Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrea Stein on February 10, 2012 at 2:13pm

Yes, nothing to it except what is seen by the eye. Vitiligo is a skin condition in which there is a loss of brown color (pigment) from areas of skin, resulting in irregular white patches that feel like normal skin. You will know her needs ie: sensitivity (usually none), after intake forms. Otherwise there isn't any difference in treatment approach from other clients, except maybe on an emotional level.

Permalink Reply by Heather Capitanich on February 10, 2012 at 2:22pm

Yes, I have.  My daughter has had this condition since she was born- she is 25 now.  I have provided her w/ enzyme treatments European Facials, microdermabrasion treatments as well as chemical peels & have had no problems or reactions over the past few years.  I always do a spot test for allergies on all my chemical peel clients prior to treating them.  Other than the skin having no melanin in those whiter areas and your client being extremely careful in the sun you should be fine.  My daughter uses all the professional products that I have prescribed to her & has handled them very well.  She has a very extreme case and is covered with it from head to toe with Vitiligo :(.  Doesn't seem to have extremely sensitive or over-active skin either.  Everyone is different though....just proceed with caution & good luck :)

Permalink Reply by Ruby Powell on February 10, 2012 at 4:30pm

Thanks Andrea and Heather!  I was thinking it was not much different in treatment, just was feeling a little anxious because the client is reluctant and thinks they shouldn't get facials. Her daughter booked my Valentine's special for her and I was really expecting her to cancel, but so far she hasn't. 

Permalink Reply by Cindy Greenwood on February 11, 2012 at 6:27am

I just had this question myself on another forum!

I have a massage client with Vitiligo and we have discussed facials but I haven't seen her for treatment yet.

My focus would be on overall skin health since these is nothing that I can do to treat the vitiligo.

I would be cautious and check about any meds or topicals your client is on, but other than that you just need to use appropriate products that do not cause excessive trauma to skin. I would start out with a nice enzyme and see how her skin reacts. Certainly you would not want to do aggressive peels, but could probably work up to a milder peel.

There is no reason that I can see for your client to avoid facials.

I am sure she will LOVE it!

Permalink Reply by Ruby Powell on February 12, 2012 at 9:13pm

My client did love the facial and rebooked in 3 weeks.  She was really happy with the results and is thinking about purchasing product because she is not currently using a professional line. I did the SkinScript Coconut/Papaya Enzyme....her skin looked great.  Thanks all for the input and words of encouragement.

Permalink Reply by Heather Capitanich on February 13, 2012 at 9:07am

Yay!  :)

Permalink Reply by Andrea Stein on February 17, 2012 at 11:29am

Wonderful Ruby! I love the Coconut/Papaya too, a great way to start a client on the road to regular facials!