Aestheia Imaging, a hologram content management, and advertising subscription company introduced its disruptive technology at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery last week at The Aesthetic Meeting in New Orleans. The company breaks the mold of in-practice marketing with the unveiling of XTHEIA; an interactive hologram display toting a Virtual Consult Assistant for medical office waiting rooms. Aestheia's launch poses a resolution to poor patient awareness; an underserved focal point of product education in the aesthetics industry.
The company is led by Austin JM Podowski, CEO and accomplished Dallas Healthcare Business Tech executives Mike McDonald, President and Paul Herchman, Advisory Board Member. Well known Plastic Surgeon and photographer Dr. Barry DiBernardo of New Jersey Plastic Surgery leads the companies Medical Advisory Board and will continue to work to enhance upon the application. The company offers a connected holographic media platform to story map the patient journey to brand and product education. Through the research and development of Aestheia's Medical Advisory Group, the company will offer holographic before and afters to patients so they can see pre-operative and post-operative procedure outcomes in true 3D, not previously available in the space.
"We are dedicated to providing novel and ground breaking product innovation for the entire Aesthetic Community," comments McDonald. The company today offers a fully-automated and comprehensive holographic playlist for physician waiting rooms tethered to a cloud-based solution developed by the management team.
"We are changing the way medical companies and physicians communicate with their customers and patients. The ALEXA of Aesthetics is now in the room," states Podowski. The team has also designed a customer facing iPad Pro application that allows a physician to remote control the device offering an in-app camera for patient photos. Mr. Podowski later comments, "The response received at ASAPS The Aesthetic Meeting affirms that our vision and product meet a need and resuscitate a lost connection with the consumer."
The management team is dedicated to further pioneering advancements in hologram, AI, and AR in the evolving medical practice of the 21st century. The company is finalizing a third-round capital raise and will begin placement of their technology throughout Plastic Surgery Offices in North America in July 2019. The technology will also be on display in direct to consumer retail kiosks throughout the United States later this year. To get a sneak peak of Aestheia, follow the team's development, or learn more about the technology, follow @aestheiaimaging or visit www.aestheiaimaging.com.
www.aestheiaimaging.com
Upselling and add-ons – a challenging subject to talk about even in the best of times. But here we are in the middle of an economic crisis, so you must be asking yourself how we could possibly consider this a reasonable topic when you are just happy you are able to sustain your clientele. Many of you are probably thinking there is no way you would jeopardize that relationship by asking the client to spend more money. All of which are perfectly reasonable thoughts and questions. However, I will ask you to put them in a box briefly, clear your mind, and be open to consideration for just a moment.
Let me give you an example of an effective suggestion that happens millions of times, everyday, all around the world. You go to your favorite restaurant; you sit down, and look over the menu. Your server comes to the table and takes your order, you tell him what you would like and he confirms your order then says, “Would you like a salad with that tonight, or can I interest you in a glass of wine?” A perfectly harmless question, that was neither painful nor offensive. At worst you say “No, thank you.” At best, he just enhanced your dining experience, increased your bill, and ultimately his tip. Job well done!
Selling retail is an essential part of a well run spa. This is true not only because the additional revenue is so crucial to a spa's bottom line, but also because prescriptive home care is the necessary second step to the professional care given to a client in the spa. While mastering the retail sale can be difficult from a team or individual perspective, there are methods for making your spa’s retail routine hum.
Your Spa's Style
Oftentimes spas try to sell a bit of everything in an attempt to accommodate everyone. This can be a fatal error. The more fragmented your retail mix the more clients and staff will be confused. There must be a driving force behind your spa philosophy. Are you primarily a spa focused in on medical skin care, contouring services, water therapies, or all organic non-ablative therapies? Before you can determine the best retail mix for your spa, you really need to dig deep and understand your theme, focus, and primary therapeutic offerings. Moreover, remember that if you can’t get the product on them in the treatment room—there is a much smaller chance that the client will be taking the product home with them for further use when not at the spa. Integrating the treatment experience with the retail experience is crucial. When determining your retail mix, be cognizant of your client. Do you primarily offer clinical services or is your treatment mix somewhat more “fluffy†or gift-oriented?
When Sarah Hughes skated off with the gold medal, she pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. Her surprisingly simple secret? “I didn’t skate for a gold medal. I went out and had a great time.”
Athletes say it all the time: “I just went out there and had fun.” And, admittedly, they do look like they’re having a great time.
Fortunately, fun isn’t the sole province of superstar athletes. It can work for the rest of us in the skin care industry, too. The link between having fun and business success has been proven in countless studies. When we’re having fun on the job, we are more creative and more productive.
by Lina Kennedy
A couple of decades ago, offering cream and sugar for anything other than coffee or tea would have sounded quite ridiculous! But in today’s realm of aesthetics and cosmetics promoting coffee and chocolate to soothe even the jitteriest skin, or offering sugar as a real hair removal solution to an age-old problem is very realistic. And as post treatment, applying a good trans-dermal cream to hydrate and moisturize the skin is simply a great, soothing and natural way to complete your sugaring service.
There is truly nothing more important than education to the success of any business, especially in the skin care industry. Manufacturers may tend to forget this-they think that their potential success rests with their products. Actually, the key is in the education of the people who use their products. I have dedicated the past 30 years to the education of skin care professionals. But here's what I've discovered: our clients also need to be trained. In fact, they are badly in need of a sort of Client Boot Camp.
I agree with the great Dr. Samuel Johnson, who said that "A little learning is a dangerous thing."
Every business owner that survives the critical early years in operation will arrive at a point where the physical expansion or remodeling of the original location seems like a reasonable idea. Client growth beyond your ability to serve as currently built, cramped working space for a larger spa team and the desire to add new treatment options, all may foster the desire to redesign your spa's layout and look. Besides, that once-vogue Tuscan theme with its faux finishes and terra cotta accents may now seem ancient indeed to your regular and newer customers.
These days, it's easy to get distracted. The real trouble is, the distractions take our attention from the issues which really count - client service being key among these.
We are such sensory beings, and barraged as we are with marketing messages, a simple trip to the store may turn into a phantasmagoric trip down the rabbit-hole. When I buy groceries, I will often see shoppers, apparently from other places, who cannot hide their amazement at the shampoo aisle of my local supermarket. Has washing your hair ever involved so many decisions? The same goes for purchasing a pair of blue jeans.
In 1983 I landed my first real job as a career aesthetician at a famous Union Square skin care salon in San Francisco, Calif. High on enthusiasm but lacking experience and clients I found myself positioned on the bottom rung of eight staff professionals that all received new customers ahead of me, leaving this new recruit with many an empty hour on his schedule. To help fill my time and, hopefully, earn a decent paycheck I proposed to the salon owner that we offer a complimentary make-up application to anyone following a facial treatment. I would do the work without compensation other than a commission on any product I sold.
Technique. This is a sacred word to skin therapists. To begin with, it's French-more on that in a moment. For generations, technique has been the skin care profession's raison d'etre-oops, I mean entire reason for being. Mastering the traditional posture, movements, and protocol defined the very essence of being a skin therapist, similar, let's say, to the discipline of a classical ballerina or a Cordon Bleu chef faceting perfect, six-sided baby carrot nuggets. But here's the big news: technique is not enough.
Thanks to the popular television series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy a sudden wave of men are having their eyebrows waxed and shaped to improve their appearance. Men have increasingly become enthusiastic customers of many traditional spa services, particularly therapeutic massage. But now we are seeing more opportunity for spas to work with male clients.
Men's health and fitness publications, travel magazines, and lifestyle television shows are routinely pitching the spa ritual to the male client, encouraging him to upgrade his level of personal care. Some spas dedicate specific time to men's treatments, and new spas are emerging that are designed to cater to men.
What will skin care look like in the future? This is the question I'll be exploring in my new series of ongoing columns for DERMASCOPE. After 30 years in this remarkable business, I've formed some strong opinions. But you already know that - otherwise you'd stop reading! And, I welcome your input - please be sure to check out the contact at the end of each column.
Of course, the future is now. Are you ready? Just like comic book space invaders, skin therapists indeed have laser-guns-and that's not an intrinsically bad thing.
One of the greatest perplexities to any spa owner is advertising. When to do it? Where? What makes sense? How much should I budget? We all understand the business of skin and body care, but getting our spa-oriented mind into marketing mode takes a real push. Marketing and advertising is a vast field of possibilities-both good and bad.
Every business needs to market itself, to get the word out about the availability, uniqueness, and quality of its goods and services. In the increasingly competitive day spa industry it's important to make potential customers aware of a company's distinctive qualities.
Close your eyes and imagine being enveloped by the soothing embraces of a beautiful day spa. Mmmmmmm... What special images and sensations are drifting into focus? Make a mental list of these details as you indulge in this fantasy. Now, imagine what things would disrupt your serene daydream, regardless of how large or small the flaw might be. What comes to mind? More importantly, as a customer have you personally experienced both satisfying and irritating details at a spa? Yes? Then consider what the delight or disappointment was, how it affected your overall satisfaction, and what you, the spa professional, could do to either highlight or eliminate similar occurrences where you work now.
"I've trained them and trained them but they just do what they want!" laments a frustrated spa owner with a staff of 17. As her business coach I sit and patiently listen to her story, observing the tense body language of a woman that feels powerless to change a stubborn and under-performing team. Turnover is approaching almost 100 percent for the second time in two years while customer complaints have risen sharply. Burned by a train them and lose them history my client has become embittered by the prospect of having to invest more time and money into employee development, and she doesn't want to do it again.
Considering the start-up of your very own day spa? A parade of beautiful, customer-filled spas and retreats has finally tempted you to bet with the players in this glamorous business. Let's assume that you've done your homework well. Feasibility study by an industry expert? Done. Stealth visits to your local competitors? Done. Trade show research on equipment, marketing, products, service menu, feng shui, and scented candles? Done. Bank loan? Done. Location and lease? Pending. You've planned, and planned and planned, and waited long enough. What more is there to do? Just one thing: read this article!
Our concepts of beauty are deeply shaped by history and culture. The ancient Greeks and Romans still affect our Western standard of beauty by their portrayals of gods, goddesses, emperors and nymphs, in eternally smooth, firm substances: marble and bronze. We aspire to this perfection today, and keeping facial and body hair to a minimum is in line with the aristocratic ideal of beauty passed down to us from classical times. Depilation technique and technology have never been more sophisticated, but obtaining optimum results still require some study.
Dear Jane,
My background is in make-up. I was a professional make-up artist for many years, and recently earned my aesthetics license because I love skin care as well. The two girls who work my front desk and retail area are wonderful sales people, but not skin therapists. How can I help them totruly meet the needs of clients in terms of selling? We get walk-ins who do not necessarily want a treatment that day, but who do want to buy the "right" cleanser, mask, etc.
~ A. Pierce, Long Beach, CA
Summertime can be a wonderful opportunity for spa therapists and technicians to become busy with summer-inspired upgrades to treatments. By combining your awareness of your client’s needs and preferences with knowledge of the products you offer, you can easily “up sell” a treatment. You help a client decide to purchase a little extra something or “upgrade” a level before starting the treatment. It does not have to be a major change, just an adjustment to the plan.
In some areas, summers tend to be a slower season, mostly due to the migration north of those spa clients who are snowbirds.
Traditional dictionary definitions of the word 'ethnic' refer to those who originate from non-western cultures. The word has also been used to describe people from cultures or nations different from where they reside. The U.S. is unique in that we are genuinely a melting pot. As a result, using the color or Fitzpatrick skin type of a patient to identify ethnicity may lead to incorrect treatment selection. Understanding the intricate variances that exist between the structure and function in the skin of people from differing geographic regions in the world is one important key to a successful treatment.
The cell is the basic unit of life. Healthy cells make up healthy tissue and healthy tissue contributes to healthy skin. At one time, it was believed that aging was an infallible process of life, but recent studies indicate that aging and cellular function are closely related.
Aging manifests on a myriad of levels from single cell to whole animal. Human cells are eukaryotic cells, which mean that they contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. The nucleus is the epicenter of the cell because it maintains the DNA, the genetic code for the organism.
Have you ever considered the possibility that we all have been aging our client’s skin over the last decade with the many traumatizing treatments we provide? Would you believe me if I told you that the current mainstream approach to anti-aging skin care is not working? I’m sure you have wondered why it is so hard to get lasting results for most of our clients. Get ready for a paradigm shift in the way we approach these skin conditions. Skin care professionals spend most of the time putting the skin in a compromised position in order to achieve “results” which are often marginal, temporary improvements in the epidermis.
How well do you really know your clients skin? Are you one of those aestheticians who view all skin equally for remedy options? How would you rate your professional savvy selecting the exact product formula or clinical treatment for your client's skin type?
In today's rapidly shifting skin care market, no room exists for lazy aestheticians arbitrarily advising inaccurate products based on marketing hype or uneducated judgment using treatments that can't deliver results because the skin type and problem(s) have not been properly identified. Before an aesthetician initiates the first treatment, a prudent skin health check-up should be a mandatory preliminary step to ensure home care products and the recommended clinical remedies compatible with the correct "skin type".
More and more, aestheticians and trained spa professionals are promoting and performing acne face and body services, joining dermatologists in co-managing this common, often disfiguring disease. As they expand their understanding of acne conditions, they also are questioning popular treatment methods and the topical compounds commonly used to fight acne.
The next generation of care for acne will be a preventive and reparative approach of influencing hormonal imbalance, killing bacteria and reversing tissue scarring with a sharp focus on oxidation management.
A woman looks in the bathroom mirror, taking inventory. Her skin has seen thirty-something summers, perhaps more. There is a nick of indentation at either corner of her mouth, a deepening line or two beside each eye, some expressive wear, perhaps, to the forehead. She touches these places and considers her options. Maybe a series of exfoliation treatments before her next birthday, maybe some wrinkle fillers.
But these familiar indicators of the aging process don’t trouble her as much as the growing cluster of comedones and breakouts at the side of her chin or appearing on her jawline.
Nowadays we all want to look younger in relation to our individual lifestyles and careers. Younger looking skin is attainable with proper exfoliation, so the less painful, expensive, abrasive, and the more accessible the better. Exfoliation is the aesthetician and the consumer's ticket to an easy and non-surgical way to rejuvenate the skin. Whatever one's budget, time commitment, or pain level, exfoliation can be customized to one's choices and comes in multiple formats. Exfoliation should also be performed at home, on the face and on the body, and has been the secret to beauty around the world. From the days of Cleopatra, exfoliation has been the secret to younger looking skin.
The skin is the largest, most complex, immune organ that challenges the practicing aesthetician today. Due to its interface function between the body and the environment, the skin is chronically exposed to both endogenous and environmental pro-oxidant agents, leading to premature aging and impaired cellular function.
Compelling evidence of premature aging suggests that oxidative stress is the major cause involved in the damage of the skin’s cellular constituents i.e.; keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans, Merkle, mast, fibroblasts, etc. and their DNA, cell membrane lipids, and proteins.
Take a moment and think of someone you know who has a vibrant glow in their countenance and a life-giving gleam in their eye. Perhaps they’re not the fittest or even the hottest person you’ve ever met, but something about them sparkles with life. What sets them apart?
Many people have a healthy glow at 30, but how do you stay shining at 50? You can pay big bucks for liposuction, butt lifts, face lifts, and any other lift that promises to defy gravity, but after a few years, your bank account will be sagging.
Acne and breakout-prone skin is a very frequent issue in a skin care clinic or spa. It has been estimated that 80 percent of the U.S. population is afflicted by some form of acne condition, at some time in their lives. Aestheticians must be prepared to correctly answer client questions about acne-prone skin, as well as be able to recommend products and treatments that can help control these unwanted flares of pimples and clogged pores.
As most aestheticians will confirm, typically, people with skin disorders don’t always seek the help of an aesthetician. However, because of the explosion in professional skin care technology, this trend is shifting. More and more people are beginning to understand the helpful role the aesthetician plays in the treatment and management of skin disorders, including physicians. As most disorders are treated by a physician, adding the services of the aesthetician is the best case scenario for the patient and/or client.
The wonderfully tough-talking Rhoda Morgenstern character from the old “Mary Tyler Moore Show” liked to say she had a “bad puberty. It lasted 17 years.” For adults who’ve lived through severe acne, this quip is an understatement.
Adolescence is when most people have their first experience, though not necessarily their last, with acne. Acne affects at least 85 percent of teenagers in the U. S. regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.[1] According to Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the L. A. County Director of Public Health, by their mid-teens, more than 40 percent of adolescents have acne severe enough to warrant treatment by a physician.[2]
As a former spa owner, I know how nerve wracking it can be to add a new service to your menu. There is a variety of issues to consider – from staffing to cost to space requirements (if a machine is involved). The first step is to create a list of questions to ask yourself in order to make the best decision possible. Some of these questions include:
As we are all aware, the skin care business is booming! The portion of the skin care market that is especially hot is skin repair and rejuvenation. The baby boomers are aging and shelling out billions of dollars a year for services and products that help them restore, repair, and rejuvenate themselves to a more youthful appearance. Skin care is the fastest growing segment within the category of cosmetics today. People aged 50+ represent over one third of our population, Healing Arts Guide – MJL Associates.
SKIN, the largest most complex immune organ of the body, is delicately assembled by millions of independent multifaceted spheres and existing inside these self-contained cells there lives settlements of compatible micro residents cohabiting together in water plasmic freedom. This complicated cellular quilt that protects every inch of the body, shielding against many types of bacterial and viral invaders, has also become the most sought after object of our affection for 21st Century beauty.
The aesthetic industry is opening itself to what is unique about contemporary times, detaching from outdated procedures and instead adjusting them to our current needs. Cultural, environmental, and dietary changes within our society have altered how our skin interacts with traditional treatments. In order to provide optimal results to our clients we must begin by acknowledging various skin conditions that are on the rise in our culture, understand their source and adjust our procedures accordingly.
The search for the Fountain of Youth has been going on throughout history, literature and mythology. People have fallen prey to charlatans and con men in the quest for rejuvenation. Even though we are aware of this, there is something in us that yearns to be younger, feel younger and look younger. We are often willing to spend thousands of dollars in this quest, but results usually are only temporary and only skin deep. What if there was a way to rejuvenate your body from the inside out.
You shake it on the dance floor; you sit on it all day. If you pick up something too heavy it stain and cause major pain. The gluteus maximus is the most used part of the body and yet it is so neglected. The buttocks are formed by the masses of the gluteal muscles, or “glutes”, superimposed by a layer of fat. There is a treatment that can offer relaxation, hydration, lifting, and yes, even treat acne that is not on face. Clients are raving how their backside feels softer and firmer after receiving the Fanny Facial, which is an excellent opportunity to offer a treatment that will address every nook and cranny or your client’s concerns.
Perfection. It’s what we all strive for in life, our families, and business. But, beginning at a very young age, it’s the perfection of the reflection we see in the mirror that becomes a daily goal. From the moment we notice that first flaw, perhaps the small whitehead or the “it happened overnight” exacerbated and full-blown pimple, the first attacks on facial perfection can quickly escalate to a full-blown war.
Skin analysis may seem pretty rudimentary at first glance. In fact, speaking as a skin care therapist myself, one of my concerns about our profession is that not everyone takes it seriously enough. Clients may think they "know" all about their own skin, and the skin therapist may lack the expertise to offer deeper insight.
It's my passionate belief that the skin analysis is the most valuable service we offer as professionals. I believe not only that every professional skin care treatment must be preceded by appropriate questions and an expert visual and manual examination, but also that every purchase of skin care product as well deserves to be shaped by this same consultation.
For many years, acids were the profit-producing darlings of the skin care industry and skin care professionals believed they were the answer to younger-looking and acne-prone skin. But now, with new products and services developing, the days of ‘always make’em peel’ are moving into the past and professionals are coming to believe acids should not be the only tool for anti-aging, but a tool-among-many. More and more are utilizing them in specifically indicated cases only and are finding other alternatives available to them.
Compared to a chemical peel, microdermabrasion offers the benefit of more precision and enhanced results, with no down time. Treatments are arranged as sessions generally as part of a four to eight visit strategy, with the goal of accelerating the regeneration of cells to the outer surface of the skin. This article will provide additional applications and describe alternative therapies, as well as delineate contraindications.
What I truly love about the skin care profession is not necessarily the “how” of treatments, products, and results; but the “why”. This is probably why I am so passionate about teaching. It is not enough in our business to simply be able to make recommendations and deliver visible results to our client’s skin, if we do not know precisely why we are capable of achieving such results.
As consumers place increasingly more confidence in our hands regarding meeting their skin needs and concerns, our professional responsibility to meet those needs has grown, requiring aestheticians to have a deep understanding of how those concerns even came to be. That being said, one of the most influential contributing factors to the condition of the skin, at many different ages, is fluctuations in hormones.
Ayurveda is the traditional holistic medical system that originated in India some 3000 to 5000 years ago. Derived from Sanskrit roots, ‘ayus’ (life) and ‘ved’ (knowledge) means “Knowledge of Life.” Ayurveda is based on the belief that the natural state of the body is one of balance between the mind, body, and soul. The fundamental belief of Ayurveda is that the power to heal lies within the individual. Based on the principle that disease is the natural end result of living out of harmony with our environment, Ayurveda views symptoms of disease as the body’s normal way of communicating disharmony.
From the beginning of my career 30 years ago, I have loved touching human skin. Like many of my fellow-professionals, I have worked in many full-service salon environments where skin care was, in fact, not the main event. Generally, these salons focused on hair care, as many do today. Nail care has more recently emerged as a huge and wildly creative industry, but skin has and will always be my passion.
Vibrational healing or medicine is a term used to describe the modalities that influence the energy fields and centers of a person in order to bring about healing. Combined with aesthetics, the practice of advanced skin care, powerfully effective treatments designed to promote inner and outer (and therefore longer lasting) healing are very possible. The modalities of vibrational healing use a number of vehicles, including the five senses, flower essences, and vibrational frequencies. Light therapy, homeopathy, and flower essence remedies are examples. The principle of activity in all of these is that everything, even down to cells has a vibrational pattern that equals healthiness.
We live in a society that obsesses over the concept of staying young. However, spa clientele actually seek to do something about it, while most of society is simply obsessing over the concept of youthfulness. This educated, informed segment of the population constantly searches for new ways to improve themselves and to remain youthful in health and appearance. As spa professionals, we must consistently strive to offer services that meet the demands of our clients. Ironically, incorporating into the spa environment a practice that is centuries old creates a pathway for our clients to follow towards the fountain of youth.
What is Indian Champissage or Head Massage?
Indian Champissage or head massage is a relaxing therapy involving the massage of the upper back, shoulders, neck, head, and face. It provides relief from aches, pains, and stress symptoms, promotes hair growth, and rejuvenates the skin. Above all, it provides a deep sense of calmness and tranquility. Indian Head Massage is a wonderfully relaxing therapy that is physically, mentally, and spiritually healing. The massage is safe and simple to learn and very effective to give.
For many of us the start of a new year can serve as a wake-up call to shape up. Stretching the day to fit a busy holiday schedule can interfere with good sleep habits and irritate nerves. It only takes a few weeks of binge eating and drinking to induce us to turn our attention to diet, exercise, and other self-improvement resolutions. So, at this time of year especially, people want to know about detoxifying treatments for the mind and body.
Ask 10 providers what detoxification is and you’ll probably receive 10 different answers.
There was a time when most of us thought of spa treatments as a luxury - something we may or may not allow ourselves to indulge in depending on how much we needed a pamper session. That form of mind conditioning is "nearly" a deliberation of the past. Rightfully so!
There's so much more to mud than facials and body wraps – although I'm the first to say I love the skin-nourishing effects of having both those treatments regularly. And sure, mud treatments are successfully used for relaxation, stimulation, and many other wellness purposes that "anticipated" spa mud treatments provide.
Equilibrium
We grapple daily to stay on top of elements that threaten our health and well-being. The need for equilibrium is dire. The concept of a medi-spa is not mysterious in the least. Neither is it new. Indeed, it’s such a natural union of spa and corrective, aesthetic medicine that one wonders why the idea hasn’t hit center stage earlier. In these times, it’s easy to forget that a holistic approach to medicine and well-being has been a long time coming. For quite a while, medical practice has been, for want of a better word, largely conservative, with “alternative” approaches sidelined to the secondary.
As electrologists, it is essential for us to understand sight and how vision problems may impact both us and the patients we serve. Basic knowledge about the effects of aging on our vision and the importance of proper lighting will help us provide quality treatment.
A Misconception
The practice of electrolysis will not harm our eyesight; however, vision does decline with age. This does not mean you cannot study to become an electrologist if you are over 40, nor does it mean you will have to give up your electrology practice at the age of 65.
We are so lucky to live in a time where options are in abundance. And we certainly have more options than ever when it comes to hair removal methods: shaving, electrolysis, laser, threading, waxing, and … here's where the confusion comes in… we have sugaring.
That's correct, sugaring is a validated option of its own just like all the other options. So, why is it that the mass of people (other than trained professional sugaring practitioners) categorize sugaring as waxing? They believe that sugaring is just another form of waxing, which would be understandable if the technique and theory were the same, but they are not; in fact, they are quite opposite.
So then, why call it waxing or even sugar-waxing? Well, I believe I can shed light on the issue to explain how this came about by using the following analogy.
Don't be shy take the whole bowl! I think it's absolutely amazing that something like sugar can play such havoc on our health when ingested, yet when used externally it can be so wonderful in helping to create order in our outer most skin cells' appearance You might be thinking that "creating order" is somewhat of a peculiar way to describe skin, but in reality the skin's structure can certainly expose a less than orderly skin care regimen. I get so frustrated and very excited all in the same moment whenever I take a look at someone's skin and its most noticeable characteristics are patchy skin cells, sallow appearance, and worst of all ingrown hairs.
A couple of decades ago, offering cream and sugar for anything other than coffee or tea would have sounded quite ridiculous! But in today's realm of aesthetics and cosmetics promoting coffee and chocolate to soothe even the jitteriest skin, or offering sugar as a real hair removal solution to an age-old problem is very realistic. And as post treatment, applying a good trans-dermal cream to hydrate and moisturize the skin is simply a great, soothing and natural way to complete your sugaring service.
Temporary hair removal was first noted historically in the Far East, where it has long been a part of traditional culture. Hair removal was performed on brides so that their skin would be pure, soft and smooth on their wedding night. Sugar was prepared according to the family tradition, with ingredients including sugar, honey, and lemon.
After many years of 'thin-is-in' for the eyebrow, models and movie stars are showing a thicker, stronger brow for 2006. This year's brow is both highly angled and highly groomed, but sometimes appears casual with less of a defined arch. Not everyone can wear the latest thicker brow style, especially if their own brows are thinned because of hair removal, hair loss as a result of aging, or too few hairs for other reasons.
Superstar of the 1940s, Rita Hayworth was known for her signature "widow's peak" hairline. A "natural" mark of beauty? Well, not really. That perfect beautiful hairline was created by electrolysis treatments! Other superstars, such as Cher and Elizabeth Taylor, also received electrolysis that added to their professional persona, and, it is perfection that really sets electrolysis in a class by itself. Because this is a hair-by-hair removal system, great precision is possible. A skilled electrologist can accomplish flawless hairlines, eyebrows, back of the neck and even shaping a man's entire chest.
Light based technologies have revolutionized aesthetic procedures and medicine. Lasers are at the pinnacle of these technologies because of their brightness and intensity, but significant improvements in a wide variety of cosmetic conditions are also afforded by other light sources such as IPL's (Intense Pulsed Light Systems), LED banks (Light Emitting Diodes), and other Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) modalities. Anyone working in the field of aesthetics should have a good understanding of the basic principles behind laser and light based therapies whether or not you are actually treating clients with these devices because they impact so many conditions in so many people.
In electrolysis, each professional has her own working habits, her own personal touch. These differences, from one electrologist to another, are sometimes the object of inquiries even intense discussions. On the list of subjects that are the most controversial in electrolysis, is the one about the best interval of time between treatments. How many weeks should go by between each session? Two, three, four, six, or eight weeks? There are many answers from one electrologist to another. At the second rank on the list, is the question about whether or not a temporary method of hair removal should be used between sessions.
In our not-so-distant past, the pursuit of smooth, hairless skin drove people to extreme measures. They would scrape their suffering skin with seashells, scour themselves raw with sand, even apply disgusting concoctions consisting of “resin, pitch, white vine or ivy gum extracts, ass’ fat, she-goat’s gall, bat’s blood, and powdered viper” in an effort to—WHAT? – gross their hair out of growing? Sounds painful, smelly, and frighteningly drastic, but it is a clear indication of how much value is placed on hair-free skin. What these women—and men—needed, however, was a calming, skilled someone to take their hairy hand and say, “Let’s work together on this and you’ll be smooth faster than you can say, ‘Tigris and Euphrates’.”
What to Know before Purchasing an LED Device for your Spa
When it comes to anti-aging treatments, aestheticians today certainly have many choices. From lasers to peels to oxygen facials, spas can offer countless ways for their clients to combat the signs of aging. One popular new option is LED (light-emitting diode) therapy. This treatment involves exposing the skin to specific LED lights, which in turn can stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
It still amazes me how many of us are out there that avoid all contact with "equipment" in facial and body procedures. I know what you're thinking; I've heard it all before… "Nothing beats human touch… I can do a better job with my hands." I wouldn't disagree, but what I am urging you to do is to take a moment to simply look at things from a different point of view (my fiancé absolutely hates when I say that to him!). But seriously, this month's focus is on Tools of the Trade, and a multi-function machine is one basic piece of equipment that can offer oodles of variations to your skin care services.
I am often asked the question, “What equipment should I invest in?”, by colleagues who are new to the industry or those trying to decide what piece of equipment they should add next to their current inventory of modalities. My response is always, “What do you want to achieve?”
Our equipment choices should be based on how the chosen equipment will support the treatment offering that we provide. What is the main focus of your business? Is it high tech and clinical or wholistically based? Who are your clients and what are their skin concerns? How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
The industry has been abuzz for the last few years about Light Emitting Diodes (LED, also known as Photodynamic Therapy or Light Therapy) for acne clients, but what does it truly mean to the aesthetician in daily practice?
First of all, it is best to understand the terms we talked about above, so that as a professional there is no confusion when talking with manufacturers, other practitioners, as well as in your work environment in relating to your medical or paramedical colleagues.
The term LED refers to the method by which the light is produced for photodynamic therapy.
Light: It’s a part of our day-to-day survival. We depend on light, in both its natural and man-made forms, to help us navigate through life as we know it. Everything we see is a variance of light, as it is light that carries information from our eyes to our brain, creating and translating images of the world in which we live. Throughout history, a number of findings prove that color and light have been used for centuries to facilitate healing and well-being. In skin care, phototherapy has been used to treat such skin disorders as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Let’s start with a very pertinent question. Is it your belief that a baby boomer’s primary concern today is how to look younger and feel better? If so, wouldn’t you want to position yourself as an expert in this burgeoning market?
By incorporating an array of facial machines into your practice, you can immediately set yourself apart and raise your status in the increasingly competitive professional skin care field. And as you put together machine-based solutions that achieve the results necessary to help boomers look younger and feel better, you’ll not only get a reputation as an “expert”, but also a nice piece of the corresponding dollar pie.
Is your goal to be an expert in your field? Do you want to provide services that your clients can’t duplicate at home? If you answered yes, it’s time to break into the world of machines in the field of aesthetics practice, and harness these new trends to foster a competitive advantage.
Machines can ramp up your services and provide a level of results not otherwise possible through a conventional, non-machine facial. Many of the new technologies today are developed to not only have benefits inherent to their respective capabilities, but also to penetrate targeted active ingredients deeper into the skin, allowing better absorption of your skin care products.
While in most states laser and other light-based treatments remain the prerogative of physicians, the growth of medical spas, and the greater consumer awareness about these devices mean that aestheticians, whether working with a physician or at a day spa, will encounter questions about these treatment options. Much has been published in various professional skin care publications about lasers and light-based devices. The following article looks at lasers and light-based devices from a more technical, technological angle. What exactly is a laser? How do lasers work? How do lasers destroy a specific target without injuring the surrounding tissue? These are the types of questions answered in this review.
There is hardly a day spa or salon/spa business today that doesn’t offer dozens of services, service packages and hundreds of products for retail. On top of that, most businesses have several staff charged at various rates for a range of services. In addition, a client coming in for a service package may see several different staff and require the use of more than one service location within your facility.
Just keeping track of all of this activity has become a full-time job for spa owners and managers. Even a small mistake in managing a client’s time can result in less revenue, frustrated clients and staff, and even in lost business.
Summer makeup has always been about minimal looks, bronzed glowing skin and keeping it easy. When fall rolls around, the looks start to get more ornate and dramatic, which can be intimidating to many women. I know from my days of working retail that many of my customers were creatures of habit and liked wearing the same lipstick, blush or eyeshadow. When their favorite shade was discontinued, they would look high and low for the same color. I used to explain that this was a sign to try something new.
The trend this holiday season offers you a couple of different looks from which to choose. Deep red lips balanced with a neutral eye or the smokey, expressive eye with barely there lips. Shimmer is in and is the perfect festive look for the holidays.
Classic Crimson
It's the return of the fabulous 40's classic look: pale, creamy skin with defined, red lips.
Accentuate the positive! The hot new trend this spring is to accent one feature. It's not about not minimizing make-up but having fun with eyes, lips, or cheekbones in a playful way. Don't be shy, find that best feature and show it off!
Let's start at the top. Bangs are back. If you haven't had bangs for a while, now's the time. Short, blunt, cut bangs that rest at the top of the brows or even cover the brows are really hot this spring. If you can't wear them straight, try sweeping your bangs to the side and slightly layered.
Sooner or later it happens. We look into the mirror and see our mothers looking back at us. We start to see the subtle, or not so subtle, changes that are happening to our faces and our bodies; and we are not quite ready for what we see. The crow’s feet have crept in, and there are fine lines and wrinkles that were not there before. Our once soft and smooth skin is no longer. It isn’t because we haven’t taken care of our skin and our bodies, because we have. It’s the age thing starting to take hold.
The first preparation before a foundation is placed on the skin is to properly clean the skin. I always recommend using a cleanser that has non-drying additives and can reach deep beneath the skin's outer layer to bring out environmental dirt and residue from cosmetic applications. My rule of thumb, "The cleaner the skin, the more the foundation will lock onto the skin to promote a fresh and longer lasting look."
Most people need, and should use, a moisturizer after cleaning their skin. Because of the sun and environmental elements the skin is exposed to, I also encourage the use of a sunscreen before the foundation is applied.
Mothers have been fretting over their teenage daughter’s ever-increasing cosmetic use and the threat it plays on their skin since cosmetics were invented. Now they can breathe easier for even teens can use cosmetics that are safe, effective, and made especially for them.
Parents and teens should decide together what appropriate make-up is for their age. One option that you can offer parents as their daughter’s begin to wear make-up is a Skin Care and Make-up Primer Consultation. As a professional, it is your job to teach teens techniques that are age appropriate.
In the 60s, the British were setting the style trends and the world followed. Twiggy, miniskirts, go go boots, and the Beatles were all the rage and the Mod Look was born. Today, 40 years later, the Mod Look is back with a new modern twist! The look is bold, but don’t be afraid to introduce your clients to the hottest trend in make-up this season. Modern Mod is an inspired vision; it is softer than the look of the 60s and can be easily achieved.
All skin discolorations need to be addressed the same way. It's important not to camouflage, but to blend natural color into the discolored area. This applies to port wine stain birthmarks, rosacea (red pustular lesions), vitiligo (patches of unpigmented skin), bruising and any skin discoloration resulting from chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
When selecting product to place on these discolored areas, you need to use one that is user-friendly and highly pigmented and one that will not cause any skin irritation. When in doubt, I always recommend a quick and simple allergy test by applying different products. The inside area of the elbow or directly below and behind the ear are two areas which will give you accurate results.
For a woman who on most evenings chauffeurs kids, pushes a grocery cart, cooks dinner, does laundry and helps with homework, being likened to a Hollywood star may seem a little ridiculous.
Selling a fantasy sparks many successful advertising campaigns. Purchase a specific product and a life of romance, excitement, and glamour awaits you. Spritzing on the right perfume could lead you to stepping into a limo, wearing diamonds, embraced by Mr. Knock-Down Gorgeous. Buy the right car and you will drive along the Pacific Coast Highway like a scene from a James Bond movie.
Make-up is by far the leading draw into the skin care products and skin care services we have! If you don’t offer and/or promote make-up services, you are letting thousands of dollars walk out the door in not just retail sales, but increased service sales. You are telling them it’s OK to go buy somewhere else! Women buy make-up, this is a proven fact. If only just a lipstick or blush, they do buy. Possibly, for the ones who don’t wear make-up, it could be that no one ever showed them how to apply it to look natural. Where do they buy their make-up?
An internal sense of well-being or “beauty” enables an individual to present a glowing self confidence in the world today. Surveys conducted by universities and economists have concluded and support that external beauty contributes greatly to personal and professional success.
I was very honored last year to be part of a “Beauty and Labor Marketing” survey, which had a demographic group of 7,000 respondents between 30-70 years old. From this survey, the economist concluded that people who are perceived as “very nice looking” earn about 10 to 25 percent more than those viewed as “average”. Their findings held true even when education and experience levels were comparable in the two groups. It was also found that attractive women increase their salaries at a much faster rate.
The popularity of minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedures has skyrocketed over the past five years. In fact, more than nine million plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2004 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery has led to another beauty trend, the explosion of mineral make-up into the mainstream.
Now, patients can cover virtually any imperfection experienced after surgery and return to their daily routine with minimal downtime. However, it is extremely important to educate your patients on make-up application tips in order to minimize infection and other problems that can occur when applying make-up to affected areas.
In the aesthetic industry, we have been fixated on two principle manifestations of aging: wrinkles and gravity. We address wrinkles through a variety of methods including laser and light technology, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, chemical peels of various strengths and types, botulinum toxin, and daily skin care regimens. Gravity has been the traditional territory of plastic surgeons that lift and pull until the sagging skin and muscles return to their desired youthful position. The problem with this paradigm is that it fails to incorporate one vital element in the aging process, the loss of soft-tissue volume.
Consumers should not be afraid to make an appointment at a “mediclinical” spa because of complex words like aesthetics, paramedical, and cosmeceutical. These words have one mission in common: consumer relaxation with results. Today’s Mediclinical spa concept is the millennium’s answer to a “one-stop healing shop.”
The American spa industry has grown exponentially in the last two decades and thankfully so. Proudly, I can say I was an aesthetician in the mid-1980s when skin care was just taking off in the United States, before licensing was available, and when the European facial “invasion” was just beginning to take hold. Ladies were coming in to relax and enjoy treatments that offered them pampering and a topic for conversation.
For any given aesthetic concern, there are both surgical and non-surgical enhancements, which are available. Cosmetic minimally invasive procedures have gained tremendous popularity in the United States with a 53 percent increase between 2002 and 2004 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The desire to maintain a youthful appearance by any means of cosmetic treatment has proven the aesthetic industry to be one of the most profitable. In 2004 alone, Americans spent just under $12.5 billion on cosmetic procedures, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
It sounds relatively simple, doesn’t it? A cleanser, an aftershave balm, a sun protection product, possibly a lip balm. But what makes a product line distinctly male-oriented versus “unisex” can be elusive and much of the distinction lies in observing the male creature, as well as in the marketing and promotion of the products. A hard look at men and women’s skin care habits reveals very different routines, leaving a significant departure in the aspect of product acceptance by men.
In the conceptualization and planning stages of this feature we were certain it was going to be among the best coverage we have offered in regards to exfoliation. Indeed I think the information in this feature as well as the supporting articles is very informative and well written. What I know now that I didn't know before we began the process of talking to potential writers, is how difficult it would be to find four people who were willing to contribute to this feature, primarily because of the title. I can only imagine what they would have said if they had seen the cover and opening art for this feature. Their reaction might have been similar to your own and even ours when we first looked at these images – a bit shocked and taken aback. But let's stay focused, and I will get back to the art in a minute.
Every month trade and consumer magazines are full of glossy covers boldly announcing that they have discovered the newest, most effective anti-aging ingredients. We have all been seduced by the impressive articles and carefully-placed advertising that promise beauty and results. We have seen the claims for magical anti-aging serums that cost outrageous amounts of money for an ounce or less of product. We have seen the words, “X percent more youthful.” “X percent more hydrated.” “X percent texture improvement.”
Looking at these ads and articles from a non-scientific perspective, it is easy to be impressed with colorful words and dramatic claims promised by new ingredients. Often the claims accompanying these new products are backed by “clinical evidence.”
New ingredients are being introduced into the skin care market everyday and with the market being a multi-billion dollar industry, this phenomenon won’t slow down anytime soon. Having narrowed down the hundreds of ingredients, here are the top ingredients to look for in current skin care formulations.
Peptides are Here to Stay
First and foremost, we must discuss the continued interest of the use of peptides in the industry. Traditional actives formulated in skin care products consist of natural sources such as essential oils, plant-extracts, and vitamins. As helpful as these natural sources can be, they can be limited in their overall effectiveness.
As a spa professional, you want to provide the best possible treatment for your clients. Providing the best treatment is reliant on 50 percent technique and 50 percent product. In aesthetic or massage therapy school, often the emphasis is put more on learning the right technique and less about teaching the basics of natural ingredients and how to select quality products for your business. In turn, once you complete your studies you are left to learn about products from independent research and through suppliers. Unfortunately, the information skin care companies provide to you can in some cases be based on false claims the company is making to sell their product.
OK, let’s get right down to it – your skin care products may contain ingredients that are actually classified as OTC’s. OTC stands for “over-the-counter” and refers specifically to non-prescription drugs. This isn’t necessarily a problem, although any skin care product containing an over-the-counter drug needs to be labeled as such. This may be a bit of a “gray area”, as you’ll see.
Before we shed light on the labeling dilemma, let me give you some technical detailing set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and it’s corresponding Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (from now on referred to as “FD&C Act”) which sets definitions and protocols for our industry.
Ancient Egyptians revered the aloe vera plant and considered it to be the “Plant of Immortality.” The glamorous Cleopatra regarded aloe vera as her beauty secret. Legend states that the Pharaoh kept the Aloe as a palace plant, assigning it a very high status. Drawings of the aloe plant have been found inscribed in the tombs of the pharaohs. Supposedly, Alexander the Great in 333 B.C., was persuaded by his mentor, Aristotle, to capture the Island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean for its famed Aloe supplies, needed to treat his wounded soldiers.
I am not a chemist by trade, but rather a curious explorer of human biology and, more specifically, cellular metabolism. I am fascinated with how our biology so magically works, and I find the discovery process endlessly entertaining. It doesn’t surprise me that my second career is taking me towards cosmetic product formulations and that science is driving my abilities to create advanced corrective products that impact cellular health and anti-aging.While researching active ingredients to address inflammation, I stumbled on a patent abstract written by an 82-year-old man about a form of niacin that, when applied topically, acts as a vasodilator to increase circulation.
With access to so much information, your client is increasingly placing their faith in real science to ward off the inevitable signs of aging. The uninformed aesthetician or skin care professional therefore needs to understand the importance of communicating hard science and not hard sell to their clients.
Two forms of wax are used in spas, with one being a 'must have' hair removal tool that has been used in the beauty industry for generations, and the other being a traditional barrier therapy utilized for hydrating the skin for as long as skin care has been performed. Both deem a closer look at for safe use, epsecially as spa clients are demanding higher levels of safety now. Spas must answer client demands for obviously safe protocols, or lose them, one at a time, to spas that do.
The scope of sanitation requirements from the Cosmetology Commissions, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), include basic cleanliness, consumption of food, and protection from microorganisms. In the June issue we discussed the importance of maintaining your business facilities and equipment. This includes routine maintenance, such as, keeping the area in good order, hallways cleared, and furniture and appliances in good repair. Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly housekeeping schedules, and properly maintain procedure rooms to prevent cross-contamination of your product, clients, or yourself. Food and drinks cannot be sold, but you can offer them to your clientele.
The exact cause of acne is not known. It is one of the most common skin disorders and can affect teenagers and adults. Acne occurs when the skin's pores are blocked. Certain factors can worsen the condition, such as cosmetic and skin care products that contain oils and petroleum jelly or using make-up tools (brushes, sponges, spatulas and palettes) that have not been properly cleaned and sterilized, subsequently transferring bacteria onto the skin and into the pores.
As a spa professional, it is important to be aware of the effect toxins have on the skin and the internal system. Being aware will in turn motivate you to become knowledgeable on how to select the right products, equipment, and treatments that can have a positive impact on repairing damage caused by toxin exposure.
Let’s face it (no pun intended): aesthetic equipment is an investment. By following the manufacturer’s care and maintenance guidelines, you may prolong the life of your machines beyond the warranty as well as practicing safe aesthetics.
When it comes to caring for your equipment, cleanliness is next to Godliness. If you think the spots, cloudy water, dust, or wax drips go unnoticed by your clients… think again. As a spa client, the first thing I do when I enter the room is observe my surroundings. I expect that whatever is being used on my skin is disposable, sterilized, sanitized, or disinfected and is in good working order.
Sanitation is important, but there are often little things that can be overlooked when maintaining your facility. Unfortunately, there have been specific instances where the lack of sanitation has resulted in the spread of illness and disease. When proper sanitation measures are not followed, there can be fines issued to owners and licensees, which can lead to the closing of establishments. Many of you may think your facilities are clean, but what you cannot see is what needs to be combated. Basic biology and chemistry has taught us that the elements of our world consist of molecules, cells, bacteria, and viruses that cannot be seen.
More than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Many more are diagnosed with pre-cancerous conditions. These numbers continue to increase, not only in the U.S., but worldwide. Despite the alarming increase in skin cancers, especially in the teen and young adult population, people continue to believe that a tan is healthy. The notion that sunscreen is an occasional summer-only accessory is still prevalent, yet mistaken. Several factors are responsible for the alarming rise in skin cancer. The continual erosion of the Earth’s ozone layer due to pollution has led to a decrease in the amount of ozone protection than was afforded previous generations.
Today’s clients are interested in more than just applying a self-tanning lotion. As an aging baby boomer in my early 50s, my body reflection doesn’t match my youthful self image and it is showing with brown spots, sagging thighs, and cellulite. I’ve followed a healthy lifestyle and exercised regularly since I was in my 20s. Certainly that helps, but I need more now to preserve what I have and to improve what I can. I decided to buy a self-tanner to cover up the flaws and make my white body look healthier as it does with a tan.
From over-the-counter creams and lotions that consumers were required to self-apply, to customized spray tans applied in a few minutes by trained technicians, the airbrush/spray tanning industry has evolved to become one of the fastest growing and most lucrative facets of the beauty industry.
Salons, spas, dermatologists, and other skin care treatment centers have discovered the affordable and profitable opportunity in adding spray tanning to their menu of services, to open the door and invite in new clients.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a colorless 3-carbon sugar that, when applied to the skin, causes a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells, producing a darkening effect. DHA does not damage skin as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis (stratum corneum).
In the last 20 years I’ve experimented with various ways of exfoliating the skin prior to sunless tanning and found that depending on the type of exfoliation it can be detrimental to the overall outcome. I have determined that sunless tans are extremely temperamental when it comes to exfoliation. Too much or too little exfoliation will cause a “lizardy” appearance. Sunless tans do best with a mild, surface exfoliation. Anything too harsh will create valleys in the surface of the skin, which will leave you with an uneven looking sunless tan.
I’ve learned this through my personal escapades.
The warmer months of late spring, summer, and early fall are the time of year when people around the country spend a great deal of time outdoors, enjoying the beach, sunbathing, playing sports, or working in the garden. The additional activity is healthy for our overall well-being, but the exposure to the sun and air pollution can be very detrimental to our skin.
Since sun exposure is accountable for 80 to 90 percent of the extrinsic factors that contribute to visible skin aging and skin diseases, skin care professionals need to be aware of and observant for changes in their clients’ skin, especially during the warmer months.
Let’s get it right from the start, anyone, any skin type, any skin color is at risk for skin cancer. Indeed, nobody is safe from skin cancer. Skin type and skin color do not fully protect an individual from skin cancer. Skin safe, sun safe practices do protect and do help in skin cancer prevention.
Lynne Kurashima, Hawaii Licensed Aesthetician, says, “It’s a misconception that darker skin types think they’re fully protected.” This common myth continues today because of the belief that darker skin types have natural melanin protection from solar radiation exposure.
Health, whether good or bad, doesn’t just happen right before the symptom! Poor nutrition over a period of years will develop stages of a disease until a symptom appears and reversal of that disease will require lifestyle changes including improved stages of nutritional intake as well as a detoxification program and hormonal balancing over time.
Heavy metals in the body are believed to cause illnesses such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, circulatory disorders, neuropathies, Alzheimer's disease, ADD, ADHD, Bipolar, Autism, Parkinson's, and atherosclerosis, to name a few. Heavy metals and toxins cannot penetrate a healthy cell membrane produced by a healthy and properly nourished body very easily.
Ask, “What is the definition of spa?” and most replies will have something to do with water. Many historians consider the origin of the word spa to define a place where water is applied therapeutically. The most common image used to identify spas in logos or advertising is water; and in a true wellness spa, water is an iatrical (healing) component at the soul of the spa business.
We all recognize the calming sounds of water. We know we should drink eight glasses of water a day. Soaking in hot, moving water is recognized widely as therapeutic.
Five years after writing my first article on how the digestive system impacts skin, I find that very little has changed in how those of us within the skin industry are educating clients. In fact, I find very little education being done at all, and I wonder why. Do not misunderstand me, please. Most of us do educate about the products and treatments used in client care, but when our clients walk away from us, what understanding does a client have of the nutrition needed for great skin?
Have you ever experienced a facial that provided you with new vision and helped you feel completely at peace with yourself and the world? Beyond relaxation you are free of mental chatter, emotional distress and even have more a-ha moments. If so, this is what healing the spirit feels like. We commonly refer to this as balancing body, mind, and spirit.
Aestheticians can now provide products and treatments that specifically target the spirit or energy body with a category I call EnergyCeuticals. When we work to address a depleted spirit, due to a stressful lifestyle, we also help to heal emotional, mental, and physical aspects as well. The difference is rejuvenation versus relaxation.
Let’s face it. We live in a high stress world. The daily demands of family and career leave us feeling as if we have little time to keep for ourselves. Additionally, people – especially women – instinctively tend to neglect themselves while catering to the needs of those around them. It is not news that stress and self-neglect manifest themselves physically in many ways. Nurturing one’s self is an intentional process that, once learned, helps us control the stress in our lives rather than allowing stress to control us.
Stress begins on an unconscious level, as a worry or a nagging thought that builds-up until physical symptoms begin to show.
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have been continually searching for the cleanest, best tasting water with the most health benefits. In fact, the quest for pure, sweet tasting water has been going on for longer than the quest for the Holy Grail! Today, the popularity of water is evidenced by the well being of the bottled water industry, creating a convenient way to get the health and good taste of waters from around the globe.
When we feel “out of balance” it is often a reflection of too much stress, which ultimately, if not taken care of, will manifest into a physical symptom and may lead to illness. We live in a symptomatic society. When illness is present, we immediately take a pill or call our family doctor to remedy the situation with a prescription. After taking a pill or seeing the doctor, we feel better, everything is ok until we get sick again and this continuous cycle keeps going.
The concept of exfoliation is nothing new, and this most certainly is not the first article you have ever read on the topic. There are ever changing products and equipment for exfoliation. However, the one thing that doesn’t change is the physiological way your skin functions. With that in mind, let’s talk about what it is, why we need it, and how to determine when enough is enough!
This article addresses questions aestheticians frequently ask as they are trying to make wise choices to further their education, develop existing skills and knowledge, expand their earning capabilities, and fulfill requirements set by their states to practice their trade.
While this information may provide some resources – view the list below – it is neither a guideline nor a comprehensive analysis on education currently available to aestheticians. I have asked several of my colleagues to share their insight and they have done so generously. I would have wished to relate the opinions of many more skin care experts and educators; however, space is of course a limited commodity in print.
Pat Hoffman suffered for years from osteoarthritis in her spine and hands and in her left shoulder, where she had the most pain and loss of motion. Fortunately for Hoffman, bi-weekly massage treatments proved to be extremely helpful in reducing tension and pain, which in turn helped to improve her mobility. Massage increased her energy, and the pain no longer awakens her during the night. "Usually the massage gives me a real high," Hoffman said. "Occasionally, I may experience several hours of pain after the treatment, but this goes away and is not a real problem."
We have all heard it before: “Lose 40 inches!”, “Better than Botox!” “World’s best serum that will make you look and feel like you are in your twenties again!” Are these false claims? Did you get the results that the product advertised? Did the aesthetician not understand how to use the product correctly? Was the product applied to the wrong skin type? What went wrong? You bought the product in good faith and it didn't live up to the claim. Why not? There are several reasons why we don't get the results from the magic that is promised in the bottle.
With all of the growth in the spa industry some of us curious minds are wondering just where all of this is going. Just five years ago, I recall delivering lectures to anxious crowds of newcomers, corporate drop outs, physicians, aestheticians, and spa owners. We discussed trends, tips, and spa management. While many would say that the spa industry is slowing down, I liken it to the restaurant industry with (finally) more leveled, readily measured, and stable growth patterns. For all of the anti-aging remedies and youth-enhancing formulations, the spa industry has grown sea legs and is growing up!
I love to travel... so much in fact that most of my extracurricular reading and television viewing somehow involves learning about other places around the world. I read about romances and restaurants in foreign lands. I watch shows that detail the sights, sounds, and foods of other locales. When I am having a less than perfect day at home, I often perk myself up by browsing various Internet sites that advertise long-term and vacation apartment rentals…or even sales…in exotic locations that I long to visit. And of course I check out all the related information on area spas!
For many of us, it was a complete surprise to learn upon graduation from aesthetics school that we were not adequately trained to compete in the rapidly-changing world of aesthetics. We discovered that we were entering our new careers without the competitive edge. To make matters worse, we found that the field of aesthetics was under increasing attack by the medical profession… and for good reason. Under-trained aestheticians are making mistakes and people are having bad experiences, sometimes even resulting in injuries. In the age of “Extreme Makeover,” feeling good about ourselves has become a lot more complicated.
Aesthetics has come a long way in the U.S. since licensed professionals had to spell ‘aesthetics’ for those who asked ‘what do you do?’ Clients know what aesthetic services are now, and many have placed them firmly into their lifestyle must-haves. Due to this populartity, aesthetic schools are filled with students excited to join our profession, and committed aestheticians graduate with the fundamentals for practicing basic skin care. But is this basic education enough? Our services and our businesses have become more complex and many believe require higher levels of education for the safety of our clients and to just stay in business.
Out of the 11.7 million medical aesthetic procedures performed in 2007, laser hair removal accounted for over 1.4 million treatments and 12 percent of the industry's massive growth. This once unheard of treatment is now the third most sought after non-surgical procedure, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
The ability to gain self-confidence by ridding oneself of hair in embarrassing places and freedom from the monotony of shaving are just some of the benefits individuals seek through laser hair removal.
Light and bright, fast and effective, from cosmopolitan cities to country counties, clear and even toned skin is the NOW and WOW factor that clients seek. It is the skin care professional’s business to support this aesthetic goal by promoting care and maintenance of healthy skin. How NOW can this goal be achieved, the WOW in the answer comes from excellent professional treatments and use of targeted products formulated with performance ingredients.
An excellent professional treatment is learned and practiced by the skin care professional through continuing education and qualification by reputable and responsible organizations.
In working with acne in skin of color, the best tools in your aesthetic “tool kit” are an understanding of acne, an understanding of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ingredient knowledge, and most of all a partnership with your client to progressively achieve healthy, balanced, beautiful skin.
The initial trouble with acne in skin of color is the actual lesion. The acne lesion is often observed as an unsightly spot. However, from the acne lesion the greater problem for skin of color is the dark spot, the X, marking the site of trauma and inflammation from the initial acne lesion.
Every day an estimated 123 million people are using the Internet for all kinds of business including banking, paying bills, shopping, research, and entertainment. Some of the most popular sites include Ebay.com, AOL.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Myspace.com, Craigslist.org, and Amazon.com.
The majority of people on the Internet are using it to research new products. If you’re not competitive in this market you are missing a significant opportunity! According to TrueLocal.com, 25-60 percent of people are searching the Internet for businesses and services in their community, with Spas and Health Clubs being top search categories. Is your spa/skin care center on the Internet, are you exploiting this new market growth?
We frequently encounter questions such as: what is the best way to handle a disgruntled client? Why are we having problems mastering waxing? Where can we go for answers? Expanding your knowledge is the most powerful investment you can make to further your growth not only professionally, but financially. Education is a must from the novice therapist to the seasoned aesthetician. The opportunities to attend seminars, trade shows, and classes are available, but taking the time from work or spending the money is sometimes very difficult. Sometimes we need answers right away and waiting for the seminar is not a choice. What to do?
When a guest comes into your establishment, what do they see? What do they feel, smell, hear, and maybe even taste? Your focus on the details of client care gives the ability to take a satisfactory experience into an extraordinary and magical one. This magic can reside in a one room spa studio or in a 10 room mega spa. It can exist in the surgi-center medi-spa or the multipurpose treatment room in the back of a conventional salon.
Since its launch in 1975, DERMASCOPE Magazine’s purpose has been to empower the aesthetics industry with innovative information, unbranded education, and unprecedented platforms of continuing education. America’s first and most trusted professional skin care trade publication, “The authority on professional skin care” examines various educational topics such as chemical exfoliation, hyperpigmentation, acne, hair removal, trends, marketing, continuing education, and more. Almost 90% of the magazine’s readers are aestheticians or spa owners who utilize the magazine as a reference tool for their businesses.
In addition to the monthly “Publisher’s Note” authored by second-generation publisher Amanda Strunk Miller, articles are written by licensed aestheticians, medical doctors, injectors, chemists, naturopaths, and other skin care professionals. Mainstay sections like “Game Changers,” "Fact or Fiction,” and “Put It Into Practice” appear monthly and tackle the skin care industry’s trending topics and popular ingredients.
Other prevalent resources are found at DERMASCOPE.com and bring exclusive webinars, events, and community blogs to the forefront of the skin care industry. In June 2020, an interactive “Ask the Experts” online forum launched where readers can now connect with skin care, wellness, beauty, hair removal, business, and body care experts. Also on the website are exclusive videos, articles, collaborative communities, product guides, and more. And in January 2021, DERMASCOPE debuted its first professional podcast, "The Aesthetic Report," where host Michelle D'Allaird-Brenner interviews the industry's brightest minds and offers listeners practical advice for immediate implementation in their businesses. Professionals can listen wherever they get their podcasts.
DERMASCOPE publishes 14 issues annually for readers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Its weekly electronic newsletter is delivered to more than 50,000 subscribers and includes exclusives, industry trends, and spa humor.
DERMASCOPE is social – follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with @dermascope.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is estimated that in 2009 there were 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among women, and approximately 1,910 new cases in men. For the many men and women who have been, and will be diagnosed this year, the battle to get through treatment and surgery is only the beginning of the journey to survive. Although the feeling of survival is unsurpassed, the physical scars at times may leave some survivors anxious with their new appearance. Ruth Swissa has taken her passion and artistic expertise in the permanent makeup industry to provide areola pigmentation for breast cancer patients post reconstruction to help renew self-confidence and boost self-esteem.
"Many of my patients have said that waking up every morning, and looking in the mirror is a constant reminder of their battle, which although comes with a sense of pride, it also at times causes insecurities because they don't feel like themselves," says Swissa.
Micropigmentation is an alternative method of creating a realistic nipple and areola after a mastectomy, to achieve a more symmetrical shape and even coloring using artistic light and shade effects. Swissa works closely with her patients in order to achieve the desired coloring and size to create a natural looking effect. This procedure takes less than an hour and is usually painless.
Ruth uses a customized medical tattooing technique for applying permanent makeup for areola pigmentation. This unique method proves to be more exact, very gentle, and less invasive than traditional cosmetic tattooing. The results look more natural and subtle in appearance.
The search for safe and effective relief from osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time, can feel like an uphill battle. Certain natural remedies can bring lasting relief from OA according to the Arthritis Research Council (ARC) study and other experts. That is good news, since the pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility from arthritis makes it the nation's most common cause of disability.
One massage, and call me in the morning
Spa-lovers with osteoarthritis will be pleased to learn that all those massages that leave you feeling loose and limber are doing more than just helping you relax. According to a 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Swedish massage improves flexibility, decreases pain, and increases range of motion in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Low-impact exercise
"When people start to hurt, they tend to cut back on exercise," notes Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University Montgomery and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. But that is a mistake, as inactivity can make pain and stiffness even worse. Olson recommends Pilates and swimming or doing aqua-aerobics, but she emphasizes the importance of choosing gentle, weight-bearing exercise. Michael Murray, N.D. suggests that a person should find something they love, and find a way to continue doing it: If walking on concrete sidewalks is too hard on the joints, walk on the golf course.
Spice rub
Using a gel containing capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili, is very effective at providing temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Studies have found that capsaicin can deplete the substance that acts to transmit pain signals from nerve endings to the brain and cause inflammation in the joints.
Healing herbs
An ARC study evaluated several herbs and herbal combinations and found that one stood above the rest. Phytodolor, a branded combination of three herbs – aspen (Populus tremula), common ash bark (Franxinus excelsior), and golden rob herb (Solidago vigaurea) effectively manages the pain and inflammation associated with OA. Some studies have shown that aspen contains a substance that when ingested inhibits the production of certain prostaglandins in the nerves, resulting in pain relief. Common ash bark and golden rob herb also have pain-relieving properties, and common ash bark is an antioxidant – meaning it may reduce oxidative damage in the joint. The combination of the three herbs has been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammation. No major adverse effects have been reported, though some people do experience diarrhea, stomach upset, or skin reactions.
The SAMe Game
First discovered in 1952 and widely investigated for its usefulness in treating depression, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is now showing promise as a treatment for OA. SAMe is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the body, where it contributes to the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Studies suggest that when taken as a supplement, SAMe reduces pain and also stimulates the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, which are the major components of joint cartilage. Adverse effects are infrequent and mild, but can include nausea, restlessness, headache, dry mouth, and stomach upset. People with depression should consult with a healthcare provider before taking SAMe, as some incidences of anxiety and mania have been reported.
Copyright© HealthyLifestyles.com
This survey was created in partnership with the National Psoriasis Foundation and Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Within this issue, as well as our November and December 2010 issues, we will be printing important findings revealed from the recent survey, "The Impact of Psoriasis on Personal Relationships." This survey, sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, was distributed to the National Psoriasis Foundation membership database via Survey Monkey. The survey was completed by approx 1,520 people; statistics below represent the percentage of people who answered a specific question (not always all 1,520 respondents). Statistics are rounded to nearest percentage point and percentages may not add up to 100 percent depending on the structure of the question. Not every respondent answered every question.i Below is a list of findings relating to psoriasis and its impact of social relationships.
Nearly 80 percent (78.7%) of question respondents feel that psoriasis has had a negative impact on their personal relationships.ii
Social Relationships
Known not only as part of the elite group of super fruits, the all mighty pomegranate, English word comes from the Latin words for apple; "pomum" (apple) and "granatus" (seeded), has been dated as far back as 1,000 BC and was introduced to North America by Spanish settlers in 1769. This red beauty represents global symbolism and history ranging from righteousness, prosperity, and fertility.
With over 760 varieties of pomegranate it is one of the oldest known medicines to man. Ancient Greek healers would use pomegranate juice to manage health problems similar to arthritis, circulation problems, digestive disorders, and infections. And to add to the wonders of the pomegranate, the fruit was also involved in ancient beauty concoctions. Today with our growing beauty culture and desire to turn back the clock, we find ourselves revisiting what our ancient friends already knew with the help of modern science and research.
Pomegranates are packed with phytonutrients, vitamin B, and an abundance of vitamin C. They contain red arils, tiny edible seeds that are loaded with juice and provide valuable fiber. They are delicious and fantastic to eat - though I would not recommend eating the white membrane that surrounds the arils as it is quite bitter and the consensus is that it is not recommended. And for those of us that count calories, a 1/2 cup of raw pomegranate has 80 calories and 0 grams of fat!
According to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), pomegranate fruit extract contains several polyphenols and anthocyanidins (pigment that gives certain fruits their dark red colors). Its antioxidant activity is higher than that of red wine and green tea and research suggests that pomegranate extract may have significant clinical benefits in decreasing risk for skin cancer.
By taking pomegranate extract capsules, one could reduce or reverse the signs of aging by promoting cell turnover and creating new, healthy skin. But that is not all! Evidence shows that including it in your skin care regime can provide wonderful results too. Rich in ellagic acid to manage free radicals, pomegranate oil contains punicic acid, an omega 5 conjugated fatty acid effective in aiding cell regeneration and proliferation. Pomegranate also carries beneficial phytoestrogen and a rare plant-based source of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), an anti-carcinogen.
So I salute you, oh red goddess of history. Bring me health and wellness with all your super fruit power!
½ pomegranate
2 tsp almond oil
½ tbsp organic honey
Warm up the honey until it becomes liquid (not too hot!) by putting it in a small glass or metal bowl which is immersed in hot water. Peel the pomegranate half, cut the fruit in pieces, and put these in a bowl or food processor. Add the honey and almond oil. Blend it all into a smooth and uniform paste. Spread this gently and equally with your fingertips on your clean face and neck: keep the eye area clear. Now lie down, relax, and leave the mask on for 20 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water and end with a splash of cold water; pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Finally, apply a moisturizer, this way you "seal" your skin to keep the water inside. (For all skin types). *This fruit mask recipe peels your skin and we do not recommend using it on acne skin.
Copyright ® 2009-2010 Natural – Homeremedies-For-Life
2 ounces pomegranate juice
2 ounces orange juice
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sea salt
3 to 4 ounces oat bran
1. In a container large enough to hold two cups, combine pomegranate and orange juices. To this add the honey and mix together well.
2. Now add sea salt and oat bran. Mix together and allow the oat bran to soak up the liquids, about 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Make sure to apply to a clean face. Probably the easiest way is to apply in the shower after you clean your face and allow it to set while you do other things. The steam from the shower helps allow the ingredients to penetrate your skin. Then, gently scrub off as you shower.
Copyright ® eHow.com
Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent and slow the growth of some types of breast cancer. A new study shows a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins found in abundance in pomegranates inhibited the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests.
"Phytochemicals suppress estrogen production that prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors," researcher Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., director of the Division of Tumor Cell Biology and co-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif., says in a news release.
Researchers say the ellagitannins in pomegranates work by inhibiting aromatase, which is a key enzyme used by the body to make estrogen and plays a key role in breast cancer growth.
"We were surprised by our findings," Chen says. "We previously found other fruits, such as grapes, to be capable of the inhibition of aromatase. But the phytochemicals in pomegranates and in grapes are different."
Researchers say pomegranates have recently been hailed for their potential anti-cancer and heart healthy benefits thanks to their high antioxidant content. But they say this is the first study to look at their effects on aromatase and breast cancer growth.
In the study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, researchers examined the impact of 10 ellagitannin-derived compounds from pomegranates on aromatase activity and breast cancer cell growth in laboratory tests.
The results showed that of those 10 compounds, urolithin B most significantly inhibited breast cancer cell growth. Experts say further studies will be needed to determine whether eating or drinking pomegranate-derived products will have the same effect in humans, but these results are promising.
Until then, researchers say people may consider eating more pomegranates to protect against cancer in the breast and perhaps other tissues and organs.
Copyright© WebMD Health News
Shampoos and products for the scalp are available over-the-counter (OTC) at most supermarkets, pharmacies, and many corner shops. It is important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured with these products.
Before using an anti-fungal shampoo see if you can remove any scaly or crusty patches on your scalp - do this with care. If you manage to remove them the shampoo will be
more effective.
If you have dandruff on your beard you can use dandruff shampoo on it. Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
Ideally, select a shampoo that has one of the above ingredients and shampoo your hair with it every day until your dandruff is under control. When that happens use them less frequently. You may find a particular shampoo stops being so effective after while, if this occurs switch to one that has another ingredient.
Make sure the shampoo has time to stay on your scalp before you rinse it off - perhaps about five minutes. If you rinse it off too quickly the ingredient will not have enough time to work. If after several weeks of treating yourself you still have dandruff, you should consider seeing your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist).
Menopause is a normal, natural stage of life that affects everyone differently. In the U.S., an estimated two million women enter menopause annually. Over the past five years, I have used my own menopause experiences to educate women and clinicians about the choices available for symptom treatment.
What are Typical and Atypical Symptoms?What are the Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Since the release of the findings from the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002 the practice of prescribing hormones to women going through menopause has changed significantly. Prior to the study, it was widely believed in the medical community that prescribing hormones to women experiencing menopause symptoms would not only relieve these symptoms but also protect women against heart disease and osteoporosis. The new recommendations are:
For more information on this topic, visit www.themenopauseexpert.com.
Instructions:
In a food processor, process all ingredients for 30 seconds. Apply to body with gentle circular motions. This recipe makes enough for one body scrub.
Copyright© NaturalFacialRecipes.com
Ingredients:
¾ cup fresh cranberries
¾ cup seedless grapes, green or red
Resealable plastic container
Stick or regular blender
Small mixing bowl (if using a stick blender)
3 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 envelope plain gelatin
1 tsp. oat or almond powder
Instructions:
1. Put the cranberries and grapes in a small mixing bowl and set to puree with a stick or regular blender.
2. Add the lemon juice, gelatin, and oat or almond powder, and continue to blend until the mixture makes a paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of water, if it is too thin add more oat or almond powder.
3. Spoon the cranberry facial mixture into a resealable plastic container and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, or until it thickens.
4. Remove the facial mixture from the refrigerator and let it warm for about eight to 10 minutes before using. Apply the cranberry facial mask to clean, dry skin, with your fingertips, and let it remain on the face for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Copyright© eHow.com
Suppose you had to choose just one fruit for your overall health and skin care regimen.
Would you not select the only one that could assist in
repairing and preventing sun damage, enable moisture
retention, improve cellulite, disable bacteria, provide a healthy scalp with shiny hair, and possibly reduce cancerous tumors? Cranberry does all of this and more.
If you were to compare the phytonutrient values of fruits, cranberry would come out on top every time. Providing vitamins C, A, E, and K with an abundance of nutrients, minerals and amino acids, there really is only one clear choice.
The American Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) was revered by Native Americans for its medicinal and preservative qualities. Early settlers caught on quickly to its varied benefits and even hauled cranberries across the ocean when sailing back and forth to the New World, when they discovered that cranberry prevented scurvy, a dietary deficiency of vitamin C.
Modern science however, is constantly calculating cranberry uses that go way beyond scurvy prevention.
New methods of determining nutrient values and ingredient functioning have produced multiple reports on the benefits of this nutrient rich fruit. For decades western physicians have recommended cranberry juice to combat urinary tract
problems, both as a curative and preventative. There are in vitro studies where cranberry juice has shown to interrupt the life cycle of the H. Pylori stomach bacteria. Recent strides are even pointing to the amazing ability of proanthocyanidins in cranberry to reduce cancerous tumors.
The benefits of consuming cranberries in all available forms are well documented. These same scientific principles and applications translate into superb topical advantages when the cranberry's natural compounds are scientifically infused with other ingredients by experienced formulators.
Cranberry is an excellent source of Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids which have shown to improve collagen and elastin skin fibers, plus assist in the reduction of UV and environmental damage. These balanced omegas provide the same moisture retaining properties as fish oil without the ghastly odor.
Natural compounds called proanthocyanidins disable certain harmful bacteria while amazingly keeping the good bacteria intact. The combined antibacterial and anti-viral capabilities make cranberry an excellent ingredient for acne and psoriatic formulations.
Cranberry's extremely high antioxidant content helps prevent and repair stress and age related degeneration while improving circulation. The cranberry's antioxidant content is higher than any of the top 20 common fruits.
So whenever possible use cranberry in your daily diet, nutritional and skin care choices.
A recent study suggests that regular use of fish oil supplements may reduce the risk of breast cancer. These findings were published in the journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center recently evaluated what, if any, impact specialty supplements have on breast cancer risk.
In this study, more than 35,000 post-menopausal women completed a 24-page questionnaire to evaluate their use of non-vitamin, non-mineral “specialty” supplements. The women in this study did not have a history of breast cancer and did not have breast cancer when they enrolled in the study. During six years of follow-up, 880 study participants developed breast cancer. Of the specialty supplements used by the women in this study, only fish oil was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Risk of breast cancer was 32 percent lower among women who regularly used fish oil supplements.
The results of this study will need to be confirmed by additional studies. The researchers note: “Fish oil is a potential candidate for chemo-prevention studies. Until that time, it is not recommended for individual use for breast cancer prevention.” Because the full range of effects of many dietary supplements is not well understood, patients should talk with their doctor about any dietary supplements that they are using
or considering.
1 Brasky TM, Lampe JW, Potter JD et al. Specialty Supplements and Breast Cancer Risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2010; 19(7):1696–708.
Copyright© Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
In a study by Singer and Grismaijer in 1995, three out of four women studied who wore a bra for 24 hours a day developed breast cancer compared to one out of 168 who wore a bra rarely or never. That is a huge difference, and the implication is clear. Your first line of defense in preventing breast cancer is to severely limit how many hours a day you wear a bra. Bras do not cause the cancer initially but they restrict the flow of lymph within breast tissue, thereby hindering the normal cleansing process of the breast tissue. Many environmental toxins and pesticides that cause and promote cancer are "fat-loving" and so they tend to reside in the breast tissue. Lymph
fluid carries away waste products, dead cells, and toxins.
Copyright© 007 Breasts
Vitamin E: Women consuming other forms of vitamin E called tocotrienols have been found to have dramatically lower risk of contracting breast cancer – 50 percent less risk for women without family history of breast cancer, and as much as 90 percent for pre-menopausal women with family history.
Copyright© 007 Breasts
Flaxseed: Also known as linseed, Flaxseed is an ancient grain that may have originated in Egypt. The seeds, oil, and seed meal can be used in many ways. Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens, which may reduce your risk of breast cancer and possibly prevent a recurrence. They have two anti-cancer components: lignans and an omega-3 fat called "alphalinolenic acid" (ALA). Flaxseeds may also be helpful in reducing your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancers. Flaxseed oil has been used for the relief of hot flashes, breast pain, arthritis pain, and pain related to constipation. Several studies have been done to determine how the phytoestrogens in flaxseeds may help cancer. One theory compares the estrogen-receptor blocking ability of flaxseeds with estrogen-receptor modulation drugs. The weak plant-
based estrogens block the estrogen receptors on cells within breast tissue, starving them of full-strength female estrogen, possibly stopping tumor growth and preventing cell damage. This effect may be most effective for younger, pre-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor negative cancers.
Copyright© About.com
Soy: In laboratory studies, animal studies, and research looking at groups of people and what they eat, certain chemical components of soy have been linked to a lower risk of breast and prostate cancer. Most studies that have shown benefit have used whole soy protein rather than soy components and extracts. As a protein source, soybean products are promoted as a healthier alternative to meat and as an aid to weight loss. Soy products are also used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to relieve symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis. Soy protein in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol is also promoted as a method to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy can be consumed in many forms with tofu, soy milk, roasted soybeans, soy powder, and textured vegetable protein being some of the more popular. Soy protein powders and bars are available in nutrition stores and health food markets.
Copyright© The American Cancer Society®
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health but the body cannot make them – you have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Although not all experts agree, women who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer. More research is needed to understand the effect that omega-3 fatty acids may have on the prevention of breast cancer.
Copyright© 2010 University of Maryland Medical Center
Garlic: Garlic is a vegetable commonly used to enhance the flavor of foods. Garlic is currently under study for its ability to reduce cancer risk. However, there is not enough evidence at this time to support eating large amounts of garlic or taking garlic supplements for cancer prevention. It is reasonable to include garlic as part of a balanced diet, unless one has a particular health problem or is taking medication that has been shown to be adversely affected by garlic. Garlic and garlic supplements are sometimes promoted to prevent or treat cancer. Several compounds in garlic may have anti-cancer properties, but compounds of one type in particular – the allyl sulfur compounds – are said to play a major role. These compounds reportedly help the body get rid of cancer causing chemicals and help cause cancer cells to die naturally, a process called apoptosis. There have also been claims that garlic has immune boosting properties that may reduce
cancer cell growth and help the body fight off diseases such as colds or the flu. These claims are currently being studied. Proponents claim garlic can be used to treat bacterial, yeast, fungal, and
parasitic infections and can be used to treat high blood sugar levels. They also say it has properties that may help stomach and abdominal problems. Garlic has also been claimed to reduce risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure.
Copyright© The American Cancer Society®
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:
Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you have reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.
Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.
The exact cause of dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii is unknown. However, most experts do agree that it is not caused by poor hygiene.
Causes may include, but are not limited to:Consumers who care about the quality of their personal care products now have hundreds of reasons to look for the “certified natural” seal of approval on their purchases. The Natural Products Association (NPA) is pleased to announce that more than 300 natural personal care products have been certified through its two-year old natural standard certification program.
Under the NPA’s program, to merit bearing the seal, products must follow strict guidelines set by the association. Products must be made up of at least 95 percent natural ingredients – coming from a renewable or plentiful
source found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral). Non-natural ingredients are allowed only when viable natural alternative ingredients are unavailable and only when there are absolutely no suspected potential human health risks. Products cannot
use animal testing beyond what is required by law, and must
use a majority of bio-degradable and post-consumer recycled content in their packaging.
NPA also certifies ingredients as natural. These 100 percent natural ingredients can be used by manufacturers to develop products that are in compliance with the natural standard. Currently, there are 100 certified natural ingredients.
Copyright© WorldPressOnline.com
For physical and mental well-being, it is crucial to find ways to slow down. Herbal rituals: A teatime, a long soak in an herbal bath, and a restful slumber with an herbal pillow can help soften the pace.
Herbal Tea Time
Whether you need to relax before climbing into bed, de-stress after a busy day at work, or even get your day off on the right (calm) foot, a cup of herbal tea can help. Try different herbs that are known for their soothing properties, then pick your favorites and enjoy them solo or in combinations. As a general guideline, use about a teaspoon of herb per cup of water, and steep for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Copyright© Frontier™ Natural Products Co-op
Make sure your clients are wearing the proper shade of foundation. During the warmer months, skin is typically a little darker; however as we move towards the cooler months complexions will get lighter, which means a slightly lighter shade of foundation is needed. This does not mean looking pale and pasty though, simply use bronzer and contour certain areas of the face for a natural glow. Apply the bronzer in the shape of a capital cursive “E” to each side of the face. These are areas where the sun naturally hits the face, by applying bronzer to these areas it will look natural and complement a lighter complexion.
Skin can also become dehydrated and look dull when the climate is cooler. Combat lack-luster skin by keeping it properly moisturized and by selecting makeup that will help skin look more vibrant. You may consider transitioning your client from a pressed base foundation that has a matte finish to a liquid foundation or loose base that offers a more satin or dewy finish. Additionally, cream blushes are great for cooler months to keep skin looking fresh; highlighters and shimmer bricks are great to create a brighter looking complexion.
Clients will also be in need of services and products to address their end-of-summer skin care issues such as hyperpigmentation. Offer specials on services such as brightening facials, peels like TCA’s or Jessner’s and that includes a complimentary skin care and makeover consultation. This makes it easy for your client to get their professional treatment, products, and makeup all in one stop!
Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii, affects the scalp and causes flakes of skin to appear - it is a common condition. Our skin cells are forever renewing themselves. When the skin cells on our scalp are renewed the old ones are pushed to the surface and out of the scalp. For a person with dandruff the renewal is faster, meaning more dead skin is shed, making the dandruff more noticeable. Dandruff can also occur if the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.
Dandruff can be chronical (long-term) or the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience irritation and redness on the scalp. Excessive flaking may be caused by an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection (Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice. Some individuals with severe dandruff may have social or self-esteem problems. Therefore, treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.
A significant number of people with dandruff find it improves as they get older. It is estimated that about 50 percent of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from dandruff. Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and in people with oily skin. Some studies have suggested that diets that are too salty, sugary or spicy and accompanied by excessive alcohol may exacerbate dandruff. Dandruff does not contribute to hair loss.
While many adults still look forward to summer as eagerly as school children, new survey results show that increased exposure to sun and hot weather can wreak havoc on those with rosacea, a widespread, red-faced skin disorder now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. The survey also found that a variety of common heat sources can affect the condition year-round.
In a recent survey of 431 rosacea patients conducted by the National Rosacea Society (NRS), 80 percent of the respondents said they had suffered a flare-up of symptoms as a result of being out in the sun, and 80 percent said their condition was aggravated by hot weather. Excessive indoor heat was a trigger for 56 percent of those surveyed, while 55 percent said heavy exercise had set off a rosacea flare-up. Fifty-four percent said a hot bath had induced an outbreak of rosacea signs and symptoms, and 42 percent said heated beverages had done the same. Heavy clothing had triggered a flare-up for 32 percent, and 26 percent cited menopausal hot flashes.
“Although medical therapy is available to help control this widespread and chronic disorder, it is also important for rosacea patients to identify and minimize any environmental or lifestyle factors that may trigger or aggravate their symptoms,” said Dr. Joseph Bikowski, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University. He said he advises patients to keep a diary to determine what factors might be affecting their individual cases.
In addition to common heat triggers, survey respondents reported a host of other sources of heat that had aggravated their individual conditions, including fireplaces and bonfires, high-intensity lamps, steam baths, saunas, and cooking over a hot stove.
The good news is that the survey showed rosacea flare-ups can often be prevented. Nearly 84 percent of the respondents reported that avoiding sources of heat had reduced the frequency of their flare-ups. Seventy-four percent said they now bathe or shower in cooler water, and nearly 69 percent said they go outside less often in hot weather to avoid exacerbating their condition. Sixty-seven percent said they frequently or sometimes leave an overheated room to prevent an outbreak, and 55 percent said they had changed their exercise routine to avoid flare-ups.
“Rosacea sufferers should wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 year-round, and especially in the summer, they should minimize time outdoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when sunlight is the strongest,” Bikowski said. He noted that a fan or chewing ice chips can effectively reduce flushing from heavy exercise or excessive indoor heat.
The first step to strengthen your posture was discussed, in the
July 2010 issue of DERMASCOPE Magazine.
So why do professionals and consumers believe glycolic acid is the preferred AHA to user? Unfortunately, people often equate irritation with efficacy. Just because glycolic acid is more irritating does not mean it is more efficacious. In this case, pain does not equal gain.
Take a look at how hours of computer hunching, slouching while cell phone texting and video-game slumping is affecting your posture. It is not just kids with backpacks or cane-carrying seniors – studies show poor posture is a major cause of back and neck pain for all ages and over time often contributes to digestive and cardiopulmonary problems. The good news: There are two easy steps people can do to strengthen posture and we are going to focus on them within the next two issues.
Researchers at Drexel University College of Medicine have discovered that a certain type of sugar found naturally in the body is elevated in breast cancer cells and is critical for cancer growth and movement. When researchers reduced and normalized the levels of this sugar, they were able to slow the growth of the cancer cells and block invasion. The findings, published in the March 1 issue of Oncogene, represent a potential new therapeutic target for treating aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Scientists have known for years that cancer cells are addicted to sugar. Compared to neighboring normal cells, cancer cells take up nearly 10 times more sugar. The cancer cells use the increased sugar levels to fuel rapid cell growth and spread. The Drexel researchers studied a particular sugar-based protein modification known as O-GlcNAc. Alterations in this modification have been linked previously to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, but not to cancer.
“This sugar, O-GlcNAc, is used inside cells to tag proteins and alter their function,” said lead author Mauricio J. Reginato, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Drexel University College of Medicine. “We think this is a very exciting discovery because this may be one way that cancer cells use the increased sugar to regulate key pathways that control growth and invasion.”
Reginato and his colleagues studied established cells from patients with estrogen-independent breast cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease, which does not respond well to current treatments. The researchers found that compared to normal mammary cells, all the breast cancer cells contained elevated levels of O-GlcNAc, as well as increased levels of the enzyme responsible for adding this sugar to protein.
When they reduced the levels of the O-GlcNAc enzyme, or blocked its activity with a drug, they reduced the growth of breast cancer and also blocked the invasion. In addition, by reducing the enzyme levels, they also reduced levels of a protein known as FoxM1, which is known to play a critical role in controlling cancer growth and spread.
The Drexel researchers and collaborators are now working to develop more potent chemicals to target the O-GlcNAc enzyme, a potential new therapeutic target for treating breast cancer and possibly other cancers.
If you are looking for a way to use leftover pumpkin and you do not want to make a pie, there is an option you may not have considered, making a pumpkin facial mask. Varieties of the recipe are available for regular, oily, or dry skin – all depending on the secondary ingredients that you add to the mask. Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A and C, as well as zinc, making pumpkin a good choice for promoting healing and moisture.
General Pumpkin Facial Mask Recipe
Ingredients Needed:
• 2 cups fresh cooked pumpkin (pureed)
• 4 tbsp. unflavored yogurt
• 4 tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Mix 2 cups pureed cooked, fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin, 4 tbsp. unflavored yogurt, 4 tbsp. honey, and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice to make the mask. Spread on the face and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with water. This recipe is for a general facial mask, suitable for most types of skin. The finished mask has both a good taste and smells like pumpkin pie. The recipe has a high yield and leftover mask should be stored in the refrigerator.
Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Mask Recipe
Ingredients Needed:
• 12 almonds (ground)
• 1 cup fresh pumpkin (pureed)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1/8 tsp. olive oil
Grind 12 almonds up into a fairly fine powder. Mix the ground almonds into 1 cup pureed pumpkin, either cooked fresh pumpkin or canned, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/8 tsp. olive oil. To use the mask, spread a thin layer on the face and allow it to sit for about five minutes. Rinse off with water. To store leftover mask… seal tightly in container and store in the refrigerator.
Copyright© eHow™, Inc.
We may often take the humble pumpkin for granted, but did you know that autumn’s generous gift is a real miracle for our skin? It is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential elements the skin needs. Pumpkin is not just for carving and eating - it makes for a wonderful facial or body mask! All parts of the pumpkin, including seeds, can be used in creating amazing skin care products. Pumpkin masks and peels are always a popular choice for many aestheticians, because of their amazing exfoliating properties and creamy pleasant texture. It is no wonder that November’s holiday treatments always include this deliciously fragrant gourd. Enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids in pumpkin exfoliate dead skin cells while promoting skin repair and cell-turnover. A pumpkin mask or peel cleanses, conditions, and moisturizes while helping to firm the skin.
From a nutritional standpoint, just an ounce of pumpkin seeds contain 4.2 mg iron, which helps fight lead-poisoning, and as little as a half cup of canned pumpkin is rich in potassium, vitamins C, B1, B2, B5, E, and has 953mg of vitamin A! That vitamin A comes in the form of immune-boosting beta carotene. The name beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name for carrot, and it gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, their rich hues. Like all other carotenoids, beta-carotene in pumpkin is an antioxidant which protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals.
Dermatologists use beta-carotene for its ability to increase cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions related to epithelium damage. Research suggests that taking high doses of beta-carotene internally may decrease sun-sensitivity. People with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare genetic condition that causes painful sun sensitivity as well as liver problems, are often treated with beta-carotene to reduce sun sensitivity. A combination of antioxidants may help protect the skin against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Long-term supplementation with beta-carotene may reduce UV induced skin redness, and appears to slightly reduce the risk of sunburn in individuals who are sensitive to sun exposure.
As you see, pumpkin is an excellent choice for all skin types. It nourishes the skin, provides a non-abrasive exfoliation, and makes skin baby-smooth. So why not add a pumpkin mask to your treatment menu today? Your clients will love you for it!
While the number one trend for summer makeup is always “less is more,” every beauty junkie wants to know the colors and trends that are new for 2010. Makeup artist Christopher Drummond has his predictions in for summer makeup:
Fueled by continued improvements in service and retail sales along with higher customer traffic levels, the Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) Salon/Spa Performance Index (SSPI) hit a record high in the first quarter of 2010. The SSPI stood at 103.1 in the first quarter, up 0.5 percent from its fourth quarter level.
"Across the board – improvements were reported in the first quarter, including an increase in service and retail sales, key barometers for the industry," said Steve Sleeper, PBA's Executive Director. "The salon/spa industry continues to remain resilient and members and non-members alike remain highly optimistic for future growth."
The SSPI is based on the responses to PBA's Salon/Spa Industry Tracking Survey which is fielded quarterly among 800 salon/spa owners nationwide on a variety of indicators. It is constructed so that the health of the salon/spa industry is measured in relation to a steady state level of 100. Index values above 100 indicate that key industry indicators are in a period of expansion, while index values below 100 represent a period of contraction. The Index consists of two components - the Current Situation Index and the Expectations Index.
The Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in five industry indicators (service sales, retail sales, customer traffic, employees/hours, and capital expenditures), stood at 100.5 in the first quarter - up 0.6 percent from its fourth quarter level. In addition, the Current Situation Index rose above 100 for the first time in the five-quarter history of the Salon/Spa Performance Index, which represents expansion in the current situation indicators.
The Expectations Index, which measures salon/spa owner's six month outlook, considers five industry indicators (service sales, retail sales, employees and hours, capital expenditures, and business conditions). Results of this index are encouraging and point toward broad based industry growth. Four out of five salon/spa owners expect to have higher service sales and retail sales in the months ahead. Optimism in the direction of the overall economy has prompted owner's plans to raise their number of staff and increase capital expenditures invested in either expansion or remodeling in the next six months.
In addition, the long-term outlook for job prospects in the salon and spa industry is very positive, according to newly released projections (December 2009) by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to BLS projections, the number of personal appearance jobs at employment-based establishments will jump 31 percent between 2008 and 2018. Among personal appearance occupations, BLS expects the number of skin care specialists to grow by more than 50 percent between 2008 and 2018, while the number of hairdresser, hairstylist, and cosmetologist positions at employment-based establishments is expected to grow by 31 percent.
WARNING SIGNS: Moles, brown spots, and growths on the skin are usually harmless – but some can be dangerous. That is why it is so important to get to know your skin very well and recognize any
changes in the moles on your body. Anyone who has more than 100 moles, or any large, unusual moles, is at greater risk for melanoma.
The past year has been filled with news questioning the effectiveness of cancer screenings; here is something everyone needs to know: Colon cancer screening can detect the disease early and save lives. The American Cancer Society wants to emphasize that regularly scheduled colon cancer screening starting at age 50 can save lives and help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Colon cancer is one of only two cancers (the other is cervical cancer) that can be prevented through screening. Precancerous cells called polyps can be removed before they turn cancerous. Screening can also improve survival rates dramatically – colon cancer’s five year survival rate is 90 percent when found early. However, because only about half of Americans get regular screening, only four in 10 cases are diagnosed at the early stage. Thanks to better screening and improvements in early detection and treatment, colon cancer death rates have declined in both men and women over the past two decades.
A 2009 American Cancer Society study found that long term smoking (smoking for 40 or more years) increases colon cancer risk by 30 to 50 percent. But, smokers who quit smoking can begin to reduce their risk.
The Society also recommends engaging in moderate activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days per week, limiting consumption of red and processed meat, and following a healthy diet rich in plant sources and whole grains, including five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day can also reduce the risk for colon cancer.
Facts about colon cancer:
-In 2009, it was estimated that 146,970 Americans would be diagnosed with colon cancer.
-In 2009, it was estimated that 49,920 Americans would die from colon cancer.
-Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and cause of cancer death in the U.S. in both men and in women.
-African Americans have the highest incidence rate and death rate from colon cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
-Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Hispanic men and women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic men and third leading cause among Hispanic women.
For more information on the American Cancer Society’s recommended colon cancer screening guidelines, please visit cancer.org/colon or call 800-227-2345.
At one time apples were considered the forbidden fruit, but now they are relished as a healthful source of polyphenols and rich antioxidants. Research has shown apples to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease, control cholesterol, maintain healthy weight, and deliver antioxidant compounds to the body. If apples are this good for the body, what can they do for the skin?
Apple (Malus Domestica) in skin care is both a time-tested ingredient as well as cutting edge, because of the advancements being made with the fruit. It has long been used as a protector from oxidative stress, for skin lightening, and as a peeling agent, in the form of malic acid (L), for its exfoliation, skin smoothing, and cellular renewal properties.
Since apple, or malic acid, is slightly gentler, it allows the aesthetician to control the level of peeling – mild to mid-depth – depending on layers and preparations used. It works by digesting surface cells to soften skin then infuses it with antioxidants and hydration, leaving the skin firmed and toned.
Benefits at the core
More recent advancements have turned researchers on to apple stem cells. Having used the malus extract to enhance skin care formulas for more than 20 years, I saw the potential in apple stems cells, and began watching the development unfold and incorporating the ingredient into various formulas.
In contrast to human stem cells, plant stems cells are totipotent, which means every cell has the ability to regenerate, be it a leaf, flower, stem, or the entire plant. When a plant suffers a wound, the surrounding cells will revert back to stem cells to form callus cells. Following the healing phase, cells return to their original state and begin building new tissue. This is where the technology behind apple stems cells lies – plant cells replicate their protective and healing ability to promote longevity in human cells.
This process is particularly beneficial to human cells as the body ages and cell proliferation slows. Human stem cells are continually making identical copies of themselves, and separating to form specialized cells, but growth slows significantly and longevity is reduced with age. The stem cells are rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites, which further promote the perpetuation and vitality of skin cells.
An apple a day
It is also important to note that epidermal stem cells die after a certain number of divisions, and the process of self-renewal is a slow one. This is significant because stem cell loss is more destructive to skin tissues than loss of differentiated cells, and is a major contributor to tissue aging. In studies, apple stem cells significantly reduced the visible signs of aging, shrinking wrinkle depth.
The ingredient has now found its way into other personal care products like body lotions and hair care. Researchers recently discovered that the ingredient not only protects from UV damage, but has also shown promise in hair care. Similar to the skin, it targets the cell to delay hair follicle aging, preventing hair loss and graying.
As research continues, uses for apple will continue to proliferate, just as the cells that make up this amazing fruit. Keep a close eye on this cutting-edge ingredient as new discoveries into its abilities and benefits continue to be revealed.
1. Provide Google with pages of industry relevant text: If Google were a spider that crawls the Internet, then the words on your website are the strands its eight cyber-legs crawl upon and memorize. The more pages of text you provide, the more you increase the chances that someone searching on Google will be shown your website in their search.
2. Quickly tell Google what your webpage is all about: Every webpage has a "Title Tag." One sentence of text displayed at the very top of your computer screen. An example is if you log onto WallStreetJournal.com, at the top of your screen you will see the text "Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal" It is a great title tag as it answers the "what will you find on this webpage?" question. Make each of your title tags unique to their page.
3. Exchange links with skin care related sites for higher Google ranking: This is a hard process to do. You have to find relevant websites to trade links with, then you must contact them, and then you have to put their link on your site and vice versa. It is very time consuming. Which is exactly why Google gives you a higher ranking because they know it is not easy!
4. Tell potential customers what you want them to do on every page of your website: It is amazing how much people respond when they are told what to do. Generally for skin care practitioners, you want people to schedule an appointment. Encourage this by making sure that every single page of your web site has your contact information prominently displayed. Also, include a motivating personalized call to action on the page, like "Contact us today for beautiful skin at 555-555-5555."
Howard Murad, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad, Inc., is encouraging everyone to “eat their water.”
According to a report released by the California Department of Conservation in 2009, billions of empty water bottles are causing serious environmental problems, with more than one billion water bottles winding up in the trash annually in California alone. Instead of seeking hydration from plastic bottles, Murad suggests eating foods that are rich in structured water, such as raw fruits and vegetables, that not only help the body hold on to water longer, but provide the added boost of important antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients. By sticking to a water-rich food diet, one will actually end up eating most of the water they need each day to stay hydrated, while helping the environment in return.
“As the world continues to evolve, so must our philosophies and ways of living. A focus on protecting the earth must include examining the way we drink and eat,” said Murad. “The simple act of putting down a bottle of water and picking up an apple or bunch of grapes will lead to a healthier sense of self and a healthier planet.”
As water bottles fill landfill space, increase air pollution, and further destroy the ozone layer, Murad suggests everyone take steps to improve hydration and general health of the entire body by tending to the health of cells. The Science of Cellular Water™ looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water as the fundamental marker of youthful good health. Murad has conducted extensive scientific studies confirming that cellular health can be promoted and protected internally, externally, and by managing stress – the three prongs of his Inclusive Health approach to optimal living.
When cell health is optimized, cells use water more efficiently and the body’s systems function better overall. And there is no scientific evidence to prove the common notion that eight, eight ounce bottles of water per day are essential to maintaining an optimal level of hydration. Eating your water will not only increase cellular hydration but decrease your carbon footprint.
Harris Shepard Public Relations, Inc.
Lemons may give you lemonade, but they also deliver beautiful, healthy skin! Fresh, clean and invigorating are all words invoked by this citrus dynamo. Lemons are popular for their astringent and purification capabilities and also deliver a healthy dose of skin essential nutrients.
Lemons have been used for beauty and medicinal purposes since ancient times and continue to be one of the most popular ingredients around. In fact, they are an ideal skin care ingredient because they provide two out of three of the most important elements for healthy aging skin. Lemons are loaded with alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C; if they only provided the third ingredient, vitamin A, the line in the produce department would be out the door!
Lemons are a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids. By applying lemon topically you are able to generate a great exfoliation. The pH of lemon juice is between a 2.0 and 3.0. The pH of skin is between a 4.5 and 6.0. By applying lemon juice to the skin, you are able to drop the pH of skin and create an activity level that generates an exfoliation. This will help alleviate buildup of dead skin cells, clear congested skin, balance oil production, deliver skin brightening and lightening effects, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to the benefits achieved by the alpha hydroxy acids, lemons are also a perfect source of vitamin C. One of the best things for the skin both topically and internally is vitamin C, a skin essential nutrient. It is critical in defending against the effects of aging. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage, heals the skin, maintains capillary health, defends against environmental assaults, and encourages collagen production.
Lemons are also an excellent source of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are a natural pigment found in fruit and assist our bodies in absorbing and utilizing vitamin C. This tiny citrus fruit also provides minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Another reason for the popularity of lemons is that they are aromatherapeutic and universally appealing. Lemon infused products offer a tropical treat for the skin and senses. They are light and clean in aroma and favored for their ability to calm the mind and relieve mental fatigue. Lemon is known to improve concentration levels and increase alertness. Common skin care products that use lemon are cleansers, toners, and body products.
The goodness enveloped in this tiny citrus fruit will keep cosmetic chemists formulating with it for years to come. Customers will continue to crave lemons because they know a daily dose of this tropical treat will keep the wrinkles away!
A sugar-peptide mix from wild tobacco plants could be an effective anti-aging ingredient for cosmetics, according to scientists in Italy. The mix of short peptides, amino acids and sugars has antioxidant properties as well as promoting collagen synthesis and stability, and upregulating the expression of a number of genes, the study claims.
Copyright© DecisionNewsMedia.com
You are great. You are far greater than you imagine. You are a unique entity given the power to create your own life. When you look outside yourself for self-definition you are giving your power away. However, when you understand and accept that you alone possess the power to define yourself and your life, there are dramatic changes. You will find new clarity, focus and confidence. You'll also find that using this incredible gift is both exhilarating and challenging.
You are in charge. Think of your life as a movie. You are the writer, director, producer and star. You choose your co-stars and extras. Whether the movie is a smash or a flop is in your hands.
Your thoughts determine your outcomes. This is one of the great mysteries. There are a lot of theories about this phenomenon but no one really knows how it works. However, it does work and reveals the astonishing power of your thoughts. If you think you are average, you are. If you think you can't win, you won't. Conversely, if you see yourself succeeding, you will. If you expect great things to come to your life, they're on their way.
You bring others with you. Your courage and confidence to examine your life and make changes will have a profound effect on those around you. When you lift yourself up, others are lifted up too.
Your life. Your responsibility. The first and most important rule is to take responsibility for everything that happens in your life. Following this rule puts you in command. Winston Churchill said, "The price of greatness is responsibility." While I'm certain he was talking about fighting wars and leading nations, his statement applies to your life as well.
You have the power. Life will inevitably send you your share of setbacks, problems, disappointments and losses. These things are beyond your control. How you react to them is not. Listen to the voice within you and realize you have a choice. You have the greatness to persevere, to forgive, to smile, to lift yourself and others up and to move on.
An extract from the bark of the rainforest tree Angico-branco can help maintain the water balance in human skin, according to recent research. The tree (Piptadenia colubrina) is native to the South American rainforest and the study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, claims that an extract from the plant’s bark can help moisturize the skin.
Source: Journal of Cosmetics Dermatology; Issue 9, Pages 35-43
Copyright© DecisionNewsMedia.com
How do you earn what you are worth, and not lose customers in the process? This also brings up another point to consider – are you planning to raise prices across the board or in certain areas. One idea is to raise prices for senior stylists only in order to filter down some clients to the junior staff. This must be done carefully in order to not lose clients, which is why it is vital to plan price increases with staff to make them effective overall.
Here are some steps to consider when increasing prices:
1. Decide upon a reasonable amount.
2. Give clients reasonable notice.
3. When you tell them, be professional.
The approach you take to raising prices also depends on what your goals are. If you want to attract higher-image clients and shed some lower-tier clients, then attrition during the process is expected. If you just want to lower the demand for appointments instead of expanding your business, then you should expect to lose clients. However, if you are looking to shift demand within your salon, this makes the job a little easier on you and your team.
It is flu season again, and the additional strains of last year’s Swine Flu pandemic have businesses and consumers in a frenzy over combating flu germs. Professional outlooks on the flu season are not helping matters; leading health experts project that the H1N1 virus affects as much as 40 percent of the American population through 2010.
Since skin contact with contaminated surfaces is one of the main ways Americans can contract the flu virus, it is important for skin care professionals to educate worried clients that they are utilizing the most cutting-edge strategies for combating the virus. To be proactive, eliminating surface contamination in your spa is a first step. Unfortunately, lots of traditional cleaning techniques can actually promote the spread of germs through cross-contamination, via improper cleaning.
Health-based cleaning fills the void left by traditional cleaning strategies. By leveraging state-of-the-art soil containment and removal technology and hospital-grade disinfectants, skin care facility managers can create a cleaner environment for patients and clients. Some areas of greatest concern include are waiting areas, restrooms, and treatment rooms.
Surface Decontamination, Technology, and Hospital-Grade Cleansers
A crucial fault of traditional cleaning techniques is their tendency to use spray-and-wipe tactics to clean surfaces. Cross-contamination and the spread of harmful germs occur as a result of these techniques.
Health-based cleaning systems use advanced soil removal techniques such as microfiber technology. Microfiber in cleaning cloths and mops has been shown to be 99 percent more effective at removing soil and pathogens than traditional cleaning materials such as paper towels or non-microfiber cloths. Small, angled edges along the microfibers actually attract dirt, grease, and contaminants to help leave a truly clean surface.
With a color-coding methodology for these tools, health-based cleaning systems utilize a single tool for specific office areas, greatly reducing cross-contamination and germ transfer by making sure soil and matter from one area is not spread to another area.
For extra insurance use lightweight, flat mops equipped with super-absorbent fabric that traps and hold dead germs.
Just because you skin care facility is not a hospital does not mean you should not take the same protective measures for a safer, healthier environment as they do. Your facility can benefit from EPA-registered, hospital-grade cleansers and disinfectants that are highly effective in eliminating pathogens and the illnesses they cause.
Additional Tips:
• Perfumes or other odors – whether attractive or noxious –
should not be present following the cleaning process.
• High-efficiency, HEPA filtration vacuums that capture dirt and
particles that are .3 microns or larger should be used to
improve indoor air quality.
• Cleaning personnel should wash hands properly and change
gloves frequently.
• “No-touch” spray and vacuum systems should be used
whenever possible in restroom areas to effectively clean
germ hot spots, such as floors, sinks, and sink tops through
proper disinfection without danger of cross-contamination.
How you spend the first few hours is really indicative of how the rest of your day will be. Wake up or sleep in? Scrambled eggs or pop-tart? Water or whiskey? These are the things that shape the rest of our day. Here are four tips I follow every morning (well, almost every morning) that will help you feel energized and more productive.
Proteins in milk that form part of the cow’s natural protection against milking related infections can be formulated into anti-microbial cosmetics and oral care products, according to manufacturer Quantec. The New Zealand based company has been working on the Immune Defence Proteins (IDP) for three years and is now ready to launch the ingredients onto the skin care and supplements market.
Rod Claycomb, managing director of the company, explained how the proteins form part of the cow’s own defence system. “After milking, cows are quite prone to bacterial infection of the mammary gland called mastitis. This suite of proteins is nature’s own way of helping to protect the cow,” he said.
Currently the company is preparing for the launch of the ingredient onto the oral care market at the food and supplements show Supply Side West in Las Vegas. “IDP is good at nailing the bad bacteria in the mouth that lead to halitosis and gum disease,” Claycomb explained. In addition, the company is launching the ingredient onto the topical skin care market where the antimicrobial mode of action is similar but the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the proteins are equally important.
Potential applications for skin care include anti-acne formulations, products proposing relief from psoriasis and dandruff, as well as antifungal systems such as those fighting against yeast infections like candida albicans and athletes foot.
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According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with sweets and fats kept to a minimum. A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to minimize some pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and constipation.
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends the following key components of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: appropriate weight gain, consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Food Guide Pyramid, and appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Fluid intake is also an important part of healthy pregnancy nutrition. Women can take in enough fluids by drinking six to eight glasses of water each day, in addition to the fluids in juices and soups. An expectant mother should talk with her physician about restricting her intake of caffeine and artificial sweeteners. All alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy.
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• Before teeth erupt, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.
•Brush teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Introduce a pea-sized
dab of fluoridated toothpaste after two years of age, once the child
is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
•Prevent baby bottle tooth decay: Do not give children a bottle of
milk, juice or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap.
•Limit the time your child has a bottle. Your child should empty a bottle
in five to six minutes or less.
•Help your child brush his or her own teeth until six years of age. Allow
the child to watch you brush, and follow the same brushing pattern to
minimize missed spots.
•Avoid foods and treats that increase tooth decay: hard or sticky
candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit
rather than juice; the fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean,
whereas juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.
Copyright© www.kroger.com
There are so many beauty benefits to incorporating a hint of peppermint into your beauty regime. Peppermint is a large source of vitamin A, which is proven to reduce the signs of wrinkles. It is often used in balms because of the herb’s ability to increase blood flow and stimulate nerves. Menthol, one of the main ingredients in peppermint, is extremely healing to dry skin, acne, and red blotches.
To prevent heartburn… drink peppermint tea before and after meals. Try adding a drop or two of peppermint essential oil to water and drinking small sips during a meal.
Poison oak and poison ivy: Contact with these beautiful woodland vines causes a hot, itchy rash; poison oak is the culprit on the West Coast, and poison ivy on the East. This contact dermatitis can be quite severe for some people. There are several simple and effective home remedies for this painful itch. Though it is tempting to take a hot bath or shower, which will temporarily make the rash feel better, hot water will always agitate the condition in the long run. Therefore, avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, and sweat lodges. Bath only in tepid water. A drop or two of peppermint essential oil (no more or you will be flying out of the tub before you get in it) added to the bathwater will help cool the rash and give temporary relief from the itching and burning.
Kids cannot stare at a screen and their hands are not available to text or play video games when they are building a snowman, splashing in a stream, scaling a rock wall, digging in a garden, or climbing trees.
1. Lead by example: You are a role model for your kids. If they see you plop on the couch and watch TV they will be inclined to recline as well.
2. Think outside the box: Give a child an expensive gift and they promptly rip it open and… start playing with the gift paper and box. Skip expensive toys and break out glass jars to catch and release insects. Use gift boxes and shoe boxes to display and stow keepsake shells, rocks, dried leaves and other found treasures. It is often said the best toys are 10 percent creation and 90 percent imagination.
3. Watch and Listen: What do your children enjoy doing outside? What activities do they talk about doing? (Ask them). Encourage those activities and build on them.
4. Share: What are your favorite childhood memories of outside play? Share them with your family and then go on a night hike, build a tree house, or run through the sprinklers to create new family memories.
5. Sculpt: By providing your children with opportunities to move and create, you are sculpting their brains. Play fosters new neural connections and prunes existing ones. As kids sculpt snow and sand, they sculpt their futures.
6. Meet: Safety is one of the major reasons parents are hesitant to let their children play outside. Organize a play-date that really is about play.
7. Create opportunities: Do not over schedule your children or yourself. Leave open little windows of time – even if only for 10 minutes – just to goof off and move around and explore outside. Any outdoor activity is much, much better than sitting inside staring at a screen.
8. Resolve: Make a resolution to join the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There Movement and take the pledge to get your kids outside.
Copyright© www.nwf.org
Scientists in Germany are reporting a major improvement in their potential new treatment for facial wrinkles that could emerge as an alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery. The non-invasive technique combines high-intensity light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lotion made of green tea extract. It works 10 times faster than a similar anti-wrinkle treatment that uses LEDs alone.
American Chemical Society (2009, September 9). LED Light And Green Tea Cream Smooth Facial Wrinkles. ScienceDaily. Retrieved
Yeast Shows Good Moisturizing Potentional
Glycolipids produced in abundance by a number of yeast strains exhibit good moisturizing properties and can help damaged skin cells recover, according to a recent study by Japanese scientists.
Whether it is on the eyelid crease, the entire eye, or under the brow, using eyeliner as eye shadow is simple to apply and offers the wearer long lasting waterproof color that can be layered. There are an infinite number of simple ways to use eyeliner as eye shadow.
For all applications, it is recommended to dust translucent powder over the entire eyelid. The powder will help to spread, blend, and set the color. Using the side of the pencil, gently shade in the area you want as shadow. Apply the pencil a bit darker than you want the final color to be. Then take any sized concealer brush and blend the color. Small brushes are preferable because they are easy to control. Use short, light strokes blending the edges up away from the majority of the color. This technique will spread the color to look like powder shadow but will have the benefit of a long lasting waterproof shadow. Plus depending on how light or dramatic you want the shadow, you can blend several colors using this technique. Use them as a base to hold powder shadow too. The powder color will look more dramatic and will adhere to the pencil base beautifully. Be creative and use the pencils as both liner and shadow together. Once all the color is applied, dust again with translucent powder to set the color.
Here are some tips on how to make yourself feel better when you are stressed:
1. Calm down: Before anything else, calm yourself down. Do not panic. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
2. Feed your mind with positive thoughts: When you are depressed, it is easy to fall into a vicious cycle of negative thoughts. It is important that you break this cycle. To do that, feed your mind with positive thoughts. You may read spiritual texts, motivational books, or inspiring quotes. You may also listen to positive tapes.
3. Remember good things: Direct your mind to the positive. Remember the good things in your life. Remember the good people around you.
4. Look at the big picture: An event that seems bad might not seem that bad if you look at the big picture. Put the event in context.
5. Believe that everything will be all right: What you believe has a big effect on you. If you believe that things will go wrong, that would usually be the case. On the other hand, if you believe that everything will be all right, you will have a winning attitude.
6. Exercise: When you are depressed, take time to exercise. Exercise relieves the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
7. Forgive: Sometimes one reason you feel bad is because you do not forgive. Perhaps you had made mistakes in the past and you blamed yourself for it. You need to forgive yourself. Or perhaps someone mistreated you. You need to forgive them.
8. Take action: Things will not get better if you just sit and do nothing. Instead of thinking about how bad things are, think of what you can do to solve the problem and take action.
9. Say something positive: Negative words have a devastating effect on your confidence and motivation. So whenever you are about to say something negative, stop yourself and take a deep breath. Reframe what you are going to say and make it positive.
10. Think about other people: One of the best ways to make yourself feel better is simply by taking the focus away from yourself. Start thinking about other people and how you can help them. When you do that, your problems will no longer seem so hard.
One American dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest of the major forms of skin cancer. If detected early, melanoma can be successfully treated. “NYU Langone Medical Center is proud to have created a system which successfully diagnoses melanoma and save lives,” said Seth J. Orlow M.D. Ph.D., chairman, The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and director on Center of Excellence in Cancers of the Skin at NYU Langone Medical Center. “The impact of the ABCDEs has been profound, creating a simple and quick guide for anyone to examine themselves. Few would argue that countless lives have been saved by the development and awareness of the ABCDEs - helping detect the most dangerous form of skin cancer while still curable with simple removal before the cancer has spread.”
The ABCDEs for melanoma detection are:
A – is for Asymmetry where one half of the mole is unlike the other.
B – is for Border where the mole is irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
C – is for Color which varies from one area to another or has different
shades of tan, brown, black, and sometimes white, red, or blue.
D – is for Diameter of a mole when it is bigger than the size of a pencil eraser.
E – is for Evolving or changing in size, shape, or color.
In 1985, Alfred Kopf M.D., then a professor of Dermatology and now professor emeritus, along with former NYU fellows Robert Friedman, M.D. and Darrell Rigel, M.D., both current NYU faculty created the original ABCDs guide: “Early Detection of Malignant Melanoma: The Role of Physician Examination and Self-Examination of the Skin” which was published in the CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Nearly 20 years later, David Polsky M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of Dermatology, director of the NYU Pigmented Lesion Clinic, along with Kopf, Friedman, Rigel, and others, added the “E” to the ABCDs which was later published in an article entitled “Early Diagnosis of Cutaneous Melanoma: Revisiting the ABCD Criteria” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, updating the acronym to ABCDEs.
According to experts, minimizing your risk for skin cancer and melanoma is critical. “Performing regular skin self-examinations, using the ABCDEs guide to check for warning signs of skin cancer, especially melanoma, is an important and easy way to detect suspicious moles that could be cancerous.” says Jennifer Stein, M.D., Ph.D., associate director of the Pigmented Lesion Section at NYU Langone Medical Center.
Members of the Howard County (Maryland) Board of Health banned the use of tanning beds by anyone under 18. It is the first law in the nation that prohibits minors from using tanning beds.
The American Academy of Dermatology celebrated its 25th year of offering free skin cancer screenings with several new initiatives in 2009; offering an e-card to notify others about the screenings; an alert to notify you when a screening is being held within 50 miles of your community; and a new video describing what to expect in a skin cancer exam. Since 1985 member dermatologists have conducted 1.9 million free skin cancer screenings and detected 188,000 suspicious lesions, including more than 21,500 suspected melanomas. To receive an alert, view the video, or send an ecard, go to http://www.aad.org/public/exams/screenings.
Celiac is an autoimmune disorder that entails one’s immune system attacking their intestinal tract when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley and rye. Statistics show that celiac affects one percent of all Americans although some experts maintain that this rate could be as much as 30 percent. Diagnosis “is” on the rise. Untreated and undiagnosed, celiac can lead to severe immune system disorders, chronic rashes, infertility, osteoporosis, and even cancer. Gluten can also be found in cosmetics and skin care products. While most medical “experts” will say that gluten is only offensive when ingested many believe in the adage that “what goes on, goes in.” Regardless, even the experts agree that those with celiac should exhibit caution when applying products containing gluten near their mouth.
One of the most important features of the Abyssinian oil is that it is very easily absorbed into the epidermal tissue, which generates noticeably smoother texture to the skin. The oil works just as well, even if the skin is wrinkled and exceedingly dry. Abyssinian oil also significantly improves the tone and texture of the skin, and makes it suitable for all ages. The Abyssinian oil is very light in color and almost odorless, which makes it suitable for all skin care products and decorative cosmetics. It can be used in fairly high quantities without interfering with the final product. When used in make up, this oil will help assist with the even and smooth delivery of the product. Abyssinian oil can also be used in hair products. It is proven to produce a natural radiant luster to the hair and it will glide onto the surface forming a light continuous lipid layer. Those qualities provide lubricity to help detangle the hair and lock in essential moisture.
The color blue has a calming effect. It causes the brain to release calming hormones. Try to incorporate this theme in your spa.
What are those little red bumps? They may be Keratosis Pilaris (KP), a genetic skin condition resulting from a build up of dead skin cells in hair follicles, causing patches of little red bumps that nag 40 percent of the world's population.
There is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris, but leading dermatologists, like Dr. Alan Fleischer, professor and chair of the department of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, recommends keeping skin moisturized with a moisturizer containing lactic acid, which may help minimize the dry skin associated with KP. Be sure to see a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis since other medical conditions can mimic KP.
Sea buckthorn berries are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and the fatty acids Omega 3, 6, 9, and the elusive Omega-7 that helps to keep skin soft and healthy and make you more comfortable in your own skin.
According to a study commissioned by Coldwell Banker, a typical consumer will switch vendors twice in three years due to “bad service”. The study revealed that the quality of a company’s customer service is directly related to its long-term success. Frontline employee’s are the face of your company and directly impact the bottom line.
by The Oshadhi Collection
Stretch marks are a type of scarring that is the result of the skin stretching beyond its capacity to maintain integrity. Aromatherapy works best when used preventatively for stretch marks, especially during pregnancy, after the middle of the second trimester. Cicatrisant and cytophylatic essential oils can be helpful.
An “Attitudes in the American Workplace” survey found that 80 percent of employees experience job-related stress, and nearly half say they need help with stress management. Mr. Steam is offering expert advice on the most effective ways to manage and reduce stress, beginning in the bathroom.
One way to begin to enhance and support a healthy lifestyle is with the addition of a steambath in the bathroom or exercise room. Steambathing may assist in promoting mental, physical, and emotional health benefits that may include reducing stress, detoxifying the body, and improving circulation.
Upon stepping inside a steambath, relaxation becomes the theme. Within moments, warmth penetrates your body from head to toe, easing tired muscles, helping the cares of the day drift away. Steam assists in opening the skin’s pores and creates a flow of perspiration that can lift out the impurities of everyday living. Skin can be deeply cleansed, leaving it soft, supple, and healthy.
Jump start your day feeling refreshed with a steambath followed by a cool bath or shower and a quick rubdown with a towel. To relieve stress at the end of the day, a hot shower after a steambath helps encourage a good night’s sleep. When used on a regular basis steambathing research shows that people feel rested and rejuvenated.
ISPA states that there are more than 32 million active spa-goers.
Several daily newspapers in the UK and elsewhere recently carried reports of a study commissioned by the Direct Line insurance company that suggests a cup of tea reduces stress, not just by drinking it but also because of the calming effect of the ritual of putting the kettle on.
In their background information, they referred to literature that suggests drinking tea is associated with positive mood and feelings of relaxation, that its chemical properties have been linked with making the brain more alert and helping people recover from stress, and that it has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
Engineered nanomaterials are widely used in sunscreens to make sun-blocking ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide rub on clear instead of white. These materials have been shown to exhibit different fundamental physical, biological, and chemical properties than their larger counterparts. The report indicates that very few nanomaterials have been adequately tested, though the limited data that is available shows that their small size makes them more able to enter the lungs, pass through cell membranes, and possibly penetrate damaged or sunburned skin.
Give your clients a few tips this fall so they can maintain beautiful skin in between spa visits. Summer skin is sunny and warm but transitioning into fall can initiate breakouts, uneven skin tone, and washed out coloring. To keep your clients looking healthy and gorgeous, tell them to try the following:
1. Purify and clear the skin by using a detoxifying facial mask two to three times a week, depending on their skin type. This will help to draw unwanted matter from within the skin and rev up circulation.
2. Brush on a little bronzer as the tan fades to maintain a warm, flattering glow.
3. Adjust makeup to the diminishing sunlight. Instead of pastels and corals, try richer, earthier colors.
4. Try a primer under her foundation to help maintain a longer lasting finish, especially if her skin gets oilier during seasonal change.
5. Apply a finishing powder to help assure even skin tone and porcelain smooth skin.
Everyone knows that play is important for kids. Play teaches them coordination, adult roles, social interaction, and basic problem-solving skills. But somehow, many people have fallen prey to the idea that play is only important for kids. Play is important no matter what your age. Dutch historian Johan Huizinga (1872-1945) once described it as the defining characteristic of our species. For Huizinga, humanity is notable not as Homo sapiens, “wise people,” but Homo ludens, “playful people.”
Play is good for your health. A lot of play involves exercise, which is a good thing in and of itself, but there’s more to it than that. Play relieves stress and releases a whole range of feel-good chemicals in your brain, which not only make play fun but relieves tension across the whole of your body. Play is good for your brain, too. Play lights up the entire right side of your brain, creating a state of hyper-creativity that literally changes the way you see the world. Play unites your mind and body. In play, the gap between physical sensation and mental sensation is bridged. Play creates social bonds. There’s evidence that the earliest social bonds are primarily playful ones. As an infant develops a sense of its own identity and begins to recognize other people as beings with identities of their own, it begins to learn play and socialize at the same time. That doesn’t go away as you get older – play is still a rock-solid foundation for social behavior. Fortunately, there’s an easy and proven effective remedy for play deprivation: go out and play!
Spending some profoundly non-serious time with yourself or with others may well make you better at all that serious stuff that’s been sucking at your soul and preventing you from playing in the first place. You’ll feel better, be more relaxed, and enjoy more creativity, which can’t help but make the rest of your life that much better.
Today, almost every industry has begun to feel the effects of the economic downturn in one way or another. The spa and hospitality industry is no exception. During the past few months, this market has seen a dramatic shift in consumer behavior. Most spa professionals have seen a decrease in new clients as well as less in frequency from regular customers.
While today’s economic outlook may be bleak, there are things an individual or company can do to rise above the recession. While most spa professionals’ first inclination is to offer discounts, this can actually hurt their bottom line. I believe there are other, better strategies that can help those within the spa industry succeed in this time of uncertainty. The number one rule of thumb is to differentiate yourself or your business from the competition. The following are just a few steps to take in order to set your enterprise apart and come out on top:
Comprehensive Value: Hardworking professionals are therefore stressed and in need of therapeutic treatments, but they are scrutinizing value. Spas should promote any services or facilities that are offered “for free” by the spa or salon. For example, most spas have a sauna, steam rooms, and/or relaxation rooms that can be utilized pre-or post-massage. Or they offer complimentary herbal teas and snack items. Make sure clients are aware of spas offerings so they feel they will get the most for their money.
Creative Packaging: Reviewing and understanding your clientele will help you understand how to “seal the deal.” For example, if you know that a large majority of your customers come in during their lunch break and your spa offers food, create a spa treatment and lunch package. The customer will still pay for the treatment and meal, but will enjoy the luxury of having it packaged for them.
Share Services: For those professionals who are self-employed, it is helpful to partner with other local spa and hospitality professionals. By doing so, you can share customers and potentially gain new clients. Search your local community and create deals with hair salons, nail salons, and health clubs. By selecting businesses with similar clientele, both companies will tap into a new audience that may not be
reached otherwise.
Something for Nothing: Another great way to make clients feel like they are getting more, without spending money is to offer a leave behind flyer with post-treatment care. Share a short list of tips on what to expect and what to do after the treatment. While this may not seem like very much, clients will appreciate the time you took to make their experience last a little bit longer.
Community Involvement: An additional idea is to get involved within your local community. For example, if there is a community athletic event or health fare, offer treatments to participants. This will get your name out and potentially attract new clients, for only a few hours of your time.
Hopefully the tips above can help spa professionals survive the storm.
Malic acid, derived from apples and pears, and mandelic acid, derived from almonds, are effective at treating multiple skin issues. Mandelic acid is naturally antibacterial so it fights off acne-causing bacteria. It also controls the oil in the skin, and protects from redness and irritation. Malic acid keeps the skin hydrated while fighting the skin’s free radicals that contribute to skin damage and pigmentation. Natural acids also contain collagen-producing properties that repair and rebuild tissue, softening fine lines and wrinkles by maintaining the elasticity and strength of the skin.
Both mandelic and malic acids are gentle and suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), even in higher concentration amounts. The skin benefits from the use of natural acids because of their preventative and moisturizing properties. Natural acids are ideal because, unlike their chemical counterparts, they absorb into the skin much faster – giving quicker and more effective results. The use of other chemicals or ingredients can strip the skin of its natural barrier, causing little benefit and exposing the skin to greater irritation.
For those women with prenatal complications or with high-risk pregnancies, extra care and consideration needs to go into their massages. Their doctor will know whether or not their condition contraindicates all massage or merely limits the techniques and positioning options for massage. If your client has any of the following conditions, make sure that her doctor is comfortable providing you with a written release and any appropriate recommendations in accommodating her special needs: PIH disorders such as hypertension and eclampsia, which is also known as preeclampsia or toxemia; Gestational Diabetes; IUGR/SUR; or placental abnormalities.
Women with a high-risk pregnancy need to take the same care in consulting with their doctor. Again, always have the doctor furnish you with both a release and their recommendation if any of the following factors apply to your client’s pregnancy: mother’s age is under 20 or over 35; a history of complications in previous pregnancies; three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions (miscarriages); multiple gestation; maternal illnesses including diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, or cardiac/renal/connective tissue/liver disorders; Rh-negative mother; genetic problems including DES; other uterine abnormalities; fetal genetic disorders; or drug or other hazardous
materials exposure.
Using the wrong brush to apply your
client's blush can cause women
to wind up with virtual racing
stripes on
their cheeks.
Although many summer photo shoots depict long healthy hair and a glowing, sun-kissed skin, we all know that summer’s sun and humidity can wreak havoc on our beauty regime. Here are some easy tips for getting hair in shape this summer while not spending a lot of cash.
Tip 1: Lay off the hot styling tools: If you normally use hot hair tools (blow dryers, hot irons, electric curlers) every day, give your hair a break and let it air dry. You know the humidity will just undo all of your work the minute you step outside. Braid your hair on summer days, and at night, you will have seductive waves.
Tip 2: Protect your hair from damaging UV rays: The sun’s UV rays are just as damaging to our hair as they are to our skin. Not only does the sun make our hair dry and weak, it also can make color-treated hair appear brassy. Wear a UPF protective hat or invest in a hair care product with SPF.
Tip 3: Pack in the nutrients: If you break the above rules, make sure you take extra precautions to repair your hair. Give it extra conditioning and protection.
• reduce inflammation
• improve heart and circulatory health
• flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, relieving muscle pain and aching joints and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances
• improve the body’s ability to use insulin
• Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Reduce stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
Salt is a mineral that is composed primarily of sodium chloride. There are two main forms of salt: unrefined (sea salt) and refined (table salt); of the two, unrefined salt provides the highest benefits when used for aesthetic purposes.
Bath salts are a great way to relieve many different kinds of health concerns, such as acne, arthritis, psoriasis, insect bites, female problems, tendonitis, water retention, stress relief, etcetera. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, noticed the benefits from 'salt' water after he noticed that fisherman were able to heal their hands by soaking them in seawater.
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using pure essential oils extracted from natural botanicals to relax, balance, and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. The use of aromatherapy goes back to ancient China, which is believed to be the first society to have treated the body and mind with aromatic plant oils. Eventually, the practice spread to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans; and it regained its popularity in the late 20th century and continues to grow in approval through the 21st century.
In today’s society of over-indulgence and “I-want-it-now” mentality it is important to understand the benefits and the precautions of using peels. Benefits include, but are not limited to; removal of excessive buildup of dead skin cells, smoothing and tightening of skin, lightening of brown spots, the diminishing of under-eye puffiness and circles, and it aids in the treatment of sun damage. Risks can range from irritation to a chemical burns. With this being said not only is it important for you as a professional to complete a thorough consultation it is also imperative to make sure that your clients understand the pre- and post-treatment precautions so they can appreciate the process and the results from the peel. We have included several different peel treatments from spas to assist you building or strengthening your current menu thereby providing your clients with natural, healthy resolutions to their skin care challenges and/or concerns.
Taking a bath is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. There are many reasons why taking a bath is beneficial; they open up pores, cleanse, detoxify, smooth, and soften the skin, combat muscle soreness, and provide a great source of stress relief. Therefore, it can also be reasoned that adding a bath as a full treatment or as an add-on treatment would not only benefit your client but your business as well. We have included several different bath treatments from spas to provide you with an idea of treatment menus that can help you provide clients with peaceful, natural, healthy solutions to their physical and emotional challenges and/or concerns.
Vino treatments or vinotherapy describes a process where the residues from making wine, such as grape seeds, grape seed extracts, husks, grape seed oil, and vine extracts are rubbed onto the skin. Grapes used for making wine contain natural antioxidants called polyphenols that exfoliate, detoxify, cool inflammation, and soften and repair damaged skin. As a result, vino treatments are a great source of regeneration, circulation and stimulation, and nourishment for the skin. We have included several different vino treatments from spas to provide you with an idea of treatment menus that can help you provide your clients with natural, healthy resolutions to their skin care challenges and/or concerns.
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – fruits are a great way to keep your skin healthy whether they are eaten or applied during skin care treatments. With the current trend of clients wanting their skin care regimen to include treatments that are natural, organic, and healthy – fruit is a great way to go. Citrus fruits can help with anti-aging and acne; while cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries are some of the great sources for antioxidants as well as detoxification. We have included several different fruit treatments from spas around the world to provide you with an idea of treatment menus that can help you provide your clients with natural, healthy resolutions to their skin care challenges and/or concerns.
With wedding, bikini, and vacation season just around the corner, it is important to start thinking about putting together spa packages and treatments that will assist your clients in getting their backs ready for other people to see. Whether your client is preparing for their wedding dress, getting ready to wear tank tops and ponytails on vacation, or adding that finishing touch for their bathing suit, this year it is important to remind your clients to not forget about their back. We have included several different back treatments from spas around the country to provide you with an idea of treatment menus that can help you emphasize this typically forgotten or hard to reach area of the body.
The advances in technology, science, and medicine have assisted in the increase of the average life expectancy rate… resulting in a higher number of 50-plus consumers. With the increase of this demographic, it is important to appreciate the impact they can have on your spas revenue. A notable factor to consider when dealing with clients that are over 50 is that the time they spend on their personal appearance takes on added importance in their life, focusing on reducing and/or slowing down the signs of aging by trying to recapture or sustain their youthful beauty. So focus on your 50-plus clients by targeting your efforts on developing treatment programs that are specifically focused on their skin care needs and goals. We have included several different anti-aging treatments from spas around the country to provide you with an idea of treatment menus that can help you accommodate this lucrative clientele.
This treatment is appropriate for all patients in need of facial rejuvenation and is appropriate for Fitzpatrick skin types I-V. The expected result is improved skin texture, clarity, and hydration. This is an excellent choice for baby boomers.
>> STEP 1 – Cleanse
Facial wash oily/problem (pHaze 1): Cleanse the area of treatment thoroughly. Rinse and pat dry.
>> STEP 2 – Prep/Degrease
Smoothing toner (pHaze 2): Apply with a cotton pad to prep (degrease) the skin. Allow the skin to dry. Assess sensitivity by asking the patient, "On a scale of one to 10, 10 being extremely active, how do you rate this sensation (or feeling)?"
>> STEP 3 – Treat
Ultra Peel® I: Apply the solution to a cotton pad, placing the neck of the bottle directly onto the pad, spacing it to give a sufficient working area to complete a full-face treatment. (About four to five spots on the pad). Apply in layers according to the needs, goals and individual sensitivity of the patient. Use the scale of one to 10 to gauge sensitivity. Depending on your patient's sensitivity, you may apply up to four layers.
>> STEP 4 – Correct
ExLinea® peptide smoothing serum (pHaze 25): Using a small fan brush, apply to areas of laxity and wrinkling, such as the eye area and forehead.
>> STEP 5
C-Strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E (pHaze 16) and rejuvenating serum (pHaze 24): Apply a mixture to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis while improving barrier function and increasing hydration.
>> STEP 6
eyeXcellence (pHaze 12): Gently apply around the delicate eye area to reduce dark circles and puffiness while stimulating collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
>> STEP 7 – Retinol Booster (optional)
Esthetique Peel: Apply one pump for increased exfoliation, bacteria control, and added melanogenesis inhibition. Gently spread the product over the area of treatment, keeping the application even and thin. Note: Application of Esthetique Peel will enhance benefits; however, it can be omitted if the patient does not wish to experience increased visible flaking.
>> STEP 8 – Hydrate and Protect
ReBalance (pHaze 17) and perfecting protection spf 30: Apply a combination for added melanogenesis inhibition and to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin from UVA and
UVB exposure.
The anti-aging skin treatment to fight all stressors. Christina Laboratory has combined with the world’s leading scientists to develop this unique and advanced facial treatment for the prevention of skin’s aging due to environmental and internal stressors.
>> STEP 1 – Gentle Cleansing Milk and Revitalizing Toner
Massage Gentle Cleansing Milk into entire face and neck, rinse off with cool water. Gently wipe off all residue of cleaners from the face and neck, avoiding eye area, with cotton pads soaked in Revitalizing Toner.
>> STEP 2 – Pro-Biotic Peel
Apply a thin uniform layer of the Pro-Biotic Peel to the entire face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for three to five minutes. This Peel gently exfoliates without irritation to increase the skin’s immune defense.
>> STEP 3 – Frangipani Concentrate
With a facial towel soaked in the frangipani solution; thoroughly remove the Pro-biotic Peel from your client's face. Steam may be used. Continue with extractions if needed. Do not discard the remaining Frangipani liquid, retain for further use during the Unstress treatment. The Frangipani solution soothes and calms stressed skin and creates a protective barrier.
>> STEP 4 – Total Serenity Serum
Gently massage Total Serenity Serum into the entire face, neck and décolleté with smooth, upward strokes. Do not remove before continuing to Step 6. This serum helps the skin maintain healthy hydration levels and skin tone. It also prevents and reduces irritation, inflammation, and itchiness.
>> STEP 5- Relaxing Massage Cream and Multi-Vitamin Supplement
Massage Relaxing Massage Cream into your client's entire face, neck, and décolleté; frequently adding drops of the Multi-Vitamin Supplement into your palms. Both will help the client’s skin retain moisture and nourishment.
>> STEP 6 – Clarifying Mask
Brush an even coat of the Clarifying Mask onto the entire face, neck, and décolleté – avoiding the eye area. Do not massage. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with a cool compress soaked in the remaining Frangipani Concentrate. During this waiting period we recommend applying an eye compress soaked in the Total Serenity Serum from Step 4. The Clarifying Mask is rich in antioxidants to help the skin repel free radicals.
>> STEP 7 – Optimal Hydration Mask
Spread a moderate layer of the Optimal Hydration Mask into the entire face, neck, and décolleté. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes while the mask absorbs. Massage remaining traces into the skin, leaving a subtle glimmer effect. Do not remove. The mask improves hydration, elasticity, calms skin, and reduces redness.
>> STEP 8 – Pro-Biotic Moisturizer SPF 12
Complete the Unstress treatment by gently applying a thin uniform layer of Pro-Biotic Moisturizer directly on top of the Optimal Hydration Mask. By doing this it prevents collagen breakage and loss of elastin.
Three ways to beautiful, healthy skin in harmony with nature; prevention to preserve beauty and good health. GREEN PEEL® offers effective solutions for healthy and natural skin fitness for every skin type and all age groups. GREEN PEEL®, a biological peeling method, is the original method developed by Dr. med. Christine Schrammek-Drusio; medically inspired, dermatologically efficient with three treatment procedures for all application areas in the face and on the body at every age.
>> STEP 1
Before beginning a GREEN PEEL® treatment a thorough skin analysis and an intensive consultation session must be carried out. This provides the opportunity to explain the exact procedure, effects to the customer, and to
discuss treatment goals and possibilities.
>> STEP 2
Depending on the skin needs and customer wishes the aesthetician decides whether a GREEN PEEL®
CLASSIC, ENERGY, or FRESH UP treatment will be carried out.
>> STEP 3
The GREEN PEEL® herbs mixture, which consists of various herbs and algae, is applied to the skin area and massaged into the skin. Depending on the individual skin conditions, this treatment will cause a gentle peeling of the outer layer of the skin after two to three days.
>> STEP 4
The skin is covered with compress cloths and kept moist for approximately 20 minutes with drops of the GREEN PEEL® concentrate – water mixture.
>> STEP 5
Following the peeling treatment, apply a thin layer of the cream best suited for the skin type. Circulation of the skin is now increased noticeably, while metabolism, supply of oxygen, and nutrients are improved. The reaction of the skin will depend on its individual regeneration
capacity.
>> STEP 6
After five days the skin should be completely peeled. The client should follow-up the peel with the beauty finish treatment. Here the new skin, which is particulary absorbent now, will be supplied with valuable ingredients which will vitalize the skin and give it a fresh appearance.
Royalty waxing services surpass the typical “wax on wax off” procedures which will make you stand out amongst your competition. Clients talk; as licensed skin care experts we should be treating the skin both before and after waxing, preventing cross contamination, providing a thorough consultation, and recommending proper home care. Clients will appreciate and reward your efforts with enhanced loyalty and referrals.
>> STEP 1 – Consultation
Perform Client Consultation to protect client from potential harm, as well to explain what they can expect from the service and how to care for skin after service. This is a great time to cross promote other services including potential new waxing areas.
This is the perfect time to sanitize client’s hands as well as they will be probably touch their exposed skin once hair has been removed. Put gloves on. (TIP Put small amount of oil on gloves to prevent gloves from sticking to wax). To begin prep all products and tools to prevent cross contamination.
>> STEP 2 – Cleanse
Use gauze with Pre & Post Wax Cleanser to prepare, cleanse, and protect skin. This will reduce bacteria count to help prevent follicle infection and breakout. The menthol and grapefruit extracts help the hair stand up for more efficient waxing. While applying, check direction of hair growth and condition of hair.
>> STEP 3 – Protect
Apply gauze with Pre & Post Wax Oil to create a protective barrier on the skin. This step makes the waxing service less painful and reduces the risk of lifting skin during the procedure. Be sure to wipe off the excess oil otherwise wax will roll off the skin.
>> STEP 4 – Deposit and Spread Wax
Using a disposable applicator (no double dipping), remove a generous amount of wax from the heater. Turn applicator several rotations to disconnect wax from the tin to lessen dripping. Wipe/deposit the wax from each side of the applicator on the skin then spread while applying pressure in the direction of hair growth.
“Hard Wax” – thicker application leaving ridge around perimeter for easier removal (“Figure 8” application).
“Strip Wax” – use narrow edge of side of applicator at a reverse 45 degree angle (“Snow Plow” application) and pull toward you for super thin application (like saran wrap).
>> STEP 5 – Removal
Remove by pulling wax or strip off skin as close to the skin as possible in the opposite direction of hair growth to prevent lifting, bruising, and pain.
>> STEP 6 – Soothe
Using gauze with Wax Recovery Gel, to soothe skin, calm redness, and remove wax residue. This will simultaneously cool the temperature of the skin and reduce the chance of breakouts caused by follicle trauma. If necessary use Pre & Post Wax Oil afterwards.
>> STEP 7 – Reduce
Use gauze with Less Hair Lotion to reduce inflammation, calm irritated skin, and slow hair re-growth.
>> STEP 8 – Rebook and Home Care
Rebook client and suggest home care products. Less Hair Lotion, Get Acquainted Package (GAP) for Body, Benzoyl Peroxide Scrub, Alpha Beta X (6% Lactic, 3% Glycolic and 1% Salicylic), and SPF 30 (Lotion, Gel, or Cream) are all appropriate after waxing service to soothe, protect, and exfoliate skin. Contact customer 24 to 48 hours after service to make sure they are not experiencing any problems. Thank them for their patronage and ask for referrals.
This classic Mark Lees Skin Care treatment deep cleanses while thoroughly hydrating the skin. Oil-free hydration relaxes skin for easy extraction of this frequently seen condition. An enzyme gommage removes dead surface cell buildup allowing for a better and deeper hydration treatment.
>> STEP 1 – Cleanse
With the skin pre-dampened, begin by applying Lait Clarifiante Cleansing Milk to the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, neck and décolleté area. Continue with upward effleurage strokes, beginning at the décolleté and ending at the forehead – spreading the cleanser evenly over all areas of facial skin. Remove cleanser using cool, damp sponges. Begin removal at the décolleté area using upward strokes, working toward the forehead. Rinse sponges as needed to ensure effective product removal.
>> STEP 2 – Exfoliate
Apply a thin layer of Papaya Prep Peel to the facial skin only. With gloved hands, apply the enzyme exfoliant over the jawline, cheeks, nose, and forehead areas. Once applied, allow the product to sit for six to eight minutes. Remove Exfoliant by moving fingers back and forth gently over the product. This gommage will come off in a consistency similar to pencil eraser debris (a change of under-head towel may be required).
>> STEP 3 – Hydrate
Follow the enzyme removal with a Hydrafluide application over all exfoliated areas. This will keep the skin hydrated after exfoliation and will make the skin more relaxed for extraction.
>> STEP 4 – Steam
With the Hydrafluide on the face, begin steaming the face at a distance of about 18 inches. For oilier skin with more clogged follicles, Desin-Gel Desincrustant Pre-Mask may be applied in oilier areas to loosen clogs for extraction. Steam should be applied over Hydrafluide and/or Desin-Gel for about eight minutes. Remove any excess product after steaming and prior to extraction.
>> STEP 5 – Extraction
Proceed with swab extraction in a normal manner. Focus on problem areas, typically the chin, nose, and forehead, being sure to remove conspicuous blackheads. Do not exceed seven minutes. Upon completion of extraction, apply Antigrasses Treatment Serum using a dropper. Be sure to apply a drop to each area that has received extraction, or where there are obvious large pores. This product will soothe skin after extraction, as well as help to prevent follicular inflammation that could lead to post-facial breakouts. Apply high frequency treatment over extracted areas. It is suggested to follow the dropper with the mushroom electrode, as the serum is being applied.
>> STEP 6 – Massage
Apply a generous amount of Hydrafluide for a non-clogging, hydrating massage. Use traditional European movements for 10 minutes. There is no need to remove the Hydrafluide once the massage is completed, as the skin will absorb the remainder of this hydrator.
>> STEP 7 – Mask Application
Using a fan brush, apply Masque Clarifiante to the t-zone and Soothing Gel Mask to the cheek areas. The Masque Clarifiante will help absorb excess oil and will be mildly exfoliating, while the Soothing Gel Mask will provide much-needed hydration to the cheek areas. Allow the product to sit for about 10 minutes. Remove the mask product with cool, damp sponges or soft cloths. Begin removal at the décolleté area using upward strokes, working toward the forehead. Rinse sponges as needed to ensure effective product removal. Note: Toner will not be applied prior to the next step as this treatment is designed for exfoliation and hydration.
>> STEP 8 – Sunscreen Moisturizer Application
Finish the treatment with an application of Strataguard SPF-15. Apply to the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, neck, and décolleté areas – spread evenly covering the neck and entire face.
A rich pampering aromatic facial for any skin type that requires extra moisturizing with an estimated service time of 60 to 80 minutes.
Products Required:
• ½ ounce dried pureed cranberries mixed with 1 ounce
Banana Leaf Enzyme Exfoliant (it is best to puree a bag
of dried cranberries in a blender and store in the
refrigerator for future use).
• ½ ounce dried pureed cranberries mixed with
1 ounce Nori Mango Butter Masque. Warm mixture
before applying.
• 1 to 2 drops rosewater essential oil added to bowl of
warm water.
• 2 rose petals.
>> STEP 1
Remove eye makeup with Spring Water Makeup Remover applied to cotton pad.
>> STEP 2
Wet hands and cleanse the face, neck and décolleté with the Oatmeal Apricot Crème Cleanser.
>> STEP 3
Tone with Pomegranate Toner applied to cotton pad.
>> STEP 4
Apply a thin layer of the Banana Leaf Enzyme Exfoliant and pureed cranberry mixture to the face and neck. Cover eyes with cotton pad and gently steam the face for five to seven minutes. Then gently rotate fingers over face and neck to loosen dead skin cells and thoroughly remove product with warm wet towel.
>> STEP 5
Using massage cream or oil for face and body and appropriate facial treatment oil applied to palms and fingertips, perform swedish massage. Remove excess residue with warm rosewater mixture and towel.
>> STEP 6
Apply Nori Mango Butter Masque and pureed cranberry mixture to the face and neck. Cover eyes with rose petals and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Perform hand/arm and scalp massage. Remove thoroughly with warm rosewater mixture and towel.
>> STEP 7
Tone with Pomegranate Toner applied to cotton pad.
>> STEP 8
Apply one or two drops of Intensive C Concentrate to forehead, cheeks and chin area and gently tap in with fingertips. Continue using fingertips, gently apply a small amount of 23 Karat Intensive Eye Treatment to eye contours and moisturize with Cranberry Crème Moisturizer.
An extraordinary treatment, which can be done alone or in a series of six, gradually increases the concentration and penetration of professional, medical grade anti-aging ingredients to increase hydration, assist in production of collagen and elastin, decrease pigmentation, and plump up wrinkles. This program includes an at home treatment regimen, including an easy to use instrument and product, that will help enhance your clinical results.
>> STEP 1
Begin by removing all eye makeup with Environ Eye Make-Up Remover™ applied to cotton balls. Pre-cleanse the entire face, neck and décolletage by combining a few drops of Environ’s Aquatrol and AVST Exfoliating Masque™. Massage with steam for five minutes for a deep pore cleansing.
>> STEP 2
Rinse mask by applying Environ’s Cleansing Cream (normal to dry skin) or Cleansing Gel (normal to oily skin) to face, neck, and décolletage, and remove with warm towels or cotton/sponges.
>> STEP 3
Tone the skin by applying Environ’s Alpha Toner Mild with cotton balls to face, neck, and décolletage.
>> STEP 4
To enhance clinical results and increase the production of collagen and elastin use the personal Environ Cosmetic ROLL-CIT™. This device will make micro-channels in the stratum corneum so that the treatment products can penetrate deeper, allowing for more efficacious result. Divide the treatment area on the skin into sub-divisions. Using mild pressure, roll each sub-division vertically, horizontally and obliquely. Approximately five to 10 minutes of treatment time is sufficient for this procedure.
>> STEP 5
Apply one or a combination of the following product(s) in a thin layer according to client’s skin type. AVST Treatment Gel™ which has low doses of vitamins A, C, E, and Beta Carotene (first time treatment or sensitive skin); Colostrum Gel™, a growth factor product (thin, fragile, or sensitive skin); Serum C-Quel™, a moderate dosage of vitamin A and C (photo-damaged and pigmented skin); and Intense Retinol™, high levels of vitamin A (for those acclimated to stronger doses of vitamin A).
>> STEP 6
Apply a thin layer of AVST Treatment Gel™ over the above treatment product of choice to the entire face. Mix two level scoops of Alginate Masque™ powder with three measures of tepid water in rubber bowel. Apply promptly. Applying Alginate Masque™ over product will further increase penetration. Mask may be left on for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove mask by peeling dried mask from outer edges of the face inward and massage in excess products.
>> STEP 7
To finish the treatment, apply C-Quence Eye Gel™, containing vitamins A, C, E, antioxidant and peptides, to protect the entire eye area. Mix together Environ’s Intensive Hydrating Oil Capsules™ which include vitamins A, C, E, soy protein, and cell metabolism booster, with sunscreen 15 to 20 SPF to further protect the treated area.
Step 1 - Skin Preparation
Squeeze Citrus Gel or Skin Brightening Cleanser into hands and begin cleansing. There is a very specific technique for optimum cleansing when using Rhonda Allison concentrated cleansers. This step is shown on Rhonda Allison Live website.
Step 2, Phase One - Enzyme Applicaions
Pepsin and Papain a digestive enzyme will begin the process of removing surface dead skin cells. Enzyme is applied to skin evenly (light steam may be used) and removed with wet gauze in seven to 10 minutes. Transformation has begun.
Step 2, Phase 2
Maui Peel is a blend of bromelain enzyme and the AHA L-lactic acid. This step will further soften and lift remaining unwanted cells and begin deeper regeneration. Smooth evenly onto skin and massage into skin for five minutes. Rinse with tepid water and gauze pads. Blot dry. Skin will feel like butter.
Step 2, Phase 3
Cherry Jubilee Enzyme is a phyto-nutrient enzyme and infuses antioxidants into the skin. When enzyme is applied place dampened eye pads on eyes and lay 4 inch gauze on upper and lower half of face. Wrap face in slightly warm compress for five minutes. Rinse skin with tepid water and gauze. Skin is stimulated and absorbable.
Step 3 - Vital Nutrient Application. Customized Cocktail Mix
• 2 drops of
Hyaluronic Serum
• 2-3 drops of Super
C Serum
• 2 drops of Amino
Peptide Serum
• 2-3 drops of Drops
of Essence
Blend into skin and begin stimulating face massage to increase circulation and aid in penetration of nutrients.
Step 4 - Milk Parafait Lift Mask Application (blend of three masks)
The Natural Lift Mask is prepared. This creates a setting mask and lifting affect for the skin. Add equal parts of Milk Mask and Grape Seed Parfait Mask to Natural Lift Mask. Mix well. The mask blend is cool and refreshing on the skin and works in tandem with the cocktail to nourish, hydrate, and refine skin.
Step 5 - Finishing Application
Mist skin lightly with Cucumber Spritz, a humectant spray, and do light tapotement. Apply a thin layer of Ultra Hydration Cream (a final antioxidant moisturizer) and blend gently into skin. Finish with Daytime Defense SPF30.
Enzymes are nature’s biological catalysts that instigate change in the skin’s cellular functions. DMK Enzyme Therapy is the only treatment of its kind in the world and uses transfer messenger enzymes to enhance optimal skin function. This treatment works with the internal functions of the skin to increase circulation, oxygenization and lymphatic drainage by using reverse osmosis to ‘back flush’ fluids through the cell wall, leaving a clean clear, toxin free matrix. Enhances collagen production strengthening and firming the skin, and also induces a ‘plasmatic effect’ in the skin by dilating the peripheral capillaries and improving cellular oxygen uptake and delivering fresh nutrients to the skin.
The combination of new active and effective Immuni-Tea products from Èminence Organic Skin Care with the state of the art LED Light Therapy System will revitalize your skin by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation and lymph activity, and accelerating cellular turnover. Published studies have shown that combining red LED light therapy with green tea lotions and/or serums works 10 times faster than similar anti-wrinkle treatments that use LEDs alone and increases the metabolic rate of the cell, leading to healthier skin rejuvenation with no risk of hyperpigmentation. The overall result is that of naturally smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin with a diminished appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Step 1
Begin with cleansing the skin by applying a small amount of Citrus Exfoliating Cleanser (oily to normal skin types) or Lemon Cleanser (normal to dry skin types) with water. Apply and massage into the skin, avoiding the eye area. Completely remove with warm water, damp face cloth, and finish with an application of Lime Refresh Tonique.
Step 2
Exfoliate the skin by mixing equal parts Pear & Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher and AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment and apply gently for two to five minutes under steam and then rinse off.
Step 3
Perform extractions as needed.
Step 4
Apply Green Tea & Guava Fortifying Serum to face and neck prior to the light therapy to enhance the penetration of the serum. Please note that no creams of any kind should be applied prior to light therapy.
Step 5
Apply the large red LED probe to the skin, starting at the right side of the neck and avoiding the thyroid gland. Work your way up the right side of the face, around the forehead, down the left side of the face, onto the left side of the neck, and finishing on the décolleté. As you move the probe, overlap the light by 25 to 50 percent each time you pick it up and place it back on the skin. It is important to let the light remain in one area for 10 second increments.
Step 6
Cover the eyelid with a small cotton/gauze pad or with goggles and apply the small red LED probe to problem areas, around the eye area and nasal labial fold, by moving the small probe every 10 seconds.
Step 7
Once the LED treatment is complete, apply a thin layer of Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque with fingertips to skin, avoiding the eye area (mask may be diluted for lighter application). Leave on for five to 10 minutes and remove with a damp face cloth.
Step 8
To finish the treatment, apply Guava & Bamboo Age-Defying Moisturizer to the face and neck and Wild Plum Eye Cream to the eye area with light blending movements until absorbed.
It is suggested that treatments are preformed seven to 14 days apart and, depending on the age and skin condition of the client, it generally takes approximately six treatments to achieve desired results with maintenance treatments every 45 to 60 days thereafter.
Èminence has taken the finest Eastern philosophies and ingredients and infused them with our traditional Hungarian elements and craftsmanship and the state of the art technology of our LED light therapy system to bring you the most potent skin strengthening treatment yet. Featuring free radical fighting green, white, and rooibos teas; exotic guava and mandarin; and skin strengthening bamboo; your skin will be strong and youthful from head to toe.
For more information please contact Èminence Organic Skin Care of Hungary at 604-602-4787 or www.eminenceorganics.com
The ULTRA SENSITIVE formulas have a soothing and irritation-relieving effect on very sensitive skin. Select active ingredients provide intense hydration and support skin’s natural defense system. The lamellar structure of the cream bases (Skin Membrane Equivalent) mimics the outer layers of the skin, so increasing skin’s resistance to external influences. Symptoms like itching, burning, prickling, tightness, and dryness disappear. The skin will feel very comfortable, soothed, and softened.
Step 1 – Cleansing
Apply a sufficient quantity of ULTRA SENSITIVE 2 in 1 Cleansing Foam to the skin of face, neck, and décolleté using a Dr. Grandel Mask Brush Special. The foam cleanses particularly gently, without disrupting skin’s balance, leaving skin feeling soothed, relaxed, and well hydrated. After smoothing it over the skin in a relaxing way, remove the foam cleanser with Dr. Grandel Wash Mitts and lukewarm water.
Step 2 – Moisture Veil or Mask (optional)
Moisture veil to relieve irritation rapidly: moisten a rectangular piece of cotton gauze by spraying ULTRA SENSITIVE Moisture Spray onto it. The gauze should be soaked well. Gently place it over face, neck, and décolleté and leave it to act for about 10 minutes. The moisture veil prepares the skin for the steps that follow, and leaves it soothed and hydrated.
– OR –
Professional Collection Aloe Vera Mask to calm and moisturize sensitive skin: this soothing and moisturizing mask in powder form is to be mixed with cool water. Use a fan brush to mix one measuring spoon of powder with 10 to 12 measuring spoons of water and apply the mask to the skin of face, neck, and décolleté also using the fan brush. Cover the areas being treated with damp cotton wool layers or a damp pre-cut mask fleece. Allow the mask to act for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove the material placed on top of the mask and clean off thoroughly any residues with water.
Step 3 – Active Concentrate 1
Professional Collection Ultra Sensigran Ampoule instantly soothes stressed skin, reduces irritation, and supports skin’s ability to regenerate itself. The a.a.t. (advanced ampoule technique)
is a short but very relaxing massage to apply the
contents of an ampoule and create a sensation of
pure indulgence.
Or alternatively, use Ultra Sensitive Calming Caps, skin soothing oil capsules, to condition extremely sensitive and dry skin.
Step 4 – Massage
Use ULTRA SENSITIVE Repair Cream following the Dr. Grandel Beauty Massage technique. This gentle massage technique has a balancing and softening effect on the skin of face, neck, and décolleté. It is based on a gentle sequence of pressure and targeted acupressure manipulations. Lymph flow is stimulated, congestions and redness are alleviated. The complexion looks balanced and has a smooth appearance. Beauty Massage is suitable for all skin types, but in particular for sensitive or very sensitive skin, for skin in need of regeneration or for treatments that are focused particularly on the eye area.
Step 5 – Final Care
Finish with ULTRA SENSITIVE Eye Cream to protect the thin and stressed skin around the eyes. And for the face, use ULTRA SENSITIVE Anti-Stress Fluid, a soft fluid that works to quickly calm irritation-prone skin, or Repair Cream, a rich and very skin friendly
anti-aging formula de-signed to calm demanding
skin and strengthen its natural defenses.
Step 1:
First, the new self-heating Thermo Reducing Clay is applied from the knees to the waist for a contouring wrap. The mud activates the oxydoreduction process in the fatty tissues so that water retention and stored fats can be easily eliminated. This clay has a 20 year patent on its high performance oxydoreduction system – meaning its ability to activate and maximize the fat burning process. Some people have an imbalance between fat storing and fat burning – they store it easily and have a difficult time burning it. This mud helps regulate the imbalance.
Step 2:
After the wrap, our new Contouring Concentrate is used to perform a contouring massage over
all problem zones. This unique massage gel is enriched with key ingredients that promote contouring in
the most stubborn areas. The technology used to create this coconut oil-based massage balm
allows the skin to absorb a high amount of potent slimming ingredients.
Step 3:
To customize the massage for a slimmer abdomen, our new Reshaping Serum is mixed with the Contouring Concentrate for the abdominal massage. It contains ingredients that work specifically on the type of fat cells located in the abdomen and waistline.
Step 4:
To customize the massage for the gluteus and legs, Firming Spray is misted on at the end of the leg, hip, and gluteus massage to firm, cool, and drain the legs.
*As always individual results may vary based on physiology and compliance with treatment series, amongst other reasons. Clinical tests were conducted by an independent laboratory, women between the ages of 35 and 55 were measured and analyzed by dermatologists throughout the treatment program. The program consisted of two in-spa treatments per week over the course of two and a half weeks, with the application of a home care contouring moisturizer two times per day. Up to three centimeters lost around the waist. After one treatment: 92 percent of women agreed with the statement, “my skin is firmer.” And 87 percent of women agreed with the statement, “my cellulite is less visible.” After an intensive course of five treatments: 78 percent of women agreed with the statements, “my abdomen is firmed” and “my thighs are less flabby.”
Step 1: Cleanse
Remove makeup, dirt, and impurities while papaya and pineapple extracts gently exfoliate using Daily Enzyme Cleanser, which is suitable for sensitive to normal skin types. Emulsify cleanser with lukewarm water and gently massage onto the skin for one to two minutes. If client is wearing eye makeup, remove using DermaMinerals™ Eye Makeup Remover.
Step 2: Cleanse
The second cleanse will remove debris and oil from the skin’s surface and follicles as well as prepare the skin for the chemical peel. Apply Beta Hydroxy Cleanser [2%] to the skin and massage in for approximately three to four minutes. Beta Hydroxy Cleanser [2%] is a creamy cleanser that works well for a facial massage. *Because you cannot apply any moisture after the Skin Perfection Peel for at least five hours, your facial massage should be done now. It is not necessary to emulsify the cleanser with water. It is normal for the client to experience a tingling sensation with this cleanser. So, please inform the client of this when applying the Beta Hydroxy Cleanser [2%].
Step 3: Degrease
Using gloves, prepare the skin with DermaPrime Solution by applying the solution to a gauze pad. Wipe the face with the gauze pad beginning with the forehead, followed by the cheeks and nose (working down and around the face). Avoid the eye areas, ears, and lips. Allow the application to dry for two minutes.
Step 4: Protect
Using a cotton swab, apply Post Skin Resurfacing Balm to the border of the lips, eyebrows, and corners of the nose. This will help
prevent the peel from absorption and excessive peeling in those areas. It is also necessary to protect any of these areas if the client has
permanent makeup.
Step 5: Chemical exfoliation
Saturate a gauze pad with TCA 7/2 and apply to the face, beginning with the forehead, followed by the cheeks, working down and around the face. It is important that the application be as even as possible. Saturate the gauze pad again if needed halfway through the first pass. Wait five minutes in between passes to allow the chemical to penetrate and watch for frosting. Start at the chin and work your way back around to the forehead in the opposite direction for your second pass. Repeat a third pass on the entire face if the client has not frosted, or on the areas of the client’s face that have not frosted yet. A hand-held fan should be available for the client to hold during the procedure.
Step 6: Brighten
Saturate a gauze pad with Super Pigment Solution [10% azelaic acid, 3% kojic acid]. Apply one pass evenly on the entire face. This will help even out skin tone and brighten the overall complexion.
Step 7: Retinol
Saturate a gauze pad with Retinol Serum [4%]. Apply one pass evenly on the entire face. This will ensure an
even peel and also aid in evening out skin tone and texture, as well as aid in the healing process.
Step 8: SPF
Apply On-The-Go Finishing Powder for broad spectrum physical SPF 30 protection with cotton balls or a sanitized kabuki brush. Please make sure to go over Post Peel Instruction sheet with the client.
Bio Jouvance Paris Bio Choice is a new, fast growing part of the aesthetic market. Unlike Botox™, Bio Choice is a non-needle formula with 35 percent hexapeptide that is placed over the wrinkled area of the face. It is absorbed further into the skin with the help of time-released strip patches saturated with hexapeptides.
Bio Jouvance Paris Bio Choice firms and tightens the skin, providing an instant cosmetic lift. With the presence of highly moisture-binding ingredients, lines smoothen out immediately, resulting in the appearance of virtually pore-less and lifted skin.
Step 1: Cleanse the face with Bio Jouvance Paris Rejuvenating Foam Cleanser (REJ-600-P). Add 10 drops of Bio Jouvance Sargarome Essential Oil Blend (ESSO-930-P) to the water used for cleansing the face. Apply Bio Jouvance Paris Rejuvenating Rose Toner (REJ-605-P) on face, neck, and décolleté area; make sure skin is completely dry after application.
Step 2: For technical exfoliation, use Bio Jouvance Paris Gommage Sloughing Cream (EXF-875-P) for thicker skin, and Gentle Face & Body Polish (EXF-940-P) for thin, sensitive skin.
Step 3: For chemical exfoliation, mildly exfoliate the face using enzyme-activated Bio Jouvance Paris Octopeel Enzyme Peeling Masque (EXF-870-P). Mix one teaspoon of Octopeel with two teaspoons of distilled water to form a smooth paste. Apply the mixture to the face, neck, and décolleté area with a soft fan brush. Avoid the eye areas. If the Octopeel gets into the eyes, clean and wash with eyewash immediately. Apply steam for 10 to 20 minutes (depending on how congested the skin is) on the face, neck, and décolleté area. Remove the mask with sponges and lukewarm water several times until the skin is completely clean.
Note: If you wish to incorporate Europro Ultrasonic MicroDermabrasion (Euro-1501), Crystal MicroDermabrasion (Euro-1670), or Diamond Dermabrasion (Euro-1680) with your treatment, you should proceed at this time.
Step 4: Analyze the client’s face to detect the deepest wrinkles. Using the tip of the syringe, apply a generous amount of Bio Jouvance Paris Bio Choice Serum (BTL-890-P) on the wrinkles, covering all lines and wrinkles with the product. Using the tip of the syringe against the skin, massage the Bio Choice into the wrinkles and lines in circular and upward motion.
Note: It is safe to use Bio Choice Serum around the eyes and mouth, neck, and décolleté area.
Step 5: Moisten Bio Jouvance Bio Choice Strips (BTL-890-ST) by spraying it with Bio Jouvance Rejuvenating Rose Toner (REJ-605-P). Apply the Strips (time-release saturated in Bio Choice ingredients) over the areas where you applied the Bio Choice Serum. Use your fingertips and a little pressure to stabilize the strips.
Step 6: For added maximum moisture, take off the strips and apply the Bio Jouvance Paris Hydrogel Marine DNA (SPC-860-R) all over the face and massage it into the skin under eyelids and lips. Let it absorb.
Step 7: Complete the facial treatment by applying the Bio Jouvance Paris Bio Choice Cream (BTL-890-P2) all over the face, neck, and décolleté area.
Step 8: Apply Bio Jouvance Paris 4-in-1 Sunscreen SPF 30 (SPC-845-P) over the Bio Choice Cream, if treatment is done during daytime.
Note: Bio Jouvance Paris Bio Choice Treatment is most effective when it is offered in a series of six treatments. It can be offered as a booster treatment in a single application. Home Care products of Bio Choice Cream and Bio Choice Serum enhance salon treatment and make sure the effects last longer.
Age Defense is for all ages – it is never too early to prevent! – This treatment protects the skin against pollutants, stress, sun exposure, and the free radicals of modern society. Note that this protocol provides options depending on the hydration level (or aging process) of the skin.
Step 1: CLEANSING I – to remove makeup, eye makeup, and most dust or pollution use ilike Lemon Cleansing Milk for normal to oily or pigmented skin types or ilike Grapeseed Cleansing Milk for premature, aging, dehydrated, dry, or loose skin types. Apply a small amount of cleanser over entire face and neck area and massage in gently for 30-60 seconds moving your fingertips in circular motions, then remove with damp face towel
Step 2: CLEANSING II – to remove leftover dust or pollution and any residue of makeup use ilike Mineral Exfoliating Wash for oily/combination, acne prone, inflamed, or sensitive skin or ilike Nettle Exfoliating Wash for normal to dry, itchy, or dehydrated skin. Mix a small amount of cleansing concentrate with water in hands. Apply and massage into skin with fingertips for one to three minutes in a circular motion covering the entire face and neck and avoiding the eye area. Remove completely with damp face towel.
Step 3: TONING - to balance the pH level, even out pores, and infuse vitamins and minerals use ilike Blackthorn Toner. Spray toner on skin or wipe skin with a cotton pad moistened with toner, or apply toner directly to skin with your hands.
Step 4: EXFOLIATION - to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and refine the complexion use ilike Rosehip Exfoliator for normal/combination, oily, sensitive, or rosacea skin or ilike Rolling Face & Body Exfoliator for dehydrated, dry, premature, or mature skin. Apply it to the skin until it dries. Leave on for 10 minutes for optimal results. Gently scrub off with a damp face towel. The Rosehip Exfoliator can be used under steam (use steam with the Rolling only for non-sensitive skin).
Step 5: MASSAGE - ilike Saponaria and Linaria Massage Cream for normal to oily, water deficient, or sensitive skin, skin that needs extractions. This cream softens the skin and opens the pores for easier extractions, and may be used even on the most sensitive skin.
Massage it into the skin to loosen the pores (may be used with steam) then proceed with extractions as needed.
ilike Paprika Stimulating Massage Cream is recommended for premature or mature skin, oil- and water deficiency, and lack of circulation. This cream slightly increases the circulation to achieve a better penetration of the nutrients of following the treatment.
Step 6: MASK – Use ilike Blackthorn Gel Mask for normal to oily, pale, tired, anaemic skin, ilike Sour Cherry Gel Mask for normal/combination, open pored premature skin, or ilike Pumpkin & Orange Mask for dry, loose and mature, aging skin. Apply mask to face and décolleté and leave on for 15-20 minutes for optimal results. Remove with a damp face towel.
Step 7: MAGNETIC REPAIR MASK use ilike Magnetic Skin Therapy for all skin types and
ilike Calendula Oil, Yarrow Oil, Q10 Serum or Skin Power to suit the skin type. Apply a thin layer of the appropriate oil or serum and place a cosmetic gauze sheet over the face, neck, and décolleté area. Apply a thin layer of the mask on top of the gauze sheet. Leave on for 10-15 minutes until almost dry then remove the product by lifting the edge of the gauze (from top down) and pulling away from the skin. Immediately wipe off any residue with a damp disposable sheet or rinse thoroughly with clear water. (Note that this product may stain surfaces or linens, so disposable wipes
are recommended.)
Step 8: HYDRATION – Apply the appropriate moisturizer and serum choices (serum first). Choose from ilike Age Defense Bioflavonoid Serum with Blackthorn Whipped Moisturizer for normal to oily, pale, tired, anaemic skin, ilike Age Defense Bioflavonoid Serum with Sour Cherry Whipped Moisturizer for normal/combination, open pored premature skin, or ilike Age Defense Bioflavonoid Serum and Age Defense Bioflavonoid Moisturizer for normal to dry, premature or aging, tired skin.
Herbal A-Peel is a biological method to resurface the skin, improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity in just five days. It is completely free of any chemicals or synthetic ingredients and contains only pure, natural plant ingredients. Practitioners do not need to wear gloves during application, and there is no danger if the herbs inadvertently get into the eyes. A special massage technique with crushed herbs promotes mechanical exfoliation and increases blood circulation to stimulate metabolic process for gentle shedding of the upper layer of skin. Skin regeneration is induced and normalizing process occurs in a natural way while improving cell turnover rate.
Herbal A-Peel effectively treats a wide range of skin conditions including: Acne, acne scars, enlarged pores, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, aging skin, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles.
STEP 1 – CLEANSE, DISINFECT, and TONE
Cleanse the face and neck with Herbal Mild Cleansing Milk under steam for about three to five mintues; gently remove any impurities.
Deep cleanse and disinfect the face and neck with Herbal Deep Gel for two minutes followed by toning with Herbal Super Lotion.
STEP 2 – PREPARE and HERBAL MASSAGE
Note: Analyze skin and make a notation of areas where more intensive massage may be needed such as crow’s feet or impurities behind ears.
A. Mix one teaspoon of Herbal Peel Mask with a small amount of diluted Herbal Peel Lotion (30ml of Herbal Peel Lotion and 120ml of distilled water) into a soft paste.
B. Apply the mixture onto the skin and massage for eight to 10 minutes, using circular movements. The duration and pressure of the massage depends on the thickness of the client’s skin and condition. Keep hands wet during the massage with the diluted peel lotion.
Avoid excessive rubbing of the cheekbones and neck.
STEP 3 – CALM and COOL
Apply strips of gauze dipped in the diluted Herbal Peel Lotion and place over entire face and neck to calm and cool the skin. Keep moist about 15 to 20 minutes, adding drops of diluted peel lotion.
Remove the gauze strips carefully; skin should be slightly pink in color and sensitive to touch. Wash the skin gently with
lukewarm water.
STEP 4 – HYDRATE, PROTECT, and HOME CARE
Gently refresh the skin with Herbal Super Lotion on a cotton pad. Apply Herbal Clear Cream (oily, acne skin) or Herbal Vitamin Cream (mature, hyperpigmented).
Apply a thick layer of Herbal BB Cream to protect from sun and promote regeneration. These three home care products are used for the next five days to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin. Review home care instructions with the client and schedule a 5th day follow up treatment.
Step 1
Begin the service with a thorough cleansing of the area using CLEANSE. Repeat. Rinse.
Step 2
Use the bt-analyze™ in five areas of the face and neck: forehead, crows feet, below the cheek bone, chin, and neck. Document the readings on the facial chart for both sides of the face, and observe the level of hydration. Compare to the last measurements.
Step 3
Apply EXFOLIATE to the entire face. Using the bt-micro™ in upward strokes at a 45 degree angle, peel all areas of the face and neck. After this step is complete, remove any excess EXFOLIATE with water and a warm towel. Use TONE to remove any residual debris.
Step 4
Apply RESTYFLUID™ generously to the entire face and neck and set the bt-nano™ to the appropriate setting: “Mode: bt-Cocktail™ Lift | Program: Lift > Option: 1-5” The Option selection range is from one to five. The Option selected should correspond with the number of services the client is receiving. A bt-Cocktail™ mini lift series consists of five total services. Following the bt-Cocktail™ Lift movement chart, perform the five lifting movements that strategically assist in gaining maximum contour in the common areas of concern; eyes, cheek and jaw lines, and nasal labial fold.
Step 5
Apply bt-Cocktail™ Energy 1 generously to the face and neck, and set the bt-nano™ to the appropriate setting: “Mode: bt-Cocktail™ | Program: Infuse > Option: 1-5” Using skin movements with probes and Bio-Tips™, ionize Energy 1. Re-apply Energy 1 to the eye area and continue to ionize until the product is completely absorbed. Apply Energy 2 to the entire face and neck and ionize. Re-apply Energy 2 to the eye area and continue to ionize until the product is completely absorbed. Follow the same protocol with Energy 3. The total amount of time that you will be performing skin work with bt-Cocktail™ products is approximately 10 minutes.
SKIN PERFORMANCE is a convincing treatment concept that includes innovative product application and massage techniques to create a high-tech skin care experience and high-tech results. A further indulgence, the Massage Knob, allows you to meet individual needs and can be used warm or cool.
The treatment is based on PERFORMANCE 3D from Dr. Grandel: two formulas for face and eyes with the latest in multidimensions technology to correct the signs of time. PERFORMANCE 3D combines Skin-Relax Peptides and three different types of hyaluronic acid with Cell-Active VIP®, a stress-busting ingredient.
The unique blend of high-tech actives used in PERFORMANCE 3D provides a truly marvelous alternative to wrinkle filling injections.
Step 1 – Cleansing
Take Dr. Grandel Cleansing Milk to bring hydration and silky softness to the skin. Mix Cleansing Milk with water and stir until foamy. Using a DR. GRANDEL Mask Brush Special, apply the mixture to the skin with relaxing movements. Remove thoroughly with water.
Step 2 – Exfoliation
The combination of A.H.A. Flash and A.H.A. Mask provides gentle yet very effective exfoliation, refines skin’s texture and encourages cell renewal. The application and gentle massage with the Dr. Grandel Mask
Brush Special creates a relaxing experience.
Step 3 – Active Concentrate 1
Application of the Hydrogran ampoule provides intense hydration and smoothes very dry/dehydrated, rough skin. The advanced ampoule technique is a short but pampering massage to apply ampoules carefully and turn application into an experience of pure indulgence for the client. After the massage, remove excess product using Dr. Grandel Wash Mitts.
Step 4 – Massage
Use Massage Medium – Light – to perform a blissful massage. The product feels light and fresh on the skin and provides smoothing hydration. To create a truly luxurious massage experience, use the exclusive Massage Knob.
Step 5 – Mask
The Hyaluron Mask is an exceptional fleece mask that provides hydration, gives skin a youthfully fresh, smooth appearance, and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Just place the ready-for-use-fleece mask on the cleansed face. Leave on to act for 15 to 20 minutes; remove.
Step 6 – Hand Massage
While the mask is working, provide your client with an extra treat by incorporating a hand massage with Timeless Velvet Hands or Massage Medium – Light – into the facial. To enhance the massage experience, use also the Massage Knob.
Step 7 – Active Concentrate 2
Apply a deeply moisturizing and “wrinkle filling” Hyaluron ampoule using the advanced ampoule technique. The Filler Hyaluronic Acid contained in this ampoule is the perfect choice to care for the skin before proceeding to the final step of the facial.
1. Cleanse the skin with Glycolic Citrus Cleanser. Remove with a warm, moist towel.
2. Tone with Glycotoner 10%. Apply with cotton rounds using an upward and outward motion.
3. Mask with Papaya Pineapple Mask. Boost the enzymatic exfoliation action by adding two to four drops of Alpha Peel 20%. Cover eyes with cotton rounds saturated with Moisture Mist and apply steam for up to 15 minutes. Remove mask with a warm, moist towel.
4. Perform facial massage with Natural Moisture Factor. Remove with a warm, moist towel.
5. Treat and mask. Apply a few drops of PeptiDerm Professional Serum and massage into skin. Spread a layer of Re-Vita-Lize Anti-aging Mask over the PeptiDerm Professional Serum. Leave on for up to 15 minutes.
6. While Re-Vita-Lize Mask is setting, apply an age correcting eye enhancement. Blend PeptiDerm Eye Treatment, Vita K and Rejuven-A and gently pat around eye area.
Cover eye area with Chamomile Tea bags, soaked in lukewarm water.
Top with a gauze butterfly mask. Lightly massage eye area over butterfly mask with ice cubes made of Chamomile Tea.
7. Remove mask and eye enhancement with warm, moist towels.
8. Moisturize and protect. Apply two to four drops of Vita C Serum to the entire face and décolleté and massage in well. Gently pat PeptiDerm Eye Treatment around the eye area and apply PeptiDerm Moisturizing Cream to entire face and décolleté. Finish with Solar Block.
Germaine de Capuccini has created CELLULESS SYSTEM, an innovative treatment that prevents and combats even the most stubborn cellulite on all fronts as simple as 1, 2, 3.
After the Germaine de Capuccini Starting Protocol, prepare the skin and activate circulation by applying ACTIVE SCRUB Body Exfoliant (with previously moistened hands) using gentle, circular lissages on the whole body. Moisten your hands as needed. Remove the product by swiping the sandy particle with a dry towel. (15 minutes)
Activate circulation and lipolysis. With the client lying face down, spread LIPO-DRAIN Body Serum – using upward lissages on the legs, buttocks, and back – until it is totally absorbed. Then carry out movements inspired by Shiatsu on both legs. Ask the client to face up and apply the LIPO-DRAIN Body Serum using upward lissages on the abdomen, legs, and feet until it is totally absorbed; followed by specific pressures on different areas according to Shiatsu. (25 minutes)
Activate the circulation, lipolysis, and wrap.
Place a Plastic Cover Sheet under the client’s body. With the client facing up, apply LIPO-REVERSE WRAP
Body Wrap first on the buttock, lower back, and the back of the thigh and leg without turning the client over. Repeat on the other leg. Then apply on the front of the thighs, legs, and abdomen. Cover the client with a plastic cover sheet and leave in place for 10 minutes.
After the time in place, massage the remainder of the wrap with deep tissue techniques focusing on the areas with cellulite and adipocytes, for 10 minutes or until the product has been completely absorbed. (During the massage, remove the plastic cover sheet.)
To finish the treatment, go down the right side using light pressing movements on the palm of the hand on the shoulder, arm, leg, and foot. Then go up the left side and finish with relaxing movements on the neck and head.
This powerful epidermal resurfacing formula provides immediate smoothing, firming, and brightening of the skin without the irritation of aggressive exfoliation. This is the ideal treatment for clients with concerns related to Genetic Aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, creases, dullness and loss of elasticity.
A - Cleanse and Tone:
Remove eye makeup with cotton pad and Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. Cleanse the face, neck, and décolleté under gentle steam with Refreshing Cleanser, followed by AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
B - Treatment Prep:
Apply two pumps of Prepping Solution to 4x4 gauze.
Sweep across face, neck, and décolleté.
A – Treatment
Dispense one fourth fluid ounce of Intensive Wrinkle Reducer Rapid Peel into a dosage cup. Apply to face, neck, and décolleté with cotton tip applicator. Continue steaming treatment for the first five minutes and then turn off steamer. Remove treatment after 10 minutes.
B – Extractions/Tone:
Conduct extractions. Complete with Clarifying Toner on a cotton pad, sweeping upwards the over face.
C – Massage:
Apply a generous amount of Soothing Massage Cream to face, neck, and décolleté. Massage for 10 minutes. Thoroughly remove any residual with a moist warm towel.
D – Mask:
Apply Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum® over entire face and neck. Mix one package of Soothing Seaweed Mask with one and three fourths fluid ounces of Soothing Tonic and one fourth ounce of Soothing Cream Mask. Mix vigorously until smooth. Using spatula apply directly to the skin in an even layer avoiding the eye area. Let set for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove mask. Complete removal with a cotton pad moistened with Hydrating Toner.
E – Repair:
Apply Renewing Eye Cream around the orbital bone.
Acne is the most common form of inflammatory skin disease. Normally, sebum produced by the sebaceous glands is excreted to the surface of the epidermis through hair follicles. Occasionally, the hair follicles clog up and form a plug that attracts bacteria, resulting in swelling, inflammation, and eventually the outbreak of pimples. To combat acne effectively but gently, use Dr. Jeff® OTC anti-acne drug ingredients along with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing ingredients to help skin clear of blemishes and reduce inflammation and redness.
Target conditions: impure, blemished and inflamed skin
Time duration: 60 minutes
Treatment interval: once a week for consecutive
four weeks
Expected result: to reduce inflammation and redness; accelerate the clearing of blemishes
4. Apply Professional Astringent Ampoule, thenthe Acne Spot Treatment Lotion over the blemished area.
5. Mix two ounces of Icy Mineral Earth Mask with Phyto Mask Activator. Add a teaspoon of Firming Powder Masque and two teaspoons of Soothing Gelle Masque. Blend into a smooth mud paste.
6. Cover the eye and mouth areas with moistened cotton pads. Moisten a piece of gauze and put it over the face.
7. Apply the mask paste evenly over the face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Lift the gauze and remove the mask residue with a wet sponge or cleansing pads.
Products for Home Care
• Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser (1% Salicylic Acid)
• Balancing Astringent
• Hyaluronic Gel
• SPF 15 Facial Moisturizer/SPF 30 Phyto Sunblock
This treatment is designed to brighten the overall complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Unlike many traditional chemical peels, this treatment will not over-stimulate and may be used for patients of all ethnicities and sensitivity levels.
1. Facial wash oily/problem (pHaze 1) – Cleanse the skin thoroughly. Rinse.
2. Smoothing toner (pHaze 2) – Apply with a cotton pad to prep (degrease) the skin. Allow the skin to dry. Ask the patient, “On a scale of one to 10, 10 being extremely active, how do you rate this sensation (or feeling)?”
3. Pre-Peel Accelerator Mask – Apply liberally with a fan brush and massage into the area of treatment. Continue massaging until all product is absorbed — approximately three to five minutes. This will gently dissolve keratinization and allow for cell renewal. Remove completely with water.
4. Sensi Peel® – Apply solution to a cotton pad, placing the neck of the bottle directly onto the pad, spacing it to give a sufficient working area to complete a full face treatment. Apply in layers according to the needs, goals, and individual sensitivity of the patient. Use the scale of one to 10 to gauge sensitivity. Fan skin to keep patient cool between layers. If the patient responds higher than a six, do not proceed with another layer. Do not exceed four layers.
5. Pigment gel® (pHaze 13) (with hydroquinone is recommended for Fitzpatrick types I–III, the hydroquinone free formula is recommended for Fitzpatrick types IV–VI or hydroquinone sensitive patients) – Using a small fan brush, spot treat hyperpigmented areas to lift pigment and promote even skin tone.
6. A&C synergy serum (pHaze 23) and C-strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E (pHaze 16) – Apply the mixture full-face for additional melanogenesis inhibition, increased cell turnover, and improvement of skin barrier function.
8. (optional) Esthetique Peel – Apply one pump for increased strengthening, exfoliation, and added melanogenesis inhibition. Gently spread the product over the area of treatment, keeping the application even
9. ReBalance (pHaze 17) and perfecting face & body hydrator SPF 30 (pHaze 30) – Apply a combination to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure.
1. Carefully cleanse the treated area with DermaLiss Cleansing Milk of act’ion de Gala line. Then, rinse with ToniqA Cool Restoring Lotion. Dry the skin thoroughly.
2. Proceed with the Aspiration Phase (vacuum) on the face and neck, performing regular movements with the applicator nozzle while keeping the skin taut. This phase stimulates lymphatic and blood circulation, and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
3. Proceed with the microdermabrasion phase on the face and neck, performing regular movements with the applicator nozzle while keeping the skin taut. Exfoliate evenly in small segments, concentrating the action on wrinkles, pigment spots, and other imperfections. Remove the mirocrystals right away with the CristalVac Footswitch System.
4. Gently dab on some DermaLiss Cleansing Milk on the entire area to remove any remaining crystal residue. Rinse with ToniqA Cool Restoring Lotion.
5. Apply a thick coat of HydraPlus Soothing Moisture Balm-Gel of act’ion de Gala line on the treated area, and cover it with a Vitali-T™ gauze mask dampened with ToniqA Cool Restoring Lotion. For the neck, use a gauze dampened with the same lotion. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove the remaining of gel.
6. Apply a layer of JouvenCell Rejuvenating Complex of act’ion de Gala line and ionize it at the positive polarity for three minutes with Gala Eternity Ion unit.
7. Apply some VittoSoin Nourishing Repair Cream from act’ion de Gala line on the area and then OmbraCreme Total Protection Cream to protect the skin from the sun.
Cleanse face thoroughly with Lait Clarifiante Deep Cleansing Formula on wet sponges.
Apply Desin-Gel Desincrustation Pre-Masque to clogged areas with a brush. Do not use on eye areas. Allow to sit eight minutes.
You may steam at a distance of about 18 inches for two minutes prior to Desin-Gel application, and during the sitting time.
If galvanic is applied, apply directly over the Desin-Gel using a negative active electrode.
Proceed with extraction in normal manner, not to exceed seven minutes. After extraction, apply Tonique Clarifiante Hydrating Toner to lower pH.
Post-Extraction Breakouts: Apply Serum Antigrasses Special Post-Extraction Treatment using a dropper to all areas that have been extracted, or where enlarged pores are present. This product helps to soothe the skin after extraction, helping to prevent follicular inflammation that can lead to post-facial pimples. Apply high frequency over gauze. It is suggested to follow the dropper with the mushroom electrode of the high frequency unit, as the serum is being applied. This is all performed over gauze.
Apply Hydrafluide Hydrating Formula to skin and perform massage. There is no need to remove this product – it is both a massage fluid and a hydration fluid. This step may be skipped if skin is excessively oily or acne is flared or many blemishes are present.
Apply Masque Clarifiante Deep Cleansing Masque to all clogged or oily areas. Allow to dry 10 to 15 minutes. Remove with wet cotton compress mask and sponges or soft cloths. Re-tone with spray or application of Tonique after removal. Apply Strataguard Daily Hydrating Sunscreen to entire face.
Step 1
Remove makeup if necessary. Cleanse the skin with the Glyco Creamy Cleanser. Remove the cleanser with warm water. Repeat.
Step 2
Degrease the skin by applying DermaPrime solution to a saturated 2x2 gauze pad and vigorously remove all traces of oil on the skin.
Step 3
Apply a thin layer (5g) of the Power Alpha Peptide Resurfacer to the face using a 2x2 gauze pad, beginning with the forehead, followed by the cheeks and chin (working down and around the face). Allow treatment to exfoliate the skin for up to 10 minutes (as a stand alone treatment) or up to five minutes when performed as an add-on or as part of a combination treatment. Fan the client’s skin to provide comfort. Tip: After the application of the Power Alpha Peptide
Resurfacer with the 2x2 gauze pad, you may also massage the resurfacer into the skin for added penetration until it is time to remove the treatment. If the skin gets dry during the massage portion and you have any of the Power Alpha Peptide Resurfacer left in your dish, you may add more to the skin for additional “slip.”
Step 4
Halt the activity of the Power Alpha Peptide Resurfacer by applying the Neutralizing Solution to a fully saturated 2x2 gauze pad and press into the skin.
Step 5
Soothe the skin by placing cool towels to the face until the skin feels cool to the touch.
Step 6
Complete the treatment by applying Revive Eye Firm under the eyes. Next, apply Advanced B5 Serum, Collagen Activating Complex, and Antioxidant Soothing Serum to the face, neck, and décolleté.
Protect the skin with ZinClear SPF 30.
Step 1
Begin with WRx™ PROFESSIONAL PEPTIDE ACTIVATOR hydrophilic cleanser using effleurage strokes to remove all makeup and dermal debris from the surface of the skin. Massage for two minutes. Remove cleanser with a warm/tepid (avoid HOT water) wet facial cloth followed with damp cotton pads to remove excess cleanser. Rinse with a misting of AGE MANAGEMENT SKIN CARE SYSTEM SKIN RECOVERY MIST.
Step 2
Apply AGE MANAGEMENT SKIN CARE SYSTEM GENTLE FACIAL WASH to eliminate water-soluble pollutants. Remove cleanser with a warm/tepid wet facial cloth followed with damp cotton pads to do away with excess cleanser. Rinse skin with SKIN RECOVERY MIST. Saturate a clean cotton pad with GLYMED PLUS® LACTIC ACTION PRE-TREATMENT LOTION and apply evenly over the skin.
Step 3
Pour two tablespoons of GLYMED PLUS® CHOCOLATE POWER SKIN RESCUE PEEL into a small dish and with gloved fingers, apply evenly over facial “wrinkle zones” first, followed with a second application over the entire face including the décolleté and back of hands. Massage CHOCOLATE PEEL into “wrinkle zones” for up to 1 minute then leave on skin for 3 - 5 minutes total, or until erythema develops in the cheek region. On SOC skin, allow to remain on skin for up to 3 minutes. To remove, neutralize with cool water and thoroughly flush all traces of CHOCOLATE PEEL from the skin.
Step 4
Apply the following liberally: Squeeze two or more tablespoons of CELL SCIENCE® CHOCOLATE POWER SKIN RESCUE MASQUE into your palm and apply to face, back of hands, lips, neck and décolleté. Leave on skin up to 10 minutes. While masque is on, exfoliate LIPS ONLY with a soft tooth brush, lift any dead skin, followed with masque removal from the face, neck, décolleté, lips and the hands last. Remove masque with wet, warm facial cloths.
Step 5
Pump WRx™ PC 10 AMINO ACID Injecta-ceutical™ COMPLEX into palm of hand and apply to all treated areas. This barrier repair serum acts as a natural surrogate to open and replenish cellular pathways critical for optimal regeneration of the SC (stratum corneum). Massage thoroughly into skin. Apply CELL SCIENCE® LIP SCIENCE to the freshly exfoliated lips. Massage into the membrane the mega-replenishment ingredients to plump, hydrate and nourish the lips.
Step 6
In the palm of your hand pump 2 - 4 drops of CELL SCIENCE® CELL PROTECTION SERUM and 1/2 tablespoon of CELL SCIENCE® ULTRA HYDRO GEL. Mix together then apply to the skin and massage until this epidermal nourishment disappears into the SC.
Step 7
Apply a liberal application of AGE MANAGEMENT SKIN CARE SYSTEM INTENSE PEPTIDE SKIN RECOVERY COMPLEX, a powerful Injecta-ceutical™ cream containing 5 powerful amino acid complexes that together carry instructions to promote renewal of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) proteins (Collagen, Elastin, Fibronectin), allowing the skin to fight against aging. Massage this “Peptide Infusion” into the skin until the cream begins to disappear.
Step 8
Follow the “Peptide Infusion” massage with an application of CELL SCIENCE® CELL RECOVERY BALM to establish a micro thin epithelial barrier to promote healthy cellular homeostasis. Always ensure skin is protected from UVR insult using AGE MANAGEMENT SKIN CARE SYSTEM PHOTO-AGE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GEL 30+.
A. Remove all makeup with a few drops of Vitamin Veil Cleanser on moistened pad. Rinse.
B. Place a small amount of Hydrating Cleanser onto fingertips and apply to client’s face and neck. Cleanse in circular motion, remove with cloth, and rinse thoroughly.
A. Apply an even layer of EpiPrep with fan brush on face and neck. It may be applied to the under eye area within two centimeters of the lower lid; DO NOT apply to upper eyelid. Time for 30 minutes.
B. Remove excess with cloth. Wash again with Hydrating Cleanser removing all traces of EpiPrep.
A. With pipette, dispense three milliliters of Cellular SWiCH™ into a small cup.
B. Apply one thin coat of Cellular SWiCH™ solution with the small fan brush. DO NOT go over areas more than once. Time for 30 minutes. DO NOT wash treated area.
A. Apply Fraction V evenly over entire treated area. Complete and detach SWiCH™ “At Home Care instructions.”
B. Thoroughly review “At Home Care” instructions with client and provide client with the three-day supply of Vitamin Veil Cleanser and the Fraction V solution supplied with SWiCH™ Kit. Call your client/patient within 24 hours, then after three days.
1. Apply DOCTOR’S PROGRAM® ABC FACIAL PEEL® with a brush spreading product evenly over the skin to be treated allowing the stratum corneum to open which enhances the penetration of the YELLOW PEEL®.
4. Remove the DOCTOR’S PROGRAM® YELLOW PEEL® with DOCTOR’S PROGRAM® BALANCING FACIAL CLEANSER®. Repeat the steps 3, 4, and 5 a total of three to eight times until the desired level of stimulation is obtained.
5. Re-apply a new layer of DOCTOR’S PROGRAM® YELLOW PEEL®; allow it to act for 20 minutes.
7. Wash the skin using BALANCING FACIAL CLEANSER® for the next six to eight days. Patients will experience an exfoliation of the skin surface (release of the superficial stratum corneum) for 48 to 72 hours following peeling. Protect the new skin with DOCTOR’S PROGRAM ® Post-Peel Recovery Formula for the next six to eight days.
1 Gentle Cleansing Cream – Dampen face with warm water. Apply Gentle Cleansing Cream and smooth on to face and neck in soft round massage movements. Add warm water to fingertips with foam cleanser. Remove with warm compresses and pat face dry with tissue.
3 Active Toner – Lightly apply Active Toner to entire face with moistened cotton pad, avoiding eye area. Conduct extractions if necessary. Disinfect extraction sites with additional Active Toner.
4 Base Cream Mask – Spread a moderate layer of Base Cream Mask on face and neck. Massage most of the product into the skin, leaving a slightly visible residual film. Do not remove. Follow immediately with Silk Fibers and Silk Fiber Activator.
5 Silk Fibers and Silk Fibers Activator – Use approximately one full sheet of Silk Fiber per treatment. Break the fiber into small pieces and apply it directly on top of the Base Cream Mask. With one hand, release small drops of Silk Fiber Activator onto the Silk Fibers. Use the other hand to gently massage the area until the fibers dissolve and are absorbed into the skin. Conduct appropriate facial massage for your client’s skin type. Continue immediately with Step 6. Do not rinse off.
6 Silk Multivitamin Drops – Apply several drops and massage into the face and neck. Apply slight pressure for optimal skin stimulation. Massage until completely absorbed. Conclude by gently applying pressure to the face with your warm outstretched hands.
7 Remodeling Mask – Mix approximately three to four tablespoons of Remodeling Mask powder into a bowl and slowly add approximately two tablespoons of cold water while swiftly mixing to reach a thick smooth consistency (example: thick mayonnaise consistency). Spread mask generously to entire face and more thinly to the neck area. Leave mask on to dry for approximately 10 to 15 minutes without facial movement to enhance the wrinkle-smoothing properties of this mask. Expect the mixture to dry into a firm elastic mask that molds, supports, and lifts the client’s skin. Gently peel mask off and remove any remaining traces of the mask and excess residue with wet compresses. Conclude with the application of Silky Serum.
1 Mix alkaline wash with aqua d’ herbs into a small DMK green bowl using a DMK spatula mix into a medium paste.
2A Apply alkaline wash to the area being treated and keep the solution moist at all times by lightly spraying with a water spritz. Allow alkaline wash to sit on the area until the hair crinkles and dissolves.
2B Very gently work the paste in a circular motion (one to three circles), do not rub hard or aggressively.
2C Use a cool damp DMK towel to remove the alkaline wash quickly and gently.
3 Immediately after the alkaline wash is removed, neutralize the area with exoderma peel plus for five to 10 minutes. Apply ice over in circular motions over the neutralizer. Remove the exoderma peel plus neutralizer with a warm DMK towel.
4 Apply DMK melanoplex drops to the area. melanoplex drops are anti-inflammatory, healing, and aim to inhibit the formation of pigment and are essential after an alkaline procedure.
6 Apply the body enzyme masque in thick controlled strokes and leave on for 30 minutes.
DMK Body Enzyme Therapy Treatments are designed to increase circulation and create a lymph drainage action. This is felt by the client as a tightening and pulsating sensation of the enzyme mask. This action promotes a rush of fresh new oxygenated blood from within the skin, due to dilated capillaries.
Oxygen carries nutrients and O2 Hemoglobin to the mitochondria of all cells. Oxygen aids in the removal of toxins, waste, and other cellular debris. A lack of oxygen can lead to malfunction of the mitochondria resulting in a dysfunctional skin system.
7 The body enzyme mask must first be softened with a hot and damp DMK towel before being cleansed with DMK hydra louffa in circular strokes. Gently wipe the area clean with a warm DMK towel.
8 The skin is now stimulated to a point where its’ absorption capabilities are at optimal levels. We then provide the skin with nourishment, through a transdermal infusion of essential lipids and nutrients.
beta gel, direct delivery vitamin c serum, herbal pigment oil and contraderm crème are applied before spraying with herb & mineral mist. The skin is then covered with cling film and followed by a hot, damp DMK towel. The hot towels are changed three times to ensure the skin stays warm and maximum absorption is achieved.
1 Cleanse skin using a dime size amount of SkinBorn® BHA Cleanser to fingertips cleansing in a circular motion. Remove cleanser with a warm towel. A second cleansing may be done at this point.
2 Using gauze sponges, apply SkinBorn® Astringent to problem areas.
3 Add two to three teaspoons of SkinBorn® Pineapple and Papaya Enzyme Peel in mixing bowl with very warm water. Mix slowly with a spatula. (Do not use brush to mix.) Consistency of peel should look a little thicker than pancake batter. Add a small amount of SkinBorn® Resurfacing Treatment to enzyme peel for additional resurfacing benefits. Make sure peel is free of lumps. Dampen brush in water, dip in peel, and apply starting at the neck, then outer peripheral of face, forehead, nose, and cheeks. Leave on three to six minutes, according to skin type. Peel should remain moist.
4 Enzyme peel may be occluded with plastic wrap around face where peel has been applied to keep from drying out, or can be sprayed with SkinBorn® Panthenol 5% treatment spray to keep moist.
Remove peel with warm towels, starting at the neck until completely removed.
6 Extractions may be done at this point if necessary. Apply SkinBorn® Astringent on area where extractions were done.
7 Spray skin with SkinBorn® Panthenol 5% Treatment. Apply SkinBorn® DNA Ampoule to entire face. Apply Ultrasound gel. Use handheld Ultrasound for 10 minutes to increase product penetration. Wipe off any excess gel with dry gauze.
1 A. Skin Preparation – Using a Lactic Pumpkin Extract blend; moisten hands with warm water. Place Pumpkin Cleanser in palm of hands. Begin facial cleanse; steam may be used. *NOTE: This all-important first step must be thorough. Massage skin with cleanser for about five minutes and remove thoroughly with wet, warm gauze pads.
B. Second-Phase Cleanse and Balancing – Apply Phyto-Nutrient Toner (Raspberry Lotion) to skin. This begins the infusion of important nutrients for cellular support and clears the pathways at the stratum corneum level for better penetration. Let Raspberry Lotion remain on skin. *NOTE: Do not get in or near eyes.
2 A. Preparing Enzyme – Remove three teaspoons of Pepsin & Papain Enzyme; add one teaspoon of an organic herbal compound blended with salicylic and ursolic acid (Italian Herbal Peel). Stir mixture until creamy. Place protective pads on eyes.
B. Enzyme Application – Apply an even layer of enzyme mixture to face and neck using a soft brush. First Heat Wrap – lay two 4x4 damp gauze across upper and lower face and wrap face with a steamed towel.
C. Enzyme Removal – Let enzyme remain on skin for 10 minutes. Remove towel wrap and begin removal of enzyme with the gauze that is on the face. Rinse several times for complete removal. Blot skin dry. Skin will be stimulated and slightly pinkened.
4 Finishing Mask – A custom blend with the actives Cocoa and Milk to add free radical defense, calming and soothing elements, and additional nutrients.
Mix equal parts of Milk Mask and Chocolate Antioxidant Mask and whip together.
Apply evenly to skin with a soft brush.
Keep on skin for five minutes.
Lay a dampened 4x4 gauze on face and neck.
Roll chilled Ice Globes across face and neck for five minutes or more.
Remove gauze and remaining mask mixture.
1 The area to be sugared is first cleansed using Presept Skin Cleanser - an anti-microbial solution to remove excess oils, makeup, lotions and debris. After all you would not do black head extractions over makeup… so the same applies when extracting hair.
2 After a thorough cleansing, Essential Tonic, an anti-inflammatory tonic, is applied to act as a catalyst. It has a soothing and calming effect on the skin. One of the key ingredients actually helps to open the cuticles of the hair shaft allowing the sugar paste to grip the hair even better!
3 The area to be sugared is then covered with a very thin layer of Vertal-6 Drying Powder to ensure that the skin is completely dry. Sugar paste is water-soluble and will not adhere to anything with moisture so keeping skin dry is important.
4 Once the area is prepped, the sugar paste is applied against the direction of hair growth. This type of application allows the sugar paste to coat all the hairs and seep down into the skin coating and lubricating the hair on the inside of the follicles as well.
5 The hair is eased out of the skin and is removed using hands and a special “flicking” technique in the natural direction of hair growth. Sugaring is repeated until hair is completely removed from the area.
7 The Essential Tonic is then re-applied to the skin to keep the follicles free of bacteria preventing pustules that can accompany skin that is post extracted of hair and left to the elements.
8 The treatment is completed with an application of Restore Hydrating Lotion that clams the skin and restores the moisture balance leaving the client’s skin feeling soft and clean.
7 Using a pair of sanitized tweezers, pull out enough gauze saturated with Bio Jouvance Paris Bio Matrix Booster Gel (BMTX-1006-P) from the jar to cover the forehead and cut with sanitized scissors. Then, apply the gauze over the forehead where the serum was previously applied. Continue covering the face with gauze saturated with Bio Matrix Booster Gel until face, neck, and décolleté areas are completely covered. * At this point, you may use either an ultrasound or LED machine for three to five minutes per area.
The life and achievements of skin treatment pioneer Danné Montague-King, are not easy to summarize. Where to start, after more than 40 years of research and travel, pioneering a skin revision methodology that for the most part was decades ahead of its time, and then to only now have his achievements recognized in his native U.S.?
From Russia to Tibet, Europe to Australia and beyond, Danné Montague-King has sought out knowledge in pursuit of his dream to bring aesthetic medicine and beauty therapy together. Long before cosmeceutical and para-medical became marketing buzz words, and long before Heads of State and members of royalty became believers, Danné was committed to hands-on research and hard work – wherever it took him. When asked how he managed to sustain such an incredible journey, this enigmatic man with the Peter Pan grin simply shrugs. “I just got on with it – and I had a lot of help!”
It is that time again… time to cover sun care. What, you might ask, could possibly be said that is new and innovative on this topic? Truthfully, most of the information has all been written before. However, like a good book or a favorite movie every time you read it or watch it you pick up on something new. Maybe it’s a scene that you’ve overlooked all the times before, maybe it’s the subtleties of the emotions expressed, or maybe because of your accumulated experiences things that you read before take on a completely different meaning this time through.
What is Thalasso therapy and how can it be used by aestheticians, doctors, cosmetologists, and nail technicians to improve the look and feel of their client's face and body while promoting psychological well-being?
Pharma Nutrient products have been created for skin in particular need of hydration; exceptionally dry skin, aging skin, or skin undergoing the drying effects of menopause. The remarkable protective benefits of soy isoflavones plus grape seed extract, a substance rich in proanthocyanidin, flood the skin with moisture and nourishment. The Botanica products used in this treatment promote healthy, even-toned skin with a smooth texture that gives skin back its structural integrity. Botanica Vit Bathes the skin in a blanket of pure comfort while restoring it back to health. After your client is comfortably positioned in the facial bed and all pre-facial preparations are done, apply the following steps.
>> STEP 1
To cleanse apply Botanica Vit Complex Cleanser the skin and massage in a circular motion all over the face and neck. Remove with a moist sponge or facial cloth. Follow with Botanica Vit Complex Toner to perfect the cleansing process. Apply onto cotton and gently remove excess cleanser from the face and neck areas.
>> STEP 2
Apply Botanica Vit Complex Face Wash all over the face and neck areas in a circular motion. Remove with moist sponge or facial cloth.
>> STEP 3
Apply a few drops of Revitamine® Complex Serum onto skin. Massage gently over face and neck area for two to three minutes. Start steaming. Continue with massage for the next five minutes. Then apply Deep Invigorating Tablet Masque in Dermafix Activator Solution and leave on skin for the entire duration of steaming time.
>> STEP 4
After steaming, remove Deep invigorating Tablet Masque with a moist sponge or facial cloth. Follow with manual extraction of blackheads and whiteheads. Finish extraction session by applying Botanica Vit Complex Toner onto cotton and put over face and neck on dry skin.
>> STEP 5
Apply a few drops of Oxiana Serum onto forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Allow the serum to penetrate with gentle patting. Then apply a thin layer of the Botanica Vit Masque with facial brush to cover bare skin. Allow penetration for seven to 10 minutes.
>> STEP 6
Apply a thin layer of Dermafix Protein Gel and spread evenly on face. Followed by an application of Deep Invigorating Tablet Masque in Dermafix Activator Solution, which should be left on the skin for three to five minutes.
>> STEP 7
Apply, our unique patented formula, Retexture Healing Refining (RHR) to facial skin until deep penetration is complete.
>> STEP 8
Finally, apply the Solar SPF 30 to face, neck, and décolletage area. Do not allow the client to leave the room without application of the Solar SPF 30.
>> STEP 1 – Keep it Clean
Waxing removes hair from the root and may create an open opportunity for a bacterial infection to enter the skin. Always keep your hands clean and cleanse the clients skin with Pre Wax Skin Cleanser which helps destroy harmful bacteria from the skin surface to maintain a sanitary treatment.
>> STEP 2 – Always Check Your Wax Temperature
Checking the wax for temperature and consistency is necessary in order to prevent skin damage or discomfort. Hard wax should not be completely liquid and temperature should be tested on the back of your hand or forearm before applying to the clients skin.
>> STEP 3 – Working Around the Bikini Bend
Apply Brilliance in a smooth even stroke, while paying attention to the edges of the wax. Smooth edges will have a clean pull, whereas rough or thin edges may not pull evenly, thus leaving bits of hard wax to remove after the pull. This takes up more time and wax, which is a waste of money.
>> STEP 4 – Support is Important
Support of the skin while waxing prevents unwanted bruising or tearing of the skin. Both of these nasty results to poor support make the waxing experience painful and undesirable for the client. Using the wide “V” support with hand and thumb to press the skin taut and give a good clean pull.
>> STEP 5 – Pubic Application
Using the wide “V” again, gently push the skin away from the crease of the leg for a smooth even application of Brilliance. Once the wax sets, pull evenly and close to the skin surface to remove the unwanted hair.
>> STEP 6 – Mirror the Other Side
Now that one side of the bikini is completed perform the same technique to the opposite side keeping the lines even. Again, using the “V” support hand and smooth even application of Brilliance with clean edges. On this side of the bikini area, the client has a couple of skin tags, or acrochordons. These are small growths of skin that develop on many individuals. It is important NOT to wax over them. Waxing over a skin tag may tear the tag from the skin surface that may cause discomfort or pain and bleeding. Apply the wax around the skin tag and tweeze away any unwanted hair that may be near it or was missed.
>> STEP 7 – Clean Up the Top
Now that the edges of the pubic area and the bend are clean and smooth, focus on the top pubic line. As you may have noticed with this model, the bikini clean up was simple because her hair is nicely contained with little spread growth. Some women may have pubic hair growth that can spread for inches out the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Always consult with your client on how far they would like the waxing to be done. In many cases, suggesting a full leg and bikini wax will be the best-looking option.
>> STEP 8 – Smooth and Protect
After Waxing Oil with natural Australian tea tree softens the skin surface, provides natural antibacterial protection and removes any sticky residue that may be left behind from the wax. Always advise your client to keep her skin smooth and dry for 24 to 48 hours after waxing to help prevent any bacterial infection that could develop. Keeping the skin dry includes refraining from workout, sex, or working outdoors. Sweat creates moisture and warmth, which may be a breeding ground for many bacteria – including staph.
Raise your hand if you are familiar with social networking. Maybe you have a Facebook profile or Twitter account. If you are currently engaged in these activities, is it for business, pleasure, or both? If you answered both, are you maintaining separate accounts or just one?
In everyday life we have very well established protocols regarding the separation of these activities. For instance, you would never allow your children to accompany you in the treatment room with a client or discuss your personal matters with her other than superficial pleasantries.
Most of us know the advantages of selling retail products well, so for the sake of argument let us look at the dark side of not selling our clients their home care products. In other words, what are the consequences of our failure to play the role of expert in recommending products for the day-to-day maintenance of our clients skin?
First, clients will end up buying department store products, drugstore, or infomercial brands. Not only will these products typically under-perform, they will generally not be suited to our client's skin type or needs, and thus, will fail to provide proper results. Our client will become frustrated.
The true value of a product can only be determined by the consumer, however it takes a passionate advisor to present the benefits and features of a product that establishes the worth. Think about it.
The rule of sales states it is better to have 100 satisfied customers than 1000 prospects! More sales are made with friendship than with salesmanship. This and another old business adage says “All things being equal, people want to do business with their friends” and if you have fostered your skin care business to care and help people, garnered trust based on your skills, personality, and client follow through -
Sinking down into the soft Frette sheets for my one hour signature facial, I relinquish all my worries to Anna, my aesthetician. After a thorough cleansing, she begins to analyze my skin and says, "Ms. Hanson, would you like me to clean your brows. It is only $10?" "Of course yes, thank you, I reply." And as her hands touch my skin, she recommends that I add on the collagen-fleece mask for an additional $25 to take care of my dehydration issue, and I say, "Great." Here is a classic example of an upgrade and an add-on, so well done that "it did not hurt a bit."
Woodhouse Day Spas are appearing all over the country, but they are not your average spa nor is the company complacent to settle for the status quo. The Woodhouse team strives to improve and seek solutions to better serve its franchisees and ultimately the guests they serve. Since opening its first set of doors in 2001, The Woodhouse and its business model have proven to be a success. While each guest may receive different treatments, the total experience will always be the same. The company has developed a series of steps that spa employees must deliver to each guest, thus ensuring that all guests receive the same signature elements that are both unique and therapeutic.
The more you know about patient care, business, the arts, or just life in general; the more you can offer to your patients, your community, and your career. Professional and personal development improves existing and adds new skills, builds on your existing knowledge base, and gives you fresh perspectives of the world around you. As you develop yourself professionally and personally and apply what you learn to your practice, you increase your credibility, improve patient results, add to the level of professionalism in the skin care industry, and build your bottom line.
Deciding on where to invest your time and money for your development can be tricky.
Tis’ the season to creatively promote skin care! Well into the early fall, most salons and retailers start to get ready for the holiday season. They ramp up inventory, consider hiring more staff and plan special deals and marketing for the biggest selling season of the year. Once it comes time to start making the important marketing decisions that attract shoppers and clientele, all too often the busy season can force marketing to the back burner. The ideas were there in the beginning; however, the hustle and bustle of clientele and holiday appointments can get you off track.
Step 1 - Gently wash away dead skin, makeup, and impurities with Fruitzyme® Cleanser. Natural fruit enzymes effectively cleanse the skin for a nice, clean pallet to work with. Once the cleanser is removed, tone the skin with Fruitzyme® Conditioner. Rich in enzymes and lactic acid, this skin conditioner removes residue, provides antioxidants, and hydrates the skin.
Step 2 - Apply Essential Eyes: Amino Peptide Complex with vitamins A, B, C, and D to the outside edge of the eyes and lips. Concentrate Essential Eyes over problematic areas, such as crow’s feet, marionette lines, and the vermillion border of the lips. Essential Eyes contains many beneficial vitamins for skin support and antioxidant protection, along with a phytosterol complex, palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 for stimulating microcirculation and collagen development in the skin.
Step 3 - Turn the galvanic pen on and set to low, medium, or high, depending on your client’s tolerance level. When using the galvanic pen, one hand must touch the head while the other hand maneuvers the pen over the desired area. This completes the electrical current that is sent from the tip of the pen.
Step 4 - Once the pen is on, touch the tip of the pen to the skin surface and move slowly over a dime sized area. Once the pen gives a quiet “beep” move to the next dime sized area of skin. Continue to penetrate Essential Eyes into the eye area with the galvanic pen until the product is completely absorbed into the skin. Working under the eye will help reduce puffiness, while manipulating the product around the crow’s feet and brow area promotes plumping and lifting.
Step 5 - Change your hand positioning before you begin the lip area. Place one hand at either the left or right mandible with the opposite hand conducting the motion of the pen. Start with a dime-sized area around the lips and move with each “beep.” Start with the lower area of the lip and work your way up the nasolabial fold. Once the marionette lines have been addressed, move to the upper lip and vermillion border. This pattern of action will help plump up nasolabial folds and lips, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Step 6 - Now that all of the Essential Eyes Complex is penetrated into our key areas of the face, let’s add some finishing touches! Lip Renewal is applied to the lips for additional moisture and firming. This moisture rich lip rejuvenator contains cocoa butter, witch hazel, jojoba, green tea, and palmitoyl oligopeptide for antioxidant protection and improvement in microcirculation.
Sales Tip: Have Lip Renewal and Essential Eyes at the checkout counter waiting for your client as they exit your treatments room. Tell them a little about the product and what it can do for
their skin.
Step 7 - After applying Lip Renewal, use a small amount of Post Peel Balm to give a glossy shine to the lips and brows. This will enhance the glow of their skin after this treatment.
There is truly nothing more important than education to the success of any business, especially in the skin care industry. Manufacturers may tend to forget this-they think that their potential success rests with their products. Actually, the key is in the education of the people who use their products. I have dedicated the past 30 years to the education of skin care professionals. But here's what I've discovered: our clients also need to be trained. In fact, they are badly in need of a sort of Client Boot Camp.
I agree with the great Dr. Samuel Johnson, who said that "A little learning is a dangerous thing."
These days, it's easy to get distracted. The real trouble is, the distractions take our attention from the issues which really count-client service being key among these.
We are such sensory beings, and barraged as we are with marketing messages, a simple trip to the store may turn into a phantasmagoric trip down the rabbit-hole. When I buy groceries, I will often see shoppers, apparently from other places, who cannot hide their amazement at the shampoo aisle of my local supermarket. Has washing your hair ever involved so many decisions? The same goes for purchasing a pair of blue jeans.
Technique. This is a sacred word to skin therapists. To begin with, it's French-more on that in a moment. For generations, technique has been the skin care profession's raison d'etre-oops, I mean entire reason for being. Mastering the traditional posture, movements, and protocol defined the very essence of being a skin therapist, similar, let's say, to the discipline of a classical ballerina or a Cordon Bleu chef faceting perfect, six-sided baby carrot nuggets. But here's the big news: technique is not enough.
In this month's column I want to offer simple corrections for what I consider to be some of the most routine but unrecognized customer service mistakes found in day spas. Whether the spa spends lavishly or neglectfully on customer service training I discover these costly oversights at virtually every one I call, consult to, or visit. The fact is that spa businesses lose their profit potential more through numerous small failures in building customer rapport and sales than to large management errors. Yet many spa owners and directors are simply too busy, overconfident, or unaware to recognize the steady losses generated by company policy and protocol.
There's one thing every experienced aesthetician knows for sure - new clients don't come quickly or easily enough! What with all of the new day spas opening everywhere and beauty schools minting flocks of trained skin care professionals the wait for a large client following can be long and excruciating. Can't afford an expensive advertising campaign or the latest skin-firming device? Not a problem! You have a low-cost and time-proven opportunity available to you that can do much to shorten the client building process while increasing your career income in short order: Make-up services and product sales.
Some years ago I was in possession of a busy and lucrative skin care clientele, the result of 16 years of effort, trial and error, and devotion. Though now blissfully retired from that career, many of you have asked me what I would do if I had to do it all over again. To be honest about it, I was never absolutely certain that I wouldn't have to practice skin care at some later date should my subsequent career path suddenly tank. Fortunately, that hasn't been the case but I do like to keep a good plan handy for emergencies!
Selling spa products is like exercise: you know it's good for you and you feel better when you've really got it going. Ah, but when you fall off of the routine it can be hard to get back in the selling groove. Sometimes, it simply takes a short-term challenge that is fun and achievable to get back on track. Committing to do local 5K walk or run can magically provide the push you need to get you to the gym. Likewise, committing to an achievable goal can get you out of your retail rut and on to improving the health of your business.
Whether you're new in the spa industry or ready to relocate your career, finding the ideal (or any!) job can be a grueling and frustrating task. Where once spa operators were hat in hand trying to recruit qualified spa personnel, there is now a sea of applicants in many areas vying for the same precious opportunity to do their work. Beauty, massage, and aesthetics schools are minting new therapists faster than spas can be built, and a still down-turned economy has left many spas with more available appointments than customers.
Dear Readers and Fans,
As we all know, the profession of aesthetics is all about embracing progress both internally and in the world of technology. And, as we encourage positive change in our clients so must DERMASCOPE work to update and improve what it bring to its many loyal subscribers. For 2007 the editors have planned a new and refreshing format for educational content and feature stories, a decision I heartily applaud! Ah, but new additions often require sacrificing certain traditions and this upcoming revamp of DERMASCOPE is no exception. So, with regret and relief I announce that this is the final installment of the monthly Business Solutions column.
When Sarah Hughes skated off with the gold medal, she pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. Her surprisingly simple secret? “I didn’t skate for a gold medal. I went out and had a great time.”
Athletes say it all the time: “I just went out there and had fun.” And, admittedly, they do look like they’re having a great time.
Fortunately, fun isn’t the sole province of superstar athletes. It can work for the rest of us in the skin care industry, too. The link between having fun and business success has been proven in countless studies.
Hopefully when you decided to become an aesthetician, your main deciding factor was your passion; Passion to help others look and feel better. It’s no secret that having passion for what you do is a major factor in an overall success formula. And, when you combine passion with skills, your chances for success are even greater, but your formula remains incomplete.
You need a solid investment program - an investment into the future of your career path, and what better than continuing education and advanced education. In the ever changing face of beauty products and beauty systems, it’s become even more crucial today for aestheticians to stay on top of their game.
Cultivating your entrepreneurial spirit is vital to your success as a spa owner. You can become a successful entrepreneur if you have motivation, willingness to learn, and a positive spirit. The motivation to starting your own spa requires an entrepreneurial spirit, a spirit that is within each of us. For some, it may be a dying ember that needs to be sparked, while in others it may be a passion that cannot be extinguished.
The desire for money alone is not a strong enough reason to start a business. Any business, large or small, needs to make money to survive and grow.
Dermatologists, aestheticians, and technicians have used microdermabrasion for over 20 years to combat the signs of photo-aging on the skin, provide treatment for acne and discoloration, and minimize the appearance of superficial wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks on the face and body. Experts in the industry continue to make advancements in technology, technique, and sanitation to provide optimal results and protect their clients and staff. As treatments become all too standard, we must ask how much care are we putting into skin care regimens and treatments. It is important to understand the needs, skin types, backgrounds, and daily regimens of clients, otherwise microdermabrasion can be damaging to their skin and diseases may be spread.
You’re finally enjoying a few days away, and you decide to take part in what your valued clients experience as they visit your spa on a regular basis. A phone call later and you’re heading to the best spa in town.
Lady luck prevails, because the facial treatment blows you away. Since you can’t take the service provider home with you, at least you can offer that particular service at your spa when you return.
Bring home as many details as possible, and go to work bringing this new service to life in your spa.
E-newsletters are one of the best ways to openly communicate with your clients and build repeat business. You can offer advice, highlight special offers, and reveal new services you bring to your spa. E-newsletters encourage vital marketing when they are forwarded by readers. They establish your credibility in the marketplace, and put you ahead of the competition. Most importantly, an informative, insightful newsletter will keep your spa at the top of your clients' minds and make them want to come back again and again. But there's more to it than sending out a monthly e-mail.
Bring the spa experience to your clients, via a mobile day spa. It is the popular craze of pampering guests at their doorstep these days. A mobile spa is comprised of a network of traveling spa professionals and offers the essentials in day spa treatments such as facials, massage, bridal hair and make-up, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures, all with an atmosphere of tranquility created just like in a regular spa. Mobile spa treatments can be offered in private homes, offices, or hotels.
Consumers are busier then ever. They are increasingly seeking opportunities to pamper themselves in their own surroundings and not have to go out to feel relaxed.
Communication is key in any relationship: our husband, wife, family, and friends. It is paramount in your business relationships as well.
When was the last time you sat down and actually sent a hand written thank you note to a new or regular salon/spa guest to thank them for their business? In these days of cell phones, World Wide Web, Blackberry (which I thought was only a delicious fruit), iPods, e-mail, and all the multi-tasking we do, handwritten communication like writing notes, letters, and cards is slowly becoming a lost art.
Bosses! Just saying the word can send chills up one’s spine. Our direct supervisor is the one person who can be the biggest ally in our career or make our lives miserable. When it comes to employment, there will always be someone there who is the boss!
The Cheerleader
Some bosses are always nice and happy with a peppy, cheerleader-type attitude. They don’t like confrontation. If someone takes a problem to them, they tend to listen, nod their heads and say “yeah, yeah”, but nothing gets done.
Imagine this scenario… you’ve had a long day behind the chair with facials and bikini waxes scheduled one right after another. Your feet are tired; your neck hurts… even your hair feels like complaining. You’re dying for some relaxation and pampering of your own and can’t wait for your next appointment with your favorite massage therapist. Now towards the end of your shift, you’re sitting in the break room waiting for your last client… finally. As you sit there, rubbing your temples trying to keep a headache from creeping on, you feel a set of hands on your shoulders unexpectedly.
Most aestheticians love their job; they live, breath, and constantly discuss their work. Their vacations are spent at skin care shows, and their gifts to friends and family are free treatments. But they usually have a favorite service they do, and most have at least favorite one that they dread when they see it on their book. During my research for this article, I asked aestheticians across the country about their favorite and least service services to perform.
Who knew that there would be an aesthetician out there whose favorite part of her services is to sell home care?
What’s new? What’s now? What’s hot? What’s not? Have you asked yourself these questions lately? If you’re looking to sustain, grow, or expand your business in 2008, these questions should be on your mind. I started thinking about this in June of this year!
As this year comes to an end and the new year approaches, it is an important time to evaluate where you are and where you want to go. Let’s take a closer look at this by answering this question: When reviewing your current treatment offering, what are your cash cows, stars, question marks, and dogs? Let me explain.
Does Your Spa Speak the Right Language?
Busy, but not too loud. Elegant, yet affordable. Relaxing but invigorating. It might be difficult, when thinking of your spa’s environment, to find a happy medium. Finding that perfect environment, one that speaks to all clientele – returning clients and newcomers to the spa experience, might be a daunting task.
It’s possible you’ve seen your ideal workplace…imagined the ambiance of the spa that you’ll call home, talked about it with fellow workmates.
A good training manual is worth its weight in gold, or at least good old U.S. currency, since solid education is key to solid profits. A great training manual must be pure “take-away” for the readers—it’s all immediately applicable information, which will make your cash register buzz faster than the speed of sales.
The purpose of a training manual is to first set the standard for service, based upon the company vision, then to lay out in actionable steps how that standard may be achieved and surpassed daily for optimum team achievement.
If you have tried repeatedly to get a focus on customers, customer loyalty, and customer profitability inside your organization with less than stellar results, you’re far from alone. Most companies jump in without evaluating how the organization works together, whether the CEO is truly committed, and if the patience exists for the long road ahead. These are the key issues that usually get in the way of making progress. See if you recognize any of them in your organization.
Every retailer dreams about inventory literally “flying off the shelves”, as the phrase goes. But unless the retailer doubles as a savvy air-traffic controller, carefully overseeing arrivals and departures of items each day, you may encounter turbulence over Milwaukee (or wherever your business is located)!
Effectively managing the flow of inventory from your manufacturer to your clients is one of the most essential aspects of ensuring the success of your business. Few things displease a loyal client more than learning that a favorite product is out of stock. Conversely, nothing deflates the buzz of shopping more than seeing dusty, shopworn merchandise on the shelf, which obviously isn’t moving—the result of over-ordering.
Building your successful spa and salon business all begins with one happy customer. And in order to build business through your satisfied client base, you must first focus on building loyalty. But how do you keep customers for life? And how do you go yet one step further and get your loyal customers working for you by referring new customers? Following are some practical tips to help you get you started:
Masks are an incredibly effective part of one’s skin care regimen. Perfect pre-date or post-party as emergency care and weekly as a treatment routine, masks rule the medicine cabinet. So why are they are collecting dust on your shelves? Moving your retail masks requires participation of the aesthetician, spa management, the brand, and believe it or not, the client. Reverse the cycle and increase sales by learning the 10 reasons why the product is not moving:
Pursuing the right marketing strategies is critical to the financial success of your spa or salon. Given below are some current marketing strategies that can help to increase income and clientele in the body and skin care industries.
Use Effective Online Marketing Strategies
Today’s online marketing environment is becoming increasingly more sophisticated. When someone wants to get a listing of spas in a specific location the Internet is the place to go. Create a domain name that will make your spa appear on the Internet whenever someone uses a search engine.
And last but not least is the important consideration of your clients current skin care program. Directing your questions with respect to all of the products they are currently using will assist the aesthetician in finding areas of their existing skin care that may need to be addressed. I always encouraged my new customers to “bring their face in a bag” so I could review the products along with the ingredients. This snooping also uncovers how they use their products, how much, are they dipping their fingers in the jar, have the products been exposed, etc. Finding out how they care for their products means this would be time to instruct them how to use skin care properly.
They say, “Diamonds are a girls best friend”. In my personal opinion I have to disagree. I truly think frequent PROMOTIONS, free samples, special events, and monthly specials really create excitement in our salons and spas!
When Filene’s Basement department store in Chicago has a sale…the shoppers are actually waiting and beating the doors down to be the first ones to get in. It’s a sight to see. Who doesn’t love a sale?
It doesn’t matter if you have a skin center, nail salon, or spa. You don’t even have to own the business to practice this phenomenal idea.
Your clients and patients love beautiful nails! While artificial nails are still popular, natural nails and natural nail care are the most exciting trends for professional salons, day spas and medical spas today! Whether you currently offer nail care services or are planning an expansion to include nail care services, you should be aware of the latest nail care trends. Maintaining natural nails is a challenge and there are obstacles that could cause your patients to become self-conscious of their nails’ condition. Most of these common nail care challenges are unsightly but can be overcome by regular visits to a nail technician.
You have a vision of a magnificent new spa and you want to turn it into reality! Wonderful!! The decision to create a new spa starts a cascade of activities that can be both daunting and thrilling. It involves creating the physical space as well as designing how the spa will operate once it is open. You know that you cannot do it alone. You need a plan to ensure that the operations will flow smoothly in the space. An architect will help translate your vision for the physical property into the blueprints that will begin to turn the dream to reality.
How many times throughout the week do we use the expression “the girls at work”? Dozens and dozens, I’m sure. “The girls at work said this,” “I went to lunch with the girls from work,” “The girls at work want to have a bridal shower for me,” and so on. All of my family and non-work friends know that I work in an all-women environment. Most of us in the spa business do. It is simply the nature of the beast that a great number of aestheticians, hair removal specialists, massage therapists, make-up artists, and other beauty professionals are women.
We’re both professional skin therapists with an entrepreneurial spirit, and we both teach classes with a similar point of view. We draw upon our own experiences as therapists, and as business owners—we’ve seen it all, done it all, and can save all of you the frustration of many common mistakes!
1- BE READY. While everyone is entitled to a personal life, quality time with friends and family, “sacred space”, and all of that sort of thing, you can’t expect much of this when you are launching a new business.
To help you acquire the most out of this edutorial, analyze the following points of reference, which will be found through the length of the series, while reading along to assist you in answering the final questions.
Learning how to write winning grant proposals is an invaluable asset for massage therapists seeking funds to further education, research, and business opportunities. The world of grants opens unlimited opportunities for massage therapists, body workers, and skin care professionals. Billions of dollars worth of grants are given out each year. The federal government, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, corporations, private foundations, family trusts, and individual donors award them. Grants are awarded to organizations and individuals.
Grant seeking is not a special talent that one has to be born with. It is an art that can be cultivated over a period of time.
Professional skin care in the 21st Century has never been so exciting, technical, scientific, profitable and yes, extremely competitive. Open up a fashion magazine today and you will find no less than 30+ non-professional skin care brands claiming to reduce lines and wrinkles, improve skin, restore elasticity, replace Botox tm and on and on and on.
These companies also promise simulated “professional peels” and “microdermabrasion” in do-it-yourself at home product kits. Think about it, if you are reading these ads, it’s inevitable your clients are reading them too!
Theory of Corporate and Business Planning, Conflict Resolution, Human Resource Managers, verbal and written reprimands and warnings, OSHA, ADA, and ACLU are all important topics when it comes to owning a business. After pondering these topics for oh… 15 seconds, I came to realize that the main reason we became business owners is because we love the industry and are passionate about our work. The employees that we surround ourselves with at our place of business, although with many differences, are all practicing the same end philosophy, 100 percent customer care that is physical, social, and therapeutic.
Have you ever sat and wondered about your profession? Are you aware that you are in one of the best professions? Did you know that it offers an incredible number of opportunities?
Many of us, when we graduate from aesthetic school, cannot wait to find a job to do facials, whether that is in a salon or spa. All we do is think and think about doing a facial cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Who will be our first client? Will they rebook? Will they tip us? But, our license offers us so many other opportunities that the possibilities are truly staggering.
Aestheticians have a big responsibility to their clients' well-being in the treatment room as well as after they leave. While facial scrubs may be the most often employed method of exfoliation in the professional environment, knowing how scrubs affect the skin and how critical it is to properly treat the skin post-scrub can be the difference between exfoliation that can improve skin conditions and a procedure that promotes oxidation and aging.
Scrubs are ingredient compounds usually formulated with small, hard particles suspended in a cream, gel, or lotion, often containing a light surfactant cleansing agent plus skin conditioners and moisturizers.
Spas come in all shapes and sizes from the mega resorts to the independent day spas; well so do clients and their needs. Are you prepared to meet the needs of all your clients? Young, mature, pre-teen, petite to large size clients are all looking to spas for waxing to massage but are you prepared. I know you are thinking YES… but while many spas are prepared for the average size clients many are not prepared for ALL. There are many things to consider including ADA requirements, equipment strength, and therapist etiquette.
Only a generation ago, children were to be seen and not heard. Now, young people who might have been dismissed as “kids” back in the 20th century are proving to be the most powerful segment of American society in terms of establishing and driving brand dominance in the consumer marketplace. Rather than viewing consumers under the age of 21 as simply future-tense buyers, the fact is that national purchasing trends across the board in fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle choices are shaped largely by teens and ‘tweens. Fierce brand loyalties to a specific label form younger and younger, as children are barraged with marketing messages from infancy, and often acquire personal income well before high school.
If I had to identify one large knowledge gap in the skin care industry, I think it’s in the area of retail sales. Yes, there is a wealth of product knowledge training available, but very little in the way of customer psychology and sales technique. Knowing what to recommend is not the same as knowing how to sell.
Aestheticians are in a tough bind because of this shortfall. On the one hand, it’s probable that no one has ever taught you how to sell products, and yet on the other hand there is an expectation that you’re supposed sell a lot—whatever that is.
It’s always been your dream and you know now is the right time to make it happen. You have researched and planned and prepared and at this point there is only one thing standing between you and the doors of your spa – money. You envision a waiting list of clients, a talented and attentive staff, and because of your success you will be profitable early on and be able to pay back your loans early! You are sure that because your business and marketing plans are so well designed, you will have multiple lenders ready to offer you the money you need to launch your spa into business.
At the onset of a design or re-design of your skin care facility you may want to assess or reassess your vulnerability to Mother Nature. It is a very real threat accompanied by the fear of loss of income, loss of wages, workplace disruptions, structural damage, and sometimes injuries and even death. What is a business owner to do? What is an employee to do? How do you plan for such disastrous scenarios?
Many spas and salons are caught off guard when destructive weather takes power lines down and damages their businesses to the point of not being able to work at all.
In a 16-year career as a licensed aesthetician, nothing made the experience more rewarding than the people I was privileged to serve. And, while some clients were more memorable than others (for every conceivable reason) a notable handful unintentionally left valuable, indelible lessons for which I’ve long been grateful. Those accidental teachers might never have been encountered in any other career—the cyclical visits or extended time together in safe seclusion—an uncommon characteristic of most working environments. We may meet and touch thousands of people during the full term of our professional lives so it would be a wonder that a few of them wouldn’t somehow alter the course of it slightly or substantially.
I’m a big fan of imperfection. Believe it or not, I view imperfection as the ultimate goal of a professional skin care practice. This may come as a jolly surprise to my employees, who know that my management style is hardly laissez-faire. I have a fixation for hospital-cleanliness, for instance. To paraphrase the great Robert Duvall character in Apocalypse Now, I love the smell of Windex in the morning. Clutter bugs me, and I don’t know how otherwise reasonable people can work in it. Until quite recently, I could not tolerate denim worn in the office (I’ve never been a fan of “Casual Fridays”), because I thought it brought out the most slovenly tendencies in people.
Some patient diseases such as skin cancer or acne are especially well-suited to co-management between a dermatologist and an aesthetician. The physician may see the patient, but typically it is for a shorter amount of time and the patient is usually referred to the aesthetician, who can educate the patient on medication use, make sure follow-up appointments are kept, and help the patient with the psychological aspect of the disease. Because aestheticians scrutinize the patients skin, they are also more likely than the nurse or even the dermatologist to notice and question potentially cancerous lesions.