He came in with combination, breakout-prone skin: congested pores on the nose and cheeks, uneven texture, residual dark marks from past breakouts, and an overall dullness.
Licensed Esthetician Gina Maltese built the protocol around what the skin was showing, combining several technologies in a deliberate sequence:
Licensed Esthetician Gina Maltese built the protocol around what the skin was showing, combining several technologies in a deliberate sequence:
Two sessions — and this client's skin looked noticeably clearer around the pores, smoother in texture, and more even in tone.
A 2-Session Case Study
A Deep Pore-Cleansing Protocol for Combination Skin:
Cleanse → HydroDiamond→ Cold Plasma → Infuse → Protect
She works closely with dermatologists and plastic surgeons and builds each treatment individually — guided by what the skin is showing and what the client wants.
Gina Maltese,
Licensed Esthetician
This protocol was performed
by Gina Maltese — a Licensed Esthetician with over a decade of experience (since 2013) and the owner of two spas: one in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, and one in Ventura, California.
by Gina Maltese — a Licensed Esthetician with over a decade of experience (since 2013) and the owner of two spas: one in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, and one in Ventura, California.
Client: male
Skin type: combination / breakout-prone, Fitzpatrick V
Main concern: congested pores, uneven texture, dullness
Visible signs: pore congestion (nose + cheeks), residual dark marks, uneven tone, visible blackheads
Sessions: 2
Recommended every 4–6 weeks
Protocol goal: clearer-looking pores, smoother texture, and overall skin refinement
Visible result: a clearer pore zone, smoother texture, more even tone, and a more radiant look
Skin type: combination / breakout-prone, Fitzpatrick V
Main concern: congested pores, uneven texture, dullness
Visible signs: pore congestion (nose + cheeks), residual dark marks, uneven tone, visible blackheads
Sessions: 2
Recommended every 4–6 weeks
Protocol goal: clearer-looking pores, smoother texture, and overall skin refinement
Visible result: a clearer pore zone, smoother texture, more even tone, and a more radiant look
Skin Concerns & Treatment Goals
What the Skin Was Showing
Residual dark marks
Past breakouts left areas of darker marks and uneven tone
Dullness
Surface buildup of corneocytes reduced how evenly the skin reflected light, and the skin lost its fresh look
Uneven texture
Micro-roughness on the surface scattered light unevenly, so the skin looked dull even where there were no active breakouts
Pore congestion
Buildup of sebum and surface debris in the follicles made the pores on the nose and cheeks more noticeable and the blackheads visible
How Each Step Built the Result
Protocol Logic:
Step 7. Barrier Comfort + SPF
Step 6. Oxygen Infusion Therapy
Step 5. Cold Plasma
Step 4. HydroDiamond — Hydro Extraction
Step 3. HydroDiamond — Exfoliation
Step 2. Enzymatic / Lactic-Acid Prep
Step 1. Double Cleanse
Visible Result After 2 Sessions
- pores on the nose look noticeably clearer, with less congestion
- texture is smoother and more refined
- fewer visible blackheads and less surface buildup
- more even tone; residual dark marks look softer
- a fresher, more radiant look with more even light reflection
- a calmer, more balanced-looking complexion
The result came from a sequence where each step set up the next: first a cleansed, softened surface, then controlled extractions over prepared pores, then support for an even look and hydration over the already-refined skin.
After two sessions, the skin looked clearer, smoother, and more even in tone.
After the first session, the client said his skin felt smooth and clean, and the difference in his pores — especially on the nose — was visible right away.
After two sessions, the skin looked clearer, smoother, and more even in tone.
After the first session, the client said his skin felt smooth and clean, and the difference in his pores — especially on the nose — was visible right away.
Protocol Synergy:
Visible Result After Two Session
Why It Worked
Esthetician Insights
- Prep the surface chemically/enzymatically before extractions. Softened congestion comes out in a more controlled, atraumatic way.
- Control the vacuum. Strong enough to be effective, gentle enough to stay in control.
- Cold plasma strengthens the protocol result: it supports surface decontamination after extractions and better skin receptivity to the next serum.
- Focus on the most congested zones — the nose and cheeks — but work the whole face for an even result.
- A series delivers a better result than a single session. The effect builds from session to session.
Zemits Technologies Used in This Protocol