There is no single definition of beauty. In recent decades, society has come to celebrate individuality and the personal expression of beauty. When I opened Skin Therapy by Eden, my goal was to provide personalized skin therapy with a customized natural approach to enhance one’s unique features. My methodology is multi-faceted based on more than a decade and a half of practiced aesthetic expertise. I embrace many of the tools of the trade, while being careful to exclude gimmicks that don’t have efficacy or a foundation in real, evidence-based medicine.
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There is no single definition of beauty. In recent decades, society has come to celebrate individuality and the personal expression of beauty. When I opened Skin Therapy by Eden, my goal was to provide personalized skin therapy with a customized natural approach to enhance one’s unique features. My methodology is multi-faceted based on more than a decade and a half of practiced aesthetic expertise. I embrace many of the tools of the trade, while being careful to exclude gimmicks that don’t have efficacy or a foundation in real, evidence-based medicine.
A singular modality is not effective in achieving optimal skin health and natural results. My clients are happiest when their healthy aging needs are met with combination therapies that include lasers, dermal fillers, neuromodulators and medical-grade products for home use. I have also made it a priority to allot ample time per client focusing on quality and thoughtful interventions versus quantity.
There has been a recent trend within this past year with the introduction of skin-boosting dermal fillers and peptide neuromodulator options. These adjunctive injectable therapies offer internal skin hydration with collagen stimulation, without the addition of volume. The end result is delivering hydration and radiant skin. I embrace this movement towards celebrating and honoring one’s unique beauty utilizing all the tools in my toolbox thoughtfully.
Understanding Individual Beauty
Aesthetic professionals, first and foremost, should always prioritize their clients’ concerns and needs. I value this intention, yet I strive to deliver honest client feedback staying true to the delivery of natural aesthetic practices. It is the spa professional’s job to assess each client individually and develop a customized care plan.
A personalized approach helps facilitate skin enhancements that complement one’s natural features. Educating each client on the various skin-boosting treatments applicable to their needs and the setting of realistic expectations is of utmost importance. My goal is focused on the natural enhancement of existing characteristics with respect to facial symmetry and balance.
Using Discretion with Injectables
Injectables, such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers, can be used strategically to correct wrinkles, fine lines, increase fullness and restore facial fat loss. Global facial filling (i.e. a liquid face lift) with dermal fillers has become very popular within the last decade. Restoring facial volume loss carefully without over-volumizing is a game changer in achieving a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
To avoid an over-filled face, a slow approach using careful discretion is ideal. This allows for edification and evaluation of product integration within the skin. Typically injecting discernibly over two-to-three sessions is recommended to allow for the settling of swelling and bruising, and preventing unnecessary chasing of product.
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Things to Do
Here is a list of the top things you can do for your clients when it comes to enhancing their natural beauty and treatment experience.
Customize Treatments
I always assess each client's unique facial anatomy and educate them on which treatments will serve them best. I also tailor a personalized treatment plan as there is not a “one size fits all” prescriptive.
Progress Slowly
I allow for a gradual approach when introducing injectables to ensure the client is satisfied with their results. This carefully plotted plan helps facilitate a thoughtful slowly-paced progression with facial balancing for optimal skin rejuvenation.
Educate and Communicate
Ample time is allocated to discuss and educate on the fine details of each recommended service. Answering questions helps facilitate the correct frequency of services per my practiced experience as guidelines are based in science-backed research.
Discussion of the pre-and post-treatment details is essential for planning and keeping realistic expectations. I also make sure that I explain in real time what I am doing while actively treating the client. This is essential to develop client trust, so they are comfortable and safe throughout the entire process.
Expert Injector
There is an artistry in technique that comes with decades of experience. An advanced injector is more apt to achieve natural-looking results with their many years of injecting experience. The artful placement of product is a honed skill that is developed over time. The old saying “practice makes perfect” can be extrapolated to any industry. My recipe for success is ample time allocation, thoughtful placement using seasoned skills, and follow-up care to assess product integration and efficacy.
Things to Avoid
Here are the top things you should avoid.
Overuse of Product
Products should not be recommended or injected if the client does not visually need them after a consult and assessment of their skin. The timeline of the last filler placed is irrelevant if one’s dermal fillers are still appearing balanced and sitting naturally.
I offer fillers based on a visual assessment of need. I prefer not to inject and offer another service with a risk of a small financial loss, rather than adding unnatural appearing volume. In the long run, my perspective is that clients are advertising my professional work and with a business based on referrals; I am considering both the client and my professional reputation. Clients are usually appreciative of my professional honesty, and this helps foster a trusting long-term relationship.
Not Listening to Clients
It is important to understand that different people wish to achieve different results, and addressing a client’s concerns is key for a successful outcome. Respecting a client’s wishes is always the priority with gentle reassurance and guidance.
Standardized Services
Every face is different and unique and requires a specific approach. Thinking one can treat all clients the same is a recipe for problems. However, a protocol is in place for each service and the client is educated on the specifics for both pre- and post-care with verbal and electronic written consent.
Embracing Beauty
Embracing a multifactorial approach that is client-focused and individualized is essential to achieve and elevate natural beauty. It is important to listen to clients and try to guide them with ethical and honest practiced expertise.
At the end of the day, despite the circumstances, a client will always remember how you made them feel above and beyond anything else. Exercising humility and listening with empathy is the key to any successful relationship. We are all unique and our natural beauty should be honored and highlighted. I am grateful for the continued opportunity to provide skin therapy to my loyal family of clients.
Eden Leyanna, MSN, FNP, is the Founder of a boutique skin care haven in Encino, California, SkinTherapy by Eden. With over 16 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, Eden is dedicated to enhancing her clients' natural beauty while preserving their unique features. She brings expertise honed by top industry professionals and exposure to cutting-edge treatments.
