Seeing a lot of folks skip the patch test for new serums...

I've been noticing a pattern, especially with newer estheticians in our area. They get excited about a new active serum, maybe a strong vitamin C or a retinol blend, and they just go straight to applying it on a client's full face during a treatment. I saw it happen at a trade show demo in Orlando last winter, the presenter didn't even mention testing first. It matters because a reaction can set a client's skin back weeks, and it really hurts trust. I learned this the hard way about three years ago when a client had a bad red reaction to a peptide complex I was sure was gentle. Now, I always do a patch test behind the ear 24 hours before any new product introduction, no exceptions. It takes an extra minute of planning but saves so much trouble. How do you all handle introducing new actives when you can't see the client for a pre-visit test?

3 comments

3 Comments

xena_lopez16d ago

Oh man, that trade show story hits home. I had a client come in for a facial once and she'd just bought this fancy new acid serum at a mall kiosk, used it that morning, and her face was angry. We had to do a total calming rescue treatment instead. When I can't do a proper patch test ahead of time, I mix a tiny drop of the new active with a big blob of their regular moisturizer and apply it to just one small area, like the outer cheek, during the service. I tell them to watch that spot for a day and call me if anything feels off. It's not perfect, but it's way safer than slathering it everywhere.

olivia_bailey16d ago

Wait, she put acid on her face right before a facial? That's wild.

jennyh4110d ago

Smart to dilute it in their own moisturizer first.