Types of Machines available

When choosing the best type of machine for your salon/clinic you will often look at the pros and cons of each types to help you to make your decision.

Below are a selection of some of the different types and some possible pros and cons (this list is not exhaustive though)

LED (light emitting diodes) lights are safe to use as they do not produce harmful UV (ultra-violet) or IR (infra-red) rays.

LED lights are low energy use so are more economical to use then normal bulbs but the bulbs cannot be replaced once broken. When bulbs start to not work a whole new replacement is needed. As the bulbs are low energy they can often last for over 10,000 hours.

New machines are always coming to market but this section will discuss the common equipment models.

Mask Shaped Machines

Pros	Cons
Can be worn when having treatments like manicures and pedicures as they often have a strap to hold them in place Limits light exposure to the therapist	Will be directly on the clients skin so through sensitisation will be needed to prevent cross infection Claustrophobic clients may struggle with this type of equipment Can only be used on the face due to the shape

Hand held machines

Pros

Cons

Can be used on other areas of the body not just the face
Some machines have this as an attachment with other machines e.g. Carlton to a microdermabrasion machine that combines brush cleanser, diamond head microdermabrasion and LED attachments. This particular machine has additional light settings of Hz so that it flashes for different depths.
Never contacts the skin so easy to sanitise between clients
Good for claustrophobic clients

The therapist has to hold the attachment so cannot use during another treatments like mani/pedi’s
Have to keep moving over the skin as only a small area is exposed to the light at one time

Some LED machines come with dual purpose machines. The Carlton Chromapeel is brush cleansing, microdermabrasion and LED.

Bridge/Wrap around Machines

Pros	Cons
Can be used on other areas of the body not just the face Never contacts the skin so easy to sanitise between clients Good for claustrophobic clients Therapist does not have to hold equipment and the whole face is exposed all at the same time Can sometimes come with additional features like a steamer	Takes up a lot of space when storing and transporting if you are a mobile therapist

You will need to research what is best for you and your practice (and budget). Just make sure that when you purchase your equipment that is will pass all the safety standards (electric plugs, CE marks) to ensure you are not breaching any laws, legislation and insurances.