Pumpkin Enzyme

I did the pumpkin peel on a client on Tuesday. I received an email from her this morning, that was very alarming stating that she had scabs on her cheeks and chin and that she was going to the dermatologist and wanted the name and ingredient list and furthermore that the product should not be used on anyone else. I have not had an issue with this product thus far. I used the green tea cleanser, glycolic cleanser and then the enzyme. I actually skipped the Vitamin C because she complained of the burning. I removed the enzyme after 5 minutes and neutralized because of her concern of the burn. I finished the treatment with a hydrating mask (not skin script) and the seaweed mask to sooth the skin and ended with moisturizer. At the end of the treatment, she said the tenderness was gone. Her email stated that it never went away and she woke up with scabs. Looking back, her skin was dehydrated and maybe I jumped the gun with this treatment, but I'm at a loss on how to respond outside of asking for photos and giving the product info. I know I will probably not see her back again, but I don't want to turn her off of facials or our industry as a whole. Please advise.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on February 20, 2014 at 8:24am

Hi Aisha:

Remember that the pumpkin is an aggressive enzyme. I usually dilute it with the goji berry mask (see the attached protocol). Reassure her that her skin will heal; just use extra moisturizer or cortisone 1% from the pharmacy if necessary. I have also attached the technical sheet for the pumpkin so you may forward it on for her dermatologist.

I think your diagnosis of dehydrated skin could be the answer. When we use a product on dehydrated skin, it can penetrate rapidly and unpredictably. It will resolve quickly and I believe she will be fine.

Lisa

Attachments:

Pumpkin Cheesecake Facial.pdf, 88 KB
11-Pumpkin Orange.pdf, 240 KB

Permalink Reply by Aisha Massac on February 20, 2014 at 9:20am

Thank you Lisa. I think my ego is hurt right now and also I just want to assure her that it was nothing wrong with the product or anything even out of the ordinary as far as the outcome. But when she mentioned scabbing, I can't help but to think it's peeling, and looks like scabs. My hope was that she would be so ecstatic after seeing the glow in her skin, but now I'm afraid I've turned her against our field.

Yikes Lisa! I just noted I did use steam and the protocol calls for none!

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on February 20, 2014 at 9:42am

Aisha:

I've changed that protocol recently to take out the steam. I do use steam, but I find that you don't need it so I changed the protocol. I do the same thing wanting to impress the client and will go overboard myself sometimes - and I still do it to this day. I think we just want to ensure we get a great result and make them happy.

Thanks.

Lisa

Permalink Reply by Aisha Massac on February 20, 2014 at 9:47am

Well that's somewhat of a relief. Scared me....thought I was moving too fast!

Thanks again!

Permalink Reply by Madalene MaGee on February 22, 2014 at 4:10pm

I will post this reply again. I cannot find my reply. I was concerned a little because I just did the pumpkin enzyme on my client and I did a lactic peel as well. I have boosted the enzyme with a peel before, but never the pumpkin enzyme. I read you can boost a peel with an enzyme if the clients skin can tolerate it. My client did not feel anything. She has very resilient skin. She has finished a series of six peels with me about a month or so ago, and is now coming to me for a facial with peel each month.
I did this today, so I guess I can only hope it was not too much. Is it not recommended that you do a peel with this enzyme? Please advise.

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on February 22, 2014 at 4:42pm

Malalene: Yes, you can do that as long as the skin can tolerate it; that's the beauty of these enzymes. Know how each performs individually as an individual enzyme, then boost. However, the pumpkin is strong, so for anyone reading, please try the pumpkin by itself (which causes peeling), then boost as needed. You are right on track with the maintenance facials after the series.

The pumpkin is for very resilient skin (and a boost only if needed).

For most people you might need to dilute the pumpkin with the goji berry mask (1 part pumpkin, 1 part goji berry mask) to fit most skin types.

Permalink Reply by Madalene MaGee on February 22, 2014 at 6:11pm

Thanks Lisa. Glad I asked. Next time I will use that enzyme with the mask and not boost it.