When it comes to taking care of skin, most people invest the majority of their time and money into treating their face, leaving skin on the body as an afterthought. However, skin care professionals are working to educate and bring awareness to the importance of treating the entire body. This awareness is leading to the demand for results-driven body treatments in the treatment room along with the desire to have a homecare regimen specifically for the body.
SKIN & BODY
Regardless of where skin is located, the main function is universal. Skin provides a protective barrier against ultraviolet radiation, hazardous substances, mechanical and physical injury, and thermal protection. The organ detects infections, helps regulate body temperature, and controls moisture loss. Nerve endings in skin communicate to the brain so that experiencing temperature, pleasure, pressure, and pain will keep the body safe from harm.
Skin on the body tends to be thicker than on the face and has more fat in the subcutaneous layer for thermal protection. It also produces less oil due to fewer sebaceous glands. Fewer oil glands leave skin on the body drier than the face. The T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) contains the most sebaceous glands, which leads to more oil being produced with higher visibility. Certain areas like the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are unique in that they have an extra layer in the epidermis that allows for more elasticity and resilience.
New skin is constantly being produced through a process called cellular turnover. Cellular turnover is the continuous act of shedding dead skin cells and subsequently replacing them with younger, healthier cells. Age, hydration levels, skin care, and overall health are all factors that dictate how fast this process happens. Skin on the body has a naturally slower turnover rate than the face, so treating concerns may require stronger formulations, stacking multiple modalities, and more frequent treatments. Exfoliation is one of the easiest ways to support healthy cellular turnover, which is why it is a core step for the majority of body treatments.
{mprestriction ids=”3,4,26,18,6,7,8,9,14,18,43,44″}
PROFESSIONAL BODY TREATMENTS
Incorporating body treatments into a menu provides a more comprehensive approach to skin care and keeps clients excited about exploring new professional offerings. Just like skin on the face, skin on the body can experience breakouts, premature aging, texture issues, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. In the past, it was common to see body scrubs, dry brushing, body wraps, and bath soaks on a menu being advertised as forms of relaxation or to encourage detoxification. While these offerings still have great benefits, menus are expanding to include additional targeted solutions for the body that are unique to the treatment room.
Treatment examples include body slimming and contouring, back facials that treat breakouts, and intimate area lightening. In addition, providers can offer professional chemical peels for the hands, arms, back, and buttocks to target client concerns.
INTRODUCING A BODY TREATMENT
Bringing client awareness to body treatments can be as easy as adding a body section to the client intake form so they understand that treatment for areas other than the face is an option. This can look like an outline of a full body with directions to circle any areas of concern. Once problem areas are identified, the provider can openly communicate the options and develop a thorough treatment plan. Educating clients on the importance of prevention is a great way to get them committed to a routine and their skin care journey. Having a preventative mindset will take less time, money, and resources than a corrective approach.
DEVELOPING A BODY TREATMENT PROTOCOL
The majority of products and devices in a professional backbar can treat the body just as efficiently as the face. Professional backbar products can be used on the body; the difference is the amount needed of each product. Keep in mind that when using more product for larger areas of the body, it is important to evaluate the cost per treatment in order to charge appropriately. If using a hydrodermabrasion or microneedling device, choosing a larger tip to work the broad surface areas of the body will be key in keeping the treatment time down.
Skin on the body is more resilient, providing an opportunity to stack multiple modalities in one service without causing irritation that is common with a more intensive treatment. Properly preparing and treating skin on the body is a similar process to the face, with exfoliation being one of the key factors in providing an effective treatment.
Example Protocol
Cleanse: Use an oil-based or cream cleanser to break down any oil or debris on skin. Perform a second cleanse with a gel-based cleanser.
Exfoliate: If performing multiple forms of exfoliation, start with a mechanical treatment (scrub, dry brush, microdermabrasion, or exfoliating mitts) and follow with a chemical option (peels, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, enzymes).
Mask or wrap: This is an optional enhancement. Applying a treatment mask or mud and then wrapping skin in plastic or mylar will warm the body to increase blood flow for better product absorption. Wrapping the body can induce sweating which helps the body detoxify by sweating out toxins.
Treat: Apply concentrated treatment serums or leave-on products with active ingredients that target concerns like peptides or retinoids for collagen and elastin production, mandelic, salicylic, or glycolic acids to kill bacteria and smooth skin, caffeine for increased blood flow, and antioxidants to decrease inflammation. The treatment could come from a device, such as those for microneedling or contouring. Be sure to check contraindications when mixing modalities.
Hydrate and nourish: Apply hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, glycerin, aloe vera, and panthenol to support the skin barrier.
Protect: It is crucial to apply sunscreen o the body if the client is exposed to the sun, especially after exfoliation.
HOMECARE REGIMENS FOR THE BODY
It is essential to educate the client on the importance of taking care of their skin at home to ensure continued desired results. Regular exfoliation is particularly important for skin on the body due to the constant shedding of dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation is a key step in any regimen, but it looks different depending on what body part is being treated. Breakout-prone skin will respond better to a chemical exfoliant versus a physical or manual exfoliant. For overall skin health and appearance, mechanical exfoliation will suffice. Exposing fresh cells changes the appearance of skin, giving it a plump, healthy glow.
The frequency of exfoliation depends on how intensive the exfoliation is. Dry brushing before showering or the use of exfoliating mitts in the shower can be a daily practice. A more intensive scrub should be limited to one to two times a week. Regardless of how frequently skin is exfoliated, it is necessary to keep it hydrated every day. Depending on the climate, applying a moisturizer multiple times a day may be required.
For a client who is applying treatment products with active ingredients, they must apply them to clean skin for maximum results. If the products can cause sensitivity to the sun, it is imperative that any body part exposed to the sun is protected with sunscreen daily. This step is essential, especially when targeting aging skin, hyperpigmentation, or both concerns.
Providing clients with helpful tips on how to incorporate a body regimen or regular body exfoliation makes it feel attainable and less intimidating. Remember to choose the tip that best suits their needs to avoid overwhelming them with information.
Pro Tips for At-Home Body Care
To intensify a physical exfoliant like a scrub, apply it to dry skin while standing in the shower with the water turned off. This prevents the water from dissolving or diluting the scrub before a full exfoliation is achieved and makes it easy to rinse off when complete.
Scrubs are usually made from sugar, salt, seeds, or a combination and mixed with oil. If using a salt scrub, make sure the area has not been shaved within 24 hours to prevent sensitivity since shaving is a form of exfoliation. Additionally, taking a bath before exfoliating will soften dead skin for easy removal.
If prone to dry skin, decrease the temperature of the water to a tepid temperature. Hot water dries skin significantly. After showering or bathing, pat skin dry and apply a moisturizer or body oil while skin is still damp to increase hydration. Try dry brushing in the morning for an energetic start to the day. Daily dry brushing not only gently exfoliates skin, but it also increases circulation to improve overall skin health.
For breakout-prone skin, wait to cleanse and exfoliate the body until after all shampoos and conditioners have been used. This will help ensure any ingredients with the potential to exasperate breakouts are cleansed from skin. Be mindful during warmer months when more skin of the body is exposed to the sun and consider cutting back on any products that cause sensitivity to the sun. Winter months are a great time to do more intensive body treatments and product application. Exfoliating too frequently leaves skin sensitized and dry. Not exfoliating enough leaves skin rough and dull, and it limits skin’s ability to benefit from aftercare products.
EVERY BODY DESERVES SELF-CARE
The cumulative results that occur by treating the body from head to toe are beneficial to everybody. On the outside, skin appears healthy and hydrated. Beyond the physical benefits, skin is being conditioned to operate at maximum efficiency, leading to overall health of skin’s primary functions. When skin is functioning properly, it provides better protection from the outside world as well as a window into the body’s internal health. Monitoring changes to skin can provide valuable insight into internal health and serve as a warning sign to more complicated concerns. For example, someone who looks at skin of their body on a daily basis is more likely to notice a physical change in color or texture versus someone who does not pay attention and misses warning signs of life-threatening conditions. One of the many responsibilities of a skin care professional is to advocate for yearly checkups with a dermatologist. Early detection can greatly reduce negative outcomes and potentially save a life.
It is no secret that the past few years have taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Self-care has been shown to elevate a person’s mood and overall well-being. The simple act of taking a few extra minutes to dry brush or apply a luxurious body balm can instantly elevate a person’s mood. Then, when the results start to show physically, there is another boost mentally because when someone looks good, they feel good.
{/mprestriction}
Rebecca Olpin has been at the forefront of the luxury spa industry for the last 18 years as an aesthetician and massage therapist. Her career began in Las Vegas, Nevada at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa. During this time, she not only discovered a growing passion for high-end spa and hospitality service but also the desire to lean further into management and training. This led her to open yet another Las Vegas spa at Palms Place. In recent years, Olpin applied this expertise as the department educator for the Mandarin Oriental and then was a key member of the launch team for L’Occitane’s first spa in the United States. Education, coupled with her vast hands-on experience in the spa industry, eventually brought her to Sorella Apothecary where she is currently the brand’s lead educator. Olpin’s passion is visible in her educational webinars, live trainings, and successful remote education curriculums.
