Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/493450
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 41 Susanne Schmaling, director of education for Associated Skin Care Professionals, is a licensed esthetician, experienced educator, former spa owner, founder of the Pacific Institute of Esthetics, author of A Comprehensive Guide to Equipment (Milady, 2009) and Aging Skin (Milady, 2011), and contributor to Standard Makeup (Milady, 2013). Contact her at sschmaling@ascpskincare.com. 1. Ask questions about what you see. For example: why does my client's skin get rosy when I massage her face? 2. Investigate your question further. For example: your investigation will lead you into skin structure and function, which in turn will show you the benefits of every massage you do. The trails of information that branch off from this question are numerous. 3. Be skeptical. For example: "This product can instantly remove redness from the skin." Really? Can that be possible? Can anything work instantly? You can see how being skeptical can bring up more questions. 4. Challenge your own beliefs. Take an honest look at what you feel is the truth about esthetics. Some common myths that have been passed on as fact are really just marketing ploys to sell products. This process may feel uncomfortable at first. You may even feel guilty about having passed on the wrong information to customers in the past, but everyone has done it. Try to have an open mind. 5. Ask: "What is the evidence?" We have all heard the marketing claims or read a study "proving" the effectiveness of a product. "This cream will restore collagen"; "this machine will remove wrinkles"—we've heard them all. The first response you should have is: "Show me the proof." Keep in mind that just because you are handed a study, it does not mean the study is valid. It's important to understand the background information related to any study. Here are some questions to ask: • Who paid for the study? Did the manufacturer fund it? Such funding does not automatically invalidate the outcome, but it can be a factor in the validity of the results. • What methods were used? You do not need to be a scientist to understand that an observational study is subjective and cannot be scientifically replicated. • How many subjects were used in the study? A study of 20 people is not as comprehensive as one with 100. A small sample size does not mean the study is invalid, but you need to be aware of the details. 6. Think outside the box. Thinking creatively will help you brainstorm alternate ideas for solutions. If a standard product or treatment is the first thing you choose when treating a skin problem, start to educate yourself about other alternatives that may be available. You're Already There Being an esthetician can often feel like being a detective. You need to be able to take the client's information and blend it with what is known about skin science in order to plan an effective treatment. Try not to feel overwhelmed—take little steps, and practice consistently. After all, as an esthetician, you are already using your critical thinking skills every day. • Ask questions • Investigate further • Be skeptical • Challenge yourself • Show me the proof • Think outside the box Resources • Insight Assessment. Critical Thinking Insight application. Last updated February 11, 2015. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/critical- thinking-insight/id824004507?mt=8. • Critical Thinking Web. "How to Improve." Accessed March 2015. http://philosophy.hku.hk/ think/critical/improve.php. Hands-On Skills: Read this article online at www.ascpskindeepdigital.com for a video lesson on Advanced Massage Techniques.