When we think about summer skin, the face is usually the first area that comes to mind. Clients may be preparing for vacations, weddings, open-back dresses, swimsuit season, or special events where they want to feel more confident and comfortable in their skin.
But the upper back and shoulders are often part of that experience too.
In summer, this area may be more exposed than usual. Clients may be wearing dresses, tank tops, open-back tops, or swimsuits. They may also be applying sunscreen more frequently to the back, shoulders, and neck. For some clients, this can bring more awareness to an area they usually forget about until they feel tension, dryness, congestion, or simply want to feel more polished before an event or vacation.
As estheticians, we often focus so much on the face that the back becomes an afterthought. Yet the upper and mid-back can hold a great deal of tension, especially around the shoulders and between the scapula. Travel, long hours at a desk, stress, and everyday posture can all contribute to tightness in this area.
Adding back-focused massage to your summer facials can make the treatment feel more complete.
There are two simple ways to think about this.
The first is as a focused 10-minute upper to mid-back massage add-on before the facial. Personally, I like the idea of performing this first, allowing the client to soften, settle, and breathe before turning over for the rest of the treatment.
The second is a more complete 30-minute back facial treatment. This may include cleansing, exfoliation, massage, masque, moisturizer, and SPF. It can be offered as a standalone summer treatment or added to a facial for clients who want a more complete face-and-back experience.
The beauty of this type of service is that it supports both the skin and the client experience. The back receives care and attention, while the massage brings focus to areas where clients often carry tension.
For clients preparing for vacations, weddings, photographs, or simply wearing more revealing summer clothing, a back-focused treatment can feel thoughtful, timely, and appreciated.
Summer is a perfect time to remind clients that facial treatments do not have to stop at the face.
Have you offered back treatments or back-focused massage as part of your facial services? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.
And if you found this useful, please share it with a fellow esthetician who may be thinking about adding something seasonal to their treatment menu.
To learn how to add back-focused massage to your summer facials, explore the Blissful Back Revive training video Blissful Back Revive from Enhanced Touch.