© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Exfoliation
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Mechanical Exfoliation
A physical process in which the body is rubbed with an abrasive product or with a coarse hand-held item such as a loofah
Examples
Dry Skin Brushing
Wet Skin Brushing
Salt Glow
Sugar Glow
Body Polish
Body Scrub
Loofah Scrub
Friction
Buff and Bronze
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Enzymatic or Dissolving Types of exfoliation used only by
estheticians or physicians
Rely on their biological action rather than physical abrasion
These products dissolve keratin in the skin
Dissolve dead skin cells
Support the skin in natural turnover
The use of these products is out of the massage scope of practice
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Broaden Your Understanding
Facial Exfoliation (E) Usually part of a facial
Enzyme Exfoliation (E) Enzyme such as papain
used
Skin Peels (E) High concentrations of
AHAs and BHAs
Chemical Peels (P) Trichloroacetic acid (a
vitamin A derivative) used
Dermabrasion (P) Controlled surgical scraping
Microdermabrasion (E) Skin “sandblasted” with
microcrystals of aluminum oxide
Exfoliation treatments offered by estheticians and physicians in the spa industry
(E) = Esthetician, (P) = Physician
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Treatment Considerations Scope of Practice
Massage Focus Relaxation Lymph flow Stimulation of circulation Decrease muscle tension Increase the vital energy
of the body
Esthetician Focus Skin care
To avoid confusion, massage
therapists focus on the body-oriented benefits of the
treatment in the promotional
description rather than focusing on the skin
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Dry Skin Brushing
The body is brushed in a particular pattern to
Stimulate lymph flow
Boost immunity
Stimulate circulation
Revitalize the body
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Dry Skin Brushing Technique
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
The Salt or Sugar Glow
Salt or sugar are used with oil, water, body wash, or other wet or oily product in a mechanical exfoliation
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Dead Sea Salt The Dead Sea is
an ancient landlocked sea whose water has been slowly evaporating over the centuries, producing a concentrated natural salt solution that has a velvety texture
Salt formations at the Dead Sea
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Bearn Salt Bearn salt, from
springs in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France, has well known restorative and antistress properties
The salt dance—traditionally danced at the Bearn Salt Festival
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Epson Salt & Table Salt Epson salt
Inorganic mineral salt
Often used as a soaking aid for sore, tight muscles
Drying
Best used on oily skin types
Never use table salt in a spa treatment
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Sugar Gentler than salt
Emollient
Humectant (moisturizing)
Used granulated for exfoliation
Used as a body glaze in a cocoon
Table sugar Brown sugar Honey Molasses Raw sugar Sugar cane
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
The Full-Body Polish An elegant four-step exfoliation treatment
that often includes a well-designed smell-scape
Steps Cleanse Exfoliate Tone Moisturize
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
The Body or Loofah Scrub
Vigorous
Foaming body wash and hand-held loofah, mitts, or rough-textured cloths
Well-suited to wet-room delivery
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Review Exfoliation Treatments Place a C by conditions that are
contraindications and an I by conditions that are indications
for a full-body salt glow
_____ Inflamed skin_____ High blood pressure _____ Stress and tense muscles _____ Eczema_____ Sunburn _____ Serious circulatory condition _____ Low energy
© 2007 Anne E. Williams
Exchange: The Salt or Sugar Glow
Wet-Room Outline Go through medical history if
cleared of contraindications explain treatment.
Move the client to the Vichy Room
Client Supine
Apply salt or sugar in a bath gel
Rinse the salt or sugar from the body
Turn the client and repeat
Move the client to a massage table for a full–body massage and rehydration
Dry-Room Outline Go through medical history if
cleared of contraindications explain treatment.
Start client supine
Apply salt or sugar and exfoliate the area
Remove with a hot towel
Apply aroma mist or skin toner
Apply aloe gel
Pat dry with a hand towel
Redrape the area and move on to the next area