From candy corn to candy canes, the holiday season is often the busiest time of the year for small businesses. It seems that after Halloween hits in October, it is a non-stop whirlwind for businesses to market to their customers and sell more gift cards, presents, and stocking stuffers before the end of the year. While it can be easy to become overwhelmed with the growing to-do list as a business owner during this season, it should be equally as important to step back and take a moment to just get excited! With all of the festivities to plan, it can be a wonderful and enjoyable time for everyone working in the spa. There are so many holiday promotion ideas available that can be researched online and applied in the business, making marketing efforts easily implemented. Read More

The Aestheticians' Choice Awards are back for the third year in a row! Just like last year, our readers have been involved in every step of the process. Thank you for taking the time last month to submit your favorite products and skin care companies in our nomination process on DERMASCOPE.com. We received thousands of submissions over the two week submission period. This nomination process has ensured that every product submitted for this respected award is not only one of the best in the professional market, but also approved by you, the skin care professional. Read More

The other day I went in for my regularly scheduled hair appointment; I did not request additional services or buy anything new. When I was finished and went to pay, I noticed my receipt had a 'VIP Discount' line under the total, with 15 percent subtracted. When I looked up to question my stylist about the markdown, she immediately smiled and said, "It's just because!" She went on to thank me for my loyalty and continued support of her business. I thought it was such a unique and genuine way for her to show her appreciation. Read More

As you may have noticed, our cover art has had a different feel from the normal style of artwork that typically graces the covers of DERMASCOPE. This change is because, for the past three months, the Aesthetics International Association (AIA) has been inducting new pioneers from our industry into the coveted Academy of Legends. Read More

Tradeshows have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. For the past 20 years, I have attended at least four a year – traveling across the country to walk the floors, try new products, attend lectures, and chat with leading educators. Read More