In the world of massage therapy, the dreaded burnout comes in many forms. Lumbar, wrist and hand injury from repetitive use can all lead to even the most seasoned of professionals getting out of the massage business altogether. But, do not throw in the towel just yet! Learning how to use feet to deliver massage could be the answer for career longevity. While there is a plethora of various styles of massage – Swedish, hot stone, sports, reflexology, myofascial, medical, Thai, lymphatic, Shiatsu, and the list goes on and on – typically these are all techniques reserved for the use of hands. Ashiatsu focuses solely on using the various parts of the foot to deliver a deep tissue massage, thus elevating all the repetitive hand use associated with many of the other well-known modalities.
In the Japanese dictionary “ashi” means “foot” and “atsu” means “pressure.” The term “ashiatsu” translates into the word “foot-pressure.” “Shi” means finger and “atsu” again means pressure, so “finger-pressure” relates to Shiatsu. But even though Shiatsu is commonly known and a very popular form of massage, the layers of Shiatsu go far beyond just finger pressure, just as Ashiatsu encompasses much more than just compression with the foot. If the term Ashiatsu is used in today’s massage and spa industry, it typically means there is a set of parallel bars above the massage table and the therapist is using his or her body weight to help assist the foot during the session.
The art and science of using the feet for massage while using an overhead support system went public around 1992, when Ashiatsu exploded onto the scene. It was one of the most sought-after massage techniques to learn here in the United States and the growing popularity of this barefoot bonanza now has spas and resorts from around the world sending their staff to be trained in this unique modality. With the aid of sophisticated educational e-learning platforms, now access to training in barefoot massage and gravity assisted massage has never been more user friendly. But, before looking any further at the present barefoot Ashiatsu, it is important to gain enlightenment from centuries ago regarding barefoot massage. Massage done with the feet dates back thousands of years, with roots in Asia and India. Records show various cultures using the foot for healing in all types of rituals and healing art forms. It should be noted that, in its ancient forms, ashiatsu was rarely performed with the professional holding their arms above their head grasping a solid structure of any kind for balance.

ASHIATSU AROUND THE WORLD
Records show that the first culture to use any kind up support above their head while giving massage can be traced back to Kerala, India 2,000 years ago by practitioners of martial arts. It was used as part of their training to increase flexibility and to increase recovery time from injuries. The barefoot technique utilized is known as Chavutti Thirumal, which translates into “foot pressure” in the Malayalam language. This form of barefoot massage is performed on a floor mat or organic woven mat, while the practitioner holds onto two ropes with knots for balance and support. The practitioner glides vigorously over the client’s body with a generous amount of medicinal herb-infused oil.
Another culture using the foot for massage is barefoot Shiatsu. Most everyone has heard of the single term Shiatsu, a form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan. Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure,” as mentioned above, but it also uses variations like kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is performed without oils through light, comfortable clothing with the hands. There are different styles of Shiatsu, all of which have roots in one of three systems that developed in Japan in the early 19th century. Barefoot Shiatsu, however, is a form of massage performed on the floor in which sometimes the practitioner holds onto a bamboo stick or a chair for support and balance. Practitioners work through the client’s clothing and focus on the pressure points relating to the balance and circulation of chi (energy).
Fijian massage is done through clothing either sitting on the floor or standing. In remote areas of the Fijian Islands, this ancient form of barefoot bodywork was developed to release tension. Fijian villagers would lie on the ground or on a Fijian woven mat and the practitioner would press with their foot into different points on the body (now known as trigger point therapy), pulling and pressing into muscles. They believed that the foot was often more therapeutic than utilizing the hands. No over head bars, ropes, or lubrication is used in a traditional Fijian massage and the recipient is clothed.
In Thailand, therapists have used their feet for hundreds of years to stretch and compress muscle tissue.
In Hawaii, Kua Lua back walking stems from an ancient martial art. Both forms of barefoot massage are a spiritual practice for native Hawaiians. Therapists utilize a bamboo stick for support and balance, while employing pressure along the back and spine.
Thai massage, or Thai yoga massage, is a traditional healing system delivered through clothing by hand combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. Ashi-Thai is a new generational technique infusing traditional Thai principals of the old world, but replacing palms and hands with feet utilizing the bar. The therapist’s feet and legs maneuver and manipulate clients into position for the stretch and the foot is used for compressions and rocking rhythms to control the depth of stretch – of course, all the while, utilizing the support of the overhead bars.
Ashiatsu today has grown in popularity due to the ease of use in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure utilizing their feet and body weight while holding on to parallel bars overhead. The bars are there for balance, support, and client safety. Cream or oil is applied to the client’s body, making this deep therapeutic massage fluid and relaxing
With Ashiatsu, the bodyworker uses gravity and body weight to assist in the massage. This alleviates much of the effort a professional’s arms, thumbs, hands, and shoulders normally exert during a session, especially if it is a deep tissue massage, which is what 90 percent of consumers request. With most of the power stemming from the legs and core, it allows the therapist to stand up straight and deliver pressure with their whole body, not just the upper body weight one would experience leaning over a table. In a typical session, the client lies on a massage table unclothed but professionally draped. The therapist delivers everything from effleurage, trigger point work, and static compression with myofascial stretching to more gliding, Swedish-type strokes. It really is a combined fusion of all these various movements addressing each concern the client may have, but it is all done with the feet and with no assistance from the hands.

BENEFITS FOR THE PRACTITIONER
Ashiatsu therapists are able to provide an effective therapeutic massage without causing pain or discomfort to themselves or the receiving client. Because the therapist wants to lengthen their career, enjoy what they do each day, and save their hands, there has been a huge increase in massage therapists seeking out training in this particular modality – not to mention a movement in consumers wanting to receive this type of massage because the Ashiatsu massage goes much deeper than the common Swedish massage. A very common massage complaint from consumers is that they do not like the feeling of a sharp elbow or thumb when they ask for more pressure. Sadly, if the therapist is only trained to go in harder with their fingers, fists, or forearms, this is what the client usually feels on the table. There are many benefits for the client receiving this type of barefoot work.

Deep Tissue Without Discomfort
If a client is in need of deep tissue work, but does not enjoy the discomfort that comes with pointy elbows and thumbs, then Ashiatsu could be a great treatment for them. Gravity enables Ashiatsu therapists to deliver up to three times deeper pressure than with traditional hands-on treatments. Utilizing bodyweight and the foot as a massage tool provides broad, consistent pressure that creates structural change throughout the body. As a result, clients will enjoy the same extra range of movement and decrease in chronic tension relief without having to endure painful strokes.

Frees Up Bundled Nerves
Movements along the para-spinals and the lumbar region can relieve muscle spasms and open the intervertebral foramen where spinal nerves pass through. This gives the nerves more space and increases circulation by bringing more freshly oxygenated blood to the area being treated. Ashiatsu strokes can also help to elongate the spine and muscles while detoxifying. These movements dramatically stretch shortened muscles, which help in relieving pain and discomfort. These long fluid strokes also help flush the body’s lymphatic system, which releases metabolic waste at a very high rate. It is recommended that clients drink plenty of water before and after a treatment to help with the detoxification process.

Improves Posture and Decreases Pain
After only a few treatments, Ashiatsu barefoot massage has been known to improve posture and range of motion. It significantly reduces or eliminates chronic muscle pain and improves bodily functions, which will create a higher sense of balance and well-being within the body. Typically, one treatment a week for upwards of six weeks will produce these kinds of results.

ASHIATSU CONTRAINDICTATIONS
Ashiatsu is not suitable for everyone due to the compressive nature of Ashiatsu massage. Therapists must take extra precaution with certain client conditions. These are just a hand full of conditions that would be contraindicated for receiving an Ashiatsu treatment. However, a certified therapist will have full knowledge of all contraindications for Ashiatsu and how to best address their client needs.

• pregnant or trying to conceive
• high blood pressure
• recent injuries or surgeries
• contagious skin disorders
• compromised immune system
• acute liver or kidney disorders
• certain medications
• acute auto-immune disorders
• recent surgical implants
• advanced diabetes

TRAINING
Anyone giving Ashiatsu massage should be a licensed massage professional with insurance, certification in Ashiatsu, and a full range of specific barefoot knowledge, in order to best address their clients’ needs.

Equipment
To perform this style of massage, a professional will need to install a set of parallel bars. During training, the massage equipment, various designs, and different room bar schematics are explained in detail. And, while there are specific measurements with safety guidelines that go along with using the bars and installing the bars, treatment rooms and therapists come in all different shapes and sizes, therefore, it is impossible to list one exact formula for all. There are many essentials that should always be considered when creating a perfect Ashiatsu treatment. Methods to sanitize and warm the feet quickly, warm room temperature, aromatherapy to help with sinus drainage after posterior compressions, table warmer, cozy and warm draping for clients both supine and prone, proper bolstering for female and male clients, specific lubrication for Ashiatsu protocols, soft lighting, and music are always a plus. But, at the end of the day, equipment for performing Ashiatsu is the same in most scenarios: one set of overhead bars, one adjustable massage table (32 to 35 inch wide, electric lift table preferred), and one stationary stool at appropriate height, without wheels, for sitting and standing at the head of the table.

For those who might feel stuck in a massage practice that they love, but the thought of using their hands for one more hour makes them cringe, Ashiatsu training may be an ideal option. Some may need continuing education hours soon and want to explore something different and unique. Ashiatsu training and certification could be perfect. When looking for training seminars, be sure to study with a well-respected Ashiatsu educator with longevity. Professionals should be able to receive detailed instruction in barefoot massage protocols and not just crash course vignettes. The company should be able to offer both live, hands-on workshops and well-structured e-learning platforms. Make sure the educational company chosen has high standards set forth in education for safe and professional Ashiatsu practices with an established reputation. They should offer continual support long after the seminar is over and provide a positive setting during training where professionals can flourish and become dynamic Ashiatsu practitioners.

Ruthie Piper Hardee is the founder of the Ashiatsu Barefoot Bar Technique and developer of the Deepfeet Bar Therapy Educational Seminars. She created the first nationally-approved course-study for a western barefoot massage technique using bars on the ceiling. This modality has enhanced the careers of thousands of therapists, especially those who suffer from lumbar, wrist, and hand pain from doing traditional deep tissue massage by hand. Hardee pioneered the gravity assisted barefoot-bar massage treatments used in today’s spa and massage industry. She is a 2006 Massage Hall of Fame inductee. She invented the Hardee-Ashiatsu Portable Bar apparatus, the first ever mobile device for barefoot bar massage currently used worldwide. Hardee and her team of authorized instructors have successfully taught over 6,000 massage therapists the barefoot basics curriculum. deepfeet.com or 503-715-7929

Have you ever taken a moment to digest all that you learned in aesthetic school – the myriad of chapters, the review questions, the workbook, and all the extra credit assignments that go along with it? And, yet, it is important to ask yourself this question, “have I learned everything?” The correct answer is a resounding “no,” of course.

Let’s take a look at the classic curriculum as it is presented at most aesthetic schools. Your instructors want you to learn the basics before heading on to more complex subjects, techniques, machines, and the like. Their purpose is to make sure you can service a client while keeping client safety in mind and practicing infection control and proper sanitation. “The basics” include learning a classic facial massage, how to perform a basic facial, full body waxing, the art of makeup, how to sanitize and disinfect properly, what to do in case of blood exposure, how to handle a client who may react to an ingredient, the differences and nuances of the five skin types, how to address common skin conditions, and how to retail effectively to ensure you are sending your clients home with products that will complement what you have done in the treatment room. In a nutshell, aesthetic school prepares you for what comes next.

The bigger question is, “what is the difference between what I’ve learned already and continuing education classes versus advanced education classes?”  Put simply, each has its place in your career and you will more than likely take advantage of each of them as you grow in the industry. For those who live in a state where you are required to get a specific number or Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you will be required to seek out approved providers in your state who offer classes that satisfy the requirements to renew your professional license. Yes, you will have to pay for these classes, but the good news is that you may be able to take advantage of these classes at one of the many industry tradeshows; this way, you earn your CEUs along with attending the show, a true win-win situation.

The upside to living in a state that requires CEUs is that it will keep you learning. As the saying goes, “learners are earners.”

What about advanced classes? If you happen to live in a state where CEUs aren’t required, that does not mean that once you get your license that is it. You must be self-motivated, driven, and have a passion for the craft. You have to say to yourself that you are going to take advantage of every possible opportunity you have to advance your knowledge and education. There are nearly as many advanced classes as there are product lines, so it is up to you to find them. A good place to start would be on social media, professional skin care companies’ websites, and, of course, via other aestheticians.

You will have to fork over some cash to sit under the tutelage of those who have paid to become experts in their field and are now sharing their knowledge, wisdom, and time so you can learn what they already know. I like to tell students “get over it.” You are investing in yourself and that is the best investment you can make. In our industry, knowledge is power and the more you know, the more you grow. A professional will create value when they decide that they must take their career to the next level by learning more. Not only does this create value, it also shows your community, employer, clients, family, and friends that you are in this for the long haul and it is not a phase that you’ll grow out of. It all begins with taking what you learned in aesthetic school seriously and thoroughly understanding that having your license does not mean you know it all. On the contrary, your professional license grants you the privilege to go out and learn more – much more – whether by way of continuing education mandated by your state licensing authority or by advanced classes being offered by seasoned professionals, tradeshows, skin care companies, equipment companies, aesthetic schools who offer extra classes on the days they are closed, or online classes.

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences, go out there a find a class or two – maybe three. You will never regret it.

Denise Gaston is a proud CIDESCO diplomat, licensed aesthetician since 1989, certified clinical aesthetician, and is NCEA certified. Gaston has served as the northern California trainer for Repêchage Skincare and as an aesthetics instructor for Miss Marty’s Hair Academy and C.I.D.E.S.C.O. Institute. She is a former spa owner, having had a private practice for 10 years. Gaston is currently the vice president and director of aesthetics at Fremont Beauty College. She is a reviewer for Milady’s Standard Cosmetology Textbook 2008 Edition; Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, 11^th Edition; and Milady Standard Esthetics: Advanced, 2nd Edition. Gaston also serves as a subject matter expert for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

You have surpassed your goal of completing aesthetics school and now hold the coveted “Golden Ticket,” also known as your state license. As you ponder your options, you decide that the classic day spa is where you want to land as a newly minted aesthetics professional. Our focus will be on facilities that offer only skin care and body therapy treatments. Let’s take a look at the traditional day spa, a place which encompasses classic skin care treatments and body therapy in the form of massages, wraps, scrubs, and hydrotherapy.
You will be expected to work cohesively with a team of like-minded skin and body care professionals. You will need to lock arms and partner together as you all collectively move clients from treatment to treatment and even from one treatment room to another. The goal is to provide the ultimate experience for clients.
There are thousands of day spas in the world, with more being opened each week. It’s a rare thing to visit a hotel, resort, or any city large or small and not find a day spa. In America, the numbers are impressive, counting close to 5,700, according to a survey done by Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2018.1 No wonder the expectations and corporate stakes are extremely high. Do you have what it takes to be the consummate service provider? Are you comfortable putting others’ needs before your own? Can you handle working with all demographics?
Today’s spa employers are expecting you to hit the ground running, although many provide training on their methods; however, you must have the basics down. One of the number one pieces of advice I can give is to visit local spas and experience a variety of treatments. It is very important to have first-hand knowledge of what you will be doing on a daily basis. Most beauty schools do not offer a spa diploma, so it is up to you to advance your knowledge, as well as your education, by attending workshops, along with live and online classes. Yes, you will need to make an investment – there is no other way to learn. Always remember that your education does not end once you pass your state board examination – your license is a license to learn more. In order to be invaluable to your new spa employer, you will need to get as much advanced education as you can. Not only does it show your commitment to your profession, it will also give you an edge in the industry. The opportunities are endless. Are you ready? Here are some question to ask yourself.

• Are you committed to being a service provider?
• Have you taken advanced education or are you planning to?
• Are you open to learning new methods?
• Are you dependable, responsible, and punctual?
• Are you willing to work weekends and evenings if need be?
• Do you make every effort to dress your best with on-trend makeup and hair?
• Do you work well with a team?
• How good is your time management?
• Can you accept constructive criticism?
• Are you willing to be teachable and coachable?
• Can you put the needs of others before your own?
• Are you able to upsell and cross sell other spa services?
• How are your retail and sales skills? Do they need improvement?
• Are your salary expectations reasonably based on your skills and experience?
• Do you want to grow with your new spa or are you using it as a stepping stone to other opportunities?

Though just skimming the surface, the above considerations will give you a career track to run on.
Another question to consider when preparing for an interview is, “how would my actions, commitment, and attitude be if the shoe were on the other foot?” If you were the owner or spa director doing the hiring, would you hire yourself? Though you may not own the business or have a financial stake as an investor, as a beauty professional, wherever your path may lead, you should always treat each job, client, and service as if you were the owner. This mindset changes everything. An open-minded owner will be delighted to have employees that take charge and view their job not just as any job, but as a career, where doing and giving your best is woven into the fabric of the daily operations of the business, not caring who gets the credit. Be sure to provide the best services to clients and the communities you serve. This will help make your new career priceless.

Reference
1 Href, Maito and Robin Eisner. “Spas Now Part of American Life” ABC.com www.abcnews.go.com

Denise Gaston is a proud CIDESCO diplomat, licensed aesthetician since 1989, certified clinical aesthetician, and is NCEA certified. Gaston has served as the northern California trainer for Repechage Skincare and as an aesthetics instructor for Miss Marty’s Hair Academy and C.I.D.E.S.C.O. Institute. She is a former spa owner, having had a private practice for 10 years. Gaston is currently the vice president and director of aesthetics at Fremont Beauty College. She is a reviewer for Milady’s Standard Cosmetology Textbook 2008 Edition; Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, 11th Edition; and Milady Standard Esthetics: Advanced, 2nd Edition. Gaston also serves as a subject matter expert for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

A skin care professional who does not have in-depth medical training in physiology means an increased risk for side effects and poor results and could result in permanent problems from injectables, deeper layer chemical peels, and machines that are more than a class one medical device. This article will explore the regulations of popular aesthetic practices within varying states.

Cosmetic professionals, like aestheticians and cosmetologists, are well-trained in facial anatomy and how to care for the skin, however, their scope of education stops at that.
When it comes to aesthetic practices as it pertains to state requirements, they are not created equally, as every state has different guidelines. Some are similar and others are far apart in scope of practice requirements. It is important to keep an eye on scope of practice, understand it, and make sure one is practicing within the scope for one’s state.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
An aesthetician must provide services within a business where the license is current, active, and appropriate to the scope of practice of aesthetics. An aesthetician must also maintain knowledge of the duties, responsibilities, and accountabilities of practice and must practice in accordance with the following:

• Follow all laws regulating practice of aesthetics.
• Follow the rules of the board.
• Follow other applicable federal, state, and local laws and rules.
• Position statements, standards for practice, or guidelines for practice from nationally recognized professional aesthetic entities like EMDA, provided these statements, standards, or guidelines are consistent with existing laws or rules.

An aesthetician is required to demonstrate competence and accountability in all areas of practice in which the aesthetician is engaged which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Consistent performance of all aspects of aesthetic services according to acceptable and prevailing standards.
• Appropriate recognition, referral or consultation, and intervention when a complication arises during or after the performance of a specific service or procedure.
• Appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide the service.
• The aesthetician’s services do not involve a function or procedure which is prohibited by any other law or rule and do not exceed the definition of the practice of aesthetics.

Aestheticians may use any chemical, mechanical, or electrical service to exfoliate cells of the stratum corneum if their state requirement permits. Chemical peels performed by an aesthetician must be mixed and used at an ingredient concentration of their board requirement. In addition, the licensee follows all manufacturer’s directions in the use of the chemical peel preparations. Preparations are stored according to the manufacturer’s specifications and is discarded after its expiration date. Finally, aestheticians must not provide services using any device unclassified by their respective board’s rules.

LET’S LOOK AT OHIO
Scope of practice varies from state to state, so it is important for a professional to know the requirements of his or her own state. For instance, in Ohio, professionals who work for a doctor often have the misconception that they can do anything a doctor orders them to perform. Many salon, spa, and medical spa owners who have incorporated medical spa services using aestheticians or cosmetologists are not willing to acknowledge that there is a limit to what the aestheticians and cosmetologists can perform, even while working under a doctor.
Below is a statement about aestheticians and cosmetologists working under a physician from the lawyers for the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
While the medical delegation rules in chapter 4713-23 of the administrative code allow a physician to delegate certain medical tasks, licensees of the board still have limitations on what practices they can engage in while operating under their board license. Specifically, rules 4713-8-03 and 4713-8-04 state that cosmetologists and aestheticians working under the direct supervision of a licensed physician “shall provide only services within their scope of practice as set forth in Chapter 4713 of the Revised Code and the rules promulgated thereunder.” So, board licensees would not be permitted to provide services that are outside of their scope of practice, while working under their license, even under physician supervision. There would be no issue, however, for them doing so as a layperson, if permitted under the medical delegation rules, but care would need to be taken to avoid advertising or otherwise implying that the services are being provided by a licensed cosmetologist or aesthetician.
Simply, if a professional works for a doctor or a medical spa and works under the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering by using the title aesthetician or cosmetologist, they are unable to do any service restricted by the board, like microneedling, operating machines over 180 nanometers, or using peels over 30 percent at a pH under 3.0. The reason one cannot do this in Ohio, even when working for a doctor, is that when someone calls themselves an aesthetician or a cosmetologist in Ohio, all the board’s rules fall over that title like an umbrella and, because of this, aestheticians and cosmetologists are restricted to what they can do under their respective licensed title.
When it comes to chemical peels in Ohio, the restriction is no more than 30 percent acid at a pH of 3.0. The problem is, not many manufactures make a chemical peel quite this superficial and, because of this, many professional aestheticians in Ohio are using chemical peels that are not in compliance with the state board’s mandate, meaning these professionals are practicing outside of their scope of practice.

MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling has become one of the most popular skin resurfacing procedures for tackling wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, scarring and stretch marks. Although microneedling has proven to be an effective procedure for improving the skin, it is a complicated procedure to allow in various states because of the differences in needle depth and the variations of rules from state to state.
In 2015, the FDA found that microneedling devices with needles longer than 0.3 millimeters must be classified as a Class 1 medical device. As a result, the FDA has instigated cease and desist actions against several companies selling microneedling devices longer than 0.3 millimeters for aesthetic purposes until further notice.
Under FDA guidelines, aestheticians can only use microneedling devices of less than 0.3 millimeters and only those that do not make medical claims. If a device is less than 0.3 millimeters but makes medical claims, it also cannot be approved for sale or use.
In addition to using only microneedling devices that conform to FDA standards, professionals must ensure they are practicing within the scope of their aesthetic or cosmetology state license before performing a microneedling procedure because these guidelines also vary from state to state.
A good example of this would be the following states. In Washington, only master aestheticians can perform microneedling, whereas, in California, microneedling is considered an aggressive procedure by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and is, therefore, not allowed to be performed by licensed aestheticians under any condition. In Ohio, aestheticians cannot do microneedling in any capacity in a salon, spa, or medical facility. In Florida, licensed aestheticians can offer microneedling, although, in Utah, only master aestheticians can perform microneedling, provided the needle depth does not exceed 1.5 millimeters. General supervision by a licensed healthcare provider is required if the needle penetration exceeds 1.5 millimeters.

INJECTABLES
In the United States, the law states that licensed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses are legally allowed to provide Botox cosmetic and dermal fillers. Some states allow aestheticians to administer injectables while others, like California, do not.
Texas law states that non-physicians are permitted to administer injectables, if they are working under a licensed doctor’s supervision. Rules issued by the Texas Medical Board in 2013 require advanced patient screening, injections to be supervised by a licensed medical professional, written protocols to be on hand, and detailed record keeping. The person administering the injections must receive hands-on training. These rules allow anyone to administer Botox cosmetic or dermal fillers. The physician does not have to work on the premises when the injections are performed.
Injectables, like Juvéderm and Restylane, are placed below the skin, into deep layers of tissue. As with Botox cosmetic, some injections are even placed in the muscle. For this reason, many states have outlawed the practice by aestheticians and cosmetologists because they do not have enough education to preforms these tasks correctly.
A new law in Nevada is in effect that limits who can administer injectables like Botox. The law prohibits aestheticians, medical assistants, and dental hygienists from administering botulinum toxins (Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin) and other dermal fillers like Juvéderm. Nevada now limits who can administer the popular cosmetic procedure to a physician assistant, dentist, registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse or podiatric physician.

DERMAPLANING
Dermaplaning is the controlled scraping of the skin using a sterile, surgical blade held at a 45 degree angle for the removal of keratinized cells on the outer stratum corneum and fine vellus hair. Dermaplaning is considered superficial if the client is not cut or dermaplaning is not done first to prepare for a peel or enzyme peel. Once a professional provides a peel, the treatment is no longer superficial and the peel will reach layers deeper than the epidermis. If an aesthetician performs a dermaplaning procedure this way or performs more than one exfoliation procedure on the same day as chemical peel and dermaplaning, this can potentially be breaking a board rule which is not recommended by many state boards who have adapted the EMDA standards.
Dermaplaning immediately rejuvenates the skin by removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair. Dermaplaning allows for more product penetration – anywhere from 300 to 1,000 percent more after a dermaplaning procedure. It is also highly effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, leaving skin smooth, flexible, and vivacious.
Dermaplaning is a physical and mechanical exfoliation that is extremely safe when performed by a professionally trained skin care specialist utilizing the appropriate tools for the service.
A licensed aesthetician, registered nurse, or cosmetologist who has been professionally trained can perform the treatment. Since state laws vary, professionals should check with their state board and professional liability insurance company before performing any new treatments.

LET’S LOOK AT ILLINOIS
As another example of how laws can vary from state to state, let’s look at Illinois. In short, there are not any advanced services other than superficial microdermabrasion that are allowed to be done by aestheticians or cosmetologist in the state of Illinois. Below is a list of the prohibited services for aestheticians in Illinois and are not within the scope of practice of a cosmetologist or an aesthetician:

• Botox
• Chemical peels
• Collagen injections
• Colonics
• Liposuction
• Dermaplaning
• Microneedling
• Radio frequency
• Microblading

Below is a statement from The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation on prohibited practices for Illinois aestheticians and cosmetologists. The statement reads
as follows:
“The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, frequently receives inquiries regarding whether certain procedures can be performed by a cosmetologist or an aesthetician within the scope of their licensure. While the department does not issue “advisory opinions” or dispense legal advice, the public’s interest in these procedures merits this statement from the department. Parties seeking a legal opinion should consult with their own attorney. Cosmetologists and aestheticians are prohibited from using any technique, product, or practice intended to affect the living layers of the skin.”
If any of the above procedures are delegated by a licensed physician, an individual may not hold themselves out as a cosmetologist or an aesthetician while performing the delegated procedure. An individual may not indicate in any manner that any such procedure delegated by a licensed physician is part of the practice of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation cosmetology or aesthetics. The person receiving services must be a patient of the physician (there must be a physician-patient relationship), the physician must examine the patient and determine the appropriateness and the course of treatment, and the person receiving the physician delegation must carry out the course of treatment as instructed. The state of Illinois had prohibited many services, like dermaplaning, that for years have made aestheticians and cosmetologists a great wage. This is a great reason to become active with the respective boards because many changes can dramatically change a practice and income potential, as in the case of Illinois.

Keep in mind how important it is to stay involved with respective boards’ laws and rules, as well as associations and organizations, which protect the professional and believe in strengthening the industry with laws regulation and education. If a professional does not stay in touch and make their voice heard, then he or she may find themselves restricted because their state has allowed the unlicensed public to perform certain services or disallowed licensed professionals to offer certain services. Remember, this is the professional’s industry, so getting involved and making one’s voice heard is crucial!

Cynthia Malcom has 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. In 1998, she started as a nail technician, owning and operating three Hand Candy Mind & Body Escape Day Spa locations for nearly a decade. In 2006, she received her C.E. approved and licensed class for massage. Since then, the CIDESCO Diplomat has shared her expertise in advanced skin care at several conferences throughout the United States and on the international level under the moniker Edgar Renee. In 2013, Edgar Renee became the first and largest advanced beauty education company of its kind in Ohio. Edgar Renee focuses on delivering advanced education concepts and techniques in a manner that professionals can easily understand and put into practice.

The successful spa or skin care salon cannot afford to allow reachable income to slip by throughout the day. Every effort must be made to maximize productivity, without harming service quality or the client’s experience. Fear of the latter makes many business owners and their employees reluctant to act in any way that might evoke a negative response from customers, even when the chances of that outcome are remote.

A combination of training and rewards can encourage front desk staff to push beyond their sales concerns and add meaningful increases to a business’ daily totals. Here are five methods to employ to make the most of per-customer opportunities.

Often, when a new customer calls in to inquire about a facial treatment, the number one facial sellers are typically the lowest priced ones on the menu. Why is this? The answer is that most receptionists have either never had the spa’s treatments themselves or do not know how to recommend the higher-grade services. Therefore, they default to the cheapest treatment and, then, leave it up to the aestheticians to upsell that service if they choose to. This is a seriously expensive routine to allow. To change this, be certain that all receptionists have personally experienced the services they are selling so they can describe them to customers with authority and enthusiasm. Select a facial service that is costlier than the spa’s basic offering and require that employees recommend that one first. They can always offer down in price if a caller prefers that – though they rarely do.

Next, always suggest something extra to anyone scheduling a facial appointment. For example, “Okay, Lisa, we have you set for Friday at 11:00 with Debra. Oh, by the way, many of Debra’s facial clients like to have their eyebrows shaped during their appointment. Would you be interested in that, too? She can do it within the timeframe we already have scheduled.”

When booking first-time clients, always open the door to retail product sales. Encourage the new client to bring along any skin care products they are currently using, the professional can better understand what is influencing their skin. Explain that the professional will evaluate the client’s routine and may suggest adjustments to better address his or her skin type.

When customers walk in or request to purchase a gift certificate, do not ask them if they have a treatment or a dollar amount in mind. Instead, inquire about the recipient and purpose of the gift. “Are you purchasing this gift for a wife or mother?” Once you know whom it is for, assist the purchaser with a helpful idea. “Unless you had something specific in mind, may I tell you what every woman loves with us?” It is almost certain to receive an enthusiastic “yes” from the customer. Then, suggest a service package worth at least $250 and up, or a dollar amount equal to it. This is especially useful when selling to a man who may not know what sort of gift to buy but wants to get something that will please his recipient. Employing this strategy, professionals will not only be surprised how well this works, they will love the extra income, too.

Another strategy is to sell slower appointment time slots. Rather than offering call-in customers an open schedule of appointment times, (“what time would you like to come in?”) first, suggest appointments that are open during the harder-to-fill days and hours. “Right now we have Wednesday at 2:00 available. Will that work for you?” It can be surprising what a customer will accept if they think the spa’s services are in high-demand and that they should take what is presented to them.

More convenient times can be offered from there, but offer what is best for the company to start.
When front desk resources are used skillfully, profits will rise and the cost of these employees will be reduced. Just like a service team, the front desk staff can become far more self-funding when they have the knowledge and incentive to produce more. This also permits the business owner to create contests and sales incentives that will stimulate sales and make the process fun for those who enjoy working to achieve a goal. Train staff regularly and monitor the results – the outcome will surely be worth the effort.

Douglas Preston, president of Preston Beauty Professional, has a career that spans 33 years in professional aesthetics, education, and skin care career mentoring. His business articles appear in DERMASCOPE Magazine, Spa Management Journal, and others. He is a past president of Aesthetics International Association and a former committee chairman for The Day Spa Association. Preston has started and operated award-winning day spas, trains spa and skin care professionals internationally, and is a featured speaker at numerous spa and skin care trade events.

Countless men and women become successful in the beauty and skin care industry. In fact, there is a huge membership in the $100,000 club. But, there is a catch. If you want to be in the $100,000 club, you need to engage in your career and not just endure a job in the beauty industry. Successful beauty business women and men engage and step outside of the box. Instead, you can choose to just show up, clock in, and, then, wait for the rush of clients to flood your open appointment schedule. If you prefer to just scrape by, struggle to earn money, and see minimal success, here is a list of things to do.

1. Do not listen to clients. First, never take any interest in clients’ needs. Second, never do an intake session to discover why they have come in for an appointment and certainly never assess their skin. This will be too much work and, since they are using a gift certificate, they are really not interested in anything other than just a relaxing service.
2. Do not tell clients to rebook. If a client wants to come back, they will. Do not take initiative and ask them to rebook when they are standing there at the spa. Clients rarely have busy personal lives and do not need help managing their schedule, so telling them to book something and add it to their calendar is not that much of a help to them.
3. Do not sell retail. Clients do not want the hard sell. Honestly, they are coming to a spa for a facial because they want a treatment. The last thing they want is a hard sell on skin care products. They want to improve their skin, but do not want someone – especially a licensed professional – offering suggestions for what to use at home to make sure their skin looks amazing. No, they can get help from a part-time sales associate at their local drugstore.
4. Do not get continuing education. No, there is no need to get more education. In fact, many states do not even require it. The basics learned in aesthetics school are enough. Giving facials is adequate. Without continuing education there is no possibility to perform microdermabrasion, microneedling, advanced chemical peels, advanced acne treatments, IPL treatments, microcurrent, lymphatic drainage, reiki, oncology skin care treatments, eyelash tinting, or microblading. But that is okay because basic facials and some waxing are just fine.
5. Do not offer free services. As a new aesthetician at a spa or in a new location, do not offer anyone free services to get to know you. Make sure you are paid for your work. Never mind the stories from successful spa owners who say that they built a thriving and successful business because in their first month they gave away free facials and then told clients to rebook.
6. Never work on a day off. You work hard, so your day off is all for you. Never use days off to advance training or to make exceptions for a good client who needs something special. Never come in on a day off for a staff meeting or to do any administrative tasks that need to be completed.
7. Never use product lines other than your favorite. When you begin your career, get to know one product line and just stick with it. You will be able explain all of the products easily and quickly. You will know how to use all of the backbar products too. You may not be able to offer results to all of your clients, but that is okay, because they are not coming to the spa for results, they are coming to relax. You will not be able to offer several different types of advanced services, but again, that is okay. Oh, and you will also have to demand that every place you go to work uses the line that you know. This will make you a really great job candidate for any spa that already carries that line.
8. Never stay late or come in early. There is never any reason to go to work early or stay late. You have a personal life and your job should respect that. Do employers honestly expect you to come in early so you can learn something new? Or to stay late to accommodate a VIP client who is trying to get her eyebrows done before an important work trip? Employers and clients can see the hours that you are able to take appointments and book within those.
9. Do not spend your own money on marketing. If the business for which you work, does not pay for each professional to have their own business cards, do not spend your own money to get some made. Yes, the cost of a box of cards is less than you will make on one treatment, but it is the principle that if you are promoting their business, they should pay for it.
10. Do not trade services with other team members. Why should you be expected to give treatments to other members of the staff? Why should you trade services with other professionals in the area? If they want a treatment, they can book during your hours and pay for it. You deserve to be paid for every treatment that you give. Do not listen to the other fully-booked therapists who describe how many referrals they received after they traded services.

With these 10 strategies, you are guaranteed to never be part of the $100,000 aesthetician club. You can simply go to work when scheduled, clock in, and do your job. You will always have your days off to yourself and never have to step outside of your routine.

However, if you would like to make $100,000 or more, just remove the “do nots” and the “nevers” from items one through 10 and you will be easily on your way to a thriving and rewarding career in the beauty industry.

Barry Eichner is the co-editor in chief of Lipgloss + Aftershave, a personal care and lifestyle review website offering fun and informative reviews. Eichner began his spa career in 2000, working as vice president for a chain of medical spas. He has been an industry consultant since 2011, specializing in digital media strategy and content creation. He writes for national spa trade publications and is a published, editorial photographer, and a speaker at various spa industry tradeshows. Eichner is a graduate of Bloomsburg University. He loves art and photography, is an avid fitness enthusiast, loves to cook, and is a self-proclaimed coffee addict.

There are many properties of skin, including hydration, sebum content, elasticity, melanin content, and more, which need to be well understood to treat clients properly. Barrier function of the skin is one of the most important properties to understand. Skin hydration and redness (or inflammation) is often dependent on healthy skin barrier function. Here are 10 things to know about skin barrier function.

1.  What is it? In the most basic terms, barrier function of the skin is a measure of the overall health of the skin. It is the proper arrangement of corneocytes and lipids in the top layer of the skin (stratum corneum) which provides protection from external toxins, while simultaneously preventing excessive loss of moisture from the body. The clinical tool used to measure this property is called a transepidermal water loss measurement (TEWL) probe. An example of this probe is seen below.
2. Several different types of acne treatments often lead to barrier impairment due to the aggressive nature of the individual ingredients. These include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, antibiotics, and others. These chemicals can erode the lipids in the stratum corneum which can lead to significant dehydration. This can cause the skin to break out more. This is the classic “acne cycle.”
3. Sensitivity, redness, and inflammation are common issues with clients. While rare, an impaired barrier can lead directly to skin inflammation and redness due to a biochemical cascade, which starts in the skin to protect it from external toxins. Lipid and barrier repair active ingredients must be used to repair the barrier or the skin will stay in this chronic state of impairment.
4. When using alcoholic toners and other products, or employing manual exfoliation techniques, be aware that, if the client’s skin has a tendency to produce oil, these techniques will certainly impair their barrier. The skin will respond to this by producing more oil in an attempt to repair barrier function. This is often called the “rebound effect.”
5. When the barrier is impaired, the stratum corneum tends to build up and thicken. This can lead to a rough surface texture on skin due to the corneocytes sticking to the skin surface. Light glycolic peels or a regular exfoliation is important in these cases.
6. The tendency in repairing impaired barrier function is to well hydrate the skin. While hydration is important, if the lipid structure in the skin is not repaired, it will not retain the moisture applied to its surface and the skin will dry rapidly. Products which contain a humectant, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, in combination with an occlusive moisturizer, like dimethicone or petrolatum, will be important when treating an impaired barrier.
7. Repairing an impaired barrier can take time. Step one is to create a barrier so the TEWL of the skin stabilizes. This will allow the skin to start to repair itself. This process can take several weeks. It will be important during this period not to treat the skin with active ingredients, as these will generally impair the barrier.
8. There are many ingredients that can help stimulate stratum corneum lipid production in the skin – targeted peptides being the most effective. The peptides must be targeted to induce the production of lipids in the epidermis and they need to be bio-available so that the skin can use them properly. Hydration is important as a concurrent treatment.
9. Products and ingredients that should not be used during impaired barrier treatment include: alcohol, witch hazel, acids, alkalis, products outside the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, any peels, microdermabrasion techniques of any kind, and laser treatment.
10. Understand the difference between dry and hydrated. A patient may complain about dryness in their skin. Many times, “dryness” means that they are experiencing sebum loss. This happens particularly often in women as they age. The skin can become rigid and less flexible due to the lack of sebum which they interpret as dry. Client may make comments like: “I use a good moisturizer, but my skin is still dry.” Look at the product they are using and assess the ingredients list. If there are good levels of esters, like capric-caprylic triglyceride, then the product will work very well as a sebum supplement and will provide significant relief to the client.

Understanding what barrier function is, which symptoms to look for, and how to manage symptoms is critical to client care.

Robert Manzo’s patented and proprietary cosmetic chemistry and product formulations are the result of over 25 years in the skin care development profession. He has conducted clinical research and developed specialized skin care products and techniques in Europe, the United States, South America, and Asia, affording him an expansive knowledge base to achieve personalized solutions for Skinprint’s clients. He has published articles on skin chemistry and the role of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients on skin, and is a standing member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and the American Chemical Society. skinprint.com

Hands are recognized as a major vehicle for transmission of infection in both the healthcare and the spa or clinic settings. It is necessary for good hygiene practices to be in place so they can interrupt any transmission of micro-organisms. Good hygiene can also remove micro-organisms acquired after touching a client. These procedures are very simple and spa professionals can use soap and water and do a thorough cleansing of hands and lower arms; or, they can use an alcohol hand gel.

When it comes to gloves, different gloves are used in different settings, depending on direct and indirect exposure. Sterile gloves are required for chemotherapy infusion settings and other medical settings and do not include spas. Examination gloves are necessary in clinical settings, which include spas, for direct exposure – direct contact with client’s blood, mucous membranes, and skin which is not intact (extractions, hair removal, tattooing); and indirect exposure – cleaning waste (gauze, cotton swabs, cotton pads) and cleaning of any re-usable implements. Gloves are not necessarily indicated as necessary in clinical settings, which include spas, for direct exposure – applying services where no secretions are given, plus no breaks in the skin (makeup, massage); and indirect exposure – making appointments via phone, computer, or book, changing linens on a table or bed, and moving equipment in the spa or salon.

The decision to wear gloves can be influenced by the professional’s emotions or due to professional, organizational, or empathetic socialization.

Professional socialization includes: professionals following procedures of peers; previous training to use gloves; previous experience in which gloves prevented a dire situation; and wearing gloves due to habit.

Organization socialization includes professionals adhering to spa policies, availability of gloves, and attitudes about glove wearing.

Empathetic socialisation includes the professional who feels that gloves create a barrier when they cannot touch the client’s skin. There is also the feeling that the client may feel the professional sees them as dirty.

Emotions are a powerful drive for wearing gloves due to professional risks and disgust or fear and sense of safety.

A professional may have thoughts pertaining to their risk so, when they touch a client, they want to protect themselves, or both them and the client, or they may have thoughts about what disease or infection they may get from a client if they do not wear gloves. Another thought a professional could have is that, by wearing gloves, this could eliminate the amount of times they need to wash their hands.

A professional may have thoughts pertaining to disgust or fear and their sense of safety, such as if the client has a skin condition that is unsightly or unfamiliar, that may prompt them to wear gloves. Or, the professional may feel that gloves make them feel safer, relaxed, comfortable, and more confident to perform a service.

Gloves can provide a psychological barrier. A professional could feel that if they do not use gloves it would be a bit awkward when working in the client’s personal areas (Brazilian waxing); or, the professional could feel they have built up such a good relationship with the client that they feel that wearing gloves seems impersonal.

Universal precautions (1987) were created in response to HIV to protect a person from acquiring blood borne viruses (BBV) via damaged skin – to avoid direct contact with blood and body fluids from patients.

Standard precautions (mid-1990s) brought about gloves in routine clinical care and to serve a dual purpose to protect against BBV and to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens from blood and body fluid (BBF). These guidelines include:

• wearing clean, single-use, disposable gloves
• changing gloves between clients or services (when performing separate procedures on the same client where there is a risk of transfer of infectious agents from one part of the body to another)
• changing gloves as soon as they are torn or punctured or when unsterile items or surfaces are touched
• cleaning hands before putting on and after removing gloves
• inspecting gloves before each use and throwing them away if peeled, cracked, discolored, torn, or punctured because gloves can have defects such as tiny holes, even when they are new, or can be damaged while in use or in storage

Ultimately, there are several emotional, social, habitual, and other factors, that may influence a professional in his or her desire to wear gloves during treatments. As professionals research and strive to adhere to universal safety precautions and guidelines, as well as maintain proper hygiene practices, they will be better able to decide for themselves when to glove or not to glove.

When I started my blog in 2009, my intention was to educate others on how best to care for their skin by separating facts from fiction. What was revealed to me over time was how many aestheticians from around the globe have used my information as continuing education in their own aesthetics practices. Along with other posts I have written exclusively for aestheticians, here are some helpful tips for becoming a successful aesthetician.

TIPS FOR NEW AESTHETICIANS RIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL

It is a fact that a large percentage of people who go through the effort and investment of attending and graduating from aesthetics school will never end up practicing aesthetics or will do so for a short time. This could be because they could not find a job or if they did, the job was not the right fit for them. Explore every option for employment, but be sure to only apply for a position that best suits your style and personality.

WHAT JOBS ARE OUT THERE FOR AESTHETICIANS?

There are many options for places of employment. There are day spas, hair salons that have a skin treatment room, skin care spas, hotel spas, cruise line spas, medical spas, department store spas associated with a skin care line, resort spas, and more. If you prefer not to be a service provider, there are still many options. You can become a representative for a skin care line that is sold to department stores, medical offices, or spas so, providing education and training classes to various accounts, as well as at trade shows, is another option. You can work in a retail environment selling a line at a department store counter – they love hiring aestheticians – or other beauty retailers. You can also become an independent contractor, be on-call to work at various spas, or even be a freelance aesthetician. It is also possible to become an educator and work as a teacher at a local aesthetics school. Another option is to become an entrepreneur and develop a personal skin care line.

A career as an aesthetician offers a very flexible schedule. Many places allow part and full-time schedules, which is ideal for someone who has another career or children. One size does not fit all when it comes to being employed as an aesthetician, so do research.

BUILDING A CLIENTELE

It truly takes a long time to build up a good, repeat clientele. This is because professionals will not connect with every client and vice versa. Being an aesthetician is a relationship-based profession. The best tip for this is to mimic the client’s personality. If they are not much of a talker, then do not talk their ear off. Be a chameleon with each client.

Try paying close attention to body language. Asking specific questions on the client intake form gives you insight into their expectations and will go a long way. A great question is, “What are you goals for today’s visit?” Then, provide various options the client can check off on the form, ranging from stress relief to “I want to learn how to care for my skin.” Depending on what they select, make sure to create an experience that gives them exactly what they ask for. Also, discuss their goals during the consultation to make sure there is complete clarity. Having a client leave getting exactly what they wanted will help build the relationship and ensure they will come back again.

Another way to build a clientele is to give out free skin treatments. For an empty schedule, the goal should always be to fill it with clients. Waiting around for them to shell out money for a skin treatment that is often considered a luxury will leave professionals with an empty room and time on their hands. Make gift certificates and gift them to friends, family, or anyone that might be a good fit for the spa. Let them experience services at no charge because the more faces that enter the spa, the more they can spread the word. Many will love the results and want to come back as a paying client. At the end of the appointment, give them a few of those free gift certificates and ask them to give them to friends who might be good clients. Hands down, word of mouth with a referral will trump any other advertising or marketing opportunity. Work this strategy long enough and give treatments focused on managing expectations, and empty schedules will no longer be an issue.

GIVING THE BEST SERVICE POSSIBLE

The consultation portion of the service is so important and often overlooked by many aestheticians. The information gained from asking clients questions about their skin and having them share their concerns is essential for problem-solving. Many professionals are too focused on giving the actual skin treatment without really knowing what the client’s concerns are. Aside from the questions mentioned above, here are some others to ask after reviewing the client intake form. These are really integral to understanding a client and his or her skin, in order to provide the best results.

• What are your top three skin concerns in order of priority?
• Is today a good, bad, or normal skin day for you?
• Do you consider yourself to have sensitive skin? Give me specific examples of how your skin acts sensitive?
• How oily or dry is your skin?
• If your skin is dry, do you actually get flaky or is it more of a tightness that you experience?
• What type of blemishes do you get most often (cysts, pustules, papules, whiteheads, closed comedones)?
• Where on your face do you get the majority of your blemishes?
• When it comes to caring for your skin at home, do you like a very simple routine like cleanser and moisturizer or do you like to add in additional products to make a more comprehensive routine?
• Prior to coming and seeing me, what have you done with your skin (both at home and professionally) and what kind of results did you get?
• What are your specific goals for your visit today?

HOW TO GET CLIENTS TO RESCHEDULE

It is very challenging to get a client to commit to another appointment so professionals must give them reasons why they really need to. To do this, make a game plan for each client’s skin at the end of the appointment. Simply saying “It would be great if you could come back in four weeks,” may not yield results with re-booking. Give the client a reason to come back. Laying out a specific game plan about their next skin treatments will be an incentive to come back in. It is for this reason that I often do not do the same treatment again on their second visit. Excitement is created for the next visit when there is a different focus.
Professionals must also sincerely believe that coming in regularly will give the client the results they desire with their skin so that they can convince them that it is not just a treat, but rather a necessity. This means professionals must practice what they preach. If professionals are not the recipients of aesthetic services themselves, it will be harder to re-book clients.

WHAT SKIN EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE USED ON CLIENTS?

This is really a personal decision. It depends on what you like, what you feel works well, and what gives your clients the best results. I personally love skin peels, with my favorite being 30 percent salicylic acid for acne. I also like using both microcurrent and ultrasound, and always recommend investing in a good quality steam machine. I am always experimenting with new treatments. I am like a mad scientist, but this is what keeps it exciting! When it comes to the basic tools, I personally have always avoided the big machines that have five or seven functions in them. If one function breaks, the entire machine has to be sent back to get fixed, so I prefer to have all of the functions separate. Many machines are now individual, but multi-function machines are still used, especially by European aestheticians.

TRAITS TO LOOK FOR IN AN EMPLOYEE

It can be very challenging for new aestheticians right out of school to get hired. Yes, they have energy and excitement and are ready to dive right into a new career, but most employers want people who are experienced and have a clientele they can bring to the practice. New aestheticians should be open to all résumé-building experience in order to be more attractive to certain employers. In my company, we first and foremost look for aestheticians who would be a fit into our culture. To do this, we use a personality profiling survey that allows us to understand an aesthetician’s skillset. This takes the guess work out of knowing what kind of aesthetician they will be by how they interact with clients and coworkers. We want an aesthetician who is employed with Renée Rouleau Skin Care to have a long, successful career. Understanding their personality from the get-go is essential to determining if they will thrive in our company.

In general, managers should judge based on what is on a résumé. If someone has a new job every six months, this might be a red flag that they are unstable. Along with a résumé, an attached personalized letter saying why the aesthetician wants to work at the spa and why they are a good fit is a nice touch. Aestheticians who sell themselves and put in the extra effort by singing their own praises set themselves apart from other résumés.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being an aesthetician can be an amazing career choice. It most certainly has been for me and my employees. I have been on both sides – working for someone and working for myself – and have enjoyed every minute of it. But, with anything, it is hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning and growing that makes professionals the best they can be.

Renée Rouleau, celebrity aesthetician and founder of her eponymous skin care collection, has 25 years of hands on experience as a celebrity aesthetician and trusted skin care expert. This experience helped her create a real-world solution – products that are formulated for nine different types of skin, so clients’ skin will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Driven by her inquisitive passion for skin care, Rouleau continues to make learning and growing a top priority, studying cosmetic chemistry at UCLA, attending and teaching classes at top aesthetic trade shows, and traveling around the world seeking a global understanding of skin care. Her skin care lifestyle website and blog, which houses over 1,500 posts, is a go-to resource for everyone seeking to learn from Rouleau’s very unique understanding and perspective on skin. Renée’s blog has been heralded as “the WebMD of skin care” and has a loyal, world-wide following. The information used above is courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with helpful skin tips and advice from skin care expert and celebrity aesthetician, Renée Rouleau. For daily skin tips, her travels and more, follow Renée on Twitter and Instagram.

The chemistry for understanding delivery pathways for the application of topical skin care products is found in the pharmaceutical industry. Cosmetic chemistry follows this model when compounding for transdermal application of a product. Drugs (pharmaceutics) and cosmetics have similar routes for transdermal delivery. It is essential for professionals to have an understanding of the physiology of the skin and how a formulation enters the epidermis.