Thank you for joining us for our newest digital event, Summit of Aesthetics! As a registered user to the Summit, enjoy all-access to our livestreamed presentations, educational articles, brand classrooms, and product specials. Below are the five keynote presentations, beginning each morning of the Summit at 11 AM CST.

Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11 AM CST

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 11 AM CST

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11 AM CST

Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 11 AM CST

Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11 AM CST

Clarifying Cleanser by Institut’ DERMed

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DERMASCOPE Magazine

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Once I heard the analogy of magazines having “bones” – the unchanging elements that give structure to creativity – just as gardens and homes do. Without good bones, these things will collapse or become unhinged – out of order.

The bones of a magazine offer stability, whether it is to the subscriber who never skips an issue or to the occasional reader who needs to quickly reference a piece of education before putting it down for another time to learn. These bones of a magazine are critical to the foundation of what readers need and want.

DERMASCOPE’s bones have only grown stronger through the past 45 years. We have always strived to offer quality, generic continuing education for skin care professionals, helping to raise the standards of the aesthetics industry. With this in mind, DERMASCOPE wants to keep strengthening these bones, in order to provide dedicated readers with the highest standard of continuing education from some of the most well-known professionals in the industry.

Today’s magazine is countlessly different when compared to 15, 25, or even 45 years ago, as even flipping briefly through this issue will prove. As the latest publisher of DERMASCOPE Magazine, I like to think that if Ron Renee, DERMASCOPE’s first publisher, could see the modern DERMASCOPE, stripped of its logo and other identifying marks, he would still know in an instant what he held in his hands. DERMASCOPE’s logo and designs may change but the education will always stay the same – up-to-date, safe, and full of new advances. DERMASCOPE’s bones are made up of not only a stellar team of contributors but some of the best, forward-thinking skin care professionals in the business. After 45 years in business, DERMASCOPE is still the authority on professional skin care, so here is to another 45 at the top of the industry’s lists.

Welcome to DERMASCOPE’s newest platform of continuing education for skin care professionals: The Aesthetic Report, hosted by CIDESCO Diplomat and New York state school owner, Michelle D'Allaird-Brenner and in-house aestheticians, Elizabeth Brasher and Lauren Farmer. 

Returning for season two in April 2022, this bimonthly podcast provides a more casual and fun environment for listeners to get to know the leaders of the industry. 

DERMASCOPE makes continuing education for the aesthetic professional a top priority. Our new podcast will be an all-access interview with everyone’s favorite industry professionals available wherever podcasts are available. With new episodes airing every month, eavesdrop on the industry whenever and wherever.

Stay curious and keep expanding your industry knowledge! Subscribe to The Aesthetic Report wherever you listen to podcasts!

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I love hair removal – every aspect of it, really – the warmth of the wax, the precision of the tweezers, the pleasantly smooth feel afterwards, and the satisfyingly gross Instagram videos. But no matter which method is used, there can be a few unpleasant side effects of hair removal. For clients, they come to the spa to ensure they receive the smoothest technique possible. And our April 2020 articles are here to help professionals offer top-notch service.

First off, the wax cycle is a critical part of any hair removal treatment. Professionals should educate clients on this important factor and “The Wax Cycle” takes it back to the basics. Learn proper etiquette with clients, along with techniques and tools to utilize during treatments from Lilliane Caron.

When it comes to all the methods and options that clients have available for hair removal, discerning the right choice can be difficult. As a professional, deciding which hair removal option is right for the spa is a whole other ordeal. Cali Vanaelst’s article, “Temporary, Permanent, or Semi-Permanent?” breaks down the options for professionals and clients.

The Sugar Queen herself writes an informative article on facial hair removal and extractions. In “Face Off,” Lina Kennedy teaches how to properly extract and remove facial hair for both genders, with some added tips for creating the perfect minute treatment menu for quick hair removal options.

Hair removal in the nether regions is one of the most requested services in the industry. Learn from Trisha Dowling’s article, “Waxing the Southern Hemisphere” how to make clients feel at ease, while waxing away unwanted hair. From positioning, placement, and conversations this article has got you covered.

And finally, folliculitis is a well-known condition in the hair removal community. Cole Patterson shares the unique types, treatment options, and how clients can prevent folliculitis before it begins in “Fighting Folliculitis.”

No matter which method of hair removal your spa offers, clients need to feel secure in your knowledge on the topic of hair removal. Read these articles, then visit DERMASCOPE.com to catch up on hundreds of others to help continue your education.

In 2020, the trend towards wellness is gaining traction with skin care salons and spas around the globe. Clients are coming into spas requesting more holistic treatments, even when battling the same problem areas. Whether it is fine lines and wrinkles, acne, or hyperpigmentation, the holistic method is becoming more common for consumers to seek out, As the professional it is your job to stay current on trends like these by being able to offer trending treatments that product results. For some areas of the country, it might be CBD-based facials and while for others it might include IV therapy. But overall, we are seeing a shift towards taking skin care and wellness back to the basics. Take a look at our wellness-based feature articles for March 2020.

First, a new wellness trend that has only just begun to catch momentum: facial exercises. The benefits of these movements go above and beyond with their techniques and tried and true antiaging benefits. Read Melissa Black’s article, “Facial Exercises” for a brief overview followed by technique training and benefits for clients.

Next, in Jennifer Foster’s article, “What’s Your Type?” discover what spa category fits you and your treatments. Learn how to build a business based on clientele and location, while unlocking your potential in the industry.

Next up in this month’s wellness issue, an article on biohacking breaks down this new approach to skin health. Read from Courtney La Marine’s “Biohacking the Body” how to utilize this method and discover best practices from experts.

Finally, Nicole Majdali’s article, “Hydrotherapy Enlightenment,” discusses the origin of the treatment, types of practice, and a few good tips and tricks for professionals to utilize.

Whatever direction your spa decides to take towards wellness in 2020, understand that your clients will notice the change. While it is not the only trend of 2020, believe that it will be one of the longest-lasting.

Professional equipment and skin care tools are one of my favorite things to learn about, so the February issue has been a fun month of planning. Our industry has such a healthy mix of tried-and-true devices and cutting-edge advancements to help clients and their skin. This month’s issue focuses on effective equipment in the spa and addressing a few of the top tools to consider adding to a spa menu: galvanic, microcurrent, IPL, and LED.

If considering using galvanic tools, discover everything from its therapeutic uses to its place in the spa with Jessica Slorah in Going Galvanic. As for microcurrent, it continues to grow in its ability to treat clients to a whole new spa experience. Take a moment to learn the physiology and correct application for the most optimal outcome in the spa in Mastering Microcurrent by Alexandra Zani.

Intense Pulsed Light, better known as IPL, has been around for quite some time; but to truly understand the results that can come from this treatment, Louis Silberman discusses why skin care professionals should consider it for clients in Results in a Flash. And to top it all off, LED’s significant benefits are finally being recognized throughout the industry. But how does a professional know which wavelength is right for the skin and what should they look for in a device? Find out in Red, Light, Blue Light by Pam Cushing as she dives into the proper usage of LED.

But before utilizing equipment to treat clients, don’t forget to perform a proper skin analysis. In Skin Analysis Methodology, learn from Richard Merrill proper steps and equipment for an accurate dermal assessment of clients within a spa setting.

To wrap up the February issue, we are featuring a dynamic duo that is breaking into the industry spotlight: Patrick Johnson and Denise Ryan. Read their story and discover how it is never too late to take risks in life and start anew.

In addition to the content in this magazine, there’s so much more online. Visit DERMASCOPE.com throughout the month to browse through new articles on social media management, plus our 20 monthly columns. Enjoy!

Show off your 2020 ACA win with one of these eye-catching banners; they are perfect for your website, e-blast, or to use as a signature within e-mails.

For your convenience, a variety of options are listed below. Click to view the image. Simply hold Alt and click on the link to download an image. 

- Official seal: 2020 ACA Winner Seal

- Social Media Story: Story 1, Story 2

- Social Media Post: Post 1, Post 2

- Banner ad: Small Horizontal, Medium Horizontal

- Skyscraper: Option 1, Option 2, Option 3

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The official promotional banners for the 2020 Aestheticians' Choice Awards are provided on this website for official use only. The use of the promotional banners presented above by any person other than 2020 winners is prohibited by law unless expressly licensed or with written approval by DERMASCOPE Magazine.

While every issue of DERMASCOPE features unbeatable education, this month’s issue takes the cake! A special section entitled How to Choose is dedicated to sharing an ultimate breakdown of step-by-step instructions for professionals to learn how to purchase, utilize, and take advantage of education, products, and more within their field.

With the daily bombardment of choices throughout the day, it can be hard to know where to begin when choosing what is best for you and your business. Our 2019 How to Choose Guide gives our readers the ability to start out fresh with an outline for how to grow your business and career.

In this November issue, the discussion of how to choose results-oriented products, as well as equipment and machines, will help improve the overall client experience. Topics include private label, LED, cryotherapy, peels, imaging, nanotechnology, post-graduate education, and oncology training.   

Also, this month the 2020 Aestheticians’ Choice Awards voting is live. The Aestheticians’ Choice Awards are held annually to recognize great products, machines, and the people that make this industry an amazing place to be in. It is an exciting time for everyone involved! In August, we asked our readers to tell us their favorites for all things skin care related. We received thousands of nominations for the 2020 ACAs and based on the overwhelming response, we even decided to add a few new sub-categories to the Aesthetic Ambassadors category. With the influence of social media, we could not help but add a much-needed category of Aesthetic Influencer. We have also added Contributing Writer! This sub-category was added to recognize the wonderful people that contribute to DERMASCOPE Magazine. Without these contributions, our monthly magazine wouldn’t be possible.  

Starting November 1, visit DERMASCOPE.com to vote for your favorite products, machines, and people in aesthetics. Voting is live until November 30, 2019! Happy voting!

Do you remember when there was a tradeshow season? It was typically in the spring and fall. Nowadays, it seems like there is a tradeshow every month, all across the globe. How does this benefit the skin care professional? Through the education and networking opportunities, of course!

I always plan my trip long before I ever step foot on the show floor. With so many companies exhibiting and all claiming to have the greatest products and machines, it can be overwhelming for a seasoned professional, let alone a newcomer. It’s always best to have a game plan in place, so you can take full advantage of all that is offered at a tradeshow. Pick up the show program or visit the show’s website in advance to see the full lineup of exhibitors and educators and begin planning.

Don’t forget about the amazing advanced education and product training being offered! DERMASCOPE is very excited that our association, AIA, was asked to present classes for IECSC’s 2019 Targeted Learning Tracks in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida this month.

Here’s the lineup of AIA’s classes! On Sunday, October 6, 2019, “The Lingo of Laser: Understanding Laser Resurfacing and its Uses in Aesthetics” will be presented by Courtney Sykes from Southeastern Esthetics Institute for IECSC’s Med Spa Track. Also on Sunday, “The Social Media Spark: 6 Strategies for Reigniting Your Business” will be presented by Michelle De Leon with Michelle’s Little Black Book for the Social Media/Marketing Track. On Monday, October 7, Richard Maher of LightStim will present an Esthetics Track, “Mixing Modalities: Combining Therapies to Get the Most Out of Every Treatment,” and Dora Salazar of DS Healthy Skin Studio will discuss “Wellness: The New Way to Look and Feel Fabulous” for the Wellness Track.

If you’re in Ft. Lauderdale at the IECSC show, stop by DERMASCOPE’s booth, 433, to take advantage of the tradeshow specials and to snap a fun selfie with me and the team!

The skin care industry has a wealth of award-winning, prestigious, professional products to choose from and even better brands backing them up. With so many great options, how do you choose which lines to carry in your spa? It’s important to select brands that have been successful in manufacturing products that produce results for the client. But even more imperative than finding a successful brand is understanding the successful people behind them.

Last year, DERMASCOPE debuted a special section in the magazine called the A-List to recognize the excellence of certain individuals in the industry. The purpose of this list is to acknowledge and focus on the industry innovators that go above and beyond the call of duty in this industry.

The 2019 A-Listers were vetted and chosen based on their contributions to the industry – including involvement in the industry, being a mentor to new professionals, and having significant knowledge of ingredients and charisma to round out their awe-inspiring persona.   

Some of the individuals included in the 2019 A-List have shown impressive educational efforts, while others have been at the forefront of product development. All the individuals included have exhibited strong ethical standards and ooze passion from every pore. These A-Listers have distinguished themselves as top-notch team players and we’re keeping our eyes locked on them as they prove to be paving the future of skin care!  

I’m excited to share the 2019 A-List with you. Flip over to page 60 to see who made the cut this year!

For most people, having a mentor can mean the difference between success and failure. This is true for both your personal and professional life. A mentor is someone that you consider a trusted advisor, someone that has experience, someone that has seen successes and failures in life, and someone who isn’t afraid to tell you about the good and the bad. Mentors leave a lasting impression on you. Even when they’re no longer around, you tend to think about what they would say or how they would advise you on the next step in life. I’ve had several mentors throughout my life and each one brought something unique to me. The great news for everyone in this industry is that there is no shortage of mentors!

In fact, I’m sure you noticed that Michael Pugliese is on the cover this month. We wanted to acknowledge him as a great mentor in this industry. His larger than life personality has touched many people across the globe. Michael has helped numerous aestheticians and continues to influence people with his passion for education and ingredient knowledge. Michael had some big shoes to fill (no pun intended) when he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps. And, he has done a wonderful job filling those shoes! Because of Michael’s passion to help and educate others, he has brought positive change to the aesthetics industry.

I encourage you to reach out to your mentor – make sure they know the impact that they’ve had in your life. In life, we all want to feel needed, appreciated, and loved. And, if you haven’t found one yet, get going! There are so many great mentors in the industry – many of which you can learn about on DERMASCOPE.com. And, be sure to learn more about Michael and his impact!

With summer in full swing, skin can change and transform with the season. Acne is a main culprit when it comes to distorting and altering a client’s skin. This month online, discover some of the most common acne myths in Ahmed Abdullah’s latest article. From 2019 ACA winner Brian Goodwin, learn how holistic treatments may be just the thing for a client who has given up hope of clearing their acne woes. Discover how a new innovation in acne treatment comes in the form of hydrotherapy in Cynthia Malcom’s article. Finally, with the many ways to address and handle acneic skin, it comes as no surprise that top experts would want to share their homecare and treatment protocols. In Courtney Sykes’ latest article, go step-by-step through numerous routines that address acne at the core.

Another important area of skin health covered this month comes from some of our other articles on DERMASCOPE.com. From coverage over the links between obesity and skin health to handling your own PR, these articles discuss a plethora of skin care industry needs that go skin deep. DERMASCOPE strives to share with readers the latest in innovation. This month, we share with you a new acid that is making waves in changing how sensitive skin can utilize chemical exfoliants. Other topics include tough decision making – whether to keep or toss out products – and answering the age-old question of what is truly beneficial to skin. Learn about health challenged skin and how to treat it with care in this month’s online articles.

While you read through this month’s magazine, don’t forget to visit DERMASCOPE.com for these important online articles and more. Summer is about relaxation and keeping skin healthy and hydrated through the heat. Here’s to enjoying the rest of summer happy and healthy! Happy reading!

In our industry, new discoveries seem to happen as often as my four-year-old changes his mind about his favorite toy. Whether it’s a new treatment, product, ingredient, or piece of equipment, industry giants are always unveiling the next big thing in skin care. From dermablading to oilblading, dermaroller to microinfusion, microblading to powder brows – aesthetics is constantly evolving.   In our industry, new discoveries seem to happen as often as my four-year-old changes his mind about his favorite toy. Whether it’s a new treatment, product, ingredient, or piece of equipment, industry giants are always unveiling the next big thing in skin care. From dermablading to oilblading, dermaroller to microinfusion, microblading to powder brows – aesthetics is constantly evolving.   
But, how does a professional guide themselves through all the hype of the hottest products and know what is really going to stick? 
For DERMASCOPE, it comes down to keeping a pulse on the fads versus the trends in aesthetics. The variances between a short-term fad and a long-term trend can make a big difference for spas and how it affects a company’s ultimate profits. The goal is to get in on trends that alter and impact culture. 
So, how do you spot a trend amongst all the fads? I think of it this way: fads tend to be specific products with a short fame span, while trends tend to veer towards general product styles and come and go more naturally as cultural behaviors wax and wane. Consider a fidget spinner, planking, and Troll dolls versus Instagram, watches, and athleisure wear.  
Both trends and fads are important to identify and understand! The DERMASCOPE team and our contributors are constantly researching for the next thing to educate readers. So, it’s of no surprise to announce that we are featuring a special section in June on CBD in skin care! 
By now, most professionals in the industry should be aware of this buzz word. CBD is the newest trend – yes, trend – in aesthetics and it is here to stay. To learn why it is quickly becoming a staple in skin care, check out Rising High, starting on page 81. 

And, keep up with DERMASCOPE – in print, online, and on social media – to stay in touch with the latest news and trends in skin care.

Amanda Strunk Miller

Publisher and Managing Editor

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Sun care is one of my favorite topics to cover in the magazine each year. Growing up, my mother taught me the importance of sun protection, but it didn’t stop me from trying to get a shade darker each time I laid out by the pool.   Sun care is one of my favorite topics to cover in the magazine each year. Growing up, my mother taught me the importance of sun protection, but it didn’t stop me from trying to get a shade darker each time I laid out by the pool.   Years later, surrounded by aestheticians and educators in the industry, I’ve embraced my natural skin tone and always make sure my skin care products are loaded with SPF.I always thought the addiction to sun bathing was motivated by the desire for tanned skin, but recently I realized it is the exposure to sunlight that our bodies can crave. In fact, frequent exposure to ultraviolet light is known to produce endorphins in the body. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation reporting a 2017 study at Georgetown University Medical Center, “20% of women who tan show signs of tanning dependency. The researchers ran 400 women through a set of mental and behavioral tests both before and after a tanning session. Those who were labeled as having an addiction strongly believed in the physical and mood-boosting benefits they experienced after a tanning session. They were convinced it enhanced their appearance and attitude, ultimately making them feel better about themselves. However, once that feeling faded, the tanning bed users showed signs of depression.”When talking to clients about the side effects of sun exposure (fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and so on), it could be helpful to also suggest alternative ways for them to release endorphins without putting themselves at risk. Exercise, meditation, massage treatments, adequate sleep, and consuming protein-rich foods are all positive examples. And, spray tanning can be another great conversation to have with clients who want to keep their darker tone, but in a healthy way. To help your business with all things sun care, turn to our new Summertime Guide! We’re covering several topics, such as blue light’s effect on the skin, UVA versus UVB, sunscreen education, chemical versus physical sunscreens, and much more.

It’s officially spring and that means – hopefully – we’ll soon be putting cold weather behind us and welcoming in a season of life, growth, and energy. As blossoms begin popping up all around and color and vibrance return to the outdoors, it’s a great time of year to see what needs to be refreshed and revamped inside. Sure, spring cleaning is a must, but spring is also the perfect time to reenergize your menu offerings and supplies, too! This month, as we explore the themes of hyperpigmentation and equipment and tools, we’ve got some great articles that can help you bring some fresh air into the spa.

As the weather heats up and clients dust off their short sleeve shirts and shorts, brush up on the Fitzpatrick scale and how to tell the difference between age spots and freckles in Lyn Ross’ article, “Spot Check: Identifying Hyperpigmentation Types and Causes.” Then, for an in-depth look at the pigmentation process and the science behind those dark spots, check out “Hyperpigmentation: Are You Asking the Right Questions?” by René Serbon. Finally, evaluate your treatment options for pigmentation problems in Kathleen Carney’s, “Blotch, Please! Helping Clients Confront Hyperpigmentation.”

When it comes to assessing your equipment and tools, you won’t want to miss this month’s articles by Annet King and Gina Thompson. In King’s article, “Power Moves: Smart Technology Choices to Improve Business and Bottom Line,” you’ll find tech that is on this year’s must-have list for every aesthetician – from skin magnifying headsets to ultrasonic spatulas. Then, in “Thrifty and Thriving: Budget-Friendly Devices that Won’t Break the Bank,” Thompson shares everything you need to know about keeping up with the latest spa devices on a budget.

Lastly, head online to catch even more articles on spa improvement, with topics like hiring an effective receptionist, ways you could be losing money, pricing services, and much more! As you flip through the pages of April’s magazine and visit DERMASCOPE.com, I hope you find everything you need for a breezy transition into the warmer season. Happy reading!

No matter how you got your hands on this issue of DERMASCOPE – whether through your own print or digital subscription, your aesthetics school, a fellow aesthetician or staff member at your spa, your membership with Aesthetics International Association, or at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference in New York – one thing’s for sure… you don’t have your hands on all that DERMASCOPE has to offer this month. No matter how you got your hands on this issue of DERMASCOPE – whether through your own print or digital subscription, your aesthetics school, a fellow aesthetician or staff member at your spa, your membership with Aesthetics International Association, or at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference in New York – one thing’s for sure… you don’t have your hands on all that DERMASCOPE has to offer this month. 
If you’re a regular reader of my monthly Editor’s Note, you might remember that in January I announced our 18 monthly online exclusive columns. We’ve been releasing these columns each month on DERMASCOPE.com, through our e-blasts, and on each of our social media accounts. Your responses and feedback on all this added education have been staggering! All 18 columnists are bringing their best in their respective fields and have so much more in store for the rest of the year.
So, after you finish reading the March issue of DERMASCOPE, take a moment to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter by searching for @dermascope. Once you’re following us, you’ll have access to daily links for these online exclusive articles, as well as updates on state regulations, industry news, magazine announcements, and, of course, industry inside jokes and memes. We’d love to connect and follow you, too!
And, if you haven’t already, go back and catch up on each column! Visit DERMASCOPE.com to read the January and February columns and tune in each month for new articles throughout the year. Each columnist is delivering 12 themed monthly articles that build off one another. Some of the column topics include chemical peels, top skin care ingredients, makeup tutorials, peptides, insurance concerns, how to manage a spa team, how to go solo and thrive, and so much more. It’s a massive amount of education, all available on DERMASCOPE.com. Enjoy!

Amanda Strunk Miller
Publisher and Managing 
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For months, DERMASCOPE’s editorial team has been creating, developing, and strategizing for our first major announcement of 2019, and excited is an understatement. This year, in addition to the wonderful content provided in the print magazine, we are pleased to present 18 online exclusive columns each month. We’ve asked leading industry professionals to deliver monthly education on a variety of topics to be featured on DERMASCOPE.com. We are ecstatic to share the themes, topics, and content they have carefully crafted just for you, our readers, to help you in your skin care careers.
Every weekday, a new column will be released – some will even be delivered in video format! There are several business columns – such as how to manage a spa team, how to be a successful solo aesthetician, and how to begin a career as a newly licensed aesthetician – as well as columns on insurance concerns, the business side of makeup, and what’s trending in aesthetics. We also have columns on peptides, chemical peels, mandelic acid, aging, the basics of skin restoration, top skin care ingredients, and live makeup tutorials! To see a list of all of the contributing columnists and their column titles, turn to page 9.
In 2019, the homepage of DERMASCOPE.com will also see some changes. It will strictly showcase online exclusive content released each month, including these monthly columns. This year, DERMASCOPE.com will have its own editorial calendar theme, as well, focusing on a single topic each month. This month, you’ll find articles themed on fine lines and wrinkles on our website. Be sure to check out Ben Johnson’s “Permanent Wrinkle Reduction: Reassessing Current Approaches to Antiaging Skin Care,” Brenda Linday’s “Graceful Aging: Establishing Realistic Expectations for the Mature Client,” and Gina Thompson’s, “Prevent, Correct, Preserve: Assessing and Treating Fine Lines and Wrinkles.”
If that’s not enough, you can expect even more education delivered as it relates to industry trends and news. Weekly industry updates and even more online exclusive editorial content will be released throughout the month.
Be sure to visit our website daily as new articles are released. Every day you’ll find fresh, new content! And, for an easy and fun way to stay current with our education, follow our Instagram account. There, you’ll have direct links to videos, our monthly columns, blogs, industry news, announcements, and fun, behind-the-scenes stories with our staff! Just open the Instagram app and search for @dermascope!
We’re excited to bring you these fresh changes online this year and hope you’ll take advantage of the countless opportunities to e-learn with DERMASCOPE in 2019.

If I had to pick one word to describe this time of year it would be “change.” From trees empty of leaves, to falling snow, to “ringing out the old” with the New Year, change is eminent in this period between one year and the next.

While change can often be a good thing, for some it can also be hard to accept. This is even true in the world of skin care! As new ingredients or procedures are researched and discovered, it is important for skin care professionals to stay up-to-date and aware of any advancements. One of my foremost goals with DERMASCOPE is to provide our readers with the most current and relevant information available to the aesthetics industry, thereby assisting the professional in gaining an accurate understanding of their profession, their customers, and their potential.

Throughout this issue or any other, in our library archive and online at DERMASCOPE.com, we provide our audience with articles authored by experts in the skin care industry. From discussing scientific advances in ingredients, both old and new, to the most practical ways to market a spa or deal with better business practices, each article gives an in-depth view of the author’s knowledge on the topic in skin care.

It is my hope that all of the educational content provided by DERMASCOPE will inspire you to sign up for new post-graduate or continuing education classes, research a new ingredient you heard about, attend an upcoming aesthetics tradeshow, or even restructure your current treatment menu. After all, changes come no matter where you go – it’s just up to you on how you embrace the changes!

September is my favorite month of the year. It’s my wedding anniversary month, the time the State Fair of Texas returns for the year, and when everyone seems to start prepping for the upcoming holiday season. Though the weather often still reflects the hot temperatures of the summer months, September also means the return to school and the end of summer vacations.

From a distinguished designer debuting a new line at Fashion Week to an Olympic figure skater landing the perfect double axel – it is easy to spot excellence when it is present.

The skin care industry is bursting at the seams with top-rate, professional product lines. Today, skin care professionals can choose from an agglomeration of companies when selecting the products to sell in their spas.

Through hard work and great passion, some are clearly distinguishing themselves above the rest as leaders in the industry. Lining the shelves of spas near and far, these giants are inspiring change, redefining standards, and making waves in skin care.

With the debut of this annual special section, DERMASCOPE is proud to recognize these top-notch companies and the excellence they bring to the industry.

In 2018’s Recognizing Excellence section you will find three, unique categories – Breaking the Mold, Leading Lines, and The A-List. In Breaking the Mold, get a glimpse at which companies are changing expectations in aesthetics and what sets them apart. With Leading Lines, find the industry’s hottest, best-selling, professional product lines. And finally, in the A-List, discover an awe-inspiring collection of the industry’s must-know innovators who are helping to shape the industry.

The companies found in these pages were selected on the merits of their contributions to the aesthetics industry – from exceptional product development to impressive educational efforts. These companies were carefully vetted for high standards, significant industry presence, and status as role models for aesthetic professionals across the country. Those that made it into 2018’s Recognizing Excellence section are a group that DERMASCOPE can proudly say is paving the future
of aesthetics.

Earlier this week I read a story called the Daffodil Principle. In the story, a daughter persistently invites her mother to see some daffodils near her home. When the mother finally agrees, she is taken to the most incredible garden of daffodils imaginable – one that consists of over 50,000 daffodils cascading down a mountainside. When the mother asks where they came from, the daughter tells her about an elderly woman who lives nearby and points to a sign that reads, “50,000 bulbs, one at a time, by one woman, two hands, two feet.”

I wish I could reprint the entire story here for you to read, but it is quite long. Instead, here is an excerpt: “When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we, too, will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world!”

The Daffodil Principle reminds me of the aesthetics industry and of DERMASCOPE. More than 40 years ago, when this company was founded, it was the first publication that was produced exclusively for skin care professionals in the United States. A lot has changed in the industry since then – such as distinguishing ourselves from the hair industry and developing separate licensing – but still, the tasks and growth that lie ahead can, at times, seem daunting.

One of our dreams for the industry is to raise the standards of education and create a national standard for licensing. We know that making this dream a reality will take an association that is truly about, for, and by the skin care professional. That’s why, in 2018, DERMASCOPE has accelerated its efforts to work hand in hand with Aesthetics International Association – because, just like in the story, what matters most are the small, daily strides forward we make together.

You already change the world for your clients every day – one person at a time, one day at a time. Together, with each of you, we know we can accomplish magnificent things and change the world of skin care forever. So, I invite you to take that small stride forward with us. Join us today!

 
Amanda Strunk Miller
Associate Publisher
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This issue was one of my favorites to plan for 2018. It was fun to have our contributors tackle a multitude of reader-requested topics.

Sebaceous hyperplasia – the unsightly nodules and lesions that begin cropping up for many clients later in life – may sound complex in name, but does not have to be a source of confusion or frustration for professionals. Brenda Linday tackles this topic in “Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Gaining the Upper Hand on those Little Lesions.” While the condition has many variants, each with its own distinct features, there are many common factors that can help professionals recognize, understand, prevent, and treat this skin abnormality.

In our second article, “When Adding Body Services Makes Cents,” Ben Johnson discusses how many professionals consider boosting the services they offer through adding body treatments to their menus. Some have dreams of increasing revenue, while others see competitors incorporating these services and do not wish to be left behind. But, body services vary in popularity and potential for success once implemented. How can professionals know whether to begin offering body wraps or fat sculpting? Are all body services lucrative for all spas? You can bet he answers these questions and more.

Next, our feature article of the month was contributed by Ellie Malmin. “On Trend and Inclusive: Makeup Looks to Serve a Diverse Clientele” discusses how some clients enter the spa with larger-than-life aspirations of the makeup look they hope to achieve. Others seem to offer no clear direction for their makeup application. These tips for establishing understanding during the consultation and building a look tailored to a diverse clientele are perfect for helping clients create a makeup look they love without unnecessary guess work.

Finally, DERMASCOPE is proud to introduce our 68th Legend into the AIA Academy: Hannelore Leavy. Founder of the Day Spa Association, Leavy has been at the forefront of industry innovation and development. June’s induction article provides interesting insight into one of the originating members of aesthetics.

Whether your focus this month is spent on body treatments, skin conditions, makeup looks, or industry leaders, I’m sure you will find great education among the pages of DERMASCOPE’s June issue!

Happy reading!

Amanda Strunk Miller
Associate Publisher
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Sleep is a time to recover, repair, and restore damage to the body that is created from the stresses of the day. In response to stress, people produce more cortisol. High levels of cortisol suppress serotonin, the hormone needed for sleep, thereby preventing the body from shutting down and going into a deep sleep.

My husband loves when I get the wax pot out at home. It is inevitable that while I am sitting on the counter waxing my legs, he will pop in and ask for a quick nose wax. Ever since he was a model at one of the waxing classes at a tradeshow years ago, he has been hooked! Even if we did not have a pot at home, I know he would go to the spa to get it done.

The benefits of essential oils in skin care are wide and varied, making them ideally suited for use in many types of facial treatments and for numerous skin types and conditions. What must be clearly understood when selecting essential oils for professional skin care treatments is that not all essential oils are created equal; their quality varies greatly. Therefore, it is vital for professionals to buy their oils from a reputable source.

Lavender is a hardy, fragrant shrub that has narrow leaves and grey-blue flowers and can grow to a height of three feet. While the aroma of lavender can be found throughout the entire plant, essential oil can only be obtained from the flower. Originally grown in the mountains of Europe, in poor but well-drained soils, lavender is now grown worldwide. However, the primary aromatherapy producers are France, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Russia.

Tradeshows have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. For the past 20 years, I have attended at least four a year – traveling across the country to walk the floors, try new products, attend lectures, and chat with leading educators.

I have a stepson who just turned 14, is a freshman, and enrolled in a new school. Last year I counseled him to begin washing his face, pay more attention to his hair, and quit wadding up his clean clothes in his backpack.

Most aestheticians chose their profession because they like working with people and are, by nature, nurturers. In fact, helping others through customer service is the most common reason this career path was so enticing to a majority of professionals. Most just want to make a difference in people’s lives and, through aesthetics, have found their path.

On one hand, I embrace New Year’s resolutions as a great opportunity to implement a goal for the upcoming year. But from a more historical perspective, it can often seem like a compulsive plan for failure. How many times have we set a New Year’s resolution and remained committed through to its achievement? Most often, we make temporary progress only to slip back into our old patterns.

Our offices at DERMASCOPE are full of that New Year’s buzz of activity.
We are working diligently on the monthly issues of the magazine, the compilation of the 2016 Products and Education Guide, a redesign of DERMASCOPE.com, and the restructure of our editorial e-blasts. It is a lot to tackle, but we feel energized about the growth and direction of our brand.

It is hard for me to believe that 2015 is almost over. Months of preparation for 2016, such as gearing up with new ideas for the magazine, has made the last few months go by in a flash. Looking back, it has been an amazing year!

All year, a small button has been prominently displayed on our cover to commemorate DERMASCOPE’s 40th anniversary. This month, we are taking a majority of the magazine to throw ourselves a party and celebrate the past four decades of everything in the world of aesthetics.

Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit faster than hearing Christmas music while I am at the store or seeing twinkle lights on neighborhood rooftops. I have enjoyed the holidays since I was a kid. I always look forward to the family, the food, and the time off at the end of the year. And this year, I have yet another joy to look forward to, my son’s first birthday.

As it is DERMASCOPE’s 40th anniversary, we decided to expand on all of this year’s special sections. In our September issue, we are using our pages to focus on breast cancer and how it has become intertwined within the spa industry. We took every angle we could when it comes to breast cancer and aesthetics. We interviewed oncology aestheticians, researched cutting edge complementary spa treatments, tackled common breast cancer myths, and that’s just the first
few pages.

Each year, DERMASCOPE shines the spotlight on retail as a main theme for one issue. And each year, we publish articles that offer new and alternative ways to capture profitability.

It is commonly understood that competition is a good force that presses us to do our best. When we are pressed to achieve, we grow. When we grow, our potential to achieve grows with us. While there are certain areas or situations in our lives where unhealthy competition can develop (relationships, for example), it is a powerful and positive motivational tool and the very basis for how Mother Nature chooses the future.

In an industry where fads pop up every season, we can certainly expend enormous resources trying to determine which are worth embracing and will lead us to the newest trend. Clients might be coming to your spa expecting to experience the newest product they discovered on Pinterest or have the skin treatment they heard Kim Kardashian gets every week.

Marketing. It is such a broad and important subject that an entire year of DERMASCOPE Magazine could be devoted to the subject in order to effectively bring readers up to date on such a critical aspect of business. And, sooner than we could absorb that information, new strategies, terms, resources, and ideas would be coming into play. To be sure, marketing is always a moving target. It requires a specific agenda, time and energy to be used effectively.

It seems as though the term ‘wellness’ is popping up more and more in today’s society. While in the spa industry wellness might have always been an important element to every aesthetician’s surroundings, the rest of the world is finally catching on and bringing more attention to this term.

I am particularly excited to share this issue of DERMASCOPE Magazine! Our staff has been gathering editorial content for months and I am positive that the information we have collected will provide very useful. In this issue, you will find the feature articles to focus on both summer skin and social media.

Achieving success financially as a result of being charitable or behaving well can be easier said than done. Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” While people understand the difference between growths for the sake of profit versus for the good of others, it is questionable if a business really can make money by doing more good in the world.

The year 2015 has officially arrived! As with each New Year, it brings new challenges and new opportunities. This, of course, provides an excellent time to contemplate the potential to reorganize, improve, or otherwise advance our careers, personal goals, or growth in general. This is evidenced by the surge of gym memberships sold in January, the majority of which will not continue commitment past March.

Surely I am not alone when I say that this time of the year is always my favorite. From white chocolate peppermint mochas to the crisp, cold Northern air... Wood crackling in the fireplace and neighborhood houses decorated with twinkling lights…

Each holiday is designed to provide a respite from our toiling and bring friends and family together to celebrate. Because the origins of Thanksgiving are to celebrate a bountiful harvest, this particular holiday always reminds me of the opportunity to be aware and thankful for so many things in my life. While family and friends are on my short list of gratitude, I find it fulfilling and rejuvenating to spend a little time evaluating all that has been “harvested” through the year.

A day of mine never passes without scrolling across someone's post or pin or tweet regarding an inspirational quote or picture that my friends have shared through social media. It seems that images have become a dominant method to express quotes and society resonates with the messages read. The shocking number of times I have been told to “dance like nobody's watching” makes me stop and wonder why I have yet to take up on the advice. I think it is apparent that even outside my circle of connections, people are searching for meaning and confirmation in their lives.

I was really surprised to discover how difficult it was to come up with statistics on the number of bloggers on the Internet. There are many conflicting estimates, primarily because most blogging websites are quickly abandoned or rarely updated… So after uncovering these figures, and having just started a blog of my own, I am feeling motivated to keep mine updated – I definitely cannot be one of the statistical abandoners. I will begin by reaching out to you to help me out. I welcome all of you to visit our website, and my blog, to discover whatever is on my mind between monthly Editor’s Notes.

Whether it is from the movie, a spin off segment on the morning radio show, or the ever so often voice inside my head, the phrase ‘let it go’ seems to pop up everywhere around me. Originally meant to mean ‘resisting to do something,’ letting go these days carries a bit of a different meaning. Google it now and you will find words more along the lines of ‘releasing frustrations or anger to not let something become emotionally stressful.’ Easier said than done, you say? I tend to agree.

I have spent the last few weeks spinning in circles from my busy schedule. While I have the magazine to publish, I also run a martial arts school on nights and weekends. In addition, it seems like holidays, birthdays, vacations, weddings and graduation parties have filled up every spare minute. Sometimes it is hard to catch my breath. On the positive side, these events provided the opportunity to celebrate and spend time with family and friends.

Have you had a chance to attend a tradeshow this year? What about a local seminar, workshop or online webinar? In a profession like ours, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest education, developments and trends. Seminars, workshops, and webinars provide the chance to learn and grow, but, for me, tradeshows are the pinnacle. They are a top priority every year. They provide so many positive things even if sometimes it can feel like a sensory overload!

It has been a positive, forward-moving, and productive year for me. And now tradeshow season has begun. The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa kicked off in Miami last month, and this month professionals from all over the southwest are headed to Dallas. When you think of attending a tradeshow, what comes to mind? My first thoughts are the networking opportunities – catching up with existing relationships and creating new ones. But mostly, I think of continuing education… The atmosphere is always charged with positive energy; it is full of learning, excitement, growth, and opportunity. One of these topics I feel most strongly about is learning.

When you finish my Editor’s Note and start to flip through the magazine, you will begin to notice that this issue has more valuable resources in addition to the educational feature stories on hormones and ethnic skin.
Beyond the primary topics of this particular issue, there is plenty of content that touches base on a series of different material. From our monthly case study (April focuses on how to treat chronic dry hands in the spa) to the top 10 tips of getting skin ready for the summer, there is an abundance of education that will surely leave each reader a little more informed. But this print version of DERMASCOPE Magazine you are holding is not the whole story this month.

I am proud to unveil the special issue of DERMASCOPE Magazine – The 2014 Products and Education Guide. Our team has compiled an in-depth, updated directory for you, our valued skin care professionals. We bring you all of our industry resources and help you reference the best products, services and post-graduate education in the aesthetics industry.

Twenty years ago this month, my father became Associate Publisher of DERMASCOPE Magazine. Not so coincidentally, this month I accept the same position. As you might know from my previous editor’s notes through the years, I have grown up in the world of aesthetics where my passion has continued to evolve. I have become a beneficiary of many important relationships. Between industry legends and world renowned writers and educators, I have an enormous resource of talent to draw from in my quest to keep DERMASCOPE at the forefront of aesthetics. Many have been great guides and continue to provide inspiration to me. I have enjoyed the rewards of working in this industry and it has been a true labor of love. It helps to do what you love in life and, for me, it is an accurate depiction of my job. I work with great people and every day is entertaining and enjoyable.

Some people consider the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” somewhat derogatory. My perspective is different being raised in a family business. When my parents met, my father was a devoted entrepreneur and my mother an aesthetician. After they married, my father decided to train as a massage therapist and open a spa with my mom. He also obtained his aesthetics license and they stayed in the spa business for about six years. My father began publishing this magazine and producing tradeshows 20 years ago. In addition to operating these businesses, he is partner in an advertising agency and runs a charitable foundation. He has often been accused of being a serial entrepreneur and his “spirit” was definitely passed along to his children.

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was quoted during his inaugural address: “Things in life will not always run smoothly. Sometimes we will be rising toward the heights – then all will seem to reverse itself and start downward. The great fact to remember is that the trend of civilization itself is forever upward, that a line drawn through the middle of the peaks and the valleys of the centuries always has an upward trend.”

Chamomile is the name given to several species of herbs with fine, feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. There are two plants most commonly distilled for their essential oils including Roman chamomile (Chamaemeleum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). The therapeutic and psychological properties of their respective oils, while not identical, are quite similar.

Happy holidays! I hope this letter finds you in a joyful holiday spirit. This time of the year is certainly my favorite. Taking the time off from my everyday schedule gives me a chance to recharge for the upcoming New Year, as well as spend quality with my husband and kids. For the past few years, we have been traveling to visit my family and, if we are lucky, spend time in the snow. But no matter where we are, we love taking part in the long-standing traditions my family has kept; traditions of baked ham and sweets, games, parties, gift exchanges, and perusing the neighborhood Christmas light displays. We have even added a few new traditions that will hopefully be passed down to my children.

While researching on Forbes.com the other day, I came across a list of 10 words that should be “erased from your vocabulary – immediately.” Being an editor, I instantly became intrigued with what this list could consist of. Personally, I believe that if certain words should not be in my vocabulary, they definitely should not be included in writing… and after reading the list, I have to say that I agree. It especially seems that in such an industry as ours we should be as professional and qualified as possible, even in our speech with others.

Eucalyptus has a smell that we all love and recognize. Whether you have experienced its fresh, uplifting aroma in the steam room or simply used a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water to clear your sinuses, the smell simply takes you back to your childhood. Using eucalyptus in your spa treatments can bring your client back to that moment in time when they first experienced its clean, lung-clearing aroma.

There are hundreds of varieties of eucalyptus that produce an essential oil. However, the most common form of the oil used in aromatherapy is eucalyptus globulus, distilled in Australia from the beloved gum tree. Other widely used forms that are commonly distilled for their essence include the narrow leaved eucalyptus (eucalyptus radiate), used for viral infections, and lemon-scented eucalyptus (eucalyptus citriadora), a cooling, antirheumatic oil.

Lemon and lemongrass are two fresh, clean and lively oils recommended for use in the spa. Lemon, with its fresh, sharp citrus smell combined with the strong, lemony and more herbaceous aromatic fragrance of lemongrass creates a wonderful uplifting aroma each time the client enters the spa. Together, they certainly provide a clean aroma and a gentle boost to start the day.

Lemon
Originating in Asia, lemon made little impact in the world until the middle ages when it found its way to Europe. This oil gained popularity when it was issued to sailors on board in an effort to counteract the effects of scurvy. Lemons grow today throughout the Mediterranean, though Florida and California are the largest producers of the oil.

While scrolling in my social media app the other day, a cute quote passed on the screen. It had a simple drawing of Winnie the Pooh and his friend Piglet. The text read above it: “What day is it?” “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh. While I am not quite sure what made me stop to read a Winnie the Pooh quote, I do know it left me with an uplifted spirit.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) belongs to a genus consisting of some 20 varieties and hybrids, all containing essential oils in their stems and leaves. Native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, mint is now grown in temperate regions all over the world with the United States being one of the largest producers. Amongst the many types of mint cultivated, peppermint is the most commercially and medicinally important.

Creating new habits can be hard. Breaking old habits can be even harder. Both are required for growth and healthy living. When taking the time to learn something new in your life, most often it can feel gratifying to reach a significant goal. Besides the benefit of learning something new, you have also improved yourself for the better. Most of these positive improvements can be developed into good habits. This is even backed up by a few studies I have read recently. It is suggested that by forming good habits, the goals are more attainable. And more importantly, we are not motivated enough by just focusing on the goal itself. Our day-to-day activity and progress with our habits give us motivation to stay on track. In one of the studies, it even stated that reflecting on the habits we have formed can help us progress with our goal and adjust when needed, therefore being more successful in the end result.

Of all the essential oils used in clinical aromatherapy, lavender is undoubtedly the most versatile, having a wide range of properties from analgesic to antiseptic. The name Lavender, derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash, was the aromatic of choice by the Romans to scent their bathwater. Without doubt, if you had to choose a single essential oil to keep in your first aid kit, lavender would be the undisputed choice. More commonly known as a sleep aid, the most important property of lavender is its ability to restore unbalanced states, whether of mind or body, to a place in which healing can take place.

Creating new habits can be hard. Breaking old habits can be even harder. Both are required for growth and healthy living. When taking the time to learn something new in your life, most often it can feel gratifying to reach a significant goal. Besides the benefit of learning something new, you have also improved yourself for the better. Most of these positive improvements can be developed into good habits. This is even backed up by a few studies I have read recently. It is suggested that by forming good habits, the goals are more attainable. And more importantly, we are not motivated enough by just focusing on the goal itself. Our day-to-day activity and progress with our habits give us motivation to stay on track. In one of the studies, it even stated that reflecting on the habits we have formed can help us progress with our goal and adjust when needed, therefore being more successful in the end result.

Meditation, Stillness and Tranquil Contemplation

The range of human emotions that we experience has never changed, only times and circumstances do. The way we respond to stress, chaos and hectic lifestyles and the resultant outcomes such as depression, fear and confusion have always been there over the centuries. The purpose of both frankincense and sandalwood oil is to bring us back to center and return calm and clear minded.

Juggling the necessities of a personal life and a career is an unending test. We deal with so many things on a day-to-day basis: advancing in our career; developing our relationship with our significant other; catching up with friends; raising our children; helping our elderly; constantly growing, whether physically, spiritually or mentally; dabbling in a hobby; tackling the household chores; and keeping up with the Jones'. It is called the "work-life balance" and can seem like a fairy tale to many people.

Bergamot oil, like those of orange, lemon and grapefruit is obtained from the cold expression of the rind of a citrus fruit. The rather small Bergamot fruits that look like tiny oranges are picked for distillation while still unripe and green. The smell of Bergamot is not unlike orange and lemon being light, delicate and refreshing with a slight floral overtone. For those of you that are tea drinkers it is Bergamot that imparts its unusual flavor to Earl Grey tea.

Considering today's busy world, sometimes we do not notice when we put others before ourselves. Day-to-day demands of work, education, marriage, children, in-laws, friends, and even pets can make us feel like a professional juggler of priorities. At times it feels as though there is just too much going on in our life! To top it all off, it might feel as though there is not much time left over for the caregiver… you! And even when those that care about us pull us to the side to tell us to slow down, we shake our head and keep pushing. Does this sound familiar to you? All too familiar, you might be thinking.

Geranium is a bushy perennial shrub belonging to the Pelargonium genus which is very extensive family including over 200 species. Most originate from South Africa but it is Pelargonium graveolens of the Reunion Islands which is thought to produce the oil of highest quality, often referred to as Bourbon geranium. The unfortunate side of this fine quality oil is that today it is often blended with other less expensive geranium oils from other countries. Some people refer to Bourbon geranium as rose geranium because of its “rosy aroma.”
Unlike other oils there seems to be very little historical reference.

Within seconds of first meeting someone, we unconsciously judge the person. After forming the first impression, we normally do not go beyond it to look for any accuracy in our perception – unless it seems like a serious situation. While this is an innate characteristic in us all, how we prepare for our first impression with others can pave a road to a positive lasting impression.
First impressions are not just towards others. People will walk into a restaurant, house, spa, or even school and instantly have feelings – whether positive or negative. For example, spa owners are taught to keep the entrance to the spa neutral to accommodate both women and men. If a man walks into a frou-frou spa with pink everything, I think his first instinct is to turn and run.

Vince Lombardi is considered to be the most successful professional football coach of all time. A popular story of Coach Lombardi comes to mind from his infamous "This is a Football" speech. During the first team meeting of the pre-season, the legendary coach would gather all of the players on his NFL team together in the locker room. He would hold up a football and say, "Gentlemen, this is a football." I do not doubt that the first time he ever said this to his team, he received many eyes rolling back at him.

When we think of these two essential oils, Sweet Orange (citrus sinensis) and Mandarin (citrus reticulata), the words that come to mind are joy, happy, uplifting and optimism. These oils are absolute favorites in the spa, being safe, nontoxic and are oils that all clients can benefit from.

The therapeutic value of orange was first identified in Ancient China, where for centuries the dried peel of the fruit was used in Chinese Medicine. It is thought that the Arabs first brought oranges to Mediterranean in the first century. And we know that the Romans were aware of the power of oranges and used Orange Flower water to avoid hangovers.

I am probably in the minority with the following statement, but I love spring cleaning! I love the organization… the cleaning… the figurative breath of fresh air and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a clutter-free space. I find that it promotes optimistic thoughts, helps me gain clarity, and creates a sense of success. There is just something about having a clean space that makes it easier to focus. My husband has very specific requirements when it comes to cooking… He needs all of the dishes to be put away and everything in its place before he can start dinner!

I recently read a quote of someone referring to New Year’s resolutions going “in one year, out the other.” I could not help but give a little laugh. But is this not true of most of us? It seems that in such a trying economy, resolutions to spend less money and save more would be almost a required priority. But unfortunately, our good intentions get squandered by our busy lifestyles. Subconscious commitments to current habits outweigh our high hopes for change and improvement.
Doing a little more online digging led me to a statistic saying only eight percent of people are always successful in achieving their resolutions.

Greetings, and welcome to an exciting new year. All of us at DERMASCOPE wish you happiness and prosperity in all your endeavors.
I draw the inspiration for my opening message from the many replies we received from readers to our monthly Closing Thoughts department. Each month, we pose a question on our website and encourage our readers to provide feedback on their experiences. We then publish the most useful responses in our Closing Thoughts department on the last page of each DERMASCOPE Magazine. This month we asked: How do you keep up-to-date in our industry?

Even as the rates of some cancers are falling, Mayo Clinic is seeing a shocking trend: the dramatic rise of skin cancer, especially among people under 40. According to a study by Mayo Clinic, the incidence of melanoma has escalated, and young women are the hardest hit.

Researchers conducted a population-based study. The study found the incidence of melanoma increased eightfold amongst young women and fourfold among young men.

According to the FDA national health fraud coordinator, The FDA has uncovered skin care products containing mercury in at least seven states in the U.S. that are being marketed as “skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles.” 

How do you research the products, supplies, and equipment that go into one of your most important investments—your spa? Do you really know the companies you work with? Do you know how long they’ve been in this industry? Are you sure they are serving the professional industry? 
Most would say why does it matter? Well figure this: a new microdermabrasion machine just came into your skin care center. You are so excited and you got it at the best deal over the Internet. Times are tough but you need to stay up-to-date and compete with the local skin care centers in your area.

Everyone wants to maintain their youthful appearance. Everyone wants smooth skin. No one wants wrinkles and sagging. But let’s face it: aging is inevitable. There are no true anti-aging products or treatments out there. We all age, whether slow or fast, and eventually we all start to show our maturity in our skin.
One thing we can do though is age healthily. We can monitor what we put on our skin, in our bodies, in our mind, etc… I have broken down healthy aging into four groups: in your body, on your body, emotional, and activity. Simply, you can slow down the aging process if you eat right, exercise, stay away from certain elements, and even have the right attitude.