Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/968907
34 may/june 2018 This does not mean that regular professional treatment is not important. It means that the role of the professional, well-trained skin care therapist is to develop a treatment plan for every client. This includes both a professional treatment schedule and the client's self-care plan. Helping a client select products is an important role. Many clients have no idea how to choose the best products for their skin; they might not even know their exact skin type. They only know what they see in advertisements and beauty magazines. Imagine going into a store to buy a product if you knew nothing about ingredients. Wouldn't that be overwhelming? When you help clients choose the right products for self- care at home, it can make all the diff erence in the world on their treatment success—not to mention their gratitude toward you. Here are some ways to get your client involved in determining their self-care program: 1. Use the word program often in describing what you do. This means that you look at every angle of your client's skin beauty and health, and that each client has a treatment plan that involves both professional treatment and self-care at home. 2. Know your product lines and trust them. You must believe in the products you are selling. If you don't, fi nd a new line you can believe in! 3. Plan an extra 30 minutes after each fi rst- time client's visit for an in-depth self-care consultation. This involves literally lining up the products and explaining each step for how your client will follow their self-care program. 4. Don't forget to have a written plan for the client to take home. A printed step-by-step care guide will help the client remember each step. You'd be surprised how many clients have trouble remembering the order of the products! It is a fear that can easily be overcome with a comprehensive care sheet. 5. Off er a discount off the products if they start the whole program at once. This is appreciated by the client and ensures they have the whole system and are not skipping important steps. expertadvice SKIN SOLUTIONS It's OK to say to a client, "I need you to help me help you have better skin!" 6. Make sure you also explain your plan for professional treatments. This should be included on the care sheet. 7. Selling self-care products to your client can also be very profi table, but it is important to look at recommending self-care for home use as part of the service. The bottom line of what a skin therapist does is help their client have healthier and better-looking skin. Lastly, you must position yourself as an authority on self-care products. You must look the part; take great care of your own skin; and take advantage of books, journals, advanced classes, and every single opportunity to educate yourself on ingredients and how they work. When clients have great results with their program, they will tell friends, and you will build your clientele and your reputation as a great self-care planner!