The following conditions may prevent or restrict you from receiving specific services at Slow Beauty. Please note that while this list covers many contraindications, there may be others not listed below that would also prevent you from receiving services, and we reserve the right to determine what constitutes a contraindication. Speak with your skincare professional and your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Skin Care
Contraindications that PREVENT a facial treatment:
Viruses such as colds, cold sores, warts, bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, styes, fungal infections such as ringworm, blepharitis, undiagnosed lumps or swelling, broken bones, known sensitivity or allergy to products. Eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, fresh bruising, open sores, bleeding, tooth abscess, broken jaw or other facial bone, facial cancer, head lice, recently consumed alcohol, under the influence of drugs, unstable blood pressure, recent head injury, recent neck injury, fever, contagious disease, recent haemmorhage, recent scarring, severe acne.
Contraindications that could RESTRICT a facial treatment:
The following conditions are contraindications that will not necessarily stop the treatment from taking place but they may mean that the treatment is restricted or may have to be adapted:
Cuts/abrasions/broken skin, bruises or swelling, recent scar tissue (less than six months old), eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, skin tags, milia, recent sunburn, current medication that may affect treatment needs to be disclosed, claustrophobia, broken capillaries/veins.
BT Micro Contraindications
- Pacemaker or other implanted device
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Any contagious or transmittable disease
LED Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy
- Photo-allergy
- Medications that cause light sensitivity
Immediate aftercare:
The skin has been deep cleansed, stimulated and nourished, no aftercare is needed except to leave it alone. Avoid picking, squeezing pimples or touching the area. Do not apply make-up for at least 8 hours if possible, avoid any further overstimulation and heat treatments for at least 12 hours, avoid highly perfumed products, no depilation (hair removal) should take place after a facial. If any rash, irritation or itching occurs just apply a cool flannel to the area.
Long-term and home-care advice:
Regular use of professionally prescribed products will help the skin, regular facials will help to regulate a problem skin.
Massage
Contraindications that PREVENT or RESTRICT massage:
Fever: When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body’s natural defences.
Inflammation: Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation, so you should not administer it. Inflamed conditions include anything that ends in –itis, such as phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and so on. In the case of localised problems, you can still massage around them, however, avoiding the inflammation itself.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage affects the blood vessels, and so people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all.
Infectious diseases: Massage is not a good idea for someone coming down with the flu or diphtheria, for example, and to make matters worse, you expose others to the virus as well.
Hernia: Hernias are protrusions of part of an organ (such as the intestines) through a muscular wall. It’s not a good idea to try to push these organs back inside, surgery works better.
Osteoporosis: Elderly people with a severe stoop to the shoulders often have this condition, in which bones become porous, brittle, and fragile. Massage may be too intense for this condition.
Varicose veins: Massage directly over varicose veins can worsen the problem. However, if you apply a very light massage next to the problem, always in a direction toward the heart, it can be very beneficial.
Broken bones: A little light massage to the surrounding areas, can improve circulation and be quite helpful.
Skin problems: Avoid anything that looks like it shouldn’t be there, such as rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils, and blisters, for example. Usually these problems are local, so one can still massage in other areas.
Cancer: Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. Simple, caring touch is fine, but massage strokes that stimulate circulation are not. Always check with a doctor first.
Other conditions and diseases: Diabetes, asthma, and other serious conditions each has its own precautions, and you should seek a doctor’s opinion before administering massage.
HIV infection: Some people still think of AIDS as something that can be “caught” through simple skin- to-skin contact, but is not the case. If there is no exchange of bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or mother’s milk), HIV can’t be transmitted during massage. So, HIV infection is not contraindicated for this reason. However, some of the infections that people suffering from the later stages of AIDS experience are contraindicated, and you should avoid those infections. Loving, soothing contact is extremely important for people at any stage of infection, but in the case of any visible rashes, sores, lesions, or swelling, massage is best left to a professional.
Tips for Indian Head Massage: Whilst you are bound to feel great after an Indian head massage, there is a good chance you may not look great. Whether your massage therapist has chosen to use oils or not, your hair will look tussled and potentially like you haven’t washed out your conditioner from a week ago! Make sure to take a hairbrush and band, or a hat to wear on the way home from your session.
Waxing
Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair by the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair. At Slow Beauty I use the Lycon roller head system and is the trusted name among professionals in wax hair removal. Roll on waxing means no drips and no burns. Wax applies at just the right temperature and thickness for perfect results every time. Wax is applied thinly over the skin using the wax cartridge. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair. It will feel like a plaster being pulled off quickly. Pain tolerance will depend on each individual client, however if you know you don’t tolerate pain easily then take a couple of pain relief tablets (that you have used before and have had no reaction to previously) about an hour prior to treatment and this should reduce the pain somewhat.
Contra-indications that PREVENT waxing:
Contagious skin condition – wait for the condition to clear before waxing, thin or fragile skin – can cause bruising and tearing of the skin which may lead to infection, use of steroid medication – this can cause a thinning of the skin. Waxing should not be done whilst using such medication, and not until 3 months after completing the treatment. Unidentified lumps or swelling, and previous allergic reaction to treatment are also contraindications.
Contra-indications that may RESTRICT waxing:
Raised moles and skin tags. Wax should not be applied directly over them, Abrasions, bites, broken skin, bruises – avoid waxing the affected area until healed, varicose veins – do not wax over the affected area.
Immediate aftercare:
The waxed area may be red and there may be some blood spots, especially where the hairs are strong, i.e. on the bikini line or underarm. An after-wax cream containing tea tree oil will be applied to help cool the skin, reduce the redness and keep the skin moisturised. Aftercare for a period of 24 hours following treatment: No sunbathing or sun-beds, avoid bathing in sea or swimming pool, do not take a hot bath or shower, a cool one is absolutely fine, do not use deodorant/antiperspirant, avoid tight clothing, do not use perfumed products on the area, no make-up or self tanning preparations, do not keep touching or picking at the area.
Long term care advice:
Look after your skin on your body as you would on your face. Lots of moisturiser will stop the skin becoming too dry, especially in the winter months. Sloughing the skin with a Riffi Mitt or Lycomitt in the shower will help to keep the blood circulation stimulated, bringing lots of oxygen and nutrients to the skin to keep it in good condition and exfoliate the skin, helping stop the hairs becoming ingrown. Massage will help remove the build-up of toxins in the skin and keep the area both nourished and smooth. Gentle exercise, regular sleeping patterns and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, whilst cutting down on smoking and alcohol and drinking lots of water, really does work and not just for the face.
Nails
Manicure/ Pedicure contraindications: Contra-indications that PREVENT a manicure or pedicure treatment:
Fungal Infections: this type of infection spreads rapidly, often thrives in damp areas and can appear soft and spongy. For example: athlete’s foot (ringworm of the foot) ringworm of the hand.
Bacterial Infections: this type of infection is usually characterised by swelling, tenderness and redness in the area. For example: paronychia, whitlows, onychia.
Contra-indications that may RESTRICT a manicure or pedicure treatment:
Viral Infections – These infections are very common and treatment can be adapted by using a waterproof dressing and avoiding the area. For example: verruca vulgaris (common warts), verruca plantaris (verruca of the foot). Onycholysis – This is a disorder where the nail separates from the nail bed. Non- infectious nails can be manicured or pedicured as long as there is no fungal or bacterial infection. Onychocryptosis (ingrowing nails) – This may affect the fingers or toes. Split nails, brittle nails, blue nails, Beau’s lines, nail/finger biting, hangnail, splinter haemorrhages, overgrown cuticles, pits and grooves, flaking and breaking nails, bruised nails, eggshell nails, corrugations (or wavy ridges), furrows (depressions), white spots, Koilonychia (spoon nails), claw nails.
Immediate aftercare advice:
Following your manicure or pedicure treatment please allow adequate time to allow your nails to dry before leaving. Please bring open toed shoes with you when you have a pedicure treatment.
Longterm and home-care advice:
To prolong the life of your varnish wear suitable gloves or a special barrier cream when completing tasks involving any dirty work or other work involving the use of water or chemicals such as gardening, washing up, hairdressing, car maintenance etc. Do not bite nails or surrounding skin and keep an emery board available to deal with ragged free edges to the nails, so that the temptation to bite is removed. Use a moisturising hand cream or lotion regularly. Avoid using the nails as tools, use the pads of your fingers instead of your nails. Products that can be used to help improve the condition of nails and skin for hands and feet: Base coat, nail varnish, top coat, nail strengthener, cuticle oil, moisturising cream or lotion, emery boards and nail files, buffers, rough skin remover for feet, foot powder.
Eye Treatments
Eyelash and eyebrow tinting Contra-indications that PREVENT an eye treatment from being carried out:
Conjunctivitis, stye, blepharitis, viral infections, bruising to the area, reaction to a patch test for tinting and perming.
Immediate aftercare advice:
Do not touch or rub the area immediately after treatment. Cooling mild antiseptic products, e.g. witch hazel, should be applied to the area. No make-up should be applied to the area for 12 hours, as the follicles are open and infection may occur. If redness or irritation occurs apply damp cotton wool pad to the area. The effects will last approximately 4-6 weeks depending on how quickly the hairs grow out. Strong sunlight will make the results fade faster.
Sugaring
Sugaring Contra-indications that PREVENT a treatment from being carried out:
Enlarged varicose veins, phlebitis, new scars, sunburned skin, warts, network beards, bruises or lesions, skin tags, raised moles.
Chemical and Manual Exfoliation: Retin-A Treatments (Retin-A, enzyme peels, glycolic peels, AHA’s and any similar products: A Patch Test (24 hours before your reservation) is required providing use of retina-A has been 5 – 6+ weeks.
Age Defying – Vitamin C: A Patch Test (24 hours before your reservation) is required.
Accutane: Contra-indicated to Body Sugaring.
Micro Derm Abrasia or Peel: Contra-indicated to Body Sugaring (1 – 5 days after treatment).
- Extraction of the hair at 2mm or less on a regular basis leads to permanency.
- For best results, do not exfoliate the day before, the day of or the day after treatment.
- It is best not to tan or exercise prior to treatment.
- If you are on antibiotics or menstruating, please reschedule with at least 24 hours notice as your skin will be more sensitive.
- Do not apply creams or lotions to the area to be sugared for 24 hours prior to treatment, with the exception of Restore Hydrating Lotion.
- Do not use razors or depilatory creams between treatments, as this will interfere with your goal to refine and diminish your hair growth and to have smooth healthy skin.
- For best results, soak in a warm bath with 1/2 cup of Salt Spring for 20 minutes followed by a 5 minute shower to rinse in the 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Regularly cleanse with Presept Cleanser, apply Essential Tonic and moisturise with Restore Hydrating Lotion. This will ensure your skin is in the best possible condition pre and post treatment.
Immediate after-care advice:
Regularly hydrating and exfoliating your skin between sugaring treatments is just as important as receiving treatment. You will receive the best results if your skin is healthy. Consult your Alexandria Practitioner on how you can maximise your results.
Spray Tan
- Prepare for a tan by exfoliating using Eco Sonya Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub and Eco Tan Extreme Exfoliant Glove (available from Slow Beauty Eco Salon) 24-48 hours prior to your tanning appointment.
- Wear light, loose clothing to your appointment
- Avoid using products containing oil or soap that will strip tan and make it uneven and patchy. Prolong the life of your Eco Tan with Eco Sonya Coconut Mint Body Wash and Eco Sonya Coconut Body Milk (available from Slow Beauty Eco Salon)
- Your tan should last between 7-10 days, depending on how you look after it. We recommend moisturising daily to prolong your tan, and the use of Winter Skin is recommended to both moisturise and enhance your tan for longer.
- Visit Slow Beauty Eco Salon for your Eco Tan professional spray tan 48 hours before your special events for a gorgeous glow.
Extras
LED: Not recommended during pregnancy.