micro encapsulated nano-technology.
This provides the appropriately small Dalton size molecule that, in conjunction with the various machine methods available for penetration, really gets the power of the actives to the problem places beneath the cutaneous level, where the problem typically is. By accomplishing this, you are reaching the core of the cell and not only aggressively fighting the aging process, but also effecting superior positive change for your client.

Benefits of Machines in Practice:
Let’s take a look at the breakdown of advantages you’ll enjoy as an expert in the field of machine based skin care solutions.

Having machines and the corresponding facial solutions tells the consumer:
1) You are savvy and knowledgeable of the industry. It also indicates you are eager to provide them with only the best.
2) You are interested in having your products and services perform better on their skin, ie; you’re able to provide more dramatic and longer lasting results for your clients.
3) You are cutting edge; it sets you apart from other spas/salons in your area.

This knowledge and commitment also provides the following benefits in other areas:
4) You can keep your aestheticians and staff interested and excited to learn about, perform and promote new services that increase your overall value to the clients.
5) You may begin to compete with or crossover into Medi-Spa or Dermatological type services. (Note: without a licensed Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon (doctor) on staff, you are limited to Class I machines, somewhat limiting your effectiveness, but still better than not using machines at all)
6) You can expand your service selection offering more options to more potential clients.
7) You possess the ability to add on selections and to upgrade regular facials with the use of machines.
8) You may take advantage of unique marketing opportunities, especially if you are the first or only one in the market area to offer the service, result, benefit, etc.

What Should You Purchase?
It should be quite clear by now the tremendous advantage that can be gained by introducing and employing high technology into your aesthetics practice. Let’s then review some of the options available to incorporate new, more potent machine solutions into your stable.
Below please find some possible machine options, including descriptions, features and benefits:

High Frequency: Consists of an oscillating high frequency current that promotes the cell renewal process by enhancing blood circulation and increasing collagen and elastin production. High frequency also gently stimulates the removal of harmful toxins and acne-causing bacteria from the skin, encouraging lymphatic drainage and gently exfoliating away dead skin cells. The result is clearer, firmer, brighter, and more vibrant skin.

Microcurrent: These treatments are designed to work by mimicking the body's own bioelectrical systems, thereby working to restore natural balance and healthy processes. microcurrent uses safe, painless, low-level, waveform-shaped currents (electrical impulses) to also “reprogram” the muscles back to a nearly original muscle shape.
In addition, our bodies seem to use the microcurrent energy to enhance our own energy production by increasing the production of ATP (the bodies own chemical energy) by up to 500 percent. At the same time, it also increases protein synthesis and waste product removal, and can be viewed as a catalyst helpful in initiating the healing process.
Microcurrents gentle electrical impulses actually rehabilitate the muscles and improve circulation, texture, tone, and smooth away fine lines for immediate and long-lasting results. With regular use microcurrent can continue to promote underlying muscle tone and restore freshness and vitality to the appearance of skin.

Intense Pulsed Light: These machines are most commonly used by non-specialist medical practitioners and aestheticians to offer a method of hair removal from the body involving the use of a specially constructed xenon flash light and focusing optics.
In the hair removal process, the focused, broad spectrum light is applied to the surface of the skin by either a handheld wand, or by an articulated arm. The intense light travels through the tissue of the skin directly into the hair shafts or the bulb of the hair. The bulb tends to be where the highest concentration of melanin is located.
When the xenon light strikes the dark colored melanin, it is converted to heat energy. The bulb as well as most of the hair shaft is instantly vaporized. The intense heat radiated by the hair also destroys the hair producing papilla.
The IPL hair removal process has become very popular due to the relatively low cost and speed of the procedure. It compares very favorably to laser hair removal, which is often more costly and time consuming. The comparison of effectiveness between IPL and laser hair removal is debated by many, but is generally accepted to be equivalent.
The pulses of light produced by the IPL equipment used by aestheticians, in general, are very short in duration so discomfort and damage should be minor. Most who undergo IPL hair removal experience only slight irritation similar to that of a minor wind burn. Be advised, though, under certain circumstances, blisters may occur. The light that emanates from the IPL wand is filtered to remove any ultraviolet components, eliminating the possibility of UV skin damage.

Ultrasound: This is a term used to describe sound above the range that can be heard by the human ear. An emerging area for the use of ultrasound can be found in skin care for delivery of active ingredients deeper into the skin. Researchers have discovered that specific frequencies of sound waves can create micro-channels through the skin that allow for the safe penetration of products with high percentages of active ingredients found in the better skin care formulations (preferably micro encapsulated actives).
A skin rejuvenating Ultrasonic treatment involves the production of high-frequency sonic waves combined with frictional heat. This combination, in conjunction with potent, active face products, synergistically penetrate deep below the surface of the skin to help repair cells, gently exfoliate the skin, tone facial muscles, increase blood circulation, cleanse away toxins, and reduce inflammation.

Blue Light Acne Therapy: Recent studies have shown Blue Light Therapy (LED) as an effective treatment promoting the creation of oxygen within the skin. These powerful molecules have the ability to effectively kill acne-causing bacteria, resulting in clearer, brighter skin. Unlike other acne treatments, blue light does not contain harmful ultraviolet (UV) light which will damage skin, and won’t result in dryness or discomfort associated with harsh topical medications. Blue Light Therapy does not seem to cause any known side effects.

Red LED Therapy: LED (Light Emitting Diode) photo-rejuvenation is a very new technology based on important breakthrough research by NASA. It is rapidly becoming one of the most innovative ways to help rejuvenate and repair the skin. The power of Red LED light energy activates the body’s own natural systems to counteract the signs of aging. This is done by activating cellular metabolism, stimulating the skin’s fibroblasts and promoting circulation, which leads to a natural increase in collagen and elastin production. Several studies have recently shown the cellular and metabolic effects of LED light therapy to fade age spots and freckles, clear up broken capillaries, help to refine fine lines and wrinkles, reduce redness and inflammation, and shrink enlarged pores. These features combine to provide one a brighter, smoother, and more youthful skin.

Conclusion:
By embracing change, and the high technology responsible for the leading trends in aging gracefully and looking your best, you demonstrate your awareness and competency in the field. This leading edge approach will also provide your clients with better results, keeping them coming back as well as adding fire to the power of word-of-mouth advertising we all covet.

Ameann DeJohn is an active consultant and educator to top salons, spas, and skin care manufacturers across the U.S. DeJohn is a former spa owner and a licensed aesthetician with more than 17 years experience in the beauty industry. She has been featured on all major networks, lectures at trade conferences, and continues to write for industry publications. To reach her, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..