With so many new products coming to the market all the time, it can be hard to tell which products actually present new technology and service opportunities to spas and which are just fluff. Here, we will explore several new spa-related technologies, devices and services which do present new business opportunities for spas. We will also discuss the benefits and technologies behind these devices.
Suction Pump Massages
Suction pump massages are actually the modernized, machine version of an ancient Chinese massage technique called cupping. Cupping originally used animal horns or bamboo carved into a cup shape which was then heated and placed onto the clients skin. After a few minutes, the air inside of the cup would begin to cool which created a suction. Proponents of suction massages say that it helps body tissues remove toxins, improves circulation, stimulates collagen production, improves connective tissues and relaxes muscle tension. Today, there are many massage vacuum devices on the market in the $300 to $500 range so you won’t have to worry about putting hot cups on your clients’ skin. These modern devices have mechanical vacuums which are safer and more time-efficient to use. Finally, there are many stories of clients genuinely enjoying their suction pump massages and praising the benefits. Therefore, if one of these machines is in your budget we recommend giving it a try.
Oxygen Dome Facial Machines
This, like many newer beauty gadgets, originated in South Korea. The concept is fairly simple but the application is novel. Conceptually, since water is made of hydrogen and oxygen, applying water to facial skin should increase the oxygen levels of facial tissues as oxygen particles in the water are absorbed. In the application of this theory, water particles released by the machine are broken up into nanoparticles (very small particles) which are more easily absorbed into the tiny pores of the face. The dome, which fits over the client’s head, prevents the nanoparticles of water from escaping the treatment area. The treatment process is not only hydrating but also relaxing for the client. Oxygen domes can generally be found for around $300 and are a novel way to provide facial steaming/ oxygen facials at your spa.
Pore Vacuuming
Have you ever wanted to just suck blackheads out of your skin? You’re not the only one. Luckily, pore vacuums exist and are made just for this. Sometimes sold as their own device and sometimes included in multi-use devices, pore vacuums create a suction powerful enough to remove blackheads but not so powerful that it damages the skin. Clients love this tool as removing blackheads can be frustrating and leaving them go is unsightly. Therefore, we recommend investing in a pore vacuum or a multi-purpose facial device which includes a pore vacuum.
Dermarollers
Dermarolling, also known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy, has become popular in spas and for home use. Once only performed in doctors’ offices, some states now allow licensed estheticians and master estheticians to perform this service. The benefits of dermarolling are decreased appearances of scars, decreased fine lines and wrinkles, enhanced nutrient absorption of facial products and reduced skin discoloration. Dermarollers use a rolling head instrument with tiny needles to induce low level trauma to the facial skin. This, in turn, causes the body to take restorative and reparative action which leads to the aesthetic benefits of dermarolling. While dermarolling is not generally considered painful, it is also not the most comfortable experience for clients considering hundreds of tiny needles will be creating micro-punctures in their facial skin. For this reason, some practitioners use a numbing cream before performing dermarolling. Different sized dermaroller needles are used for different purposes and estheticians are generally limited to using smaller needle sizes, although this varies by state. However, considering the device itself, including replacement needles, is generally inexpensive and the service can generate good revenue, we recommend spas with qualified personnel offer dermarolling to their clients due to the popularity and benefits of this service.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is another service which can only be performed by the licensed or master estheticians at a spa and has become popular in recent years. In dermaplaning, the esthetician uses a scalpel-like tool to remove peach fuzz from the face and exfoliate the skin. More recently, some at home devices which are more akin to shaving have come out but these devices generally do not achieve the results of true dermaplaning which should be performed by a licensed professional. Also, you have to be very careful if you are planning on performing dermaplaning on yourself with a home kit as the razors can be very sharp which can lead to cuts and infections if not handled properly. Finally, you should consider avoiding dermaplaning if you have acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema or sunburn as dermaplaning can aggravate these conditions.
Conclusion
There are numerous new and creative spa services which can be offered to clients with minimal investment if your spa has certified estheticians and a little time to invest in service-specific training. Many of these new treatments are in high demand due to their purported benefits and can earn you numerous long-time clients if your spa performs them well. However, also be sure to check your local laws and ordinances as some jurisdictions prohibit certain services from being provided by people who are not trained medical professionals.