
Experts reveal the most popular devices in treatment rooms today.
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Experts reveal the most popular devices in treatment rooms today.
Which facial devices and modalities are most popular?
Dr. Dennis Gross, board-certified dermatologist, co-founder, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: In day spas, LED light therapy is currently one of the most popular treatments. Light therapy has a long list of benefits without any risk of downtime or irritation. LED with red and blue light can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like a chemical peel or mask, to enhance results or minimize downtime.
Denise Ryan, VP of brand management, Celluma: Everyone is looking to turn back the clock and reduce the impact of blemishes and acne, so anti-aging and acne treatments are always in demand (for men and women). When considering treatment options for the face, neck and décolleté, LED therapy is a game changer for this often-neglected area of the body.
Jesse Boatright, head of business development, Foreo: One of the top add-on services in spas today is microcurrent. Depending on how early you start a routine, microcurrent combined with the appropriate skin care can push those wrinkles off into the next decade, or even skip a couple. Spa owners are also loving the retail sales that come from this as an add-on service.
Dasha Saian Marchese, LE, CEO, Saian: Within our scope as estheticians, the most popular modalities are LED panels and classic handheld devices, such as a high frequency machine, microcurrent and ultrasonic skin scrubber spatula.
Lindsay Owen, lead esthetician and corporate trainer, Woodhouse Spas: Some of the most requested modalities are microcurrent and LED light therapy. Thanks to social media and the internet, our guests are familiar with more devices than ever before. As spa professionals, it is our job to educate guests about the specific benefits and details of treatments, and tailor the modalities to the individual’s specific needs.
Related: Top 10 Facial Devices, Ranked
What skin health and beauty benefits do these modalities provide?
Dr. Gross: LED light therapy works similar to other topical ingredients that stimulate skin receptors to be a catalyst for diverse functions. For example, red LED stimulates fibroblast cells to make more natural collagen, which improves lines and wrinkles, and supports overall healthy, vibrant-looking skin. Red LED also helps reduce inflammation by diminishing the root cause of redness.
Blue LED kills acne-causing bacteria and contributes to healthy oil production. Adding red or blue LED to a facial treatment will help deliver clear, smooth skin and boost the desired results.
Boatright: Although everyone cries, “Microcurrent is like a workout for your face!” it’s so much more. The body has several reactions to microcurrent, the most important being muscular, cellular and vascular improvements—especially for mature women. It also supports collagen and elastin growth, which slows down in the body with age. Microcurrent gives the production rate a big boost.
Everyone knows that the muscles will start to tone over a period of time with regular use, but what clients may not know is that it stimulates blood cells (my second reason for loving microcurrent treatments). Plus, it improves blood circulation overall for holistic health and healing.
What immediately comes to mind in this case is acne. Microcurrent destroys bacteria, therefore reducing acne. At the same time, that improved circulation helps heal acne breakouts and often helps diminish acne scars.
It also helps fight inflammation, allergies and other ailments, which is huge for clients with health needs. These three advantages zero in on the very demographics that walk into our spas every day needing our help and advice.
Marchese: The ultrasonic skin spatula is the perfect portable device in the treatment room to facilitate extractions, and especially the unsightly blackheads and sebaceous filaments found in the T-zone. High frequency is also absolutely essential for treating acne, as well as preventing the spread of C. acnes bacteria after performing extractions.
I personally love using LED in all treatments, because there are so few contraindications and a plethora of benefits. A professional LED panel may be geared toward anti-aging, pain management or acne, and some manufacturers combine the treatment modes into one device.
Candace Noonan, director of education, DermaConcepts, distributor of Environ Skin Care: Iontophoresis and sonophoresis improve the delivery and efficacy of ingredients for targeted skin care benefits. Cosmetic microneedling stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin’s appearance.
Owen: Microcurrent helps stimulate collagen, firms and tightens the skin, contours the face and neck, and improves circulation. It leaves skin looking lifted and contoured.
LED light therapy helps regenerate, purify and reduce inflammation. I prefer using LED toward the end of a facial to calm redness and improve skin tone, leaving the skin with a youthful glow.
What other amenities or modalities work well with these facial devices?
Gross: Some topical ingredients, like retinol and vitamin C, need to penetrate the deeper layers of skin; although important, this process can disrupt the moisture barrier, triggering dryness or sensitivity. LED can penetrate without causing irritation to the uppermost layers, so it is a great tool to pair with other ingredients to balance the skin and soothe any irritation from active ingredients.
Owen: Combining holistic techniques with more advanced modalities elevates the overall benefits of any service. Gua sha is a great technique that pairs well with microcurrent and light therapy. I recommend performing gua sha first for lymphatic drainage and to release tense facial muscles. Follow with microcurrent to sculpt and finish with LED light therapy to reduce inflammation. This is great for treating multiple concerns, leaving the skin brighter, tighter and more refined.
An esthetician’s greatest tool is their hands. Facial acupressure and connective tissue massage holistically stimulate blood flow and collagen production. These techniques offer great additional benefits and pair perfectly with microcurrent and light therapy.
Ryan: LED can be combined safely and effectively with a wide number of treatment modalities, including laser, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, injections, pre- and post-surgery services, waxing and much more. In most instances, LED can be used prior to any of these treatments to vitalize and prepare the tissue. If there is only time to use LED once, then maximum benefits may be achieved with a post-procedure session to facilitate healing and increase skin rejuvenation benefits.
Noonan: Using aromatherapy and essential oils during a facial treatment can enhance relaxation, mood and overall well-being. Certain essential oils may also offer specific skin benefits. Incorporating facial massage techniques can improve circulation, lymphatic drainage and product absorption. It promotes relaxation and can further enhance the benefits of facial devices.
Finally, playing soothing music or using sound therapy techniques can create a serene atmosphere during treatments, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. These holistic amenities complement the effects of facial devices by providing a more comprehensive and relaxing experience for clients, which helps contribute to overall skin health and well-being.