Displaying items by tag: DERMASCOPE Magazine

Traditional dictionary definitions of the word 'ethnic' refer to those who originate from non-western cultures. The word has also been used to describe people from cultures or nations different from where they reside. The U.S. is unique in that we are genuinely a melting pot. As a result, using the color or Fitzpatrick skin type of a patient to identify ethnicity may lead to incorrect treatment selection. Understanding the intricate variances that exist between the structure and function in the skin of people from differing geographic regions in the world is one important key to a successful treatment.

I am often asked the question, “What equipment should I invest in?”, by colleagues who are new to the industry or those trying to decide what piece of equipment they should add next to their current inventory of modalities. My response is always, “What do you want to achieve?”
Our equipment choices should be based on how the chosen equipment will support the treatment offering that we provide. What is the main focus of your business? Is it high tech and clinical or wholistically based? Who are your clients and what are their skin concerns? How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

In the aesthetic industry, we have been fixated on two principle manifestations of aging: wrinkles and gravity. We address wrinkles through a variety of methods including laser and light technology, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, chemical peels of various strengths and types, botulinum toxin, and daily skin care regimens. Gravity has been the traditional territory of plastic surgeons that lift and pull until the sagging skin and muscles return to their desired youthful position. The problem with this paradigm is that it fails to incorporate one vital element in the aging process, the loss of soft-tissue volume.

Hopefully when you decided to become an aesthetician, your main deciding factor was your passion; Passion to help others look and feel better. It’s no secret that having passion for what you do is a major factor in an overall success formula. And, when you combine passion with skills, your chances for success are even greater, but your formula remains incomplete.
You need a solid investment program - an investment into the future of your career path, and what better than continuing education and advanced education. In the ever changing face of beauty products and beauty systems, it’s become even more crucial today for aestheticians to stay on top of their game.

More than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Many more are diagnosed with pre-cancerous conditions. These numbers continue to increase, not only in the U.S., but worldwide. Despite the alarming increase in skin cancers, especially in the teen and young adult population, people continue to believe that a tan is healthy. The notion that sunscreen is an occasional summer-only accessory is still prevalent, yet mistaken. Several factors are responsible for the alarming rise in skin cancer. The continual erosion of the Earth’s ozone layer due to pollution has led to a decrease in the amount of ozone protection than was afforded previous generations.

Dermatologists, aestheticians, and technicians have used microdermabrasion for over 20 years to combat the signs of photo-aging on the skin, provide treatment for acne and discoloration, and minimize the appearance of superficial wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks on the face and body. Experts in the industry continue to make advancements in technology, technique, and sanitation to provide optimal results and protect their clients and staff. As treatments become all too standard, we must ask how much care are we putting into skin care regimens and treatments. It is important to understand the needs, skin types, backgrounds, and daily regimens of clients, otherwise microdermabrasion can be damaging to their skin and diseases may be spread.

Two forms of wax are used in spas, with one being a 'must have' hair removal tool that has been used in the beauty industry for generations, and the other being a traditional barrier therapy utilized for hydrating the skin for as long as skin care has been performed. Both deem a closer look at for safe use, epsecially as spa clients are demanding higher levels of safety now. Spas must answer client demands for obviously safe protocols, or lose them, one at a time, to spas that do.