Spa Service Beginner’s Guide
New to spa services? Start here to know what to expect on your first visit.
AESTHETICS INSTITUTE
Spa Service Beginner’s Guide
We welcome you and are honored with your trust to receive a Spa Service from the Aesthetics Institute.
We support your commitment to the health of your skin, and we are happy to be a part of your skincare treatment regimen.
For those new to spa services, this guide is meant to serve as a broad overview of what is to be expected before, on the day of, and after your service.
All facials, waxing, and other spa services at our school are performed by general esthetics students under consultation with our licensed teaching staff.
All students providing spa services to clients have already completed a significant portion of their general esthetics training and have passed all necessary in-house tests and competencies within their program.
This guide is not meant to be exhaustive, and your student esthetician will go over all service details, as well as pre and post-care information about your specific service, if applicable.
We encourage you to ask the student esthetician any and all questions you may have about your service. An instructor will always confirm the service parameters before the service begins.
We offer a wide variety of spa services at our school, so please speak with your student esthetician about your skincare goals, as they will be able to recommend a treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
Thank you again for choosing the Aesthetics Institute and for supporting our students in their esthetics education and training.
Spa Policies
Spa Etiquette Policy
Please arrive a few minutes early to find parking and use the restroom before your treatment starts. Please silence phones upon arrival, as phone use is prohibited during your treatment. If you arrive late, your treatment may be shortened to end at the previously scheduled time, as a courtesy to our other clients.
Gratuity Policy
In appreciation for an outstanding experience, gratuities may be given at your discretion in cash only.
Child Policy
To ensure we give our clients the attention they deserve, we ask that our clients not bring children under the age of 14 unless the child is scheduled for an appointment. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the intake form and any needed consent forms.
Cancellation Policy
Please be advised all clients/patients are subject to our 48-hour cancellation policy. Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours notice will result in a charge of 100% of the price of the scheduled service(s).
Appointments that are missed without notice (no-show) will result in a charge of 100% of the total price of the scheduled service(s).
Waitlist Policy
Our online waitlist is first come, first serve. If you have added yourself to the waitlist for a specific service, you will receive an email if that service becomes available. You will have one (1) hour to confirm the service before it is offered to the next client on the waitlist. Appointments may become available suddenly, so please respond as soon as possible.
Right to Refuse Service
A safe learning environment for our students is our top priority. We want to accommodate all clients. However, we do not tolerate rude, disrespectful, or dangerous speech or behavior from our clients toward our students or staff. Clients behaving inappropriately will be asked to leave and not return.
Parking
You will find free complimentary parking directly next to our building on SE 23rd Avenue, where you will also find our lobby doors.
Reviews
We would love to hear your feedback about your student esthetician. We hope that we have delivered an exceptional customer service experience with results you love. We always strive to educate our students on creating the best client experience, and your honest feedback truly helps us accomplish that.
If you ever have a question or concern about your student esthetician or the level of care you have received, we kindly ask you to speak with one of our instructors or staff members immediately.
It is paramount we make sure you always feel one hundred percent comfortable with the level of service and care you have received at our school.
Spa Services Guide
Facials
Facials are the bread and butter of any spa. They are the service that is most requested and most sought after for both clients looking for regular corrective care and clients looking for a one-time relaxing treatment.
They address how the skin is currently behaving and seek to correct imbalances for a brighter, clearer complexion.
Facials typically consist of several parts that can be performed in a number of different orders. The following description is based on how we usually order our treatment protocols.
The first step is the skin analysis. This step is when the student esthetician cleanses and analyzes the skin to understand the skin type (genetic and cannot be changed) and the skin condition (temporary and can be changed).
Once a treatment plan is decided upon, the facial can begin.
After the skin is cleansed, it is then steamed to warm up the tissue, soften sebum, and to relax the client. After steaming, a facial massage is performed to warm the skin up even more and further aid in relaxing.
The types of facial massages we offer are Swedish, Shiatsu, and Viennese massage, and each has different skin types and conditions they are best suited for.
The Swedish massage technique combines movements of effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration to encourage blood circulation and warm up the skin.
Shiatsu massage involves using the fingertips and palms of the hand to focus on key pressure points of the face, neck, and scalp that hold tension in the skin without adding heat into the tissue.
Stimulating these areas can help reduce symptoms such as headaches, migraines, stress, and muscle tension that can cause fine lines and wrinkles.
The Viennese massage is a type of facial massage that we learn that combines aromatherapy and gentle, more rhythmic strokes and circular movements to help soothe and relax the client.
The skin is then exfoliated to remove dead skin buildup and stimulate the production of new skin cells.
There are many different types of exfoliants, but some common ones are physical exfoliants, such as scrubs and enzymes, and chemical exfoliants, commonly called peels.
After your skin is exfoliated, a mask is applied that is specific to your skin condition and goals. Skin that is freshly exfoliated is most receptive to product penetration.
After your mask is removed, skincare products are applied to your skin to benefit and protect it.
There is typically no downtime associated with basic facials, and clients can usually return to their regular routines that same day.
It is always recommended to follow the individual instructions from your student esthetician regarding post-care since they know which products they used on you.
Microcurrent Treatment Facials
Microcurrent is a cosmetic electrotherapy treatment that uses low-level energy to stimulate the skin and muscles.
This low voltage and low amperage electrical current mimic electrical currents in the body, stimulating regeneration and repair within the cells.
Microcurrent is applied to the skin using an electrode of which there are many different designs and types. The electrical current runs back and forth through the tissue to lift, firm, or tone.
This is done by stimulating the mitochondria of the cell, thus increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and uptake.
The stimulation increases wound healing, tissue repair, and cellular turnover and improves circulation, lymphatic drainage, and oxygenation of the skin.
Microcurrent treatments are non-invasive and indicated for all skin types. While anyone can benefit from an individual visit and see a notable difference, it is recommended that this service is performed as a series and followed by regular service maintenance.
Photo Light Facials & LED Therapy
LED light therapy, also referred to as photo light therapy or photo light facials, uses different wavelengths of visible light to target common skin concerns.
Common skin concerns that can benefit from LED light therapy are eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, rosacea, acne, photoaging, and more.
The most common colors used in this treatment are red, blue, yellow, and green. The skin readily absorbs these color wavelengths, each affecting the skin differently and penetrating different depths of the skin.
Red light is great for anti-aging and collagen stimulation in the skin.
Blue light targets acne, or rather the P. Acnes bacteria that causes bacterial acne.
Green light can help with Inflammation, pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
Yellow light helps with lymphatic drainage and wound healing.
The treatment itself is fast, painless, and has no downtime. LED light is placed over cleaned skin and allowed to penetrate for a period of time determined by your student esthetician and your specific skin concerns and goals.
It can be a standalone treatment or done as part of another facial.
DiamondGlow Microdermabrasion Facials & Services
DiamondGlow microdermabrasion is a gentle, non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that exfoliates, extracts, and infuses a custom serum into your skin when it’s most receptive.
It uses suction and a real diamond-crusted tip to gently remove dead skin from the surface of your skin for a radiant, healthy-looking glow.
It’s suitable for most skin types and skin conditions because it uses physical exfoliation rather than chemical-based exfoliation.
The treatment itself is relaxing, refreshing and has no downtime associated with it. Your skin will be glowy and hydrated after your treatment.
Very few people cannot receive a DiamondGlow treatment. It can be used for overall maintenance, before a big event, directly before or between collagen-stimulating treatments like microneedling, laser resurfacing, or IPL, or to target acne.
We always recommend doing a series for the best results. DiamondGlow is typically done in a series of six and can be done every 2-4 weeks.
Many add-on services can accompany DiamondGlow treatments, such as dermaplaning, masks, LED light therapy, microcurrent, and more.
Your treatment will start with your skin being cleansed to remove traces of makeup, debris, and oil. A serum will be selected for your specific skin, and your student esthetician will also select a grit.
There are different strengths of exfoliation, and they will vary based on what your skin can handle. Once your treatment has been customized, your student esthetician will start your treatment.
The device applies suction to the skin to lift it to the diamond-crusted tip and then glides along the skin to remove dead skin cells.
As the dead skin is being removed, it is bathed in hydration, antioxidants, and growth factors when it’s most receptive. One or two passes may be performed on the skin depending on what is being targeted and what your skin can handle.
After your treatment is complete, your skin will feel glowy, hydrated, and fresh.
Chemical Peel Facials
Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation that can range from superficial to medium depth.
They work by breaking the bonds between skin cells and triggering the skin to make new, healthy cells.
Chemical peels are great for targeting a variety of skin concerns, such as acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation. Treatments are usually relatively quick, followed by several days of peeling and flaking of dead skin.
To prepare for the treatment, stop applying exfoliative skin care products two weeks before your appointment, including Retin A, glycolic acids, scrubs, etc.
The treatment will start with your skin being cleansed to remove makeup residue, debris, and oil and then prepped with a product like acetone or alcohol to lift the cuticle and alter the pH of the skin.
The peel itself is then applied to the skin in one or more layers. Once the peel is dry, you can go home.
After your peel, you will want to be gentle with your skin and protect it from the sun for up to 14 days until the skin is fully peeled.
Waxing Services
Waxing is a popular hair removal technique that can be done on any area of the face and body.
Both hard and soft wax is used depending on the area being treated and the hair being removed. This service removes unwanted hair to reveal smooth, glowing skin.
Soft wax is often a resin-based wax that is applied with a clean applicator and removed with non-woven fiber strips or cotton strips.
Hard wax is often made of rosin and wax and is applied with a clean applicator and removed by hand once it cools.
Your treatment will begin with the area being cleansed with an antiseptic to remove oil, products, and debris. Once your hair type has been assessed, a type of wax will be chosen for the area.
The area will be prepped depending on the type of wax chosen, the wax will be applied in small sections, and then the wax and hair will be removed in a quick motion.
After all of the hair has been removed, the skin is cleansed again with an antiseptic to keep the open follicles clean.
After waxing, you should avoid heat, sun, and sweating for 24 hours and avoid exfoliating for 72 hours.
Exfoliating the body regularly while waxing is important to allow new hairs to grow in and not get trapped under layers of dead skin and become ingrown.
Tinting Services
Tinting is a semi-permanent treatment that darkens the hairs on the lashes and brows for a more dramatic look.
This treatment uses a gentle vegetable dye to enhance and highlight facial features.
It can make lashes appear longer by giving a uniform color to the hairs, which can be lighter at the base and tip for a more dramatic makeup-free look. It can give brows a darker and more defined shape.
It typically lasts up to 4 weeks and pairs well with other services.
After your appointment, you should avoid washing or getting your brows and lashes wet for 24 hours to preserve the tint for longer.
It is a vegetable-based tint, so any staining of the skin that may occur will fade when washed.
