10 min read
When you hear your skin referred to as problematic, you immediately equate this with a dilemma, complication, troublesome, distressed, obstacle, an inconvenience. We want it instantaneously fixed! Who wants a problem? In fact when your skin is experiencing a "problem," it is a sign that your body is in a healing phase, which is a good thing. The skin is trying to expel waste, bacteria, toxins, or possible negative emotions as an attempt to return the body and skin back health. Read More
- Published in Other
10 min read
Times change, and the world population is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of ethnic identity. This is especially true in the U.S., where people of many ethnicities and the merging of ethnic identities challenge old concepts of classification. Grasping the commonalities and differences between skin conditions common to specific ethnicities is absolutely critical to treating skin in an effective and truly modern way. But here's the problem: it's difficult to even discuss the ethnicity of skin in correct, appropriately sensitive, and politically correct terms. The traditional language still applied to race — and in fact, the term "race" itself — is deeply rooted in Victorian and colonial social systems. In many cases, these concepts are no longer applicable. Read More
- Published in Other
12 min read
Alcohol, medications, and drugs can affect the skin and create a challenge when an aesthetician is trying to figure out how to treat the client. In aesthetic school, students are taught to always have the client fill out a history sheet for contraindications – especially with hair removal. It is imperative to know if the client is on certain medications such as Retina-A®, Accutane®, Renova™, Tazorac®, Differin®, Azelex®, blood-thinning medications, and recent injectables such as Botox®. Some clients will openly share which medications they are taking on their client history. Other clients may feel embarrassed to reveal their consumption of alcohol or will not be honest about their use of illegal drugs. How can an aesthetician encourage a client to be honest? After all, it is for their own safety and well-being. Read More
- Published in Other
7 min read
I have always known that margaritas are not good for the waist line, but being dangerous for the skin I never even imagined. The story begins in the beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. A trip with some friends started out innocently enough; the sun drenched beaches, the 90 degree ocean water, and the margaritas. Oh yes, those margaritas. Who can resist this classic Mexican cocktail in the most beautiful Mexican city? Read More
- Published in Other
12 min read
Welcome to the second part of the series looking at skin disorders. In this part we will look at the next level of common skin diseases. Previously we defined diseases as abnormal appearance, feeling, or sensation of the skin requiring diagnosis by a medical practitioner, which may need treatment either by prescription medicines or procedures performed by a medical professional. This information is important for your practice to help your patients with skin abnormalities receive proper care. As a skin care professional, you can also help them cope with their disease, encourage compliance with treatments, and provide complementary non-prescription adjuncts for control and prevention. Read More
- Published in Other
11 min read
In my article “Guidelines for Recognizing Common Skin Disorders," we looked at the most prominent skin diseases including acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and actinic keratoses. In this article, we will cover the next level of common skin conditions skin care professionals will face, which can be improved with or without the use of prescription topical therapies for which a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant is needed. It is also important to know that several conditions, when severe, will have increased size or number of lesions that indicate there is a significant risk of an underlying potentially serious disease. These will also be addressed. Read More
- Published in Other
9 min read
Problem and solution – if only it were this simple. As skin care professionals, most of the concerns our clients come to us with are multi-dimensional in terms of their origin, and consequently their treatment. As with most things in life, it is almost always necessary to look beneath the surface to determine the underlying cause of a problem.Although this may seem like a more circuitous approach than treating only what is seen, our investigations can be simplified by the acknowledgement of a resounding theme. Without question, inflammation is a common thread in the contributing factors to many skin conditions. Acne, rosacea, dermatitis; even the signs of aging all have something in common: inflammation. Read More
- Published in Other
8 min read
The aesthetic industry is opening itself to what is unique about contemporary times, detaching from outdated procedures and instead adjusting them to our current needs. Cultural, environmental, and dietary changes within our society have altered how our skin interacts with traditional treatments. In order to provide optimal results to our clients we must begin by acknowledging various skin conditions that are on the rise in our culture, understand their source and adjust our procedures accordingly. Read More
- Published in Other
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In today’s beauty landscape, clients want youthful, healthy skin and a firm, toned body without compromising long-term health. Amid an
