Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1464744
84 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2022 FOR OVER 50 YEARS, I have witnessed how professional skin care protocols have globally changed millions of lives—from scar revision and dermatitis to acne and age management. However, there is a little secret for lasting results not attainable by professional treatment, no matter how advanced and potent. First, the professional esthetician or esthetic physician must realize there is no "one-off" with any treatment. If a one-off treatment is truly effective, it usually depends on altering the pH of the skin dramatically, from an acid basis (under 3.8) to an alkaline basis (11–12 on the pH scale). Of course, these radical shifts in pH are controllable and temporary, but they change chemical ions in the skin. If the client goes home after treatment and slaps any old product on, no matter how innocuous, it could be either ineffective or have contraindications unknown to the client. Home-use products must be chemically attuned to the professional treatments—indeed, they should be modified versions of the professional treatments to achieve progressive results over time. This is why I have never advocated for online sales of products in our industry. Professional practitioners have spent time and money obtaining a license, setting up a business, training themselves, and working long hours on clients with skin anomalies. These clients should not just go online, self-diagnose their problems, and order products. It's not only unfair to the profession, but also less effective for the client. Encouraging Proper Home Care For ongoing results, home prescriptives are vital by Danné Montague-King Home-use products must be chemically attuned to the professional treatments— indeed, they should be modified versions for progressive results over time. Yet, many skin product companies sell so-called professional products online with a product knowledge booklet or sheet describing the usage. This is analogous to a plastic surgeon selling scalpels online with a "do it yourself " surgery manual! I admit the comparison is a bit extreme, but the principle is the same. Skin anomalies vary from ethnicity and age to internal and hormonal problems; there is no way for clients to self-diagnose their problems and order products that actually work. However, there are a few home protocols that depend on enzymes for results that nearly everyone can benefit from. Enzymes are safe for almost everyone of any age or gender, and for most skin problems, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and age management. Enzymes and enzymatic treatments enhance optimal skin functioning by working with the body's internal systems to increase circulation, oxygenation, and lymphatic drainage, which tightens and strengthens the skin through improved collagen production. When a client receives an enzyme treatment, a cascade of deep-reaching effects takes place, including pulsing, reverse osmosis, and dilated capillaries (that flush out toxins). Enzymatic messages via transferase send regenerative messages across the cell membranes telling all systems to "wake up" and start acting like they are supposed to: 10–20 years younger, smoother, and clearer. In addition to these treatments, there are a few enzymatic products people can use at home—after being prescribed a regimen—to maintain their results and improve their skin health in the long run.