ASCP Esty Talk: Episode 288 – At-Home Professional Treatments in Skin Care

Release Date: October 30, 2024
Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Co-Hosts: Maggie Stasik and Ella Christman

Introduction

In Episode 288 of ASCP Esty Talk, hosts Maggie Stasik and Ella Christman delve into the burgeoning trend of at-home professional treatments in the skincare industry. They explore the surge in consumer-accessible devices, tools, and kits that promise professional-grade results, while also addressing the controversies and challenges these products bring to the esthetics industry.

The Rise of At-Home Professional Treatments

Maggie opens the discussion by highlighting the prevalence of at-home treatments such as LED masks and handheld microcurrent devices. She notes their appeal lies in convenience and the promise of professional outcomes without the need for in-clinic visits.

Maggie Stasik [02:24]: "...devices like these LED masks, a full mask that someone can just put on their face, lie back in their bed and the LED is gonna work miracles for this consumer to turn back the hands of time."

Ella concurs, emphasizing the risks associated with unregulated products.

Ella Christman [02:57]: "...They could be Christmas lights. Yeah, I'm like, oh, fair."

Types of At-Home Treatments and Their Efficacy

The conversation shifts to specific types of at-home treatments. Maggie mentions handheld microcurrent devices used for toning and tightening the skin, pointing out their long-standing presence in the market.

Maggie Stasik [03:35]: "There are handheld microcurrent devices over the counter for consumers have been around for a really, really long time."

Ella discusses the variability in product quality and effectiveness, noting that professionals often use more potent versions in treatment rooms, which may not translate well to consumer-grade devices.

Ella Christman [03:37]: "Some pros are trying to use that home version, which is like lighter, less current, but in the professional treatment room. And then that runs a risk of sanitation."

Benefits vs. Concerns of At-Home Treatments

While acknowledging the potential benefits of at-home treatments, the hosts discuss significant concerns. Maggie points out that while some at-home treatments can be beneficial, they often do not match the results of in-office procedures.

Maggie Stasik [04:56]: "these at home treatments, they can be beneficial. And some would argue that they often don't deliver the same results as in office procedures."

Ella adds that despite the availability of these products, there remains a subset of consumers who prefer professional services for their expertise and personalized care.

Ella Christman [06:04]: "there are still consumers that are still going to want the professional because what's not included in the box with what you get with prime shipping is the professional that's designating."

Impact on the Esthetics Industry

The discussion progresses to the perceived impact of at-home treatments on the professional esthetician clientele. Maggie raises the concern that increased consumer reliance on at-home solutions might reduce in-clinic visits.

Maggie Stasik [07:20]: "If more people are turning to at home solutions, estheticians will see or are seeing reduced clientele."

Ella counters this by suggesting that those opting for at-home treatments might not have sought professional services initially, thereby not significantly impacting professional estheticians.

Ella Christman [07:22]: "I don't think those people would have gone to an esthetician anyways."

Regulatory Landscape and Ingredient Safety

The conversation shifts to the regulatory challenges and the importance of ingredient safety in at-home treatments. Maggie emphasizes that increased consumer awareness and knowledge are pressuring regulations to ensure product safety and efficacy.

Maggie Stasik [11:33]: "the consumer having More knowledge is 100% a benefit in ingredient safety and quality."

Ella underscores the role of professionals in educating consumers and dispelling misinformation propagated by unqualified influencers.

Ella Christman [12:04]: "...as a professional I think you should experience, have firsthand understanding not just lick our noses up at it like we used to."

Consumer Trust and Professional Expertise

Maggie and Ella discuss the erosion of consumer trust due to misleading marketing and the proliferation of unverified products online. They highlight the importance of professionals leveraging their expertise to guide consumers towards safe and effective treatments.

Ella Christman [13:10]: "...but It's hard to know who to trust. And so as a professional I think you should experience, have firsthand understanding..."

Ella shares personal anecdotes illustrating the pitfalls of at-home treatments, reinforcing the necessity for professional guidance.

Ella Christman [13:28]: "I was like, I don't even know how to tell. I think it's broken. ... So I was convinced this was gonna work for me..."

Maggie adds examples of consumer experiences with ineffective at-home products, stressing the value of professional advice.

Maggie Stasik [15:31]: "...people are showing pictures. Shellac cured by the sun. Boom. It got me."

Integrating At-Home Care with Professional Services

Towards the end of the episode, Maggie and Ella propose a balanced approach where estheticians can embrace at-home care products as complementary to in-clinic treatments. They advocate for recommending vetted at-home solutions to enhance consumer routines while maintaining professional integrity.

Ella Christman [16:35]: "...we can encourage our own at home care routines. ... the most importantly, trusting of you, the better."

They conclude by emphasizing the importance of building trust with clients, ensuring that consumers feel supported both in and out of the treatment room.

Conclusion

Episode 288 of ASCP Esty Talk provides an insightful exploration into the complexities of at-home professional treatments in skincare. Maggie Stasik and Ella Christman adeptly navigate the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations, offering valuable perspectives for estheticians aiming to balance consumer demands with professional standards. The discussion underscores the critical role of education, regulation, and trust in fostering a harmonious relationship between at-home solutions and professional skincare services.

Notable Quotes:

• Maggie Stasik [02:24]: "...LED masks... work miracles for this consumer to turn back the hands of time."

• Ella Christman [03:37]: "Some pros are trying to use that home version... and then that runs a risk of sanitation."

• Ella Christman [06:04]: "there are still consumers that are still going to want the professional..."

• Maggie Stasik [11:33]: "the consumer having More knowledge is 100% a benefit in ingredient safety and quality."

• Ella Christman [16:35]: "...we can encourage our own at home care routines... trusting of you, the better."

Resources and Further Information:

For more insights from Maggie Stasik and Ella Christman, or to connect with ASCP, listeners are encouraged to visit the show notes or engage with ASCP on their social media platforms.