We work in an exciting industry that offers so many choices to our clients, but how can we decide what the best modalities for our clients are? Let's start with the true-blue ones that have been with us for many decades and are proven effective and safe. Whatever modality you choose with your clients, the most important part is if it is safe for them and their skin.
1. High Frequency
This modality is high-intensity, electrical currents that oxygenate the skin by heating the sebaceous glands. Developed by Nikolas Tesla in the late 1800s, high frequency destroys acne-causing bacteria, smooths skin texture, calms inflammation and aids in lymphatic drainage. High frequency can even be used on the scalp to increase blood flow to the hair follicles. If you have yet to try this modality, please do! It feels incredible on your scalp. This is great to incorporate in your facials. Kits usually start at $50 and up.
2. Lymphatic Drainage
Since the lymph fluid is being removed, and is not stagnant during lymphatic drainage treatments, it enhances the natural contours of the face, reduces puffiness and gives a boost of radiance to your clients’ skin. You must ensure it's done correctly, or clients can experience headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Jade rollers and gua sha stones are examples of lymphatic drainage tools. Gua sha originates from Eastern Asia and helps the parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in client relaxation. The practice encourages lymphatic flow, increases circulation and gives a smooth and lifted boost. Gua sha also helps with the facial meridian channels to relieve blocked energy. Depending on the crystal stone the gua sha is carved out of, it has healing properties as well. Jade rollers and gua sha tools can be purchased for as low as $1,000, but other lymphatic drainage tools can cost up into the thousands.
3. Microcurrent
Microcurrent improves muscle tone to lift jowls and eyebrows. It reduces wrinkles, eliminates fine lines and improves facial circulation. A microcurrent facial is even referred to as a natural facelift.
Microcurrent uses a low level of electricity that mirrors the body's natural electrical current. This triggers chemical reactions at a cellular level to enhance the production of natural collagen and elastin, providing circulation benefits and re-educating the muscles of the face. Working on a cellular level to repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen and elastin is a win-win. Plus, it naturally tightens the muscles, so the face looks fresh and natural. It's essentially a workout for your face.
I like to use this modality around the eyes, especially since eye muscles are the busiest muscles in the body. Scientists estimate that our eye muscles move more than 100,000 times a day.1 Due to this, and the skin on the eyes being so fragile, we should be kind to our eyes. Microcurrent devices start at $325 and span into the thousands.
Related: 5 Devices for Solo Estheticians
4. Ultrasound
Ultrasound is another excellent modality for muscles. Ultrasound waves generate heat within the dermis without damaging the epidermis. Ultrasound helps to restore dermal density and tighten the skin, which helps slow down intrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is how the body ages from the inside.
We tend to experience muscle and bone loss as we age. You'll see the eyes become more hollow and sunken, making our faces look tired 24/7. Nasolabial folds thin out and make us look angry. Intrinsic aging makes our facial expressions appear more rigid. Ultrasound re-educates the muscle, giving them a lift. The controlled dermal heating incites a "wound healing" response that stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize and lay down new collagen.2 Price ranges from $300 to the thousands.
5. Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency (RF) is non-invasive and works by heating the skin in the dermis layer with a rolling probe. The energy created stimulates collagen production, which triggers lifting and skin remodeling to tighten skin. RF devices are ideal for the face, jawline and body. Clients often find it relaxing, especially with the warmth the wand provides. RF devices start at $500 and go well into the thousands.
6. Cryotherapy Facial
This treatment is a non-invasive facial treatment that increases blood and oxygen flow to the face, making the skin look healthy and plump. It creates a more taught, vibrant and glowing appearance. This modality is our most popular service at Solia Spa. Clients love it because they see a difference right after the treatment, and it doesn’t leave the client's skin red or swollen. I highly recommend a Cryotherapy facial device. It can also be used for the body for cellulite, fat loss, stretch marks, crepe skin, etc. Cryotherapy devices cost well into the double-digit thousands, but the return on this investment is outstanding. More importantly, how it transforms the client's face and body is excellent.
Combined Modalities
Several other modalities work to tighten and sculpt the skin such as a laser, IPL, LED, etc. The effects of these modalities are enhanced when combined, such as LED and microcurrent or microcurrent and ultrasound. Another good modality combination would be a cryothearpy facial device and LED therapy. I like to combine a Cryo T-Shock Facial with an LED Mask, followed by lymphatic drainage. Other modalities include HydraFacial, LED, dermaplane, microneedling, oxygen therapy, dermabrasion, nano infusion and galvanic.
Do Your Research
Visit spa shows or call the manufacturers, and ask their sales representatives to come out and demonstrate their devices to see what is best for you and your clients. Take your time choosing which modality is best. Does it make sense in your practice and your comfort level? Always experience the modality first to see how you like it.
Hands On
Your hands are the most phenomenal modality you can use. Our hands carry a tremendous amount of energy. Most of us enter the spa business because we want to help people feel and look good. It warms our soul to know we helped someone achieve this. The energy that radiates from our hearts and out of our hands is a high vibration of love and nurturing energy, which provides a safe and ultra-relaxed experience for the client. They trust we will take excellent care of their needs, and most importantly, they know they are cared for.
Human touch is powerful and will always win over any device because of our intent and energy. Human touch reduces blood pressure and helps us to feel less stressed and calmer. It is a boost to the immune system and increases levels of serotonin.
Over the past four years, we all have seen an increase in anxiety and depression with our clients and with ourselves. To know that our hands can help ease these symptoms and help people is incredible. Clients feel the connection and love from us. Artificial Intelligence (AI) or a facial modality can never replace this. Connect with your clients on this level; you will have a client for life.
References
- www.npr.org/2011/02/25/134059275/looking-at-what-the-eyes-see
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-ultrasound-skin-tightening-can-firm-lift-your-face/
Renowned beauty industry expert Lisa Stewart is a trusted skin care expert whose passion and tireless efforts have earned her a place in the market as one of the country's most beloved and most sought-after skin care professionals. She is the guest beauty expert for Fox, The Doctor's, writer, and advisory board member for Skin Inc. She is the founder and owner of Solia Spa and Peri Skin Care and is a co-host for the national TV show, Lite It Up TV.
