The quest for glowing, healthy-looking skin is never-ending. Innovative and unusual ingredients are continually sought after to give skin a coveted youth boost, whether found in technologically advanced laboratories or plucked from nature’s bounty. Enter caviar lime, an elegant-sounding natural extract that adds zest to any skin care regimen. 

IN THE LIMELIGHT 

Caviar lime is not the typical lime gracing margaritas or mojitos. Au contraire, also known as finger lime, this small, slender citrus fruit (microcitrus australasica) with green, red, purple, or black peel is found in the tropical rainforests of Australia. The textured skin encases an interior filled with translucent, caviar-shaped pearls in shades of white, yellow, pink, green, or red. Caviar lime is often used in food because of the citrusy flavor and unique look of the caviar lime beads. However, this ingredient is increasingly popular due to its skin care benefits as a natural exfoliant, acne-fighting powerhouse, glow-getting brightener, and antioxidant-rich elixir. The bottom line is that caviar lime extract is one of the keys to a fresh, radiant complexion. 

People, like the inanimate objects around them, are made of matter. Over time, this matter naturally breaks down and deteriorates, its structure and outward appearance slowly altered by the interplay of environmental elements. A shiny new bicycle, for example, will begin to show signs of rust as iron starts to oxidize on its surface and catalyze the aging process.

Iron is the most abundant transition metal in the human body and iron accumulation within the body is known to contribute to increased levels of oxidative stress, linked to a higher risk of chronic illnesses, like cancer and diabetes. Could the same element prove the culprit behind the way skin and other objects age? Fortunately, there are more than 125 years of research on the topic, but there is a vital missing piece to the modern understanding of aging.

Fragrance is becoming a hot topic again in the personal care industry, and skin care professionals should always ask if a client has an allergy or aversion to any fragrances. It is necessary to ask this question prior to performing a treatment because the answer can make all the difference as to whether a client returns to the spa in the future.

ALLERGIES 

If a client’s skin becomes red, itchy, or develops a rash or blisters, they may have an allergy to the fragrance or parfum added to the product being used. Other symptoms of an allergy to fragrance can include swelling of the eye lids, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, and even difficulty breathing if the scent is strong.

From Plate to Pore: Nutrition, Hydration, & Skin Health

As an instructor, I am a constantly asked by my students what is the best product for whatever their concerns are at the time. My response will always be the same, start with your water and food intake. The body needs to be fed, nourished, and well-cared for so all its systems and organs function properly. Skin is the largest organ of the body and is constantly regenerating, creating new healthy skin cells, and providing energy, support, and protection for the body. No skin care product, regardless of the ingredients, can take the place of the nutrients cells need to function and do their jobs. 

THE FULL PICTURE

A good gauge of whether your clients are meeting their bodies’ requirements for good skin health is to ask them a few questions on your consultation form, like how many ounces of water they drink in a day, whether their daily diet is balanced, or how many cups of fruit and vegetables they consume. You should never tell clients what to eat or to change their diets, but you certainly can explain the importance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water that all come from the client’s food choices. 

Andrea Gregaydis is a licensed aesthetician and international CIDESCO diplomat. She holds multiple additional licenses as a New York state instructor and nail technician, as well as certified laser technician. Gregaydis is the lead instructor at the Aesthetic Science Institute and has over 10 years of experience as a practitioner, team coordinator, and role model for hundreds of future skin care professionals. She is contributing author to top industry trade magazines, as well as a speaker at various aesthetics conferences across the United States. She is also a CIDESCO International Examiner. 

As licensed aestheticians, we have witnessed firsthand the rise in popularity of male waxing over recent years. Therefore, it is essential to be knowledgeable and skilled in this area as demand increases. Adding male-focused waxing can boost your revenue but also set you apart from other waxers in your area. 

GET READY, GET SET

Any successful waxing experience begins with thorough preparation. During the client consultation, take the time to understand their expectations, concerns, and skin goals. Conduct a comprehensive skin assessment to identify any potential contraindications, such as skin conditions, allergies, or medications, that may affect the waxing process. Educating clients about what you are doing step-by-step and about aftercare is fundamental in managing their expectations about the waxing process and post-wax results. Some male clients just aren’t educated in skin care, ingredients, and the waxing process in general, so making them comfortable throughout the process with education goes a long way.   

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. 

Education in one’s particular field of expertise is an essential part of any professional pursuit. Skin care professionals’ education does not end with aesthetics school or licensure. The solo practitioner is just as responsible for their career growth, development, and knowledge base as any other licensed professional. There are plenty of options available for ongoing education to advance your aesthetic skills and knowledge. This column covers some popular options, but the main point of emphasis when seeking aesthetics education should be finding education from reputable sources. Look for education from people who already have skills and have been practicing for some time. There are plenty of trainings being conducted by newly licensed professionals; buyer beware.

Nichelle Mosley’s passion for aesthetics was born out of a desire to help others, after failing to find help for her own acne as a young adult. Licensed in 2015, she has worked in clinics, plastic surgery practices, dermatologists’ offices, and with family practitioners. She then opened her own clinic in 2017, Queen City Beauty Group + Wellness. She focuses on integrative aesthetics and holistic solutions to clients’ skin concerns. As a member of the International Association for Applied Corneotherapy, Mosley seeks whole-person solutions, while delivering results for clients. She is also the 2019 Skin Games Age Management Champion and 2018 Skin Games Acne Finalist. 

Retailing is an important part of the spa business as it contributes directly to the growth of overall profits and increases the potential for repeat business. In order to provide the best wax possible, you must think beyond the wax room for your clients. The products your clients use at home in between their waxing services and to prep for their wax are just as important as the waxing products that you use during the wax.

In order to recommend the most suitable products for your customer, it helps to understand your client and what their skin care and waxing needs are. This information will help you guide them to select the best products that will provide the results they are looking for. Additionally, selling retail products is a great way to build client loyalty as it helps to ensure your clients have a positive experience that extends long after their waxing service is over.

BEING YOUR OWN SALESPERSON

Selling retail can be intimidating and it takes practice as well as confidence to be successful at it. It requires you to gather information, build a trusting relationship, and gain the respect of your client. Your clients need to feel confident in what you are telling them and that the solution you are proposing is going to be worth their investment of time and money. 

1) Ask and Listen: In order to fully understand your client and be able to offer the best retail product for them, you need to ask some basic questions first to determine their current homecare routine. Are they exfoliating routinely? Are they using a moisturizer? Are they prone to ingrown hairs? Once you have asked a few basic questions, which you can bring up during the waxing session to relax and distract your client, you can gain insight about your client’s needs while not taking up time before or after the wax. 

2) Educate: Education is key so that your clients can understand the purpose behind the products you have recommended as well as what results they can expect. For example, for a client that suffers from ingrown hairs, educating them on exfoliating and treatment products will help them understand how they can prevent and treat ingrowns, as well as help them narrow down on which products they should use based on your recommendation. Find a line of retail products dedicated to ingrowns, such as a spray that contains targeted ingredients like salicylic acid and is perfect for both backbar use and retail. Other options include wipes and exfoliating mitts.

3) Demonstrate: An excellent way for clients to sample the products is for you to use the products during the service. For example, showing your client the proper way to exfoliate will allow them to try a product and understand the proper way to use it on their own, enhancing their post-wax experience. If your client isn’t familiar with the importance of exfoliating, starting with this concept is an easy way to start padding their at-home routine. Exfoliation between waxes is paramount to maintaining proper pre- and post-waxing care. Find a brand that offers a wide range of gentle exfoliating sugar scrubs with different scents like apple and cranberry, coconut vanilla, pomegranate, grapefruit, and lavender and chamomile. 

Although one-time use may not offer the results right away, the in-service experience will provide your client with some background when making a decision to purchase. 

4) Follow Up: Each time your client returns for their wax, it is essential to check in with them to see what is working for them and listen to the feedback they provide. Not only will this allow you to offer advice and make any additional suggestions or changes, but it will help you to continue building trust in your relationship with your client by showing compassion and care to help them achieve the results they want.

Choose retail products that are composed of targeted ingredients and offer solutions to many skin care concerns that are associated with waxing. At-home care is essential in order for clients to experience the best possible wax each and every time they visit. Clients will be happy when they see the results after keeping up with an at home routine. They will experience less ingrown hairs, their skin will naturally feel smoother, and their wax session will be more comfortable. As a result, you will set your spa apart, increase your client's loyalty, and build your reputation as a reliable waxing spot!  

Lindsay Miller is the president of LYCON Wax North America. Having first discovered LYCON Wax in the United Kingdom 10 years ago, she has dedicated her time to growing the brand across North America, including introducing LYCON to Canada. Training and product quality are extremely important to Miller and she prides herself on building a strong team around her that can offer the best customer experience possible. LYCON continues to be a market leader in hair removal wax and is used in top spas and salons around the world.

Want to create rockstar-like client loyalty? Step into the arena where spa businesses ignite unbreakable connections with their devoted followers. Like a spark that sets a fire ablaze, memberships serve as the catalyst for creating a tribe of fiercely loyal enthusiasts. Creating a membership program can be an exhilarating journey to cultivate a passionate, vibrant community. Discover how memberships lay the groundwork for forging unwavering client relationships, fueling a steady revenue stream, amplifying client retention, fostering a deep sense of belonging, and unlocking a world of upselling and cross-selling possibilities.

THE TIES THAT BIND 

Memberships provide an extraordinary platform to cultivate profound connections with a spa’s audience. With exclusive perks, personalized services, and a genuine sense of belonging, members are not just patrons of your spa, but vigorous advocates, loyal allies, and unwavering brand champions. The power of regular interactions, invaluable feedback from devoted clients, and fine-tuned offerings cannot be ignored. These connections can transform ordinary clients into impassioned ambassadors, igniting a marketing force that propels the brand to new heights. 

Melissa Allen has lived many lives as a dance teacher, biologist, and marketing director before becoming a successful aesthetician and spa owner. All of these former positions helped color her opinions, actions, and style. Allen’s career in aesthetics has also been far-reaching; she has been an aesthetician in the back of a salon, a solo aesthetician, a spa owner with several employees, and a global brand consultant. Allen has experienced many paths of aesthetics and is open, honest, and willing to share her adventures. As her time in the treatment room comes to an end, she is focusing on mentoring and guiding the next generation of thinking skin care professionals and spa owners.