Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/291744
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 33 Always communicate with the client throughout the service. Ask her to inform you if she is uncomfortable (including if there are areas where she is uncomfortable being touched). The more pregnant she is, the more likely she may need to change positions during the treatment or take a bathroom break. Ask her if she would like to use the restroom before you begin, and encourage her to let you know if she needs another break during the service. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy While moms-to-be can do much of what is offered on the typical spa menu, there are some services that should be avoided. Microdermabrasion and peels are not recommended. Avoid strong exfoliants of any type (the skin can be too sensitive for these) and any body treatments that raise the body's core temperature. Estheticians should also be aware of skin conditions that are common during pregnancy—especially hyperpigmentation and increased skin sensitivity—and offer products and services with these in mind. Melasma, also called chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy," is a condition in which brownish or yellowish patches of hyperpigmentation appear on the face (most often on the forehead, upper cheeks, nose, and chin, but they can be anywhere). This is a hormonal condition connected to the increase in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Melasma is a long-term condition that can fl are up again after its initial appearance, but correct professional skin care can help reduce it or make it disappear completely. (Members of Associated Skin Care Professionals can access a free one-hour webinar on treating melasma, available in the Members section at www.ascpskincare.com. Look under the "Education menu" for "ASCP Webinars," then go to "Treatments & Modalities.") Spider veins are another skin change some moms experience. Pregnancy's hormonal changes and increased blood volume cause tiny, squiggly red or purple capillaries just below the surface of the skin to become more visible. Acne is also common during pregnancy. Thankfully, it is rarely severe and will subside soon after delivery. As always, know what you can and can't treat, and refer the client to an appropriate medical professional if necessary. Product Concerns Naturally, any product you use in treatments or sell to your clients should be safe. This is even more important with pregnant clients: any harsh ingredients can potentially affect the fetus, even if those ingredients would have only a negligible impact on an adult. It is important to do your research on contraindicated ingredients and services, and stick to your decisions about what you are comfortable offering, even if the client requests something else. There are several product lines out there that are created specifi cally for pregnant clients. Product lines for medically challenged clients may also be good choices. Make sure whatever supplier you decide to partner with offers training on their product, so you can be comfortable with it in the treatment room and well versed in answering clients' questions. Invite your client to sample the feel and scent of each product before you use it. A pregnant woman's senses often become more acute and some scents may be overwhelming to her. In your retail area, consider offering more than just skin care products. Cushions and other pregnancy support products (including books and videos) are valuable retail items, both for pregnant clients and for regular clients looking for gifts. A Life-Changing Event Pregnancy is a life-changing event that lasts for 40 weeks. It's a time when spa services can be instrumental in an expectant mom's anti- stress routine. Estheticians who are willing to truly enhance the maternity spa experience will stand out from their competitors in reaching this growing market. The key is to stop thinking of prenatal services as a separate modality and instead recognize them as quality modifi cations to the experience you already provide. Whether you want to pursue advanced training and specialize in this area, or simply learn how to better serve the next mom-to-be who walks through your door, your knowledge can bring a special touch to a special time in your client's life. Stacy Denney, author, columnist, and founder of prenatal spa Barefoot & Pregnant, has been providing maternity spa services since 2003. She launched the Belly Friendly training program in 2012 to make the Barefoot & Pregnant spa experience available to moms across the country. Contact her at contact@bellyfriendly.com. More Resources • Belly Friendly (www.bellyfriendly.com) offers prenatal spa certifi cation, online education, and other resources focused on making spas profi cient in catering to expectant moms. • Body Therapy Education (www.bodytherapyassociates.com) offers training and certifi cation in prenatal massage therapy. • What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, 4th ed. (Workman Publishing Co., 2008).