A visit to a chiropractor got me thinking.
Recently I had cause to visit a Chiropractor, nagging symptoms that were not being adequately explained by my medical professional or passed off as stress, was just not going away.
After many hours of detective work on google of course, and numerous conversations with friends and family, it was starting to become clear to me, that perhaps the problem was in my neck.
So, I made an appointment with the local chiropractor post-haste. From the moment I called the practice I had a sense that I was in the right place. The receptionist was friendly, proficient and seemed quite caring. Always a good start!
I immediately informed there would be an initial charge of $160 for my initial consultation and with no medicare rebate. Ouch! But even so, I was feeling desperate to resolve my symptoms and resume normal living again, so I was happy to pay.
Once my appointment was scheduled, It was suggested I venture over to their website to view a 10-minute video. A video, I was assured would give me a clear understanding of what chiropractic medicine was.
I had a fair idea but, being the dutiful and fairly inquisitive person that I am, I promptly watched the video, in part out of interest to help satisfy my need for understanding and in part to somehow lessen the time between first contact and my eventual appointment. It helped more than I anticipated. So much so, when I finally arrived at my appointment, a little bit of the fear and anxiety I had been feeling was allayed and some of my questions answered, but at the same time, it gave rise to more specific questions which I’m sure just as helpful for the practitioner as it was for me.
Finally, the day arrived.
My 45 minute consult covered all my concerns and a treatment plan was developed. All subsequent appointments were booked in for me. By this stage, I was feeling quite confident that I was in the right place.
I had a plan and I could see relief in sight. I could not wait to begin.
This extended consultation meant no question was left hanging in the air, no question seemed silly or gave rise to further anxiety. All my questions were answered, not only that, I felt listened to and understood for the first time in the two months since my symptoms mysteriously appeared. I was sure I was finally in the right place.
This whole experience got me thinking about finding the perfect skincare professional and how hard it can be.
Are you in the right place? Have you found that perfect someone to guide you through your skincare woes? Or, just keep it looking healthy and luminous?
Finding the perfect skincare professional in a beauty salon or clinic.
Like my visit to a chiropractor, it starts from the moment you make the appointment.
If you’ve decided to seek out the services of a Beauty Salon. Great! This is where you will be greeted by either a Beauty or Dermal Therapist, the latter holding a degree in health science.
But, be warned not all are created equal and if making improvements to your skin is your goal, then seeking out someone with a passion for the skin will help.
Let’s assume you’re there for more than a relaxing facial or massage. It’s skin correction and anti-ageing you’re looking for. Their knowledge of the skin should be pretty extensive. If they’re well versed in explaining your skin conditions and the products that’ll help you, not just how they work, but why, and how you’re going to use them at home.
You should never be left guessing or feeling confused. If all this happened, then you’re off to a great start. You’re probably in the right place and you may have found the perfect skincare professional.
Not only do they have a great knowledge of the skin but they can explain to you why your skin is the way it is, whether that be good, bad or somewhere in between. They’ll fully diagnose your skin before prescribing or recommending any products or treatments.
The brands they choose are cosmeceutical, admittedly this is a made-up term, but it should mean the products include ingredients such as Vitamin A, B3, C and E as well as Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acid formulations, and Peptides at the very least.
Anything else may be lovely and make your skin feel soft and will certainly protect your lipid barrier from disrepair and dysfunction but, they’ll not necessarily correct problems such as pigmentation, brown patches and poor texture or the tone and elasticity of your skin.
The recommendations they make will be based on what they see as well as the concerns you’ve expressed.
They won’t cut any corners and will recommend products to use at home prior to any treatments they have scheduled in for you. Your skin needs to be prepared at home for future visits to the clinic, especially if the treatments are for the purpose of correction such as Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and Laser.
Deal breakers? Any corrective treatment offered without a full consultation, skin diagnosis and recommended products for use at home for at least 2 weeks prior to your first treatment.
Finally, they’ve developed a treatment plan for you and they intend to keep track of the progress you’re making, not just at your scheduled visits but in-between times. If you get a follow-up phone call in the first 72 hours of your first consultation, you are most definitely in the right place.
They really care and want you to become a client for life.
See you next time where I discuss the Cosmetic Clinic and what to look for.
