With the summer vacations in full effect, there’s a chance many of your clients are coming to you with sunburns. While the sun can be one of the most common culprits of burns this season, as aestheticians we commonly see a few other contributors like peel, laser and waxing treatments. When burn occurs, what is the safest way to work with skin? And is it possible to accelerate healing?
Yes, in most cases it is possible to speed the healing process, and in fact, I recommend clients seek professional guidance from their aesthetician so they don’t do further damage. As aestheticians, however, there are a few things to keep in mind when working with superficial burns and wounds.
What to Keep In Mind
For starters, depending on the severity of the burn, you may need to refer the client to a physician. If it is at the superficial level however, there is a lot we can do to soothe, nourish and rebuild the skin.
With minor burns, razor burns, or for post-peel and laser procedures that haven’t caused any major trauma, the ProSalve and Post Balm Lubricating Ointment are amazing healers. The ProSalve reduces discomfort, accelerates the healing and soothes and hydrates the skin. The Post Balm creates a protective barrier and provides anti-inflammatory, anti-itching and antibacterial support. For deeper burns or medical peels that have reached the dermis you will want to avoid using any occlusive topicals. These will trap in heat and seal in moisture or bind more to the skin. Post Balm can still work in this situation however, as it provides a layer of cushioning without holding in the heat.
Use formulas with ingredients like hydrocortisone, bisabolol, arnica, thermus thermophilus ferment, and mugwort as these have potent anti-inflammatory capabilities, decrease pain, and the thermos thermophilus ferment can help take the heat out of the skin.
In the Treatment Room
If the skin is particularly tender, inflamed or pink, keep in mind less is more. The goal is to accelerate the healing process. Steer clear of enzymes, acids and harsh scrubs. Instead stick to gently cleansing, soothing and nourishing the skin.
If this is case with your client you will want to start with a cleanse using the Creamy Milk Cleanserand soft gauze sponges to remove it. Then layer the Post Balm Lubricating Ointment and Calming Skin Gel on the entire face followed by cooled Milk Mask. Chilled Ice Globes will always provide instant relief to irritated skin as well. After gently removing the mask, bathe the skin with oxygen and vitamin spray. Finish with Growth Factor Serum and Daytime Defense SPF30 (don’t forget the sunscreen!).
If the skin is further along in the healing process and is not still tender or inflamed, you can begin to slowly reintroduce enzymes and exfoliation. But again, the emphasis is on nourishing, soothing and protecting.
Home Care
The most important components of a post-peel home care regimen include healing support and sun protection. The goal is to continue the nurturing and healing process with nourishing ingredients and protection from damaging elements. Of course customization will be key, but here are a few home care formulas that generally aid the healing process:
- The Creamy Milk Cleanser and Pumpkin Cleanser
- Antioxidant Complex Serum and Hydra Complex Serum – for antioxidant support
- Therapy E Serum
- Regenerating Cream orGrowth Factor Serum
- Drop of Essence or Arnica Therapy/Cucumber Spritz – for humectant and hydrating support
- Sea Gems – this will help take the heat out of the skin
- Daytime Defense SPF 30
There are many possible variations and combinations of home care regimens, and again everyone will have a unique set of needs and conditions. Be sure you are listening, observing and assessing to create an ideal program. Remember – less is more.
Question: Have you seen many clients with sunburns this season? What have you found to work best in treating their skin?