Treatment Enhancements
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage
MLD, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage, is a specialized massage technique that promotes the free flow of lymphatic fluid in the face and neck.
This technique is beneficial in reducing puffiness, inflammation, congestion, and acne. MLD adds a toned and glowing finish to any facial treatment.
It’s highly recommended for people struggling with puffiness, seasonal allergies, headaches, reactive skin, congestion, acne, rosacea, and dermatitis. The longer the facial, the more time can be dedicated to this modality. It can be included in any facial service.
After the facial, drinking lots of water and taking gentle walks for 3-5 days is advised to maintain ideal lymphatic flow.
Extractions
Skilled extractions are valuable in treating chronic or acute congestion and acne. Poorly done extractions can cause damage to the skin, so it’s imperative to have a professional with a skilled, intentional hand perform your extractions.
Customization is encouraged so the skin’s needs are met on any given day. For example, more extractions may be used in one treatment while holding off on active exfoliation until the next treatment.
Additionally, raw Manuka honey masks are encouraged at home to soothe and treat the skin after extractions. It’s also recommended to abstain from excessive sweating and make sure to drink plenty of water for 24-72 hours post-extraction.
LED
LED light therapy is a highly effective treatment that stimulates collagen production and aids in the treatment of acne. This treatment is ideal for clients with acne, aging skin concerns, or those who have recently undergone intense treatment and need to maintain a calm and stable complexion.
Because light therapy needs to remain on the skin for at least 10-20 minutes, it’s typically only used in treatments that last over an hour.
Microcurrent
Microcurrent, a non-invasive treatment, has a long history of tightening and toning the skin, giving it a sculpted and lifted look. Many clients pair microcurrent with a massage to enhance the sculpting effect.
This treatment is excellent for anyone concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. *If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, you should not undergo this treatment.
Osmosis Infusion
The Osmosis Vitamin A Infusion is a “no-peel” peel that uses a liposomal delivery system to infuse retinaldehyde, niacinamide, and beta-glucan into the skin. This stimulates collagen production without causing damage.
This treatment is especially beneficial for those with aging concerns, pigmentation issues, and acne. Clients are advised to keep their skincare routine simple for the week following the treatment and to take extra care in the sun for 1-2 weeks afterward. There is a possibility of dryness, flakiness, or breakouts; home care samples can be provided to help alleviate those issues.
Hydrofacial
Wet dermabrasion, or the hydrofacial as it’s typically referred to, is an effective way to exfoliate the skin and achieve a glowing, soft texture without causing any dryness, redness, or irritation.
The treatment uses gentle vacuum pressure to lift the skin to the diamond tip providing comfortable exfoliation. It features a three pass, target based approach that includes alpha-hydroxy acids, brightening agents, peptides, and repairing botanicals. While a hydrofacial is suitable for anyone, some may opt out if they’re pregnant due to the use of salicylic acids.
Gua Sha / Stone-Based Massage
Gua Sha facial massage is a specialized form of facial massage that’s been used by practitioners in various parts of Asia for hundreds of years.
After studying under master teachers, I’ve learned to use this technique to encourage better blood flow and fluid movement in the tissue. Gua Sha brings oxygen-rich blood flow and lymph fluid movement to the tissue. It aids in getting the client into a parasympathetic state in order to fully relax. Gua Sha helps to sculpt the skin and gives a beautiful, glowing finish.
This technique suits most clients unless they have inflamed or reactive skin. Drinking plenty of water and incorporating gentle movement is advised to clients in the days following a facial to ensure continued waste drainage and to avoid headaches.
Facial Reflexology
As a certified facial reflexology practitioner, I incorporate this technique into longer treatment sessions (90 and 120 minutes) to deepen the level of relaxation you experience.
I focus on the sequence that helps the parasympathetic nervous system return to a state of rest and encourage clients who are feeling stressed to try it.
Facial reflexology is a great way to counteract the demands of modern living and enhance relaxation, making it a valuable addition to any extended facial treatment.
Custom Exfoliation
Skin can change from day to day, and customizing exfoliation ensures we’re using the best form of exfoliation for your skin’s needs on that day. Using tailored treatment to meet the skin’s current needs yields better results.
Taking a break from active ingredients like vitamins C and A (retinoids) and acids is recommended five days before and after the treatment. This gives the skin time to integrate any more active exfoliation without risking over-treatment or creating new problems. This approach is safer for all clients and helps prevent any adverse reactions.
Nourishing topicals
No single product works for everyone, so hand-picked, nourishing masks, serums, oils, and creams are essential to provide the best results for each client. These products are rich in minerals, vitamins, healing botanicals, and oils, providing topical nourishment that’s beneficial for everyone.
When choosing nourishing topicals, the skin's current condition and future goals are kept in mind to ensure the products yield optimal results.
Manual Massage
My specific manual massage style was developed through years of study with various teachers. This massage style is where much of the work of a great facial occurs, as it taps into the circulatory system and brings fresh blood flow and rich oxygen up to the surface of the skin, bringing life back into the tissue. Additionally, it’s incredibly relaxing and satisfying for clients.
This massage is great for anyone who has specific concerns around aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness in the tissue, as well as for people struggling with tension in the head, jaw, and sinuses. It’s recommended to drink lots of water and incorporate gentle movement in the form of walking and stretching following the massage.
Cupping
Cupping is a powerful modality that helps support lymph function and drainage. It’s great for almost anyone, especially if you’re dealing with puffiness, allergies, or mild to moderate acne.
However, if you have thin skin or an upcoming event within 24-48 hours of an appointment, cupping is not advised as it can sometimes cause temporary skin reddening that takes a few days to break up and disappear.
After the treatment, drinking plenty of water and engaging in gentle movement are essential to support the body’s natural healing processes.