by Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.   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. Simply put, we don’t just sag, we deflate. An analogy that I like to use so that my prospective patients understand what I am talking about is that of the transformation of a youthful grape into a raisin. In youth, we are a luscious and full grape. As we age, we lose skin turgor and volume and begin slowly and inexorably to become a raisin. Unfortunately, just cutting away, pulling, and lifting tissues only makes that raisin into a pea. Well, a pea looks nothing like a grape! That is why we see so many people walking around Read More

by Guy Lewis It is no secret in the wellness community that there has been an explosion in the number of men who are seeking out and engaging in spa and wellness experiences. Men have long been active and visible participants in the external expression (whether financial or temporal) of health related engagements. Such external engagements have historically been physical exercise, body awareness, and nutrition. What is different about the latest trend in male health consumerism is the “internal” experience of wellness men are seeking such as: relaxation for daily stress; internal representation of the sense of self; and the reduction of stereotypic reactions of what was once considered a feminine industry, the spa. Read More

by Lina Kennedy 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. Read More

by Harry Fallick (excerpted from Therapeutic SunCare) 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. Also, unlike previous generations, today there are over 400 medications prescribed that leave patients with an increased sensitivity to sun exposure and a heightened susceptibility to sun damage. The lengthening of the average life expectancy is an additional contributing factor. Read More

  by Tina Zillmann   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. Read More