The limitations of laser hair removal have become less in number lately, as advanced technology can now target light-colored hair and dark skin tones. With this progress, it is a wonder how sugaring, as the oldest method and such a basic process of hair removal, can continue to hold its own in the hair removal industry. 

Hair removal specialists that already offer laser treatments may feel that they already provide the best in hair removal; however, combining laser with a reputable sugaring system makes a broader range of hair removal candidates available for a business to target. Sugaring opens the door to a variety of clients that may be unable to receive lasering treatments for various reasons, such as the color and texture of their skin and hair, skin sensitivity, and even skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  

NOT ONE & THE SAME 

Many people, in and outside of the industry, confuse sugaring with waxing, as both are applied to skin, spread across a section, and then removed from skin, taking hair. There are several fundamental differences between sugaring and waxing.  

Firstly, sugar pastes are water soluble, making post-hair removal cleanup much easier. Base formulations are all made of sugar, water, and lemon. Waxes, on the other hand, require special solvents for cleanups. Although some synthetic additives to waxes can help with certain sensitive skin types or make waxes creamier, they can also trigger atopic dermatitis and cause skin condition flare-ups or allergic reactions. Additionally, sugar pastes do not harbor bacteria, as they are unable to breed in high concentrations of sugar. Waxes can breed bacteria, especially in the vicinity of wax pots.  

Lina Kennedy is a chief pioneer, collecting many feathers in her cap. An expert on professional sugaring, Kennedy regularly writes articles for industry magazines in North America and Europe. As president of Alexandria Professional, one of her personal goals is to ensure that each professional trained in the art of body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results that they and their clients can achieve through The Kennedy Theory™ for sugaring and The Kennedy Technique Theory™. 

I remember the first time I experienced the joy of my skin being smooth and hairless. Like most women, this was during puberty and the result of my own hands with a common razor. I remember feeling like I had brand-new legs, and no one had ever felt that silky before. While that certainly was not true, it reminded me of the power professionals have to make the biggest difference in the lives of many.

Waxing, sugaring, threading – hair removal is seemingly simple. Wax on, wax off; the hair is gone until next time. It is so easy, anyone can do it! But if that were true, would professional hair removal be a billion-dollar market? 

Although there will always be those who prefer to take hair removal into their own hands or to forgo it completely, one thing remains: if you build a quality hair removal business, they will come – and keep coming every four to six weeks. This is a testament to the expertise and finesse that professionals bring to the table, elevating hair removal from a mundane task to a rejuvenating and skillful art. This issue is dedicated to the nuances of hair removal, offering insights, tips, and tricks to elevate skill sets and provide a working guide for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Until next time, enjoy the smooth journey ahead!

Men are gaining interest in premium skin care. The global men’s beauty market is projected to grow to $110 billion by 2030, while the United States men’s skin care products market is projected to reach $28 billion by 2029, according to a Future Market Insights study.1 A growing demand for antiaging products and skin care formulated for men are some factors in driving market growth, alongside the power of social media, where #mensskincare has over 1.1 billion views on TikTok. It is clear that men and subsegments of this demographic are becoming interested in ways they can enhance their general appearance, improve skin texture, and look younger. 

SIMPLE IS SUCCESSFUL

When it comes to skin care, many male clients prefer minimalistic skin care routines and are hesitant to commit to a multistep product regimen. “We often must start our male clients with one or two foundational products and gradually incorporate more products over time as the client gains trust in the process,” says Joanna Garcia, a licensed aesthetician and director of aesthetics at MedBeautyLA.

References

1. Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (2022, May 13). The men’s skincare products market is projected to reach US$ 28,344.8 MN by 2029: Men’s skincare products industry trends, analysis, forecast. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/05/13/2442635/0/en/The-Men-s-Skincare-Products-Market-is-Projected-to-Reach-US-28-344-8-Mn-by-2029-Men-s-Skincare-Products-Industry-Trends-Analysis-Forecast.html 
2. Experienceispa. (n.d.). https://experienceispa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Industry-Study-FINAL.pdf

Speed waxing is all about technique; it is when you can lay multiple strips at once to finish a particular waxing service in a shorter amount of time. To provide a quality service, it is important to go over some speed waxing techniques to boost your business. 

PICK YOUR POISON

Select a quality wax that you are comfortable and confident working with. For speed waxing, a formula that has a slightly longer setting time is beneficial. Because you’re going to be laying multiple strips at a time, it’s important that it doesn’t set too quickly – if it does, it’s going to break and crack upon removal because it set for too long. If the formula you’re currently using has a lay and remove setting time, an alternate formula for speed waxing is recommended, especially for larger areas and Brazilian services.   

Taylor Wilson is a licensed aesthetician hailing from the Washington Metropolitan area. She’s a graduate of Von Lee International School of Esthetics, founded by the legendary Carole Walderman. She was a wax trainer at a European Wax center and eventually transitioned into her own studio, JB Skin Clinic full time where she provided waxing and skin revision treatments. Realizing she wanted to focus on education and helping other aestheticians reach their goals, she came on board to Starpil as their brand educator.

Pigmentary disorders have long been among the top concerns that cosmeceutical advancements in formulations and technology address. Among the most common pigmentary disorders are melasma (pregnancy mask), solar lentigines (sunspots), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – which remains the least discussed in textbooks and training resources.

All ethnicities, genders, and skin tones can experience the woes of hyperpigmentation, but it is arguably the most common and foremost significant concern for clients with higher Fitzpatrick classifications. Skin care professionals must have the wherewithal to answer the battery of questions, concerns, and inquiries made around treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in all clients regardless of skin tone to achieve tangible and sustainable results.

TAKE NOTES

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation commonly involves hyperpigmentation scarring following acne lesions but not exclusively. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also occur after thermal insult or injury, bug bites, abrasions, inflammatory skin disorders, and viral illnesses such as chicken pox. 

C.R. Cooper is a connective, knowledgeable, and compassionate educator who has been a skin enthusiast for over 24 years. As the education manager and master educator for a renowned global institute of learning in the skin health industry, Cooper values organizational and individual industry standards, professional and personal brand integrity, but most importantly the inherent worth in every skin professional. 

The aesthetics industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. It took a sharp and unexpected turn that most were not prepared for, leaving service providers with no choice but to deal with the fallout. Lockdowns, phased reopening, and regulations on social distancing caused businesses to come to a screeching halt. In turn, we were forced to get creative or risk losing everything.

There are many people in the industry who struggled, those who lost, those who fought, and those who survived and succeeded. Skin care professionals created new options and opportunities for their clients and took active measures to think on their feet, step outside the box, and hang on to their business – it was nothing less than astounding and inspiring. There are still so many mixed emotions, and what happened during the pandemic can only be summed up by the words devastation, adaptability, perseverance, strength, and endurance. 

DEVASTATION

Every industry has been impacted by coronavirus shutdowns, but the beauty industry was one of the hardest hit due to the nature of our jobs – touching people, a thing that obviously can’t be done from a six-foot social distance. 

Updates on COVID-19 closures, reopenings, and mandates were the daily obsession. Some states closed for months, some states opened early, other states had professionals working outside in tents, and some survived by illegally servicing clients. Unfortunately, none of the temporary solutions solved the loss of income, and many beauty businesses did not reopen. 

Shawna Rocha is the owner of Awaken Day Spa in California and Washington. She has a love for helping clients with compromised and sensitive skin and constantly strives to gain additional knowledge and education. Since becoming an aesthetician, she has completed multiple advanced courses in oncology aesthetics, immuno-aesthetics, and specialized training in sensitive skin and holistic therapies. Rocha holds several certifications, including a NCEA certification and has recently become the director of education for Hale and Hush Skincare. Rocha’s current passion is writing blogs and articles about the skin care industry, and she has recently become a DERMASCOPE Ambassador.  

Brilliant Bodywork is located in the heart of La Crosse, Wisconsin and was created to be an inclusive, safe space where the services go beyond the procedures. Medical spa procedures are not always comfortable, so it is a priority for Brilliant Bodywork to have empathy and compassion to ease clients’ anxiety and provide a more successful outcome emotionally and physically. Brilliant Bodywork has been open for 15 years and changes lives daily by arming clients with knowledge, helping them feel confident in their skin by loving themselves just as they are. DERMASCOPE sat down with owner, Stephanie Andresen Stevens to learn more about this Face Haven. 

What pushed you to open your own spa, and at what point in your career did you open it? 
It was very important that my spa was seen as a safe haven, not only for the clients but also for myself and my staff. I started Brilliant Bodywork right out of aesthetics school in a 250-square foot office space and we were able to grow into a 7,000-square foot spa that is now seen as a local respite spot for members of our community.  

What has been your biggest challenge to overcome as a spa owner? 
Imposter syndrome has been my biggest challenge as a spa owner. In my quiet mornings, before the spa opens, I sit in wonder of how I have made it as far as I have in my profession. I feel so blessed to serve others.  

What do you look for in a professional brand? 
When seeking out new professional brands, I look for integrity. I look for products that are available to professionals only, not sold online, and I look for companies that are not going to market directly to my clients. I also look for companies that invest in their representatives.  

What is your favorite treatment to receive?  
My favorite treatment is the PiXel 8-RF with AnteAGE MDX immediately following the treatment. I love the lift and glow I get from this treatment.  

Favorite ingredients? 
My all-time favorite ingredient is mandelic acid. It is so versatile and can help with inflamed acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, folliculitis, and more. It is a must have in my treatment room and in my own beauty routine.  

What is unique about your spa?  

We serve our community through giving back. We facilitate two nonprofits, Restorative Ink and Wings of Hope. Through Restorative Ink, we offer free tattoo removal services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Wings of Hope assists oncology clients with massage and skin care services during and post-treatment. Due to the high medical costs that these clients are subject to, clients are asked to only pay what they can afford.  

Contact Information: 

@brilliantbodywork 

brilliantbodywork.com 

608-783-8380  

Adrienne Shostak

An award-winning licensed master aesthetician, Shostak is the owner of Bespoke Aesthetics and Wellness in Washington, DC. 

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I actually studied theatre in college. Then around the age of 30, I decided to make the switch to aesthetics. I was living in London at the time, so I did my basic training at the London School of Beauty & Makeup. I opened my business straight after school and learned modalities from the companies I worked with. I started with intense-pulsed light, microneedling, and peels. Since then, I have continually worked on finding new product lines and modalities as I am always looking to better help clients. In the past 13 years of working in the industry, I have never not been in the process of learning a new tool. Learning is my passion.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been practicing for 13 years. I shudder to think of my early work, but you get better by trying new things. When looking for a new career in my 30s, I made a list of things I wanted in my work life versus what I did not. I wanted flexibility, an ever-evolving craft to learn, a relaxing environment, and something science based. I did not want to punch a clock, or do anything that was not tangible in its results. As I had my own skin issues for most of my life, aesthetics became a winning choice. I love empowering people to use nature to help themselves grow and heal.

Why is DMK your ultimate go-to, and how has it helped you become one of the best professionals in the industry?

They have helped us become so successful because their products are universally beneficial for all skin tones, types, conditions, and provide instant and lasting results. 

Why did you choose the brand, and how did you find out about them?

I found DMK by browsing social media and seeing the results of the many Skin Games’ contestants who used it. I am all about the before-and-after capability, philosophy, and mechanism of product lines. DMK’s concept just made sense to me. Using the body’s own capabilities to heal itself through reverse osmosis resonated with me and my own experiences with healing my own acne. But, at the end of the day, what really sold me was their enzyme therapy. After experiencing it for myself, there was no looking back; I was hooked.

How do you stay educated with this brand?

It is easy to stay educated with DMK as they invest so greatly in their representatives and provide consistent training. My representative regularly visits to help me train new staff and teach me more about the brand. DMK also has an incredible online library of videos to learn from. 

What benefits do your clients see from using the products of the brand?

One of the most satisfying aspects of the brand is how quickly clients see results – truly healthy skin from the inside out. With raised water levels and balanced oil production, clients achieve healthy glowing skin every time thanks to highly customizable routines that maximize potential.

How do you promote yourself and the brand?

We promote through social media and weekly newsletters and blogs. We are also regularly featured in the local culture and lifestyle magazine, DC Modern Luxury. This year I aim to expand our reach to teaching courses virtually for both clients and aestheticians.

Besides working with the brand, what else has helped you become one of the best?

Bespoke has grown the way it has due to a dedicated spiritual practice on my end. The business is an extension of me, like a child. It is vital that I protect and nurture my own energy and continue to grow as a person and leader. My spiritual practice is through yoga, meditation, and being part of like-minded community dedicated to helping other people. It is hard to balance all of it with motherhood, but the better care I take of myself, the better I can serve those around me through my work.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

We regularly donate our services to charity auction events. Also, Bespoke Aesthetics is a femininely empowered workplace. We give back in providing refuge for other women – a place where they can take care of themselves and be cared for by us. Similarly, I hope to provide a place for my aestheticians to grow and show them a clear example of what initiative, balance, and leadership can look like as a woman and mother.

Adrienne’s Must-Have Products 

DMK Skin Revision BETA GEL

MELANOTECH DROPS

skinbetter science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Osmosis Beauty StemFactor: Growth Factor Serum

@bespokeaestheticsdc

(833) 642-2542

adrienneshostak.com

This month’s issue focuses on the foundation of our industry and the core of our success – skin Health and wellness. Even with the continual influx of new products, ingredients, and technology falling into our skilled hands, the main objective of our job has never changed – to allow skin to be the healthiest that it can be. The healthier skin is, the easier it is to improve specific skin concerns and conditions.

As readers soak up all the content from this month, be sure to note where it plays a role in the health of skin. What are the basics needs of every skin type? What needs to be done to obtain that base line? How can it be built upon? These are easy questions that often get overlooked when looking at the big picture. 

Go back to the basics and to what it is you know about skin and how it functions. Every skin type requires hydration (water), a balanced microbiome, antioxidant protection, and ultraviolet ray protection. From this baseline, it is easy to focus on skin concerns, including promoting cellular turnover, inhibiting pigment production, minimizing (or maximizing) oil production, and stimulating protein synthesis for firmness and elasticity.

The basics never change. The core requirements of skin have never changed. The core requirements of professionals’ role have also never changed. Know the basics, perform a thorough consultation every single time, and, lastly, know the products. This month’s issue will be a fantastic tool to put in a skin professional’s toolbox. Enjoy!