Exfoliation

Mechanical Exfoliation Examples Dry Skin Brushing Wet Skin Brushing Salt Glow Sugar Glow Body Polish Body Scrub Loofah Scrub Friction Buff and Bronze A physical process in which the body is rubbed with an abrasive product or with a coarse hand-held item such as a loofah

Enzymatic or Dissolving Types of exfoliation used only by estheticians or physicians Rely on their biological action rather than physical abrasion These products dissolve keratin in the skin Dissolve dead skin cells Support the skin in natural turnover The use of these products is out of the massage scope of practice

Broaden Your Understanding Exfoliation treatments offered by estheticians and physicians in the spa industry Facial Exfoliation (E) Usually part of a facial Enzyme Exfoliation (E) Enzyme such as papain used Skin Peels (E) High concentrations of AHAs and BHAs Chemical Peels (P) Trichloroacetic acid (a vitamin A derivative) used Dermabrasion (P) Controlled surgical scraping Microdermabrasion (E) Skin “sandblasted” with microcrystals of aluminum oxide (E) = Esthetician, (P) = Physician

Treatment Considerations Scope of Practice Massage Focus Relaxation Lymph flow Stimulation of circulation Decrease muscle tension Increase the vital energy of the body Esthetician Focus Skin care To avoid confusion, massage therapists focus on the body-oriented benefits of the treatment in the promotional description rather than focusing on the skin

Dry Skin Brushing The body is brushed in a particular pattern to Stimulate lymph flow Boost immunity Stimulate circulation Revitalize the body

Dry Skin Brushing Technique

The Salt or Sugar Glow Salt or sugar are used with oil, water, body wash, or other wet or oily product in a mechanical exfoliation

Dead Sea Salt The Dead Sea is an ancient landlocked sea whose water has been slowly evaporating over the centuries, producing a concentrated natural salt solution that has a velvety texture Salt formations at the Dead Sea

Bearn Salt Bearn salt, from springs in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France, has well known restorative and antistress properties The salt dance—traditionally danced at the Bearn Salt Festival

Epson Salt & Table Salt Table Salt Epson salt Inorganic mineral salt Often used as a soaking aid for sore, tight muscles Drying Best used on oily skin types Table Salt Never use table salt in a spa treatment

Sugar Gentler than salt Emollient Humectant (moisturizing) Used granulated for exfoliation Used as a body glaze in a cocoon Table sugar Brown sugar Honey Molasses Raw sugar Sugar cane

The Full-Body Polish An elegant four-step exfoliation treatment that often includes a well-designed smell-scape Steps Cleanse Exfoliate Tone Moisturize

The Body or Loofah Scrub Vigorous Foaming body wash and hand-held loofah, mitts, or rough-textured cloths Well-suited to wet- room delivery

Review Exfoliation Treatments Place a C by conditions that are contraindications and an I by conditions that are indications for a full-body salt glow _____ Inflamed skin _____ High blood pressure _____ Stress and tense muscles _____ Eczema _____ Sunburn _____ Serious circulatory condition _____ Low energy

Exchange: The Salt or Sugar Glow Wet-Room Outline Go through medical history if cleared of contraindications explain treatment. Move the client to the Vichy Room Client Supine Apply salt or sugar in a bath gel Rinse the salt or sugar from the body Turn the client and repeat Move the client to a massage table for a full–body massage and rehydration Dry-Room Outline Go through medical history if cleared of contraindications explain treatment. Start client supine Apply salt or sugar and exfoliate the area Remove with a hot towel Apply aroma mist or skin toner Apply aloe gel Pat dry with a hand towel Redrape the area and move on to the next area