Skin Microbiome Innovation: The Evolution of Med Spas

Although the term “med spa” was not coined until 1990, history is marked with people searching for the fountain of youth. The ancient Egyptians used castor, sesame, and moringa oils to fight wrinkles and preserve their youth. In ancient Greece, both men and women mixed fresh berries with milk to create a paste for the facial area to smooth wrinkles. And during medieval times, lords and ladies used seeds, leaves, and flowers mixed with honey to create face masks, as well as using vinegar as a sort of astringent for a more youthful appearance. 

Modern times marked the introduction of cosmetic surgery and longer recovery. However, as time has marched on, technology has helped to evolve cosmetic treatments to include high-tech treatments to meet our aesthetic needs without the cost, recovery time, and risks associated with surgical procedures.

The medical spa concept first appeared in the 1990s, combining spa treatments with non-invasive medical procedures. This was shortly after cosmetic lasers were approved and widely used to treat a variety of skin concerns. However, early medical spa treatments weren’t nearly as advanced as they are today. Treatments took much longer, and they were not as effective. For example, early cosmetic lasers were far more intense, placing patients at risk for epidermal burning and treatments required much longer recovery periods. Essentially, early medical spas were created to fuse traditional spa treatments with noninvasive medical technology.

During ancient times, aesthetic enhancements were symbols of wealth and status. Similarly, during the 1990s and early 2000s, medical spa treatments were exclusive procedures. They were expensive, and typically reserved for clients in higher income brackets. For example, the first laser hair removal treatments and laser wrinkle removal treatments were very expensive, as the technology was new. Very few people could afford these treatments.

As these services became more recognized across the medical and aesthetics communities, and the demand for these services grew, they became more regulated, safer, and far more affordable. Prior to regulation, anyone interested in entering the world of medical spas could purchase a laser and start treating clients after watching a brief demo from the manufacturer. Today, most places require training and certification to operate medical spa devices.

The service offerings within the medical spa industry have come a long way since the lasers of the 1990s. In the most advanced medical spas, clients can choose from a wide range of services, including infrared light, radio frequency energy, ultrasound technology, and microbiome friendly treatments. By leveraging these technologies, med spas can reduce cellulite, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and they can improve skin texture and thigh sagging skin. Combined with microbiome topical treatments, service providers can create a healthier and more youthful appearance organically. 

We all know the skin is the body’s largest organ, and the best way to protect it is with microbiomes. According to the latest research, the skin’s microbiome communicates with the gut bacteria through the immune system. The healthier the gut, the healthier your skin. Microbiome topical treatments are designed to boost the skin’s microbiome, using topical pre-, pro-, and postbiotics to minimize the negative impact of an unbalanced gut.

As an industry, we are constantly looking for new and improved ways to service our clients in safe, effective, and naturally occurring ways. Combined with innovative formulations and technological advances in understanding the relationship between our skin and our overall health and wellness, microbiome products have provided something new for medical spas to offer clients for enhanced skincare. 

If you are looking for innovative ways to include microbiome in your spa’s service offerings, we can help. At Royal Metis, we consult with spa professionals empowering them to reach their overarching goals.

Contact a member of our team to learn more.

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