Beauty - Light-Based Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All in vein
If you were to ask your clients what would be at the top of their beauty wish-list, many would respond with ‘clean, clear and smooth skin’. Although often not cause for concern, conditions such as Telangiectasias (broken / thread veins), Reticular Veins (blue veins) and Varicose Veins, can appear unsightly and in some cases have a debilitating effect on an individual’s confidence.
Over the past few years, the popularity of laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments have continued to gain momentum. In the latter’s case, the growth in IPL home care products has undoubtedly helped raise awareness to the overall benefits of IPL, and as a consequence has led more clients to their local salon to seek the professional grade treatment. In terms of treating smaller varicose vein conditions, light- based therapy can be used safely and effectively by beauty professionals, allowing you to offer clients minimally invasive treatments with satisfying and visible results.
Vein variations
In your professional career you may have encountered clients presenting a variety of different vein complaints, and like most health issues they can naturally range in severity. One of the most common you may have come across is Telangiectasias.
Also referred to as thread, broken or spider veins (due to their appearance), they appear close to the skin’s surface in particular on the facial area - cheeks, chin and just around the nose. In her book, The Illustrated Beauty Therapy Dictionary, Susan Cressy describes this condition as, “a collection of distended (increased in size) blood vessels in the
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skin, usually with a central spot and a spidery appearance.”
Reticular Veins (blue veins) too affect many individuals. They can be found predominantly in the leg area and tend to appear larger than thread/broken veins. They are situated slightly deeper within the skin and can be recognised by their blue/purple appearance.
When it comes to Varicose Veins, according to the HSE website, three in ten adults will be affected during their lifetime. Here, they explain the condition: “Varicose Veins are swollen and enlarged veins that are usually blue or dark purple. They develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and can collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be varicose (swollen and enlarged).”
Although we may commonly associate the condition with ageing, younger individuals can be affected. Did you also know that women are more susceptible to the complaint than men, and that factors such as pregnancy, obesity and even your job can increase your risk of developing Varicose Veins?
Treating in the salon
When it comes to treating such conditions, beauty professionals now have the option of utilising IPL and Laser treatments as they offer versatility and results. One of the major benefits of undertaking one of these procedures, from your client’s perspective, is that there is relatively no post-treatment ‘downtime’ so in some cases they can effectively be treated in their lunch breaks.
So, for example, how can a light-based system be utilised to treat a condition
such as Spider Naevi (Spider Telangiectasia)? Sharon Hilditch MBE, Managing Director of Crystal Clear explains the procedure: “Vascular lesions such as red veins and Spider Naevi are treated with Crystal Clear IPL using heat coagulation. (This is similar to the use of short wave diathermy to cauterise the vessels).
“The vessels have become incompetent and damaged, collecting stagnant blood in these areas; with Crystal Clear IPL we cauterise the vessels and the waste is excreted through the lymphatic system. The wavelengths used in the programmes specified for vascular lesions target the oxyhaemoglobin pigment.
“Initially the vein should appear to blanch or go a purple/grey colour; this is a good indication that the treatment has been successful. After 10-14 days the vein will have gone or partially gone. Treatments should be every six to eight weeks and can take around six to eight treatments.”
The skin complaint presented to you by your client will ultimately determine the correct course of action to take. Also the severity, size and location of the vein/veins will need to be taken into account to determine how many treatments may be needed for effective results.
It’s worth noting that light-based therapy may not always offer the most effective solution especially in more severe cases, for instance that of more acute cases of Varicose Veins. It is always advisable, if they have not already, for sufferers to seek professional medical guidance to ensure they are receiving the correct treatment for the seriousness of their condition.
Turn the page to see a selection of systems available to assist you in offering these treatments…
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