Brilliant Bodywork is located in the heart of La Crosse, Wisconsin and was created to be an inclusive, safe space where the services go beyond the procedures. Medical spa procedures are not always comfortable, so it is a priority for Brilliant Bodywork to have empathy and compassion to ease clients’ anxiety and provide a more successful outcome emotionally and physically. Brilliant Bodywork has been open for 15 years and changes lives daily by arming clients with knowledge, helping them feel confident in their skin by loving themselves just as they are. DERMASCOPE sat down with owner, Stephanie Andresen Stevens to learn more about this Face Haven. 

What pushed you to open your own spa, and at what point in your career did you open it? 
It was very important that my spa was seen as a safe haven, not only for the clients but also for myself and my staff. I started Brilliant Bodywork right out of aesthetics school in a 250-square foot office space and we were able to grow into a 7,000-square foot spa that is now seen as a local respite spot for members of our community.  

What has been your biggest challenge to overcome as a spa owner? 
Imposter syndrome has been my biggest challenge as a spa owner. In my quiet mornings, before the spa opens, I sit in wonder of how I have made it as far as I have in my profession. I feel so blessed to serve others.  

What do you look for in a professional brand? 
When seeking out new professional brands, I look for integrity. I look for products that are available to professionals only, not sold online, and I look for companies that are not going to market directly to my clients. I also look for companies that invest in their representatives.  

What is your favorite treatment to receive?  
My favorite treatment is the PiXel 8-RF with AnteAGE MDX immediately following the treatment. I love the lift and glow I get from this treatment.  

Favorite ingredients? 
My all-time favorite ingredient is mandelic acid. It is so versatile and can help with inflamed acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, folliculitis, and more. It is a must have in my treatment room and in my own beauty routine.  

What is unique about your spa?  

We serve our community through giving back. We facilitate two nonprofits, Restorative Ink and Wings of Hope. Through Restorative Ink, we offer free tattoo removal services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Wings of Hope assists oncology clients with massage and skin care services during and post-treatment. Due to the high medical costs that these clients are subject to, clients are asked to only pay what they can afford.  

Contact Information: 

@brilliantbodywork 

brilliantbodywork.com 

608-783-8380  

– An invigorating, antioxidant massage oil for face and body. Mindfully and uniquely formulated to revitalize skin elasticity and pliability, while delivering balancing, rejuvenating, soothing, smoothing, and aromatherapy benefits.

Delightfully aromatic, the Chocolate Indulgence Massage Oil contains chocolate from the Theobroma Cacao Tree, an extract also known as the “food of the gods” since ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Aside from being a culinary delight, chocolate has long been highly praised for its health-boosting properties. This superfood ingredient is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants; these include polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, etc. Numerous studies have shown that these antioxidants help repair skin damaged by UV sunlight and environmental aggressors. One of Chocolate’s potent antioxidants is Theobromine, which stimulates blood flow and supports healthy cell metabolism. Likewise, Chocolate contains important minerals like potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, calcium; and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. As it is nutrient-dense, those elements can help keep the skin looking more youthful, smoother, and plumper by preventing, reducing, and repairing the natural breakdown caused by the aging process, nutritional and lifestyle habits.

This exquisite formula raises the bar on the sought-after properties of Chocolate with a freshly crafted blend of the purest, best quality Botanical Oil Extracts. Skin friendly non-GMO Soybean, Safflower, and Sweet Almond Oils act as lightweight carriers that also offer antioxidant, barrier protecting, softening, and moisturizing advantages. These benefits are further augmented by the synergistic repairing, invigorating, and protective actions of Moroccan Argan Oil, Squalane, and Vitamin E.

The Chocolate Indulgence Massage Oil will exceed guest expectations for a chocolate-infused massage experience by delivering
a unique textural and aromatic service. Surprise and delight as you use this ideal massage medium with its easy glide and high
absorbency for the perfect face and body aromatherapy massage. This superlative massage oil transports guests to a sensorial
escape without the undesired greasy residue and oily, sticky feeling. The skin is rendered soft, smooth, deeply moisturized, soothed, repaired, with a protective shield and visible glow. Recommended for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated, dull, mature, menopausal, with rough or uneven texture, cellulite.

Warning: Smells good enough to eat, but don’t yield to temptation!

800-351-3516  www.pevoniapro.com

Utterly sumptuous, the Chocolate Indulgence Mask delivers an integral face and body wellness experience. Diffusing an exquisite aroma, its deliciously creamy texture provides a tactile pleasant sensation due to the perfect blend of smoothing Safflower Oil, mattifying Bentonite Clay, moisturizing vegetal Caramel, and protective Shea Butter. As the skin is lavishly covered with the Chocolate Indulgence Mask, it soaks in an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that effortlessly repair and rejuvenate. Absorbable Marine Collagen Polypeptides along with amino acid laden Pea Extract bring forth maximum beneficial support for intrinsic collagen and elastin, enhanced moisture retention, increased elasticity and resilience, and visibly plumped lines and wrinkles. This action is further augmented by vegetal Sodium Hyaluronate - a salt of Hyaluronic Acid that expeditiously reinstates moisture and serves as a consistent bioavailable reservoir help keep skin looking and feeling healthier from the inside out.

This superior youth-enhancing formula is also enriched with Niacinamide, to encourage healthy blood flow, cellular oxygenation, and prompt the even distribution of nutrients for improved mitochondrial ATP production. Additionally, it offers supplementary anti-free radical protection from Beta-Glucan and Vitamin E. Beta-Glucan, is a naturally occurring polysaccharide from non-GMO oat extract that strengthens skin cells and supports its immunity.

Chocolate-inspired services are always in demand and Pevonia’s Chocolate Indulgence line converts this trend into a true obsession with this exquisite face and body experience. Following the Chocolate Indulgence Mask, the skin emerges soft, smooth, exquisitely scented, and visibly radiant. Recommended for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated, dull, wrinkled, flaccid, mature, menopausal, with rough or uneven texture, cellulite treatment support, etc. Ideal as a couple’s treatment and as the perfect way for customers to celebrate Valentine’s, Galentine’s, holidays, or for any occasion.

Warning: Smells good enough to eat, but don’t yield to temptation!

800-351-3516  www.pevoniapro.com

Chocolate, long revered as both a delicacy and as a skin superfood with antioxidant benefits, has increased the ongoing demand of chocolate-inspired services. Enhance your menu with decadent, “guilt-free” chocolate experiences clients will obsess over. Pevonia’s Chocolate Indulgence Foaming Salt Scrub is the next level option for a delightfully sensorial exfoliation. Divinely aromatic, this foaming salt scrub with Chocolate Extract (Cacao) features a heavenly scent as it delivers stellar results. Outperforming standard scrubs, this exquisite multifunctional product promotes the renewal of skin cells, boosts facial revitalization, and delivers anti-cellulite, body smoothing benefits.

Skin barrier friendly, the Chocolate Indulgence Foaming Salt Scrub gently yet deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses epidermal and dermal layers with healthy negative ions to counteract environmental damage and support skin wellness. As the salts dissolve, the skin is instantly fortified with the benefits of nutrient dense Cacao Extract (the magical ingredient in chocolate), also known as Theobroma Cacao or “food of the gods” in Mayan and Aztec cultures. Cacao delivers an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, fatty acids, and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and calcium. Moreover, since Cacao contains theobromine, an important flavonoid that neutralizes free radicals, it helps increase blood flow, and stimulates fat cell metabolism and lipolysis for a smoother, more even skin texture.

Unequivocally unique, the Chocolate Indulgence Foaming Salt Scrub also aids in strengthening the skin’s immunity with the inclusion of natural Beta-Glucan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide from non-GMO oat extract. This innovative ingredient protects skin cells and aids in delivering and preserving long lasting moisture for optimal skin health. Recommended for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated, dull, mature, menopausal, with rough or uneven texture, cellulite, or as part of a revitalizing face and body treatment exfoliation. Ideal as a couple’s treatment and as the perfect way for customers to celebrate Valentine’s, Galentine’s, holidays, or prepare the skin for any occasion.

Warning: Smells good enough to eat, but don’t yield to temptation!

800-351-3516  www.pevoniapro.com

Tori Prince Beauty rests in the historic Bridgeport neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. Led by licensed aesthetician and international celebrity makeup artist, Victoria Prince, they have a small but mighty team that is growing. Tori Prince Beauty provides refined products and services that transform skin and wellness from the inside out while coaching industry experts to encourage proper understanding and representation of women of color within the beauty and skin care industry. Their client results speak for themselves, earning them a long-standing five-star rating and the 2022 Best of Chicago Skincare Clinic award.

Contact Information:

@toriprincebeauty

toriprincebeauty.com

(773) 801-0916

As we roll into the summer months, the thought of flowy dresses, tank tops, and minimalist clothing is a hot rage for almost every age. It is also the eye-opening moment of realization that it is not just the face and neck that are exposed, but the skin on the rest of the body as well. 

Skin care professionals often sway from the fact that skin is the largest organ of the human body, and all of it needs to be properly cared for – especially when it comes time to show it off! Fortunately, there are a host of quick fixes that can soften, smooth, and turn back the clock on the entire body.

First and foremost, exfoliate. There are tons of amazing exfoliating products for the body on the market. They come easy to use right in the shower and are the ideal way to rid the body of built-up winter skin and shed light on the new. For summer preparation, gentle exfoliation is recommended every day as skin of the body can handle it. Follow up with a moisturizer or a power packed body oil that leaves skin silky soft but not slippery and greasy. Again, there are so many quality products available.

For a business boost, offer a summer body special that includes a full-body exfoliation and nutrient-rich hydration wrap. Create a summer smooth package that keeps clients coming back for several months, and of course, sell them the homecare to maintain the results. Be the summer skin 911 professional!

It is finally May! Here comes the sun. Whether readers are destined for a hot girl summer or summertime sadness, one thing is for certain: they will certainly be wearing sunscreen (and maybe even showing more skin). And now that the rest of the world is catching up on the importance of sun protection, so should the majority of clients. Welcome to the sun care-body issue. We have been waiting for you. 

Regrettably, sun damage does happen, and it should not be taken lightly. This is more prevalent in the warmer months when body care become much more apparent, hence the dual theme. Too much sunlight puts skin at risk in a number of ways: burns, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, cancer, and so on. It will forever baffle me how the tradeoff to go sans sunscreen is worth it to some people. Nevertheless, almost everyone is guilty of getting too much sun at least once or twice – more so if they are in the habit of reaping the benefits of their routine body care. 

Explore this issue with curiosity. Sun care may be old news and body care underappreciated, but there is much to gain. So, keep walking on sunshine and avoid a cruel summer. 

Adrienne Shostak

An award-winning licensed master aesthetician, Shostak is the owner of Bespoke Aesthetics and Wellness in Washington, DC. 

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I actually studied theatre in college. Then around the age of 30, I decided to make the switch to aesthetics. I was living in London at the time, so I did my basic training at the London School of Beauty & Makeup. I opened my business straight after school and learned modalities from the companies I worked with. I started with intense-pulsed light, microneedling, and peels. Since then, I have continually worked on finding new product lines and modalities as I am always looking to better help clients. In the past 13 years of working in the industry, I have never not been in the process of learning a new tool. Learning is my passion.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been practicing for 13 years. I shudder to think of my early work, but you get better by trying new things. When looking for a new career in my 30s, I made a list of things I wanted in my work life versus what I did not. I wanted flexibility, an ever-evolving craft to learn, a relaxing environment, and something science based. I did not want to punch a clock, or do anything that was not tangible in its results. As I had my own skin issues for most of my life, aesthetics became a winning choice. I love empowering people to use nature to help themselves grow and heal.

Why is DMK your ultimate go-to, and how has it helped you become one of the best professionals in the industry?

They have helped us become so successful because their products are universally beneficial for all skin tones, types, conditions, and provide instant and lasting results. 

Why did you choose the brand, and how did you find out about them?

I found DMK by browsing social media and seeing the results of the many Skin Games’ contestants who used it. I am all about the before-and-after capability, philosophy, and mechanism of product lines. DMK’s concept just made sense to me. Using the body’s own capabilities to heal itself through reverse osmosis resonated with me and my own experiences with healing my own acne. But, at the end of the day, what really sold me was their enzyme therapy. After experiencing it for myself, there was no looking back; I was hooked.

How do you stay educated with this brand?

It is easy to stay educated with DMK as they invest so greatly in their representatives and provide consistent training. My representative regularly visits to help me train new staff and teach me more about the brand. DMK also has an incredible online library of videos to learn from. 

What benefits do your clients see from using the products of the brand?

One of the most satisfying aspects of the brand is how quickly clients see results – truly healthy skin from the inside out. With raised water levels and balanced oil production, clients achieve healthy glowing skin every time thanks to highly customizable routines that maximize potential.

How do you promote yourself and the brand?

We promote through social media and weekly newsletters and blogs. We are also regularly featured in the local culture and lifestyle magazine, DC Modern Luxury. This year I aim to expand our reach to teaching courses virtually for both clients and aestheticians.

Besides working with the brand, what else has helped you become one of the best?

Bespoke has grown the way it has due to a dedicated spiritual practice on my end. The business is an extension of me, like a child. It is vital that I protect and nurture my own energy and continue to grow as a person and leader. My spiritual practice is through yoga, meditation, and being part of like-minded community dedicated to helping other people. It is hard to balance all of it with motherhood, but the better care I take of myself, the better I can serve those around me through my work.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

We regularly donate our services to charity auction events. Also, Bespoke Aesthetics is a femininely empowered workplace. We give back in providing refuge for other women – a place where they can take care of themselves and be cared for by us. Similarly, I hope to provide a place for my aestheticians to grow and show them a clear example of what initiative, balance, and leadership can look like as a woman and mother.

Adrienne’s Must-Have Products 

DMK Skin Revision BETA GEL

MELANOTECH DROPS

skinbetter science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Osmosis Beauty StemFactor: Growth Factor Serum

@bespokeaestheticsdc

(833) 642-2542

adrienneshostak.com

This month’s issue focuses on the foundation of our industry and the core of our success – skin Health and wellness. Even with the continual influx of new products, ingredients, and technology falling into our skilled hands, the main objective of our job has never changed – to allow skin to be the healthiest that it can be. The healthier skin is, the easier it is to improve specific skin concerns and conditions.

As readers soak up all the content from this month, be sure to note where it plays a role in the health of skin. What are the basics needs of every skin type? What needs to be done to obtain that base line? How can it be built upon? These are easy questions that often get overlooked when looking at the big picture. 

Go back to the basics and to what it is you know about skin and how it functions. Every skin type requires hydration (water), a balanced microbiome, antioxidant protection, and ultraviolet ray protection. From this baseline, it is easy to focus on skin concerns, including promoting cellular turnover, inhibiting pigment production, minimizing (or maximizing) oil production, and stimulating protein synthesis for firmness and elasticity.

The basics never change. The core requirements of skin have never changed. The core requirements of professionals’ role have also never changed. Know the basics, perform a thorough consultation every single time, and, lastly, know the products. This month’s issue will be a fantastic tool to put in a skin professional’s toolbox. Enjoy!

As quick as the trend cycle moves, healthy skin seems to always be in fashion. And for the past decade, the wellness industry has exploded as well, making its way inside treatment rooms all over the world. For these reasons, it has become clear that either are not going anywhere soon. 

This brings me to the theme of this issue, skin health and wellness – a timeless classic and a new age idea coming together to complete June 2023. From a guide to corneotherapy to bringing lymphatic drainage massage into the mix and how energy can be incorporated into the standard practice, learn how healthy skin and optimal wellness can be achieved for each and every client.  

In addition to the terrific lineup of education, be sure to check out the cover article this month. Brought to readers by GlyMed Plus, brush up on what to look for in a professional skin care manufacturer to build the most successful career yet. A brand staple in the industry, this article is not one to skip.  

As another June comes and goes, we hope readers savor the summer air and invest in themselves by attending the many industry events happening this month with this is of DERMASCOPE at their side. Just like skin health and wellness, education never goes out of style.