Combination therapy is very popular today in aesthetics. In my early days of being an esthetician, we would stick to one type of exfoliation and keep it simple. Technology and ingredients have come a long way since then. We can combine different types of technology, techniques and ingredients to do several treatments in one. This is a way we can get our clients faster and better results.
Treatments that we love to combine in a facial are Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion and the Skin Scrubber (Ultra Sonic). Combining different types of mechanical exfoliation with AHAs create a powerful duo to smooth skin. Dermaplaning, Ultrasonic exfoliation and Microdermabrasion can reveal younger, softer skin to the surface. Can soften bumpy un even skin and help minimize acne. During this type of procedure collagen production is stimulated. It is painless and a great way to reduce uneven skin. Skin serums will penetrate better after this procedure. When you talk to your client you can see what type of results they are looking for.
Types of exfoliation: Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion, Skin Scrubber/ Ultra Sonic Exfoliation, Enzymes and AHAs
Combination Therapy for Professional Facials
1. Dermaplaning – Using a surgical blade to remove vellus hair and dead skin. Clients with alot of “peach fuzz” love this. Clients usually are more on the dry side. You wouldn’t do this treatment on someone with active acne.
2. Microdermabrasion – There are many types of microdermabrasion machines. You can use the one with crystals or one that is a diamond tip. This is a great way to buff the top layer of dead skin off. Wonderful for skin with congested pores. Avoid skin types that are fragile or sensitive. You can lower the suction on the machine for these types of more sensitive skin.
3. Skin Scrubber / Ultrasonic Exfoliation – This is a wonderful type of machine to have in your facial room. You can do many types of treatments with it. You can even help penetrate serums deeper into the skin. For exfoliation this is a gentle yet powerful type of mechanical exfoliation. Skin is left soft and radiant afterwards.
4. Enzymes – Enzymes are my go to treatment for all skin types. I will always add it to my facials and even combine them with one or more of these other mechanical types of exfoliation depending on the skin type and what we are trying to achieve. Enzymes are a little more gentle than acids and will gobble up dead skin leaving it glowing. Revitalizing Enzyme Mask is a mask formulated with papaya and pineapple enzyme. Gentle and great for all skin types.
5. AHAs / Alpha Hydroxy Acids – AHAs are a wonderful staple to have in your treatment room and are great to combine with other types of exfoliation. If you have a skin type that has clogged pores you can use this in the beginning to soften up the skin. You can also use it after the mechanical exfoliation to go deeper. You can use products like our Retexturizing Enzyme Mask which contains 5% glycolic or The Radiant Rose Mask that contains 10% glycolic acid. These will gobble up the rest of the dead skin, leaving the skin polished.
For post treatment try using products that will help restore the barrier like the Daily Skin Salve. Avoid any extra exfoliation for 72 hours. Planning to do treatments every 3-4 weeks apart will help get more results.
Protocol Examples for Combination Therapy:
Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment – Normal, Dry, Combination and Oily Skin types
- Cleanse with Facial Cleansing Gel
- Tone skin with Gentle Clarifying Toner
- Cleanse and exfoliate with AHA Micro Bead Polish (if you are doing a microdermabrasion for acne treatment you can omit this step.)
- Apply thin layer of Revitalizing Enzyme Mask. Use with Steamer or hot towel compress
- Leave on for 3-8 minutes depending on skin type and rinse. If skin is very sensitive leave on less time.
- Begin to Microderm the skin. If skin is sensitive may need to do less passes.
- Apply Crisp Cranberry & Cucumber Mask for 5 minutes if skin is sensitive or irritated.
- Apply a hydrating or nourishing serum depending on the skin type. Vitamin Restore Serum is great for dry or skin concerned about aging and Balance Serum is great if you are doing a microdermabrasion for acne or skin with oil (Clarifying Serum can tingle).
- Apply Daily Skin Salve
- Apply Eye Renewal Serum to eye area.
- Apply Light Moisture Cream for combination skin or Vitamin Daily Moisturizer for dry skin
Dermaplaning facial treatment – Normal, Dry, Combination and Oily Skin Types
- Cleanse with Facial Cleansing Gel
- Tone skin with Gentle Clarifying Toner
- Inspect skin for any wounds, cuts or breakouts to avoid. Avoid areas that have warts or anything that could possibly spread. If you are not sure, refer the to their dermatologist.
- Apply a thin layer of Phyto Nourish Face Oil to skin for normal to dry skin types.
- Hold skin taut with one hand, hold blade in other hand at a 45 degree angle against skin. Go forward first to make sure you are not going over area of the skin with bumps or uneven skin. Go over all skin. Repeat over desired areas.
- Cleanse with Facial Cleansing Gel
- Apply Revitalizing Enzyme Mask for 5 minutes. If skin is sensitive you can apply and remove. For a deeper exfoliation you can use the Retexturizing Enzyme Mask that contains 5% Glycolic and Pumpkin Enzyme.
- Apply a hydrating or nourishing serum depending on the skin type. Natural Replenishing Serum is a great one that can be used on all skin types.
- Apply Eye Renewal Serum. For dry skin types you can add Antioxidant Eye Cream.
- Apply Light Moisture Cream for combination skin or Vitamin Daily Moisturizer for dry skin.