Skin care salons provide a variety of specific treatments that can include treatments for medical disorders, such as acne, or cosmetic procedures, such as exfoliation and moisturizing. Some skin care treatments, such laser hair removal, require licensing, depending on the state.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores become blocked from an overproduction of oil. Acne is exacerbated by the excessive shedding of skin cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. Acne treatments frequently contain salicylic acid as the active ingredient. This acid works by dissolving blackheads, whiteheads and skin cells.
Anti-aging
Proteins in the skin, such as collagen and elastin, provide elasticity. These proteins gradually break down as part of the aging process from the presence of compounds called free radicals. These compounds attract electrons from the proteins in the skin. This causes them to break down more quickly. Anti-aging treatments generally contain antioxidants that inhibit the effects of free radicals. Common antioxidants include coenzyme Q-10 and alpha lipoic acid.
Cleansing
Skin produces a type of oil through the hair follicles called sebum. Sebum then spreads across the surface of the skin. Its primary purpose is to prevent the skin from drying out, but excess sebum can allow dirt and bacteria to accumulate. Oils such as sebum will not simply wash off, so skin cleansers must contain some type surfactant to break up the sebum. Skin cleansers also remove dead skin cells.
Exfoliation
Skin continually sheds cells as it replaces them. Dead cells can accumulate on the skin, making the skin look older than it is. Exfoliation treatments at the salon generally consist of lotions and gels that contain hard particles such as sand and salt. These particles have rough edges that remove the dead cells from the skin, revealing the younger layer of skin.
Moisturizing
The skin requires moisture to keep it pliable, especially in warm, dry weather. Skin moisturizers can take the form of a gel, lotion or shampoo. These types of skin treatments contain a variety of substances known as humectants that provide moisture. Glycerin is one of the most common humectants because it does not react readily with other chemicals. Skin moisturizers also contain substances known as emollients that protect the skin from moisture loss. Emollients may have a water or oil base, and include substances such as cocoa butter, shea butter and butyl stearate.