The Benefits of Holistic Skincare
Nov 01, 2024 06:00AM ● By Susan Gonzalez
The world of skincare can be a complex and overwhelming one. Those seeking advice on issues such as acne or dry and aging skin have an abundance of treatments and skincare products to choose from. Seeking the advice of a licensed esthetician or skincare specialist is a great way to get one’s skin evaluated, learn about treatment options and create an appropriate skincare plan to address specific needs. Holistic estheticians can do all that and more but do it without chemicals and harsh treatments.
The dictionary defines holistic as “characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental, spiritual, and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness.” Using this definition then, a disease or irregularity of the skin would be the result of many factors affecting the skin from inside the body, not just what comes in contact with the surface of the skin. The skin is influenced by all systems of the body, including the circulatory and nervous systems, hormones, lymphatics and more. So, holistic estheticians collect information not only about the client’s use of skincare products, but also about other lifestyle factors such as current diet, social support systems, living environment, exercise routine and mental stressors.
Training and Standards
While standards for a basic esthetician education varies state by state, there is no such standard for a holistic esthetician.
Obtaining a basic esthetician license usually requires attending an accredited esthetics school and passing the board exam to receive licensure for that state. The number of required school hours varies by state but is usually in the rage of 600 to 1,000 hours of classes and practice. Subjects are usually broad, and they briefly cover holistic and conventional treatments as well as advanced invasive treatments. But the main goal of any esthetics school is to provide instruction on basic skincare knowledge and to prepare students for the state board exam that issues the license. Not much time or emphasis is placed on educating students about using organic and nature-based products and procedures.
Once licensed, skincare specialists can choose how they treat their clients and what kind of modalities and skincare products they use to address their specific issues. There are estheticians who work with plastic surgeons and medical spas to administer injectables like Botox and fillers and laser treatments, while holistic estheticians choose a more gentle and non-invasive approach.
Claiming the title of “holistic esthetician” can only come from obtaining additional, alternative education after basic esthetician school. Since there is no standard certification for holistic skincare, one would have to either be self-taught or spend $35 to $1,200 on online certification courses that can vary widely in content.
However, even among holistic skincare specialists, there isn’t complete agreement on which products and treatments should be deemed “holistic” and which should not. Anyone can agree that applying oatmeal to the skin is holistic, but what about oat extract made in a lab containing preservatives? There are simply many grey areas that exist in the industry. And that’s why it’s important to find out about the philosophy and approach of anyone offering a holistic service.
What to Expect From a Holistic Facial
To most of us, holistic facials just feel better. That’s the goal, anyway. If the client feels anything, it’s due to internal chemicals being naturally released into the body, chemicals that have a direct effect on the structure of the skin. At the very least, feeling good reduces stress, increases endorphins, and opens the face, quickly softening fine lines. Long-term relaxation effects also help to keep the circulation of blood and lymph flowing to the skin, which supports its functions and supports a healthy aging process.
Holistic facials are tailored to the specific needs of the client. While many spas and skin studios offer facials that offer everyone the exact same service, holistic facials are very detailed and are tailored to the client’s needs so that each aspect of the client’s facial services will be unique to them.
Cleansing
First the skin is cleansed or double cleansed with a natural oil-based or balanced facial cleansing product. Then the esthetician will look at the skin with a bright light and magnifying lens to assess the health of the skin. They might also go over the client’s routine to see if the products used are appropriate. Finally, they’ll discuss lifestyle, dietary or any skin issues they are having.Meditation and breath work might be brought in at this point to center and ground the client and to bring their attention to the present. This way, they’ll be more aware of the sensations of the facial they are about to experience.
Exfoliating
After cleansing and evaluation, an appropriate form of exfoliation is used on the skin to remove dead skin and allow any products applied during the session to penetrate more deeply. Holistic choices for exfoliation might include a scrub made with oatmeal or jojoba oil beads or natural enzymes like papaya or pineapple enzymes. Steam might be used and a shoulder massage or neck and chest lymphatic drainage might be done during this phase.
Extractions—removing debris from clogged pores—is an option that is done manually.
Treatments
The treatment of the skin continues with any number of options, including:- Gua Sha: This is a lymphatic drainage and muscle-toning technique that uses shaped natural stones.
- Manual massage: This lifts and shapes the muscles, improving lymphatic drainage and increasing circulation.
- Essential oils: The client inhales specific essential oil blends to deepen relaxation and/or support the client’s emotional needs.
- LED light: Using certain specific wavelengths of light on the skin can penetrate the surface to increase collagen production or help fight acne.
- Ice globes: Cold stones or fluid-filled glass wands are passed over the skin to help close the pores.
- Facial acupressure: using finger tips or tools, pressure points are stimulated to help the flow of energy, stimulate nerves, and aid blood flow.
- Facial cupping: Suction cups are placed and manipulated over the skin to tone and help circulation.
- Microcurrent: Low level electric wands are placed on the skin and moved in a way that lifts the muscles of the face and also relaxes the areas that exhibit wrinkles. Microcurrent also stimulates the cells of the skin to create a healthy glow.
A holistic facial is concluded with an herbal mask or similar mask based on the condition of the skin and natural finishing products are applied.
Holistic estheticians will offer various holistic treatments like the ones described above as well as clinical treatments like chemical exfoliation, peels, and mainstream skincare products and label them accordingly to allow the client to pick and choose what’s best for them. Good communication is key to getting the desired holistic experience. ❧
Susan Gonzalez is a holistic licensed esthetician, author, nurse and owner of MOON Organics, a skincare company providing clean, healthy skincare and personal care products. Reach her on FaceBook and Instagram or visit MoonOrganics.com.
