Spring has arrived and with summer right around the corner, now is the time to place more emphasis on body care and treatments. Often, the skin on the body is overlooked with more emphasis being placed on facial care and services. However as skin care professionals, we recognize that the skin on the body is the largest detoxification organ and should be treated with the same amount of care that you would afford the face. The skin on the body differs significantly from the skin on the face. The skin on the body tends to be four to five times thicker than the skin on the face. Read More

It is common for clients to have not one but multiple skin concerns. And for many, skin discoloration ranks high on the list. This skin dysfunction is not only unsightly, but it inevitably contributes to premature aging and requires targeted care. Commonly referred to as hyperpigmentation, these discolorations are often darkly pigmented spots that appear over previously clear areas of the skin. Caused by multiple factors, effective treatment and long-term control with a result-driven solution is an in-demand request. What About Tanning and its Contra Effects In the 1920s, cultural influences shifted as French designer "Coco Chanel" popularized tanning as a symbol of health, well-being and an upscale social status. Read More

Serums have a fundamentally different function than creams. Serums are meant to penetrate and interact with the skin where as a cream is meant to form a protective barrier on the skin. A true serum is thinner in viscosity, has a smaller molecule which delivers nutrients or other active ingredients. If properly formulated serums fulfill their intention and interact with the skin in a fundamental way. As a general rule, most serums are water soluble. When using serums in a daily regiment, it is important to acknowledge that there can still be a benefit derived from the addition of a cream as a protective barrier. Read More

Does a man's skin contrast enough to require different treatment? Yes and no. Men typically have a thicker dermis and epidermis, higher sensitivity, produce more sebum, and have larger pores than women. Their pH is also more acidic, and they tend to form a greater number of deeper facial lines and hyperpigmentation issues. Additionally, men continually battle a number of skin challenges as a result of shaving (including ingrown hairs, dryness and razor burn). While many of the products and treatments we use today still work on men's skin, those specifically designed for men will be more effective – simply because the formulations and levels are more targeted. Read More

Of all the skin conditions that lead consumers to seek treatment, acne is, by far, the most common. A chronic, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and their sebaceous gland), acne affects between 40 and 50 million people in the U.S. alone.1 Today, countless products and therapies exist to treat acne, the largest sector of which is topical treatments – both prescription and over-the-counter. Yet, few products succeed at eliminating acne. This is because most exist to address acne symptoms rather than the multiple causes of the disease. Unless each of these factors is addressed, acne symptoms will reoccur.  Read More

Women today are well informed and have become increasingly critical and demanding. We are more and more aware of our health and beauty. Not only do we place high demands on the things we allow on our skin, for our customers fast and effective results are also very much among the top priorities. Exfoliating skin peels can meet these demands – they are an innovative way to substantially improve the quality of the skin and promote extraordinary skin rejuvenation so that unwanted blemishes, lines and wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and impurities are effectively diminished. The use of peeling techniques to exfoliate the skin has a time-honored tradition. Read More

Many plants have effectively been used on skin for generations. For example, horse chestnut extract has been used in Europe for hundreds of years to treat varicose veins and fragile capillaries. thanks to modern science we now know why it is effective. It contains beta-aescin and many flavonoids our great grandparents did not know about. During the 20th century many companies in the beauty industry started to use more affordable and consistent synthetic ingredients in their formulations. Yet, my experience leads me to honestly believe that natural, organic plant ingredients are better for our skin than their synthetic twins. Read More

Whether it is from lack of sleep, squinting, or the ever-ticking clock of aging we all worry and fret over the appearance of the skin around our eyes; crow's feet, dark circles, and puffiness are the most common concerns. The tissue around the eye is the thinnest on the body, five to ten times thinner, and therefore it will show the first signs of aging. It is important to treat this delicate area differently with a specific eye treatment. However, before treatment is started it is best to decide on the outcome. Does the client want to reduce eye circles, smooth fine lines or reduce puffiness? Read More

Exfoliation and aesthetics simply go hand-in-hand. Aestheticians have been using exfoliation means in the form of chemicals, enzymes and scrubs for decades and have an understanding of skin biology that allows them to recognize the characteristics of healthy skin at any age. Exfoliation is a critical process in skin rejuvenation and the maintenance of healthy skin. Regular exfoliation can help improve skin appearance, smooth the texture of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more even skin tone by visibly reducing the signs of hyperpigmentation. Read More

The word "hydration" or "hydrating" has been a buzz word in both the cosmetic and aesthetic field for decades. We have had hydrating creams, serums, and treatments for as long as I can remember. We know that HYDRA or HYDRO refers to water – but in our field, it has taken on so many connotations as to be compared to the mythical Greek monster Hydra – the beast with many heads! Before we define the actual meaning of hydrate, let us look at a similar word that is actually a complete misnomer – the word "moisturizer." Read More