Supporting existing clientele while attracting new devotees is the name of the game when it comes to maximum business engagement. In order to successfully run an aesthetics business, it is imperative to understand everything from what is ahead in the skin care world to making a business a safe place for all, while staying within the scope of the aesthetician practice. 

TIME FOR A TIME-OUT

Suggesting products and at home treatments to clients is a common part of the standard treatment plan for skin care professionals. It is normally recommended that clients use products for a period of one to three months to gauge their effectiveness. However, over time, skin care routines can become less effective as skin adapts to products and builds up a tolerance to certain ingredients, leading to diminishing results. 

If clients report that they are no longer seeing the desired outcome from their at homecare products, or that they have noticed negative or unwanted changes in their skin, such as issues with their tone, or texture, redness, dry patches, breakouts, or irritation, it is time to re-evaluate their products and make some changes. 

Lila Castellanos has focused her energies into the beauty industry for the past 19 years, specializing in skin rejuvenation. As a licensed aesthetician, she has lent her expertise to several different environments including working as a paramedical aesthetician in the medical spa field as well as in both day spa and mobile spa business models. It was through these varied experiences, along with the interactions with her loyal clientele, that she honed her passion for improving and maintaining the health and integrity of her clients’ skin. Castellanos thrives on being able to use her extensive knowledge to customize each treatment to help her clients achieve the results they are searching for. Her adaptability and versatility are equally impressive in providing antiaging facials, treating acne, and minimizing the appearance of scarring or when addressing skin conditions that arise as a result of hormonal changes. 

Skin care professionals must understand the complexities of skin care product formulation in order to correctly and effectively educate clients on product chemistry and design. There is so much more to formulating a product than most people are aware of, and having a full understanding of chemical purity grades, purity standards, and classifications are part of the overall experience of understanding skin care ingredients and their efficacy.

Chemical purity grade is an important concept to consider when evaluating the quality of a chemical compound or ingredient. It is essential for establishing safe and effective use, as well as for meeting product specifications. The term “chemical purity grade” describes various levels of purity that are established by different organizations and industries in order to guarantee that products meet certain standards. 

United States Pharmacopeia (UPS) grade chemicals are fit for use in food, drugs, and medicines. They are subject to stringent testing and are typically required to have the highest level of purity. For example, isopropyl alcohol 70% USP can be safely used in pharmaceutical applications due to its high purity.1 According to the FDA, pharmaceutical-grade products are required to be 99% pure, whereas cosmetic grade products are only required to be 70% pure.2  

Top of FormBottom of Form Courtney Sykes is the chief administrative officer of Southeastern Esthetics Institute and a licensed aesthetics instructor in South Carolina. Sykes is also the creator of Courtney Sykes Molecular Anti-Aging, a clinical skin care line for consumers and professionals. Her passion lies in creating real change in the aesthetics industry, assisting her students to obtain gainful employment, and making a difference in the lives of their clients. Sykes specializes in a science-based approach to skin health and education. Her primary focus is chemical peels, laser treatments, eyelash extensions, micropigmentation, and cosmetic lasers. Her background in medical spa management has led her to nationally accredit the largest, licensed aesthetics school in South Carolina – Southeastern Esthetics Institute.  

In the world of aesthetics, the pursuit of beauty and wellness is an art form. Skin care professionals are the artists, sculpting and nurturing their canvas – clients’ skin. To create masterpieces, professionals must understand the science behind the products they use and make informed decisions about ingredients. Clients seek results, and professionals strive to provide them with the best solutions. 

Behind the scenes, the magic happens through cosmetic chemistry and product formulation. In order to understand products fully, it is essential to demystify ingredient lists, explore sustainable ingredient choices, and delve into product development.  

UNCONFUSING COSMETIC CHEMISTRY  

Cosmetic chemistry involves blending scientific knowledge with artistic creativity to develop formulations that enhance skin health and appearance. Professionals and spas can benefit greatly from understanding cosmetic chemistry as it allows them to select and recommend products with a deeper understanding of their ingredients and how they interact with skin. 

Janet Schriever is a licensed aesthetician and the founder and formulator of Code of Harmony skin care. She is also the inventor of the Sculpt and Release Method, which combines manual facial sculpting with CBD skin care. Schriever began creating plant-powered skin care in 2012 because of her personal battle with rosacea. Having a complicated skin condition has also guided her aesthetics practice and is the underlying reason why she began creating clean products with CBD. Her products address sensitive skin naturally, and her aesthetics practice takes a holistic approach to prevention and aging. 

Lasers remain a staple in many medical aesthetics protocols for aging and other skin conditions. However, while there are certainly positive outcomes, they rarely create long lasting changes to skin. Instead, there is often a worsening of the skin condition because of the trauma created and in far too many cases, permanent scarring occurs. 

A successful skin care professional knows the last step of a facial is not simply sunscreen; today’s client expects to leave feeling educated about their skin. The creation of a treatment plan for the client begins during the consultation. As the client discusses concerns with their skin, the provider should make note of any adjustments to the day’s facial, what treatments will be best for next time, and which products will help their client achieve the results they seek. 

TODAY 

Once the service is finished, hand the client a mirror and share the specifics of the facial performed. By explaining each step and the benefits, a skin care professional builds trust with their client. Point out something positive about the results of the facial.