Last week’s forum was bustling with practical discussions on enhancing esthetician practices. Members exchanged experiences on advanced techniques like facial massages and ingredient-led treatments. Personalized service offerings were emphasized, with many sharing insights on creating tailored facial menus. There was also considerable interest in post-procedure skin care, specifically on how to soothe skin effectively after treatments.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Does a 3-minute gua sha lift last
A lively discussion about the effectiveness of short gua sha sessions. Members are debating if brief treatments offer lasting benefits or if longer sessions are necessary for visible results. Read more here
CE ideas for advanced facial massage
Participants are brainstorming continuing education ideas that go beyond basics, focusing on advanced facial massage techniques to enhance client offerings. Read more here
Best recent training for customized anti-aging plans
There’s a rich exchange on recent training programs that help estheticians craft personalized anti-aging strategies, reflecting the growing demand for customized care. Read more here
Starting out with ingredient-led facials
Newcomers and veterans alike are discussing the shift towards ingredient-focused facials, sharing tips on how to start integrating this approach into their practice. Read more here
Setting up a personalized facial menu
A practical exchange on how to design a facial menu that caters to individual client needs, a key topic for those looking to refine their service offerings. Read more here
Your go-to calmers after a peel
Estheticians are sharing their favorite calming products and techniques to use after peels, aiming to enhance client comfort and satisfaction post-treatment. Read more here
Thank you for staying engaged with our community. Your contributions make this a valuable resource for everyone. Have a productive week ahead!
For 3-minute gua sha in express facials, I run a quick ‘U-route’ — neck > jaw > cheekbones — with squalane slip, stone about 15° and ‘3 passes per zone,’ finishing with ear-to-clavicle drains. I skip it for 48–72 hours after peels or microneedling and swap to a chilled panthenol/centella mask — think ironing a shirt, not kneading dough, @EsthiMaya.
And i stay under 3 minutes by misting toner before one pump of hemi-squalane for slip, then finishing with a 5-count lymph hold just in front of the ear; if there’s fresh filler/Botox I skip jaw and cheek passes and do neck-only, @EsthiMaya.
But i’ve saved clock by starting with a 20‑second supraclavicular “prep drain” (feather‑light sweeps just above the collarbone) before any facial passes — it de‑puffs fast so cheeks need fewer strokes; I go extra light over the SCM if it’s tender, @chloeD_877.
I save time by doing gua sha over a thin layer of aloe gel, quick blot, then straight to SPF — cleanup’s instant; think ‘iron the shirt, not scrub the pan’ with low-angle sweeps toward the nearest lymph exit. If there’s a rosacea flare or fresh injectables, I skip moving strokes on those spots and use brief static holds instead.
My tweak: tilt the head about 15° toward the drainage side and do one slow, low-angle cheek pass with a chilled stainless tool; @rob_marshall88 your prep drain pairs well, but I switch to glass if the client flushes.