Smooth Sailing 

I remember the first time I experienced the joy of my skin being smooth and hairless. Like most women, this was during puberty and the result of my own hands with a common razor. I remember feeling like I had brand-new legs, and no one had ever felt that silky before. While that certainly was not true, it reminded me of the power professionals have to make the biggest difference in the lives of many.

Waxing, sugaring, threading – hair removal is seemingly simple. Wax on, wax off; the hair is gone until next time. It is so easy, anyone can do it! But if that were true, would professional hair removal be a billion-dollar market? 

Although there will always be those who prefer to take hair removal into their own hands or to forgo it completely, one thing remains: if you build a quality hair removal business, they will come – and keep coming every four to six weeks. This is a testament to the expertise and finesse that professionals bring to the table, elevating hair removal from a mundane task to a rejuvenating and skillful art. This issue is dedicated to the nuances of hair removal, offering insights, tips, and tricks to elevate skill sets and provide a working guide for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Until next time, enjoy the smooth journey ahead!

SkinSpirit to launch inaugural Illumine and Elevate event March 22

Last year, SkinSpirit appointed Harvard and Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Sachin Shridharani as its Director of Aesthetics Education to augment its practitioners’ training and expertise on new modalities and technologies while raising the bar on the medical spa category. This year, this focus has evolved into the inaugural Elevate and Illuminate event sponsored by SkinSpirit and Allergan Aesthetics, which opens access to this top-drawer training for all aesthetic providers.

The first of its kind for any medical aesthetic brand, the event is positioned as a unique opportunity to raise the bar across the aesthetics industry, providing access and advanced education from established medical aesthetic trainers while elevating the safety and training level for the whole aesthetics industry. 

See more details below - we'd be happy to connect you with principles at SkinSpirit and Allergan as needed for coverage, and can also provide a comped ticket for anyone who’d like to attend.

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SkinSpirit, a leading provider of aesthetic skin and body care in the U.S., in partnership with Allergan Aesthetics, has announced the launch of a new educational symposium for medical aesthetics professionals, Elevate and Illuminate, An Evening of Aesthetic Innovation, with an inaugural event planned for March 22, 2024, at The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA.

Elevate and Illuminate will offer medical aesthetic professionals the opportunity to learn from national industry leaders, including Manhattan-based plastic surgeon and newly appointed SkinSpirit Director of Aesthetics Education Dr. Sachin Shridharani, while also networking with likeminded peers.  

"As leaders in the industry, we want to help build community across the country and elevate the medical spa category overall," explains SkinSpirit CEO and Co-Founder Lynn Heublein.

The educational line up for the inaugural event includes Manhattan-based plastic surgeon Dr. Sachin Shridharani, MD, FACS, as well as medical aesthetic luminaries, top expert providers and national trainers including Erika Barry, NP-C, MS, one of the nation’s top aesthetic injectors and co-founder of Aesthetic University, Dr. George Baxter Holder, DNP, MBA, APRN, CANS, Doctor of Nursing, a RealSelf Most Loved Injector, and pioneer of the “Northwest Natural Look” and Denisse Seranno, MS, PA-C, founder of a national training company, speaker and trainer for Revance, Galderma and Allergan.

The agenda will include live demos as well as presentations on Advanced Topographic Assessment, Patient Planning, Rheology and more, followed by a cocktail reception. Tickets for one attendee and one guest are $500, and can be purchased here

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Upcoming Webinar! From Practice to Profit: Who Will Buy My Aesthetics Practice?

From Practice to Profit: Who Will Buy My Aesthetics Practice?

April 15, 2024 11:00 AM (CST) 9:00 AM (PST)

With management services organizations (MSOs) and private equity groups becoming more active in the aesthetics industry, practice owners face a surge of offers to purchase or partner with their business. But how accurately do these offers reflect the true value of a practice? Whether a business owner is aiming to grow or sell within the next five years, learn strategies to maximize a practice's worth and secure the highest possible offer. In this webinar, attendees will learn about how aesthetics practices are valued, how the growing amount of buyers affects the market, the options of selling, and tips to receive the highest valuation for a practice when selling to an MSO or private equity group.

MEET THE PRESENTER- Josh Swearingen

Josh Swearingen has over 15 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry, most recently serving as the CEO for Vesper Alliance, an MSO located in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. Prior to that, Swearingen was director of corporate development for a national dental consolidator and quarterbacked several of their largest transactions during his tenure there. He is also the co-founder of Reverse Aesthetics, a medical spa and antiaging practice in Columbus, Ohio. Swearingen received his Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University.

 

Topical Live Probiotics: A Benzene-Free Acne Solution LaFlore Live Probiotic Skincare Provides Benzoyl Peroxide Alternative

[Sarasota, FL, March 11, 2023] – In light of recent alarming discoveries about the presence of the carcinogenic compound benzene in acne treatments, U.S. laboratory, Valisure has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, calling on the regulator to recall the products. This developing story has professionals at all levels seeking safer alternatives to limit liability while still providing lasting results for their clients.

“Benzene has no safe exposure level. Its presence in skincare raises absorption concerns, risking harm to organs. Safer alternatives in professional skincare are crucial for consumer health,” explained Emily Stutzman, L.E. and In-House Esthetician at LaFlore® Live Probiotic Skincare.

Why Topical LIVE Probiotics Are a Safe Alternative:

Acne is, fundamentally, a sign of an imbalanced skin microbiome, the skin's microflora, a delicate assembly of bacteria. The health of the skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in dictating the onset or absence of acne. Topical LIVE probiotics like those found in LaFlore’s award-winning Live Probiotic Concentrated Serum are living organisms that have nutritional, metabolic, and immunity benefits.

These beneficial bacteria offer a promising solution for acne treatment without all the side effects of OTC acne products due to their ability to restore balance to the skin microbiome. By reintroducing beneficial bacterial strains that have been diminished in the presence of acne, these probiotics counteract strains like P. acnes responsible for breakouts. These beneficial bacteria not only hinder the overgrowth of P. acnes but also generate antibacterial proteins, effectively controlling P. acnes without compromising beneficial microflora.

In a recent clinical study, board-certified dermatologists saw a statistically significant increase in hydration and a decrease in inflammatory diseases including acne, as well as a reduction in overall inflammation when subjects applied topical LIVE probiotics daily. In less than 14 days, the study results showed an average of 50% reduction in acne symptoms and 25% less inflammation [7].

"Topically applied probiotics as part of a skin care regimen have shown to be a safe and beneficial treatment for sensitized and breakout prone skin. Probiotics effectively restore the skin's microbiome boosting the skin barrier to resist further imbalances created by pathogens," said Lora Lassley, Product Development Veteran.

Clinical trials have shown that the topical application of LIVE probiotics like those found in LaFlore’s Live Probiotic Concentrated Serum enhance the skin’s microbiome function by augmenting antimicrobial properties [1,2,3,4,5,6].

Additional Features & Benefits of Topical LIVE Probiotics

  • Reinforces the skin barrier to provide immune support.

  • Instantly balances pH leading to supple skin with no dry patches.

  • Improves skin hydration by reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
  • Creates beneficial metabolites such as AHAs, BHAs, vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and ceramides that skin requires.
  • Slows the recolonization of pathogens that may cause skin issues.
  • Fights off harmful bacteria, pathogens, and viruses on the skin.
  • Decreases the appearance of redness.
  • Reduces the frequency and intensity of breakouts.

To learn more about topical LIVE probiotics visit – laflore.com.


References:

  1. Effect of bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus sp. HY 449 on skin-inflammatory bacteria; DOI:

    10.1016/j.fct.2005.08.008

  2. Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes by Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) Produced by Streptococcus Salivarius; URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2739725/

  3. Staphylococcus epidermidis in the human skin microbiome mediates fermentation to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes: implications of probiotics in acne vulgaris; DOI: 10.1007/s00253- 013-5394-8

  4. Topical Probiotics in Dermatological Therapy and Skincare: A Concise Review; DOI: 10.1007/s13555- 020-00476-7

  5. Characterization of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a Potential Probiotic for the Skin: Its Beneficial Role in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris; DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071486

  6. The role of topical probiotics in skin conditions: A systematic review of animal and human studies and implications for future therapies DOI: 10.1111/exd.14032

  7. Worsley, O., Dashi A., Houdart P., Peca S., Romanova A., Davis A., Yusuf, L., Sequential Skin Inc. (2023, May). In Vivo Skin Microbiome Study Using 16S-Seuqencing to Characterize The Effects Of A Serum + 3 Products. (Report on file with Dakota Biotech).

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Sister companies, Orchard Custom Beauty and FASTEN Packaging to premier new product concepts in skincare, personal care & home care, along with new recyclable and refillable packaging concepts. 

Paris, France – IBG (Innovative Beauty Group), a leading global beauty solutions provider, is debuting a range of new products at the upcoming Cosmoprof Bologna event, held March 21-24. In Hall 18, at booths E22/F21 and E26/F25 IBG and its brands, Orchard Custom Beauty and FASTEN Packaging, will debut an array of their latest cosmetic formulas, products and packaging that speak to emerging categories in the industry. The product launches come in addition to the companies’ broad spectrum of standard products and packaging solutions and bespoke customized packaging and components. 

Orchard Custom Beauty will be premiering an array of new concepts in various categories including skincare, personal care, home care and baby care: 

 

  • All Terrain Home: A plant-based household cleanser line designed to transform cleaning into a mindful ritual. The range includes an all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent and hand wash, among others. Created with sustainability in mind, the line uses upcycled ingredients and eco-friendly refills, and is available in doypacks or waterless tablets. 
  • Little Sailor Baby Care: A baby care line tailor-made for tiny sailors with the most sensitive skin. Products including baby shampoo, body wash and bath and body oils are meticulously crafted with nourishing properties, featuring a selection of mild, natural ingredients that cradle babies in softness and comfort.
  • Epic Skincare:A personal care product line created with Gen Alpha and Gen Z in mind. The purpose-driven collection includes products such as body wash, deodorant, a clarifying facial cleanser, and pimple patches, all designed to celebrate users’ authentic selves and make a real difference in self-care routines.
  • Mender Home Fragrance:A home fragrance brand with a curated collection of room sprays and diffusers with scents designed to harmonize the mind. Each fragrance in the Mender range is crafted to offer functional benefits for mood and emotions – from enhancing focus and sparking creativity, to providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. 
  • Super Nova Hair Care: An out-of-this-world hair care line crafted to transform hair into extraordinary constellations of beauty. From hair treatments to styling products like shine spray and a flyaway hair stick, each product is crafted with cosmic secrets to give users’ hair personalized love and attention, whether mastering a signature look or trying something new. 
  • With Grace Skincare: An aging skincare line designed to embrace aging proudly with grace, not erasing life’s imprints on the skin. The product range includes a night cream with retinol, a day face cream with SPF, eye cream and face masks, among others. Formulations revitalize skin using powerful ingredients such as algae complex and peptides. 

Meanwhile, FASTEN Packaging will present its “Innovation Showcase,” highlighting an assortment of its latest packaging concepts including:

  • Head-to-Head Hair Care:A range of mono-material, polypropylene (PP) hair care bottles and jars designed with an attached cap. The container and closure being produced at once improves recyclability and reduces material use, yielding an expected 8-percent plastic reduction. Available in various sizes including a 200 ml jar and 240 ml and 500 ml bottles, all sizes can be decorated with embossed branding to eliminate ink usage.
  • Prism Palette: A mono-material, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) eyeshadow palette with a full PET hinge, that includes no metal components. The palette features traditional, lightweight tin godets that can be easily disassembled and recycled separately.
  • Pebble: A refillable packaging concept designed specifically for concentrated paste formulations. The ability to use waterless or reduced water formulas creates logistic efficiency and therefore saves resources. An easy-to-use twist mechanism allows for precise dosages.
  • Sympastik: A luxury, refillable perfume diffuser with a mono-material polypropylene (PP) pump. The all-in-one diffusing soap dispenser features a perfume ring around the top of the bottle which houses an infused gel formula for a long-lasting scent.

In addition, FASTEN will highlight both its bespoke and standard packaging capabilities, with a strong focus on sustainability, emphasizing its commitment to offering design-to-cost solutions that fit any budget.

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About IBG 

IBG (Innovative Beauty Group), a division of the Albea Group, is a leading global beauty solutions provider proudly serving some of the world’s most dynamic mass and prestige beauty brands. Comprised of Orchard Custom Beauty, FASTEN Packaging and Roberts Beauty, IBG applies its industry expertise to support its customers with innovative and responsible custom and turnkey solutions that include design, sourcing, formula development, bespoke packaging and accessories for color cosmetics, skin care, personal care, home care, hair care, and gifts with purchase.

With a global team of beauty experts and a distinctly personal approach, IBG empowers all its clients – from established beauty brands to first-time private label retailers – with strategic partnerships that bring visions to life, and products seamlessly to market. The company has offices in Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, the Netherlands, and Paris.

For more information, visit https://innovativebeautygroup.com/.

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Upcoming Webinar! The Tried & True Acne Preventative: Benzoyl Peroxide

The Tried & True Acne Preventative: Benzoyl Peroxide

April 8, 2024 11:00 AM (CST) 9:00 AM (PST)

Despite its longstanding role in acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) remains a misunderstood powerhouse ingredient. Join licensed aestheticians Kelsey Duque and Alex Hernández of Face Reality as they dive into the fascinating history of benzoyl peroxide, how it works, and a fundamental understanding of acne. Discover not only how benzoyl peroxide works to prevent acne within the follicle but learn how Certified Acne Experts use the Face Reality Clear Skin Method to introduce benzoyl peroxide into client routines to yield long-term results with minimal irritation. Whether attendees are new to the aesthetics industry or a seasoned professional, this is a do-not-miss webinar!

MEET THE PRESENTERS- Alex Hernández & Kelsey Duque

Alex Hernández, a licensed aesthetician for over seven years, first joined Face Reality’s Clinic as an acne specialist, then became lead aesthetician, managed their Clinic, and then assumed responsibility as lead educator. She oversees professional training, and develops Face Reality’s educational materials, protocols, and classes nationally for the brand’s Acne Professional Program

 

 

Kelsey Duque, a licensed aesthetician of over eight years and a certified acne expert for five years. Trained by Laura Cooksey herself, Duque began treating acne clients in the Face Reality Acne Clinic and later played a key role in onboarding and supporting Face Reality’s Acne Expert community. As education development manager and educator, she oversees professional training, and develops Face Reality’s educational materials, protocols, and classes nationally for the brand’s Acne Professional Program

 

 

To a T: The Proper Treatment for Combination Skin  

Combination skin is the most common skin type, and the most commonly mistreated skin at home. It can also be overlooked in a treatment menu. Combination skin can affect people of all ages, from teenage skin to mature skin. It is characterized by an oily forehead, nose, and chin – the area of the face known as the T-zone – with drier areas on the periphery of the face, such as the cheeks. The condition manifests because of overactive sebaceous gland activity in the T-zone, which creates excess sebum, leading to blackhead and pustule formation. At the same time, the area on the periphery of the face has underactive sebaceous glands, resulting in dry, flaky skin and even a compromised skin barrier.   

 

DAMAGE CONTROL 

This skin type can be greatly affected by the environment, becoming oilier during the summer months due to heat and humidity, while becoming dry in the winter due to wind and lower humidity. This skin type can also result in dehydration, due to improper product use. One study found that participants with combination skin type were 1.63 times more likely to have sensitive skin than participants with neutral skin.1  

The greatest damage a client can do when treating combination skin at home is to use overly drying products that address the oily T-zone yet causes the outer area of the cheeks to become dehydrated. This causes the skin acid mantle to be disrupted and an imbalance in skin’s pH. Skin needs to be within 4.5 to 5.5 acid range levels, so it is essential to use products that help maintain the acid balance in skin.  

Combination skin’s unique set of concerns, which include presenting oily and dry, dehydrated skin at the same time as well as moisture barrier and pH disruption, have been difficult to treat in the past, but new protocols and products are making it possible to create the perfect balance. 

 

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References 

  1. Xiao X, Qiao L, Ye R, Zuo F. Nationwide Survey and Identification of Potential Stress Factor in Sensitive Skin of Chinese Women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Nov 20;13:867-874. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S284359. PMID: 33244252; PMCID: PMC7685347. 
  2. Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. "Niacinamide: A B Vitamin That Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance." Dermatologic Surgery, July 31, 2005, 860-65. 
  3. Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. “Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin”. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2004, 231–8. 

  

Easy as CBD: Skin Care for Most

Skin can benefit from the power of full-spectrum CBD no matter one’s age or skin type. That is because CBD is chockfull of benefits that are well tolerated by most people, and with regular use, these benefits can result in noticeable improvements in the look and feel of skin.CBD skin care should be a staple in everyone’s routine.

CBD REFRESHER

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, which is part of the marijuana family.However, contrary to popular misinformation, cannabidiol does not contain THC, the main chemical in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, CBD contains many beneficial compounds that work within naturally existing receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex system governs everything from metabolism and pain to immune responses, inflammation, memory, sleep, and many other critical functions.

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Dose of Sunshine: SAD & Vitamin D  

As winter fades away, the last of the dwindling daylight and colder temperatures can significantly impact people’s moods and energy levels. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often referred to as seasonal depression or winter blues, is a recurrent mood disorder that typically sets in during the fall and lasts through the winter. Its symptoms include depressed mood, increased sleep, overeating, and carbohydrate cravings.One distinguishing feature of seasonal affective disorder is its cyclical, seasonal nature, primarily occurring in the winter.1 

MOOD BOOST

Research suggests that there is a potent ally in combating seasonal affective disorder: vitamin D. While vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, is widely recognized for its role in regulating calcium absorption and maintaining bone and heart health, it also plays a crucial role in mood regulation.

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References

  1. Rosenthal, N. E., et al. (1984). Seasonal affective disorder. A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. PubMed
  1. Huiberts, L. M., & Smolders, K. C. H. J. (2020). Effects of vitamin D on mood and sleep in the healthy population: Interpretations from the serotonergic pathway. ScienceDirect

NCBI

  1. Kerr, D. C. R., et al. (2015). Associations between Vitamin D Levels and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Young Adult Women. PubMed
  1. Forrest, K. Y. Z., & Stuhldreher, W. L. (2011). Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. PubMed
  1. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. NEJM

From Stagnant to Stunning: Revitalizing Skin’s Natural Brilliance  

Inner mobility is essential for clear, healthy, and glowing skin. The type of movement needed can vary from person to person, but the goal of balancing the exchange of nutrients and waste removal remains the same.Movement relieves restrictions in the connective tissue, softens muscle tension to allow for the free flow of fluids, improves circulation to feed skin with nutrient and oxygen rich blood, and supports skins natural filtration system to remove excess fluid and cellular waste.

OBSTRUCTION, STAGNATION, ACCUMULATION.

Stagnation does not occur by itselfit is an intermediary, a cause and effect of blockages and accumulations in the tissue. When an obstructiona tight muscle or tangle in the connective tissue, restricts movement it leads to stagnation (sluggishness or immobility) within the tissue, which creates an accumulation of excess fluids and wastes that lead to an abundance of skin related issues. Obstruction can lead to tech neck and sagging from tight muscles and scar tissue and wrinkles from restriction in connective tissue. The resulting stagnation can cause hyperpigmentation, lack of vitality, and tenderness. The pooling of fluids and wastes (accumulation) leads to puffiness, acne, and dark circles

 

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