European Spa: Six diagnostic tools for your spa

With demand for preventative health checks growing, we spotlight leading companies in the industry and look at some of the best technology available for spas

REPORT BY MARK SMITH

Preventative health checks have become central to the guest journey at medical wellness clinics and as demand for specialist health programmes grows, so too does the need for high-tech diagnostic equipment. Often at the core of the consultation process, such technology enables far greater insight into the health of spa guests’ body and skin, providing valuable data from which to prescribe a programme of improvement. This extra layer of personalisation also provides added value to the individual’s wellness journey. It also allows therapists to offer scientific proof to support their guests’ choices and encourage treatment upselling.

Enabling real-time change

A scientific, evidence-based approach not only sets the programme parameters but is also helpful in preventing future health issues arising and for monitoring progress. “Diagnostics are essential for providing a factual, realtime picture of a guest’s biological age,” says Dr George Gaitanos, chief scientific and operating officer, Chenot Group. “We can then recommend personalised treatments and lifestyle modifications to counteract and even reverse ageing.”

As the technology develops, the opportunities for spa and wellness grow and it’s not just uber-elite medical wellness clinics that can benefit. Spas that focus on guest health and monitor their progress can embrace many aspects of these technologies – from measuring metabolic rate, fat and body composition to muscle mass, heart rate and overall skin health.

To help you provide your guests with the best diagnostic services possible, European Spa spotlights some leading companies serving the industry and the products that they offer.

1. Facial analysis: Opatra London Dome Machine

Opatra London designs and distributes a range of technologically advanced facial skincare machines to analyse and care for skin health. Its Dome facial skin analyser clinically measures the surface and subsurface of the skin using state-of-the-art digital imagery. This combines RGB visible light, polarised light and UV spectrum imaging technology along with artificial intelligence and image analysis.

The Opatra London Dome Machine

Used by beauty, medical and aesthetic skincare professionals, the skin analyser system is an advanced detection system that captures multispectral photos of the face, examining the complexion, focusing on lines and wrinkles, spots, pores, texture, porphyrins, UV spots, moisture and pigmentation.

The technology can create customised reports and can document a client’s progress through targeted treatment programmes. The system also helps to customise treatment therapies. Full-face imaging produces ten images within 25 seconds from a 2000W HD digital Camera. The Dome imaging system enables the spa team to predict the state of a client’s skin in the next three to five years.

www.opatra.com

2. Intracellular testing: OligoScan

The OligoScan is an intracellular tester that examines heavy metals, minerals and trace elements. Using full visible light spectrum, the hand-held device can identify 43 elements including 21 minerals, 15 heavy metals and levels of vitamins

A, B6, B9, B12, C, D, E. The test is immediate and non-invasive, measuring the intracellular uptake of the elements through the tissue, including muscle and small capillaries, at a depth of 4mm through the skin.

An OligoScan measurement

Spectrophotometry technology is a technique used to measure light absorption or the amount of chemicals present. It uses a light beam and each compound absorbs or transmits light over a certain wavelength. Each element has its own spectrum of colour and absorbs and reflects light differently based on the elements’ properties. The more concentrated, the more it absorbs the specific light applied.

The measurement is made with a portable spectrophotometer device approved by OligoScan. The collected data from the patient is sent to a secure central server within a few clicks. In less than one minute, results are available.

www.oligoscan.com

3. Facial analysis: Visia Facial Analysis System

The Visia Facial Analysis System from Canfield Scientific, Inc. is a comprehensive imaging technology used in the fields of skincare, dermatology and facial aesthetics.

With advanced but easy-to-use software, Visia provides a detailed analysis of the skin by capturing high-resolution digital photographs and utilises specialised software to evaluate various skin conditions. The technology is used in a variety of top spa destinations and clinics that provide comprehensive skincare services.

The Visia Facial Analysis System

Using IntelliFlash, cross-polarised and UV lighting to record and measure surface and sub-surface skin conditions, the machine allows spas to offer personalised skin analysis. By assessing skin parameters such as wrinkles, texture, pores and various types of spots, the system provides an objective evaluation of the client’s skin condition. This analysis helps in identifying specific concerns and enables the spa to offer targeted solutions, such as customised treatments or product recommendations.

The system also offers visual evidence to the client and is useful for tracking progress following a targeted treatment programme.

www.canfieldsci.com | www.surfaceimaging.co.ukFacial analysis

4. 3D Body Scanner: Visbody

Visbody S30 body analysis is a premium 3D body composition scanner designed for medical, fitness, body aesthetics, and spa applications. The scanning system examines the body and generates 3D models with millimetre accuracy in 32 seconds.

The technology employs direct segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and instantly scans the body to determine a range of health markers and indicators of health and wellbeing. Visbody examines 18 body circumference and posture parameters offering easy to interpret results.

It also looks at 14 core body composition measurements and eight control analysis points. Three reports – body composition, body analysis and shoulder function – give a clear perspective on the client’s current state of health, and looks at lean body mass, muscle mass, water retention, protein, basal metabolic rate, visceral fat as well as waist-to-hip ratio among others. These detailed reports allow the in-house spa team to develop a targeted fitness and wellbeing programme to address areas of concern.

www.visbody.com

5. Metabolic health: Pnoē

Pnoē uses breath analysis to determine a guest’s current state of health, which can help to guide future preventative health programmes. Also known as metabolic testing or VO2max, it helps to evaluate heart, lung and cellular fitness alongside the nervous system.

The Pnoē system is an easy-to-use, clinical-grade breath analysis device, proprietary software package and dedicated metabolic expert support. Through a non-invasive 10-minute breath test, Pnoē can prescribe a personalised nutrition, exercise and breathwork programme. It can be used in any normal treatment room and is easy to follow for clients and staff. Pnoē is supported by an app that can track client progress and offer a range of healthy lifestyle advice.

Recent studies have indicated VO2 testing as important indicators of life expectancy and quality. Analysing 23 biomarkers during inhalation and exhalation, some key variables assessed include metabolic rate, fat and carbohydrate oxidation, VO2max, heart and lung fitness, cellular fitness, and metabolic flexibility.

www.pnoe.com

6. Body composition: Styku 3D Body Scanner

Styku is a 3D body scanner that offers an accurate, non-invasive method of assessing body composition. Using a sophisticated, infrared scanning mechanism, Styku captures millions of data points with 2mm accuracy and displays them in a visual way, making it easy for users to track real changes in their body.

Using infrared technology, Styku measures several circumferences – such as waist, hip, chest and arms – and leverages the measurements to calculate body fat percentage and muscle-to-fat ratios. Styku is also able to produce reports on visceral fat, bone mass and more.

Generating a 3D model of the user, the images can be rotated, panned, zoomed and viewed in silhouette to track a client’s progress. The scan is simple to undertake – the user simply stands on the Styku turntable with arms slightly extended and holds still for 30 seconds while the platform revolves.

Used at regular intervals as part of a fitness or wellness regime, the technology allows the user to clearly see how their body composition changes over time, including the muscle mass gained.

www.styku.com | www.react-fitness.com