Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are increasingly used in the skin care industry for their many benefits, including skin rejuvenation, improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, marked improvement of acne scarring, and the treatment of melasma. 

While platelet-rich plasma was the first generation of platelet-rich plasma to be used, the second generation is called plasma-rich fibrin (PRF), and while both are extracted from a patient’s blood sample, they vary in their components. Both are often referred to as liquid gold, but there are distinctions between the two. 

PLASMA VERSUS FIBRIN

Platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin require a sample of the patient’s blood to be centrifuged. In the case of platelet-rich plasma, an anticoagulant is first added to the test tube before centrifuging; in the case of platelet-rich fibrin, no anticoagulant is added. The spin speed and the time of centrifuging vary between the two components. 

Both platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin contain a cocktail of growth factors and cytokines, which are proteins that control inflammation in the body and initiate a healing response, but there are some differences. During centrifuging, the faster spin speed of platelet-rich plasma allows the distinct separation of blood components, heavier red blood cells (RBC), and stem cells to sink to the bottom of the tube, followed by a layer of white blood cells (WBC), then platelet-rich plasma, and finally, a layer of platelet-poor plasma. 

A slower spin speed is utilized in the collection of platelet-rich fibrin, and the layers do not separate as distinctly. A platelet-rich fibrin clot occurs in the centrifuge process of platelet-rich fibrin. More healing components are collected from platelet-rich fibrin as less trauma is caused to the cells. Centrifuged blood provides five to 10 times the baseline platelets in a blood sample. Either method involves extracting the platelet-rich serum to be used topically or injected into the patient’s areas of concern. 

References

1. Du, Rina, and Tiechi Lei. 2020. “Effects of Autologous PlateletRich Plasma Injections on Facial Skin Rejuvenation.” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, February. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.8531.
2. Everts, Peter, Kentaro Onishi, Prathap Jayaram, José Fábio Lana, and Kenneth Mautner. 2020. “Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21 (20): 7794. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207794.
3. “Microneedling.” n.d. Yale Medicine. Accessed March 1, 2024. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/microneedling#:~:text=These%20%E2%80%9Cmicro%2Dinjuries%E2%80%9D%20do.
4. Nanda, Soni, Kavish Chauhan, Vinma Shetty, Shuken Dashore, and Satish Bhatia. 2021. “Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetics.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal 12 (7): 41. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_290_21.
5. Whatley, Adam. 2020. “Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin (I-platelet-rich fibrin) Stimulates Greater Skin Collagen Production for Rejuvenation.” Dynamicregenmedicine. January 16, 2020. https://www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk/post/injectable-platelet-rich-fibrin-i-prf-stimulates-greater-skin-collagen-production-for-rejuvenation#:~:text=Also%2C%20injectable%2Dplatelet-rich fibrin%20demonstrated%20a.

The popularity and efficacy of retinoids, particularly compounds like retinol and tretinoin, in the aesthetics industry can be attributed to their remarkable ability to influence various cellular processes in skin. Vitamin A, the parent compound of these retinoids, has maintained its prominence for decades due to its multifaceted benefits.

THE YIN & YANG OF RETINOL

Retinoids play a crucial role in skin care by increasing cellular turnover, regulating sebum production, reducing bacteria in follicles, and stimulating fibroblast activity to promote neocollagenesis. These actions make retinoids highly effective in addressing aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne, leading to their widespread adoption among both skin care professionals and consumers.

However, despite their numerous benefits, retinoids can also cause significant side effects if not used properly. Their stimulatory effects may trigger the body’s inflammatory response, resulting in erythema, dryness, and sensitivity, which, if left uncontrolled, can progress to hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Moreover, inadequate sun protection can exacerbate these issues.

by Amra Lear, L.E., LMT., spa consultant for Amra Lear

2020 launched a new era of wellness. Those seeking self-care flocked to spas – the age of wellness booming once and for all. Where distance amongst others became an unusual norm, the yearning for human interaction became available at spas. Massages, facials, and body treatments started becoming instrumental to societal function. Amongst the avid seekers were adults, but then, children started trickling in to receive some form of self-care with their parents.

More and more parents are understanding the importance of human touch for their kids and the spa industry is seeing an incremental rise of this young clientele. What are the ages and services a spa should offer this growing type of clientele? 

AGE & SERVICES

When it comes to a child, all services need to have a parent or guardian’s written consent signed and documented on file. Depending on the service, the parent may need to be present while it is performed. For example, when it comes to massage services, a child under the age of 14 would need to receive a couple’s massage where the parent is receiving a massage in the same room at the same time as the child. For ages 14 to 17, it is suggested that a child receive a massage with a provider of the same gender.  However, if the child prefers a massage therapist of a different gender than their own for whatever reason, the best practice is to receive a couple’s massage with a parent or guardian present.  

Facials have more leeway when it comes to client age. The child would still need to have a parent or guardian present in the room if they are under 13 years of age. Over the age of 13, a child client may receive a facial without a parent or guardian present. 

Every year, more and more Americans utilize massage therapy for the many health benefits it offers. As the popularity of massage therapy continues to increase, so does the demand for qualified massage therapists. There are many compelling reasons to consider massage therapy as a career choice including that it is a fast-growing profession that offers flexible working schedules and hours, good work-life balance, an active and healthy work environment, the opportunity to give back and help others, and is financially and professionally rewarding.

GROWTH POTENTIAL 

The future has never looked so bright for those seeking a career as a massage therapist.  Employment opportunities for massage therapists are projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all United States occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is testament to the powerful healing benefits of massage therapy as consumers find comfort and relief from the caring and compassionate hands of a massage therapist. 

Reference 

1. Admin. “Growth Potential: Job Outlook for Massage Therapists.” Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks, May 3, 2023. https://massage-training.net/massage-school-programs/high-demand-and-growth-potential-job-outlook-for-massage-therapists/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Bureau%20of,for%20medical%20conditions%20and%20injuries.’

Flowing & Glowing: When Hair & Skin Care Collide

There is an intricate relationship between hair care and skin care. While many meticulously curate their skin care routines, the impact that hair care products can have on skin is often overlooked. From acne flare-ups to irritation and sensitivity, the ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can significantly influence the health of skin. Understanding this intersection is key to achieving the best hair and skin.

THE CULPRITS

The root of the problem lies in the ingredients commonly found in hair care products. Silicones, sulfates, and heavy oils are often culprits in causing acne and other skin care woes. These ingredients can clog pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and inflammation, particularly along the hairline, forehead, and cheeks. Additionally, fragrances and dyes in hair care products can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Here are some tips and tricks to have hair flowing and skin glowing.

Read Labels 

The first step in achieving harmony between hair and skin is to become a savvy label reader. The first step is to look for hair care products labeled as “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free,” indicating that they are formulated to not clog pores, though be sure to check if the the ingredient deck aligns. Seek out gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that will not strip skin of its natural oils or cause irritation. Choosing fragrance-free options can also minimize the risk of allergic reactions and skin sensitivities.

Available April 23 On Myndstream’s Online Music Streaming Service

The Stream

Experience This & Other Multi-Sensorial Activations Powered By Myndstream At International Spa Association (ISPA) Conference

April 23-25 In Phoenix, AZ

In Partnerships With Circadia, Oakworks, SALT Chamber Inc

& Living Earth Crafts

April 18, 2024 – Myndstream, a leading provider of music for the health and wellness sectors, sits at the intersection of art and science, working with a dedicated roster of award winning wellness musicians, scientists and wellness practitioners to create music designed to deliver health and wellbeing outcomes. The world's first dedicated music streaming service for spas, The Stream is home to over 60 soundscapes curated by mood and treatment outcome, empowering users to leverage music as a therapeutic tool in helping them achieve their clients desired outcomes or goals.

Approaching Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Myndstream is particularly interested in the role that music can play in helping us manage our physical and mental health. Founder Freddie Moross proudly announces the up-coming release of Spiritus – a breathwork series by Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Peter Kater – onto The Stream. Spiritus will be launched at the April 23-25 International Spa Association (ISPA) Conference in Phoenix, AZ, and the series will be available to all new and existing subscribers to The Stream - sign up here for a 14 day free trial. Watch a preview video here.

Spiritus’ 5, 10 and 15-minute guided sessions along with deeply relaxing instrumentals for more advanced clients to do their own breathwork will be available on The Stream. As the demand for combined modality treatments rise, this new breathwork series perfectly compliments other therapies such as Vibro-Acousticbeds and Salt therapy rooms, which can be offered as bolt on services, adding an additional revenue stream to businesses. Alternatively, therapists can choose the 5 minute practice as a preface to treatments, to help clients peel away the stress of the day and ease into the relaxation of the treatment or as an end to a session setting them up for the day ahead.

Myndstream Founder Freddie Moross said, “We’re thrilled to share Peter’s transformative breathwork series on The Stream — a platform that continues to support spas and therapists on enhancing the client experience by creating unforgettable and immersive wellness experiences through sound. It’s these value adding, differentiating experiences that get people talking and keep them coming back for more”

Beyond the launch of the new breathwork series, Myndstream has partnered with industry leaders across the wellness space; SALT Chamber Inc, Oakworks, Circadia and Living Earth Crafts to showcase the power music in creating multisensory experiences.

ISPA attendees this year should be sure to visit one of the experiences below:

Myndstream x SALT Chamber Inc. Take a Breath Break Experience(Booth 823)

Experience a sneak peek of Peter Kater’s new breathwork series on the SALT Chamber Inc stand. Together with Oakworks, all 3 brands will showcase the power of pairing multiple modalities in delivering enhanced health and wellbeing outcomes. This activation provides a sneak peek at the power of breathwork in delivering enhanced respiratory and relaxation benefits with salt plus vibracoustic therapies.

Myndstream x Oakworks Experience (Booth 908)

Showcases the power of music and Vibro-Acoustic’s to deliver three wellness outcomes: Sleep, Relax, Recharge, and performance recovery – using soundscapes created by expert curators and rooted in the science of sound. These experiences are available to all subscribers of The Stream and can be offered as revenue drivers for pre/post treatment.

Myndstream x Circadia x Oakworks, Dream Experience (Fully booked)

Imagine a spa treatment that immerses every sense in a perfect balance of vibroacoustic vibrations, soothing touch, enchanting soundscapes, and evocative aromas—all while experiencing the weightlessness of zero gravity. This isn't just a spa treatment; it's a transformational odyssey where aesthetics, relaxation, and rejuvenation converge.

Drift into a peaceful calm with a luxurious facial that rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit. Soothing music, vibrations, indulgent products, and massage techniques will put you in dreamland while the skin is renewed and nourished. Expect to awaken to more youthful, softer, and revitalized skin, with a renewed sense of inner and outer peace.

Myndstream x Living Earth Crafts; ReZen™ Vibro-Acoustic Soundscape (Room 122C, limited appointments available)

Unwind your mind with Vibro-Acoustic soundscapes designed to deliver maximum resonance and relaxation to enhance treatments and promote inner harmony. Experience ReZen™ as a holistic unattended journey or as an addition to any wellness treatment.

About Myndstream:

Myndstream is part of the Cutting Edge Group, producers of music for some of the biggest names in TV and Film such as Stranger Things, Whiplash, and Bridgerton. Building on over 20 years of experience and success in influencing how people feel through music on TV, film, and in gaming, they launched Myndstream with a mission to release the power of music. Sitting at the intersection between art and science, Myndstream works with world-leading musicians, scientists, and wellness practitioners to understand the effect music has on us, so that the music they create has the maximum impact on the listener, whether that be to improve mood, boost productivity, or promote relaxation. Their work has transformed many spaces globally, from spas, hotels, and schools to millions of people's daily lives through Myndstream’s music that is available on all major streaming platforms.

www.myndstream.com

About Peter Kater:

Multi-Platinum selling Pianist and Composer Peter Kater has been a leading innovator of contemporary instrumental music for 4 decades. He’s received many awards and accolades for his rich and diverse music including 14 Grammy Award nominations and two Grammy wins. He’s released over 70 critically acclaimed recordings and has scored the music for over 100 television and film productions including 11 On & Off-Broadway dramatic plays. From solo piano and contemporary jazz ensembles to full orchestral works his cross-genre music has traveled all over the world from the Olympics to Carnegie Hall. And as an avid environmentalist and humanitarian Peter is a proud recipient of the Environment Leadership Award from the United Nations.

For more information, please contact Shore Fire Media:

Rebecca Shapiro (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

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Spa owners are no strangers to the challenges of running a successful business in a highly competitive industry. Whether you want to expand your services, renovate your space, or invest in the latest wellness technology, securing the necessary funds can be a significant hurdle. This is where small business grants come into play. 

Small business grants are a valuable source of financial support that can help spa owners achieve their business goals. These grants, offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and even some corporations, provide a lifeline to entrepreneurs looking for instant funds they don’t necessarily have to repay. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of sourcing and applying for small business grants, helping you tap into a world of opportunities that can take your spa to the next level. 

PERMISSION GRANTED 

Small business grants are financial awards or funds provided by various government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to support the growth and development of small businesses. These grants are typically offered to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to help them achieve specific goals, such as business expansion, research and development, job creation, or community development. Unlike loans, small business grants do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable source of funding for entrepreneurs. Here is an overview of small business grants and their significance, as well as the critical differences between grants and loans. 

Richard Merrill is a results-oriented spa business consultant with distinctive expertise in nurturing and guiding spa enterprises across the United States. His proficiency spans strategic planning, branding, marketing, sales, and operational management systems. With an extensive background of over 15 years in the spa and beauty industry, Merrill brings a profound understanding of the intricate intricacies of establishing and managing a thriving spa venture. His unwavering commitment centers on propelling spa professionals towards accelerated success and realizing their visionary aspirations. In 2019, he founded Richard Merrill Consulting, an enterprise that offers holistic business consulting, cutting-edge marketing services, and streamlined printing solutions. This all-encompassing resource is an indispensable toolkit for spa professionals seeking to cultivate more lucrative enterprises. 

Knowledge is power; however, with the popularity of skin care on social media, how do professionals help clients navigate through the myths and the truths? More and more platforms are flooded with inaccurate information, making clients believe there is a one-size-fits-all solution to various skin care concerns. 

GLOW GATHERINGS 

In-person branded classes and educational events in the spa are becoming more important to showcase professional expertise, ensure that clients are kept informed with accurate information, and secure and increase a loyal client base. Professionals can partner with a skin care supplier to send in a brand educator or have the spa team address clients to explain various skin conditions, the chemistry behind the products, the specific action of the products, or new product launches. 

Many spas plan events around occasions, such as an anniversary event to celebrate the years in business, a spring fling, preparation for winter, a client appreciation event, or whatever is deemed of interest to clients. 

EVENT PLANNER 

Three Months Prior 

Planning is of the utmost importance for a successful event. A minimum of three months prior to the event the date, time, theme, invitation list, promotions, draws, media to target, decorations, staff that will participate, and areas of the clinic that will be used for the event should be decided. Providing complementary express treatments is always a draw for clients and allows staff to introduce them to treatments on the menu that they may have overlooked. It is a great time to showcase the add-on options clients can book with their facials, such as a chemical peel, arm and leg exfoliation, massage, eyebrow shaping, smoky eye makeup application, or a scalp massage. Offering a different miniature treatment in each of the facial rooms allows clients to float from room to room and experience several of the items being offered. 

Karen Asquith is the director of education for G.M. Collin Skin Care, based in Montreal, Canada and Plattsburgh, New York, where she provides skin care training programs and guidance for an international staff. For the past decade, Asquith has consistently been featured as a guest lecturer at skin care industry forums, both live and digital, presenting cutting-edge skin care protocols and topics. She is frequently featured in professional skin care publications and consumer magazines, as well as making guest appearances on Web M.D and the Life and Leisure Network. Asquith may be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

As gender neutrality becomes a more mainstream concept and continues to evolve with language and policies helping to lead the way, there are still many opportunities in the aesthetics industry to develop universally accepted treatments and products for all clientele. 

THE BEGINNINGS OF THE MODERN COSMETICS INDUSTRY  

The rise of modern skin care started with the formation of the FDA in 1906 to regulate the industry. During this time, L’Oreal, Elizabeth Arden, Max Factor, and Maybelline all launched a range of skin care products and the cosmetic world as we now know it began to take shape.1 The roaring 20s and glamorous movie stars of the 30s finally brought cosmetics into the mass merchandise market, where they were sold in department stores and other venues. It was about this time that some of the best-known brand names – many of which are still sold today – entered the picture, and the modern cosmetics industry was born. 

By the 90s and early 2000s, many skin care brands began to explore the untapped potential of men’s skin care, capitalizing on the metrosexual movement. Most often, men’s skin care products are pitched as practical, solutions-based offerings to address specific concerns. 

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, minimizing the appearance of scarring, or addressing skin conditions that arise as a result of hormonal changes.  

Welcome back to The Melanin Diaries – helping you to love melanin more by understanding it. In this month’s column, we’re going to call attention to the elephant in the room. That is, clients with melanin-rich skin who are not comfortable with going under the beam.  

Lasers can be intimidating for clients with melanin-rich skin for several reasons, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve all seen the trauma stories on social media and no doubt, so have our clients. The essential component to dismantling fear is having a solid understanding of lasers, along with the confident expertise of a skin professional.  

The reality is, clients aren’t always clear on what lasers are or what they are best for. 

Let’s quickly review. The word laser is an acronym that stands for light amplification by the stimulate emission of radiation. Not exactly what you necessarily want to explain to clients, yet, while that may not help the client to understand laser treatments, it is something fundamental for medical aestheticians to be competent around. When communicating the benefits of lasers with clients of all skin tones, the factors to emphasize are usually as follows: 

How Do Lasers Work? 

Laser light beams are absorbed by skin’s epidermal surface or the dermal tissue by materials found in skin called chromophores. This is the target of laser light and when absorbed, it causes the desired destruction of that particular material.  

The three primary materials that contain chromophores and that are common areas of concern for clients are: 

• Collagen to stimulate rejuvenation. 
• Hemoglobin to treat vascular concerns. 
• Melanin to treat hair removal, tattoo removal, and address hyperpigmentation. 

For individuals with melanin rich skin, the most common skin concern is centered around hyperpigmentation. This is where any interest from the client may be piqued. Unfortunately, traditional interest has been met with disappointment and fear as a result of improper clinical practice or devices. In those cases, almost always the assessment for client suitability was inadequate or there was an improper selection of laser settings or devices by the skin professional. 

C.R. Cooper is a connective, knowledgeable, and compassionate educator who has been a skin enthusiast for over 24 years. As the education manager and master educator for a renowned global institute of learning in the skin health industry, Cooper values organizational and individual industry standards, professional and personal brand integrity, but most importantly the inherent worth in every skin professional.