Welcome to the first issue of DERMASCOPE in 2021! The team and I are so excited to bring our readers new content, trending topics, and cutting-edge practices to the pages of DERMASCOPE. While this year the magazine might look a little different with fresh designs and new departments, expect the same quality. Welcome to the first issue of DERMASCOPE in 2021! The team and I are so excited to bring our readers new content, trending topics, and cutting-edge practices to the pages of DERMASCOPE. While this year the magazine might look a little different with fresh designs and new departments, expect the same quality education. For our first issue of the year, we decided to tackle the most talked about topic of 2020 – sanitation. Social distancing regulations may have thrown a wrench in the spa industry’s blueprint, but adaptation is crucial in surviving the pandemic. Learn about the different options to comply with safety regulations, including factoring the cost of personal protective equipment, installing protection shields, and more with Mary Nielsen’s article entitled, “Going the Distance.”When it comes to safely operate a spa, protocols for sanitization and sterilization must be re-examined and bettered for effectiveness, especially when it comes to the tools and materials used for daily treatments. Be sure your spa measures up with “Post-Pandemic Protocols,” an article written by Nicole Majdali. With safety guidelines and protocols at an all-time high, it is imperative that all spa staff is on the same page to offer the best service and treatments allowed in the bigger picture. Read up on all the guidelines with the article, “Ruling Regulations” by Courtney Sykes, including employee, client, and service orders to safeguard the spa. And although vigilant sanitation is no longer a luxury, skin care professionals must be aware of the environmental and ethical impact sanitization products cause. With the past year’s increased practice, remaining completely efficient for safety purposes is now a top priority. Consider green alternatives for safe sanitation in the spa with Brittany Facio’s article, “Sustainable Spa.”From sanitation and sterilization methods to effective customer and staff safety guidelines, COVID-19 required spas to address and reassess their sanitation protocols. Read over these feature articles of the month and see what can be implemented in your spa. Here’s to a new year of education and growth in the industry. Cheers!