Clinical Best Practice articles by Florence Barrett-Hill

A series of articles on the topic of Clinical best practice by Florence Barrett-Hill taken from www.Beautymagonline.com

Acne: A Contemporary View Acne is a unique skin condition due to it having so many foundations in the basic diagnostic characteristics of texture, colour and secretions. It is because there are these foundations that there is often confusion where to start when it comes to embarking of an effective treatment. In this series of 3 articles, we will explore all three aspects of this condition.

Antibiotic Resistant Acne In this second in a series, we will explore how acne produced through natural causes is different to that of toxic origin. It is less common, but certainly around and unfortunately increasing in frequency.

Diagnosing Acne types In the previous two articles, we discussed the different forms of acne, and their respective causes. In this final installment, we will review how to diagnose whether the skin condition you are looking at is in fact acne, and if it is, what type.

Cellulite & Fat: The differences explained Is cellulite different from fat? Yes, there is a difference. To understand why there is a difference, and what the skin treatment therapist can do to help treat the cellulite condition, we need to understand fat, and it’s role in the body.

Diagnosing Skin Glycation Once considered a skin condition only found in mature skins, Glycation is becoming more prevalent in younger skin. WHY? Establishing the cause of the Glycation will involve examining the clients work/play lifestyle and with care and attention can be turned around and halted.

Different Photo Types of Skins From Around the World Understanding the photo type and genetic history of caucasian skins is vital to determining risk factors for some treatments. Genetically northern hemisphere skins respond differently in both their own environment and when relocated to other parts of the world, and it is important to be aware of this genetic location history during the consultation process.

Epidermal Dehydration: A Cause, not a Condition The term dehydration is one of the most misused words in our industry, and this article has been written to attempt to dispel some of the myths and common misconceptions about water in the skin. Fully understanding the role that free water plays in the functions of the cells and systems of skin is the logical place to start.

Environmental Defense Treatments for Summer The mind-set of thinking ‘Hydration treatment because it’s summer’ may be entirely inappropriate for a summer clinical service as these treatments can often over hydrate in conditions of high humidity. What should you be thinking of as a suitable treatment for the summer? What environmental conditions prevail the most often?

Environmental Defense Treatments & Vitamin C Facial treatment programs over the summer months are when we should be targeting environmental defence, using products with a high anti-free radical profiles. Offering and providing “Environmental Defence Protection” will have to become one of our greatest responsibilities.

Increasing Mask Efficiency The treatment procedures of many skin conditions involving the use of masks require urgent revision in order for many therapists to obtain the best from new formulations and modern treatment philosophies. Relocation of the massage stage of the treatment to follow the mask is a better and more efficient way to deliver some facial treatments.

Seasonal Appropriate Treatments: A Professional Responsibility There are times in our career as a professional skin treatment therapists when we must resist promoting or delivering treatments to clients that are not appropriate for the particular season or climatic environment. – This is our professional responsibility.

Sensitive Skin Diagnosis through Skin Colour During skin analysis of the sensitive skin, skin colour caused by the dilation of the walls of the peripheral blood vessels will help you with your diagnosis.Vascular disorders of the skin can take many forms, and are either congenital (intrinsic) or developed (extrinsic). This article explores these aspects, along with tips on what to look for.

Skin Dehydration: Real or Misdiagnosed? Dehydration has perhaps been the most bandied about terminology used to describe a variety of skin conditions where lack of moisture is evident.Because a skin feels dry or looks taut does not necessarily mean its dehydrated. It is here that the misdiagnosis of dehydration most often occurs.

The Epidemic of Over-exfoliation I have a concern; and that is, we are observing an epidemic of over-exfoliation in the esthetics/beauty therapy industry. It is the “lets peel it” mind-set that so many practitioners have as a first choice treatment modality that is my greatest concern. Peeling is not a cure-all, but just one of many “tools” available to us.

The Epidermal Turnover Question There are two questions I am often asked during my seminars that deserve an airing: 1. If the epidermis is renewed every 30 days, why don’t I have a beautiful and perfect new skin every month? 2. If every pigment-carrying Melanosome is transferred to a keratinocyte, and every keratinocyte ultimately desquamates in 30 days, why do I have pigmentation? Read on for insights to the misleading, generic statement “epidermal cell turn over in 30 days”

The importance of genetics in skin analysis There are many components to a successful skin analysis, with much of the most valuable information being supplied by the client during the consultation process, as the primary cause of many conditions can be found here.

The three R’s of Corneotherapy Repair, Replenish,and Regenerate should be the three primary lessons taught for any treatment program to be successful. These three elements are the principles behind Corneotherapy; the pathway to sustainable skin health, and the pathway that will care for the skin throughout the client’s lifetime.

The Power of The Skin care Consultation There are many components to a successful skin analysis, with much of the most valuable information being supplied by the client during the consultation process; however one of the most beneficial pieces of information to be gathered during the consultation is details of the client’s phototype, genetic and UVR exposure history.

Understanding Hormonal Acne We know hormones play an important role in skin physiology; the androgen hormones are of particular relevance re hair growth and sebum production, but what role do they play in the condition of DHT Mediated Acne?

Understanding Photosensitivity Dealing with Photoreactions, Photoallergies and Phototoxicity are part of understanding photosensitivity. In this article we explore photosensitivity, providing you with essential knowledge for best-practice procedures when diagnosing the condition.