Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1539961
66 ASCP Skin Deep Autumn 2025 layers, they often fall into the domain of massage therapy. As a result, estheticians in many states may not legally perform these services unless they also hold a license in massage therapy, (or in the case of buccal massage, a dental hygienist license) or work under specific medical supervision. Estheticians across the country are also incorporating gua sha into their treatment menus, and gua sha is generally allowed if it's performed on the face, neck, and décolletage without breaking the skin or causing bruising. Avoid intense scraping or bruising techniques; gua sha should be gentle and supportive. Another advanced massage and lymphatic drainage technique is facial cupping. Facial cupping in esthetics is different from traditional Chinese medicine's cupping, where the cup is left on the skin to pull up stagnant blood, creating a bruise. Dynamic cupping is a manual facial technique that uses small, soft silicone or glass cups to create gentle suction on the skin—and instead of leaving the cups stationary, they are continuously moved across the face in a gliding motion. This movement and the vacuum effect stimulate lymphatic drainage without leaving marks or bruises when performed correctly. ADVANCED DEVICES Ultrasonic, high frequency, and galvanic devices are some of the most widely used by estheticians in the US; they're also on the CIDESCO and National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA) curriculum and generally covered by standard esthetician insurance policies. These devices commonly range from tabletop to handheld models and are easy to operate and disinfect. These basic devices provide an additional benefit of cleansing, product penetration, and cell activation in results- driven facials. Offering device enhancements on your menu may attract new clients, especially those seeking results rather than just relaxation. Following are some examples of device enhancements. Microcurrent A common modality for licensed estheticians is microcurrent, and it is within the scope of skin care professionals across the US. Microcurrent technology is less about improving the skin's texture and more about tightening the muscles. Microcurrent mimics the body's natural bioelectric field and sends tiny electrical currents to the facial muscles. Two ball probes—negative and positive, with currents running between them—stimulate the muscles, causing tightening. Microcurrent devices lift and reeducate muscles, creating a lifted and convex appearance. Combining ultralow frequencies with a modified waveform enables the microcurrent to recharge the electrical potential of the muscle by stimulating the spindle cell fibers that run the length of the muscle. Facial microcurrent technology was originally developed for medical purposes, specifically to treat patients with Bell's palsy and other types of facial paralysis. It was used to stimulate the facial muscles and nerves, helping to restore muscle tone and improve facial symmetry in patients affected by these conditions. Regular microcurrent facials can: • Help reeducate muscles • Increase blood and lymph circulation • Enhance the penetration of the active ingredients in skin care formulations • Increase the production of collagen and elastin • Increase protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and cell membrane transport The ideal client for microcurrent is anyone over the age of 21 who is concerned with loss of facial muscle tone and elasticity and those complaining of GETTY IMAGES