DERMASCOPE Magazine

Today’s consumer is savvier than ever before when it comes to caring for their skin. Yet, one facial topic that continuously confuses and frustrates is pore size. Despite the fact that the average human body has approximately five million pores, people tend to obsess over the few that noticeably appear on the face. It is a side effect common in today’s high-definition world, where clogged or enlarged pores can feel like a real burden – so much so that terms like porexia or pore dysmorphia have (half-jokingly) entered the conversation. Just a decade ago, most individuals were primarily concerned with reducing fine lines and wrinkles as they aged. Today, however, due to the advent of increasingly sophisticated skin care formulations, advanced aesthetic treatments, and a growing reliance on plastic surgery, the bar has been raised. Skin is supposed to look flawless.

I never go to bed wearing eye makeup. No matter how tired I am, I always use an eye makeup remover. The reason is that this specialized product is made to dissolve color pigments in the shadows and loosen mascara. Using a facial cleanser to rub off eye makeup can cause irritation and, even worse, you can run the risk of getting ingredients like glycolic acid in your eyes. Of course, the next step is cleansing and moisturizing, but here is my second trade secret: serums.
The key is choosing the right serum at the right time. Serums containing glycolic, retinol and lightening agents should be used at night because they are sun-sensitive.

First off, I try to establish protocols within my business to prevent even the possibility of having no-show clients. There are three things I do to facilitate this goal. First, I make sure to inform all of my potential clients about my no-show policy. I do this through printing it on my take-home menus, treatment forms, displays located in my spa’s reception area, and by publishing it on our website. In addition to making sure that my policy is visible, I also make sure that new clients are made aware and returning clients are reminded of this policy when they call in to book an appointment. Secondly, I provide an incentive to my clients, which I call “premium” pricing for my premium clients. Basically, if you are in good standing with our spa you are considered a premium client. With premium client status, clients receive retail discounts, coupons via e-mail, and special pricing discounts, so it is a valuable incentive.

Myth:

It is best to let your skin breath at night while you sleep.

Facts:

This myth is based upon the fact that while we are sleeping, our body produces growth factors. As we age, we lose the ability to produce these growth factors creating this myth. The best time to apply anti-aging skin care products is probably during the evening, while the body is at rest, so it will better absorb the active ingredients. Many people tend to over-apply products, clogging pores, so it is good to go natural once in a while but it does not have to be during the night.

Many people crave a fresh, youthful appearance, but they do not have the time to devote to costly, time-consuming procedures. Many plastic surgery procedures can feel too extreme and drastic for people who just want minor tweaks. In other words, they want to look like themselves – but the best, freshest, and most rested version of themselves.
For these people, there is no better option than the lunchtime facelift. The lunchtime facelift is quick and requires no downtime.

When it comes to sanitation, the first challenge for salons and spas is to define what sanitation really means. The second is to educate professionals on what aspects are most important. In other words, what aspect is going to be dealt with as a priority? This is not a simple problem and many aestheticians confuse the two. Safe treatments, cleaning procedures and contaminated disposals are among the top priorities at every level. As an aesthetician, keep in mind that cleanliness comes first and foremost. Also, remember that the aesthetician's personal appearance should be a priority when understanding sanitation.

Vito Mazza Salon & Spa recently hosted a holiday "Season of Giving" fundraiser to give back to the local communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. The calendar of events included donating 10 percent of all gift card and retail purchases; a cut-a-thon; and a coat, food and toy drive.
Owner, Vito Mazza Jr. noted, "It was a very busy and rewarding month for the entire Vito Mazza family. We donated our time and talents to help raise $17,500 for Sandy victims. Our generous staff and clientele were part of the most successful month of fundraising in our 46 year history."

A is for Asymmetry: Look for moles where the shape of one half is different from the other.
B is for Border: Look for moles with irregular, scalloped, or jagged borders.
C is for Color: Look for moles with multiple colors or variation in color-especially shades of black, brown, blue, red or white.
D is for Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser) but they can be smaller too.
E is for Evolution/Evolving: Moles that are undergoing ANY kind of change, especially as outlined above, need to be evaluated by a medical professional.