by Linda T. Nelson, N.D., Ph. D. and Wallace V. Nelson, Ph.D. In August of 1979, I was at the end of my rope. I was 38-years-old, but I felt helpless and hopeless. More than three years of rapidly declining health had left me nearly disabled by pain, fatigue, and depression; all of which were caused by a disease syndrome that no doctor could properly diagnose. The best that they could offer me was the management of my multiple symptoms with a host of prescription drugs. I had been on over 30 different medications in a year’s time, each of which helped with its assigned symptom, but the side effects were becoming an illness unto themselves. I was over-medicated, and hooked on sugar, caffeine, and fast food. a Read More

by Denise R. Fuller We have all heard it before: “Lose 40 inches!”, “Better than Botox!” “World’s best serum that will make you look and feel like you are in your twenties again!” Are these false claims? Did you get the results that the product advertised? Did the aesthetician not understand how to use the product correctly? Was the product applied to the wrong skin type? What went wrong? You bought the product in good faith and it didn't live up to the claim. Why not? There are several reasons why we don't get the results from the magic that is promised in the bottle. Why is it so difficult for aestheticians to find a product line that resonates with what they want to achieve in the treatment room and spa? For many, the first step is establishing what type of business they want to build. Is your focus on relaxation or results? Can you have both? Absolutely! However, it is important to understand that to achieve success you will have to do two things. First, you must have a clear and precise knowledge of the skin. Second, you must learn and understand the ingredients contained in the products you Read More

by James E. Upperman and Laura L. Root, CST, CIDESCO Diplomate It sounds relatively simple, doesn’t it? A cleanser, an aftershave balm, a sun protection product, possibly a lip balm. But what makes a product line distinctly male-oriented versus “unisex” can be elusive and much of the distinction lies in observing the male creature, as well as in the marketing and promotion of the products. A hard look at men and women’s skin care habits reveals very different routines, leaving a significant departure in the aspect of product acceptance by men. The dilemma is exposed when one researches the sales numbers, retail selection, and presentation of male-only products for the spa market. Indeed, men still remain a somewhat elusive target in the spa, not to mention the fact that not all professionals are able take advantage of the opportunity to market to the “metrosexual” market. Read More

by Tom Porter Ask, “What is the definition of spa?” and most replies will have something to do with water. Many historians consider the origin of the word spa to define a place where water is applied therapeutically. The most common image used to identify spas in logos or advertising is water; and in a true wellness spa, water is an iatrical (healing) component at the soul of the spa business. We all recognize the calming sounds of water. We know we should drink eight glasses of water a day. Soaking in hot, moving water is recognized widely as therapeutic. Millions enjoy the healing properties of steam, and for centuries, men, women, and children have sought out mineral baths for their purported curative properties. Yet today, most of these uses of water actually do more harm than good for the body and, unless you understand how to analyze, interpret, and counteract the effects of your water supply on skin and hair, you probably are using water inappropriately – even harmfully – in your spa and at home. Read More

  by Norma Jean N.D. Five years after writing my first article on how the digestive system impacts skin, I find that very little has changed in how those of us within the skin industry are educating clients. In fact, I find very little education being done at all, and I wonder why. Do not misunderstand me, please. Most of us do educate about the products and treatments used in client care, but when our clients walk away from us, what understanding does a client have of the nutrition needed for great skin? It is not yester year when skin care consisted of cleansers, toners and moisturizers. It is much different today, and turning away from what is ultimately going to have a large impact in this industry is not good business. Putting it on the back burner till another time, may leave you wishing you had begun long ago to understand the importance of nutrition in skin care. Upon publication of my article in 2002, I received many e-mails from those in the industry but many more from the public, wanting to know more about the process known as glycation that contributes to wrinkling and sagging of the skin. Read More