In an increasingly automated and impersonal world, there seems to be more of an emphasis on what technology can do and less focus on what personal contact can accomplish. While text message and e-mail reminders, online appointment bookings, and automated phone systems are helpful and have enhanced society, they all lack one essential component: the human touch. The relationships created and maintained with clients have always been, and should always be, a priority for all in the service industry. Multiple surveys all point to the same conclusion that customer service matters to people. No matter whom is asked, the fact remains that great customer service is driven by people. Read More

Athough many clients mistakenly believe that chocolate can cause acne, they may not know that several studies have shown that dark chocolate – with 70 percent cocoa – may fight sun damage. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a plant-based antioxidant, and has been proven to provide a number of health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart attacks. Read More

DO: Lightly exfoliate the skin one to two days before waxing. A gentle, physical exfoliant will help the wax to adhere to the hair rather than the skin. It is best to exfoliate a couple days before the treatment – not the day of – in order to prevent unnecessary sensitivity to pain. DON'T: Touch the freshly waxed area. After the skin is waxed, the follicles are typically open for about 24 to 48 hours, making the area more susceptible to infection. Touching newly waxed skin, as tempting as it may be, can transfer bacteria from the hand to the vulnerable follicles. Read More

written and illustrated by Annette Tobia, Ph.D., founder and president of Dynamis Therapeutics, Inc. • Excess sugar molecules bind to protein, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs).• In young skin, collagen and elastin are organized, flexible, and resilient.• In mature skin, AGEs bind to collagen and elastin, causing accelerated skin aging.• The average adult consumes 20 teaspoons of added sugar per day. The American Heart Association recommends nine teaspoons of added sugar per day.• Clients can stop the cycle of glycation by reversing the damage through the use of skin care products that contain sugar-inhibiting ingredients. Read More

For skin care professionals, protecting the skin from the sun is about much more than the pain and redness associated with a sunburn. The sun emits three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Read More

The modern lifestyle has exposed humans to stress and toxins that accumulate over time. The skin provides a window into the internal effects of everyday toxins. Fortunately, herbs can improve the body through their relaxing and detoxifying effects. Read More

Many skin care professionals love self-tanning products because they are a great alternative to outdoor tanning and tanning beds, which can cause premature aging and cancer. There are, however, a number of mistakes that clients can make when using a self-tanner. They may miss a spot, use a shade that is too dark, have streaks on rough areas, and even leave stains on their hands and nail beds. Clients do not need to worry or stop using the self-tanner due to a few mistakes, especially those that can be prevented and fixed! Read More

A fun day in the sun can sometimes lead to painful sunburns. Clients that have painful, swollen, and oozing burns may wonder what they can do to alleviate their suffering. There are many options that can help clients through the discomfort of a sunburn. These alternatives originate from four different medical perspectives: Western, ayurvedic, naturopathic, and traditional Chinese medicines. Read More