Back to Basics to beat the credit crunch

During times of economic uncertainty, differentiation is key. How can you increase your kerb side appeal and encourage clients into your salon? Results driven facial and body electrotherapy treatments may help. No matter, how cash strapped we become, our self image is always vital. With proven results, courses of cost effective treatments can enable you to encourage new clients in the door and keep them coming back for their treatments, via bite sized weekly payments, as well as the necessary monthly maintenance treatments. Furthermore, there is no better or more cost effective marketing technique than word of mouth. A glowing skin or smooth thighs are a great advert for your salon and its treatments encouraging friends and family of your clients in the door.

But how can salons and spas achieve this without massive investment in new equipment? Whilst high-end concept treatments may attract clients, affordable results driven machines, which use the same basic techniques, are also available. By reducing the cost of the machine, salons and spas can compete and offer cost effective treatments to their clients too, increasing footfall and revenue during potentially hard times.

Some of the most well known facial treatments include basic techniques such as High Frequency, Galvanic, Faradic and Microcurrent.

High Frequency
High Frequency is one of the most commonly used electrotherapy treatments in the beauty salon. The current produces warmth in the tissues, stimulates circulation and can also have a bacteriacidal and healing effect.

High Frequency is used in machines such as:
Ultraderm Facial (Carlton Professional)
Hydrodermic Facial (Guinot)
Galverderm Facial (Susan Molyneux)

Galvanic
Galvanic works on the principal of producing chemical substances under the electrodes used in the treatments. The current applied to the tissues increases blood and lymphatic circulation.

Desincrustation is one of the ways to use galvanic current on the face. The chemical produced under the Active electrode is Sodium Hydroxide which is used to deep cleanse the skin.

The other is Iontophoresis. This treatment is used to encourage penetration of appropriately ionised products, using the galvanic current, to treat specific skin conditions, e.g.: acne or dry skin.

Galvanic is used in machines such as:
Facial Galvanic unit (Carlton Professional)
Ultraderm facial (Carlton Professional)
Hydrodermie Facial (Guinot)
Galvaderm Facial (Susan Molyneux)

Faradic
A faradic current is a low frequency alternating current (AC). Used via specifically placed electrodes, it causes muscle and nerve stimulation. On the face, it is used to tighten and tone facial muscles and therefore re-contour the shape of the face. On the body, pads or electrodes are used to pass the current to the client’s muscles. The benefits include
strengthening and firming of the treated muscles, as well as increased circulation and metabolism.

Faradic is used in machines such as:
Faradic unit (Carlton Professional)
UltraPro Complex (Carlton Professional)
F20 Clinic (Silhouette)
GP02 Passive Exerciser (Sorisa)

Microcurrent
A microcurrent is produced by using a low frequency interrupted direct current giving you a “faradic type current”. This electrotherapy treatment is used to tighten and tone or relax muscle fibres offering re-contouring of the area. On the face, it works by reducing fine lines and tightening sagging skin.

Microcurrent is used in machines such as:
Lift Professional (Carlton Professional)
UltraPro Complex (Carlton Professional)
Ultra Visage (Carlton Professional)
Caci (Caci International)
Dermalift ( Silhouette )

Other cost effective options include machines which offer multiple treatments. Carlton’s UltraPro Complex is a case in point. Using an innovative combination of High Frequency, Galvanic, Brushing and Micro-Current, Vacuum and Vacupulse, UltraPro Complex allows the therapist to choose between a combination of treatments or to use each one individually, as required.

The UltraBody Complex is the latest addition to the Carlton Professional range. Using an innovative combination of Faradic and Galvanic applications combined with pads and a body roller, the UltraBody Complex is the ultimate solution for body care in one self-contained unit. In addition, the UltraBody Complex offers the option of a colour therapy unit. Four pulsed modes are also included offering different levels of penetration.

Whatever your requirements, before you invest in new equipment consider its true contribution to your salon or spa and, most importantly, its potential impact on your bottom line. For further information about affordable solutions call 01903 768 388.