Beyond the visual signs of aging, our bodies are often subject to numerous other skin issues such as, keratosis pilaris, eczema, acne, and acne scarring. In fact, these issues challenge a number of people, and it often significantly impacts the self-esteem.
How do you help clients effectively treat these troublesome skin issues, rebuild and restore the skin to optimal health, and inspire them to feel beautiful inside and out? It starts with a deep understanding of each of these issues and how they impact the skin, and the right combination of ingredients and treatments to achieve healthy skin over the entire body.
The Challenge: Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris (KP), a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small red bumps, is typically found around hair follicles on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Though KP is harmless, painless, and non-contagious, it is a chronic skin condition that troubles many clients because of its “goose bump” appearance.
While it tends to be more common among children and adolescents, anyone is subject to developing KP as it is simply a result of follicles becoming clogged. Though most cases do clear up on their own, there are ways to improve the appearance. Since KP tends to worsen in dry conditions, exfoliation and hydration are key. Overexposure to the sun may also stimulate KP, so educate clients about the importance of wearing a high-quality SPF if they plan to be in the sun.
In the treatment room and for home care, focus on ingredients that offer cell turnover, hydration and regeneration. This includes:
- L-Lactic acid – gentle, yet effective, it assists with cell turnover while providing hydration and regeneration
- Salicylic acid – exfoliates and stimulates cell turnover. It is also particularly effective in getting the outer layer of the skin to peel, which makes it useful in treating psoriasis, calluses and keratosis pilaris.
- Retinol – encourages tissue regenerating and strengthening
For home care, recommend clients apply an acid-based topical, such as the Ultra Exfole or Peel Cream nightly. Remind clients consistency is key to supporting the elimination in most cases. During the day, a nurturing, soothing serum like the Nurture Balm with ingredients like willow herb, cocoa butter, epidermal growth factors and tocopherols will keep skin hydrated, reduce inflammation and nourish the skin. A scrub may be used, but be sure to stress to clients not to over scrub the area. Doing so will bring about irritation and induce inflammation.
In the treatment room, peels and corrective treatments may be performed on the thighs and arms, being careful to avoid the buttocks area. Enzymes and AHAs like L-lactic acid or flower acids will work well with the body’s tougher skin to lift away deeper layer of dead cells. Finish with skin-building and healing ingredients like growth factors, amino acids, and oxygenators to stimulate respiration and circulation. Always apply sun protection as well.
In the next post, we’ll cover how to support clients in treating eczema.
Question: What are some of the major body skin challenges clients come to you with?