Last week, our community focused heavily on advancing skills and techniques, with several threads delving into training opportunities and practical applications in esthetics. Customized anti-aging plans and the science behind quick treatments like gua sha were hotly debated. Members also shared insights on ingredient-led facials and discussed ways to personalize services for clients. It was a week full of professional growth and shared knowledge.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Best recent training for customized anti-aging plans
A lively discussion on the latest training programs that help tailor anti-aging treatments to individual clients. It’s a must-read for those looking to stay ahead in this growing market. Read more here
Does a 3-minute gua sha lift last
Members are weighing in on the effectiveness of brief gua sha treatments. If you’re curious about the lasting impact of short sessions, this thread offers diverse perspectives. Read more here
CE ideas for advanced facial massage
Explore creative continuing education opportunities that focus on enhancing facial massage techniques. Perfect for estheticians seeking to refine their touch. Read more here
Starting out with ingredient-led facials
A discussion on how to integrate ingredient-focused approaches into your practice, providing clients with personalized care that addresses specific skin concerns. Read more here
Your go-to calmers after a peel
Estheticians are sharing their favorite products and methods to soothe skin post-peel. This thread is packed with practical tips for ensuring client comfort and satisfaction. Read more here
Setting up a personalized facial menu
Learn how others are crafting tailored facial menus that cater to a diverse clientele, enhancing both customer experience and business growth. Read more here
Jade roller in the freezer
Discover the benefits and potential drawbacks of using chilled jade rollers. A simple trick that some swear by for refreshing treatments. Read more here
Looking forward to another week of shared learning and professional development. Take care and see you on the forum.
And quick example: my 3-minute gua sha lasts until evening only if I start with 20–30 seconds of lymph “unlock” — light pumps at the supraclavicular fossa plus 3 ear-to-collarbone sweeps — then one slow upward pass per zone using a thin gel serum; without that prep, the lift fades fast. @NinaC, are you getting better hold when you “drain” first?
And > the lift fades fast. Same here until I cut slip to a single drop of squalane and finished with 15–20 seconds of gentle press-and-hold at the tragus/temple after the neck clears — holds through dinner for most clients; if I skip the compressions, it slides back. @NinaC are you using a serum glide instead of oil?
Quick example: I get better all-day hold when I end with a 20–30 second occipital lift — thumbs tucked under the skull with gentle traction — then one slow sweep down each SCM to the collarbone; it “sets” the work better than more cheek passes. Small caveat: too much slip kills it, so I switch to a light aloe gel for the last minute. @NinaC have you tried a quick cold spoon run along the jaw to lock it in?
I get longer cheek lift by sneaking in a 10–12s intraoral buccinator release (gloves, consent) before one firm sweep along the zygoma, then a 5s cold press at the temple; if intraoral’s off-limits, cue tongue-to-palate during the hold. @jlopez87, have you tried that in a 3-minute pass?
In a 3-minute slot, I get the best hold by cueing tongue-to-palate engagement and doing one slow sculpt from the mandibular notch to the zygoma with a slightly warm tool, then a light sweep into the preauricular node. @Lena, have you found warm beats chilled for clients who tense with cold? I like cold for de-puffing, but warmth reduces guarding and seems to keep the lift longer.