Why do skin care professionals go the extra mile for skin but not for the scalp? The scalp, after all, is an extension of the skin. Skin care professionals are the first ones to educate clients on the importance of exfoliating and removing dead cells and that cleansing the face is not the same as exfoliating – just like shampooing is not the same as…

There is a lot of hype surrounding probiotics and the benefits they offer when used in skin care products. But what exactly are these bacteria-filled actives and are they beneficial topically? Simply put, probiotics are microorganisms that naturally live on the surface of the skin, creating a protective veil referred to as the skin’s microbiome. When the microbiome is in balance, it helps offset factors…

Hyperpigmentation and acne are partners in crime. Inflammation from acne lesions triggers the skin’s protective melanin response, which results in aggravating dark spots that remain long after the pimples vanish. While post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can have other sources, like lasers, microdermabrasion, scratches, or bug bites it is most often associated with the inflammation caused by acne. Because acne inflammation fuels hyperpigmentation, the emphasis needs to be…

MY EARLY YEARS As the son of the international opera star Rosina DeStefano, it was no wonder that I have had a lifelong passion for music. Also, at a very young age, I was exposed to a considerable amount of travel. The combined exposure to the two has contributed greatly to my interest in people and I their quality of life. Being interested in learning…