Clean Technology: The Ultrasonic Revolution

Let’s face it, we are a culture of technology. From the latest in electric powered vehicles to the mobile office that resides on our wrist disguised as a watch, we love gadgetry. And the technology available in our world today is nothing short of amazing.While our objectives in life are not so different than they were 100 years ago, the way that we are able to achieve them could not be further apart. We can travel from one side of the world to the other in ten hours by air, and see a friend or business partner face to face instantly by way of Skype or FaceTime.As skin therapists, we have experienced our own evolution of technology that began with the enormous multi use machines that have now been replaced by small, compact handheld micro technology that exfoliates, performs desencrustation, extractions, and product penetration. Or how about the rickety, unstable mag lamps that have now been replaced by LED magnification headsets. These new innovations meet the same objectives in a very new, forward thinking, quick, and effective way to achieve our professional goals of creating beautiful skin. Technology = Protocols = Loyalty As the multi-billion dollar personal care industry is in full blossom, its synergy with technology is no different than any other sector of our culture in that it is thriving. And for good reason, as experts believe that products that are combined with technology are more likely to be used as designed and instructed by the manufacturer, consistently, and for a longer period of time. If we need to purchase a new power cord for our mobile phone, we purchase it from the manufacturer. If we need to put oil in our car, we use what has been instructed in the owners manual. If we need a pair of shoes for running, we go to the running section of the Nike store. In short, as a whole we are a culture that follows directions. When a unique idea or technology is added to the mix of home skincare, the adherence to directions and protocols is magnified beyond belief. This consumer reaction is not only good for business, it is great for business! What I mean by this is that one of the biggest challenges that we have as skin therapists is encouraging our clients to stay diligent with their home care regimen, and to stay loyal to the brand we are recommending. Adding an home care technology to the mix of skincare recommendations adds enough intrigue, uniqueness, and excitement to the process to keep clients consistently on track. The result is beautiful skin, a happy client, great word of mouth advertisement, and extraordinary retail sales. The Cleansing Brush Machine driven cleansing brushes for the skin care professional are nothing new. As a matter of fact, they were amongst the first tools available to us and commonly incorporated in multi use machines. While they were interesting, they were never very commonly used. Most were spinning brushes that aggressively twisted and tugged at the skin. They were uncomfortable and awkward to use, and destroy the elasticity in the skin which is completely counter intuitive to our objective. While this kind of brush works well to shine shoes, it was never an appropriate tool for the skin. Ironically, many of the newest hand held cleaning brushes entering our personal care industry today use the exact same spinning technology. In addition to over stretching the skin and exasperating elastosis, there is no safe or easy way to clean and disinfect the brush between clients.Next came the intense vibration brushes available on the market that literally feel like a jackhammer on your skull. Although they do not twist and tug, they are so aggressive with large vibration that your head literally continues to shake after you shut the gadget down. Ultrasonic Technology Ultrasonic technology is an extremely rapid mini vibration, slightly under the level of ultrasonic. The ultrasonic activity on the surface of the skin has been shown to be up to six times more effective than cleansing with the hands alone. This in itself is a good reason thatultrasonic technology can, and should be, used in the treatment room and sent home with every client.In addition to the cleaning benefits, the exfoliation power ofultrasonic technology combined with silicone brush technology can have an amazing smoothing effect on the visual appearance of the texture of the skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Silicone Surgical Brush Bristle Technology If you have ever witnessed an abrasion or wound cleaned in a medical environment prior to sutures or dressing, you likely saw the small silicone surgical brush used for this process. The wound is first flushed with saline solution and then scrubbed thoroughly with a small silicone surgical brush. The bristles are pliable while at the same time firm enough to remove any debris that may be lodged in the wound. This same technology is now available for the world of skin care and it works remarkably when combined with microsonic technology. It also does an amazing job of exfoliating the skin simultaneously. Forward thinking manufacturers have designed specific exfoliation products to be used with the technology to enhance the the skin smoothing further. As we know, the stratum corneum creates a “netting” effect for all topical products applied. Thorough cleansing and exfoliation with microsonic technology has been shown to substantially increase the absorption power of topically applied products giving key active ingredients that much more punch to achieve their objectives. Silver Ion Technology The use of silver dates back to 4,000 BC where it was used for its mystical healing powers on the battle field, as well as to keep the water supply and liquids fresh and pure. By the 1800’s it was being ingested to treat infections, in foil form to dress wounds, and in thread form used as sutures. By 1934 there were over 94 different therapeutic uses for silver and silver byproducts, and for good reason. As it turns out, silver has unique antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that, unlike antibiotics, does not discriminate and effectively kills germs of all major types.Silver Ion technology is now moving into other materials including adhesives, sealants, floor coverings, coatings, etc., for commercial buildings including hospital and food processing. Forward thinking manufactures have developed a new method to infuse silver ion technology into silicone products for surgical brushes, and now for skin care brushes, promoting antimicrobial benefits. This is an amazing breakthrough that will have a very positive impact on the skin care industry, and our world as a whole. Water Proof or Water Resistant The IPX standard (ingress protection factor) ranges from 0-8. On the scale, IPX 0 has no protection against water, and IPX 8 is complete protection of the equipment being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. For handheld technology, specifically cleansing brushes, you will want a minimum of IPX 6. IPX 6 is sufficient for in shower use, as well as most bathtub use as long as the brush is not submerged for an extended period of time. Make sure to verify the IPX level of the cleansing brush prior to making your purchase, as the bulk of at home cleansing brushes are used in the shower. Agile, Compact, and Efficient New facial cleansing brush designs are unique in shape allowing for every part of the face to be easily cleaned, while at the same time large enough to make the process expedient. Because silicone is an incredibly agile material, it is able to glide over the many surfaces of the face, neck and décolleté seamlessly.Ultra efficient motor designs allow for maximum power and minimal energy usage, a very strategic combination. With such efficiency, battery powered brushes will last a consumer well over a year before they will need to replace batteries. Because of this new clean technology, the tedious recharging process is eliminated, as well as the need for the design to be bulky, awkward, and heavy. New slim line designs of microsonic cleansing brushes are nearly a third of the size of what we have seen in the past.In every treatment room and every bathroom, microsonic facial cleansing brushes make sense. They are small, fun, effective, and unique. They allow us to make incredible positive gains in the appearance of our skin, while guiding us through our daily regimen consistently. Most importantly, they assist us in reaching our objective as a skin therapist; beautiful skin for everyone.See how we leverage these emerging technologies in the award winning bt-sonic ultrasonic cleansing brush