In the last decade, a new field has emerged in the world of aesthetics – one where clients seek more than just facial services from their skin care providers. More and more clients are wanting body services, such as noninvasive treatments to promote the breakdown of adipose tissue that eventually translates to weight loss. For those who dare to go a step further and undergo cosmetic surgeries, they may even desire post-operative, noninvasive body treatments as well. 

This has caused great controversy since, in multiple states, adipose tissue reduction and post-operative treatments are not within the aesthetician’s scope of practice. This is due to their novelty in the industry, and the fact that the manipulation of adipose tissue might be considered a more medical practice.

SCOPE THIS

The controversy began because there are multiple body treatments designed to break down and reduce body fat that are not medical, such as wood therapy, manual reductive techniques, and some aesthetics equipment. These treatments are in high demand, and currently, multiple states have been evaluating whether they should formally be a part of the aesthetician’s scope of practice to ensure that professionals receive the education and complete information necessary to practice these services. 

The body contouring industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with more aestheticians in the United States offering body and post-operative care. In fact, many doctors already approve of this type of post-care to improve their patients’ results and to speed up their recovery. Although post-operative treatments are still relatively new and controversial, their acceptance is increasing for these reasons.  

BODY TALK

 Body treatments are typically noninvasive techniques that utilize tools, aesthetics equipment, and various products and procedures with the primary purpose of breaking down adipose tissue through different technologies. These include ice therapy, infrared sauna, and the use of frequencies like cavitation or microcurrent, to name a few.

Body contouring treatments’ main objective is to accelerate fat burning or calories to promote the breakdown of fat cells while activating the lymphatic system to detox the body. Three to ten consecutive treatments can leave clients with impressive results, causing great popularity and growth in the beauty industry. The speed and appearance of the results depends on technique, protocol, the viscosity of the adipose tissue, and so on. 

EASING THE AFTERMATH

 After cosmetic surgery, the body undergoes multiple changes, and recovery can be complicated and painful. The surgery type will decide what post-operative protocol should be used. While the primary purpose of post-operative sessions is to accelerate the healing process, they can also eliminate bruising, prevent fibrosis, eliminate fluid secretion, and reduce pain. Other techniques such as ultrasound, a compression garment, supplements, and other topical products have also become popular for post-operative care.

 Aestheticians and other skin professionals empower individuals to embrace confidence, embodying the perfect blend of art and science in the pursuit of beauty and well-being. In the last decade, they have become true experts in skin care, and many have also mastered the art of body sculpting with noninvasive treatments. As they stride into the future, these dedicated professionals not only enhance the beauty of their clients’ skin but also craft enviable silhouettes through a repertoire of safe and innovative techniques. 

Beauty begins the moment one decides to embrace their inside and outside characteristics. Decisions are more difficult when feelings of discomfort get in the way, especially physical discomfort. Both surface level and deep pain distract from the lifelong journey of seeking beauty. Identifying how to use ingredients such as capsaicin in topical skin care treatments can help clients address pain immediately. 

FORM & FUNCTION

As it irritates most tissues, the natural function of capsaicin is to deter mammals, including humans, organically limiting their interaction. For example, as a food spice, it is used sparingly but can bring pleasure and euphoric effects which drive its consumers to delight; this is a result of an endorphins release.  

In plants where it is present, capsaicin is considered structural, meaning it is in the internal membrane of the fruits of the chili pepper plants and is more of an irritant and neurotoxin. (For many, this may not be considered desirable.) In other words, the actual seeds do not produce the equally loved and dreaded capsaicin; rather, the inner wall of the chili pepper plant where the seeds are attached is where capsaicin is predominately found, making proper extraction for skin care formulations critical.

There is a movement building within healthcare. Top-level academics and practicing doctors are starting to look more thoroughly at prevention rather than cure-based care. They are prescribing supplements and lifestyle factors that extend healthy lifespan, also known as “healthspan.” The focus is moving away from crisis management to forward planning for a long and fully functional life. With new microbiome learnings, skin care will follow.

Peter Attia’s latest book, “Outlive,” suggests setting a centenarian decathlon for oneself. The concept is to choose 10 physical tasks to be able to do at age 100, and then reverse engineer the necessary actions to achieve that future. Some examples include being able to lift a great grandchild, climb stairs while shopping, or have intercourse. Start training for these tasks now because people lose muscle mass and bone density consistently every decade. Attia advises people to put in the work now for long-term healthspan gains. Exercise is prescribed in exact doses of intensity and duration. Diet is tailored to blood results and genetics. Many, particularly high earners, are following the advice.   
  
SHORT-TERM FOCUS 

In contrast, the current aesthetics industry seems largely focused on short-term improvements in the appearance of skin. This is often at the expense of long-term skin health. The time horizon for treatments only sometimes extends further than three months.  

Getting insurance for a small business can be an overwhelming task. Whether a seasoned business owner or a practitioner new to the industry, here is a breakdown of some items to consider when seeking insurance for a beauty business along with key questions to ask.

CHOOSING A POLICY

Consider the nature of the business and identify the risks potentially associated with the specific type of practice. Think about what types of coverage the business requires based on the variety of services offered and size of the business. For example, the needs of a solo practitioner offering only waxing services is going to differ from a full-service day spa with 20 employees offering hair, skin, nail, and waxing services.

Explore the different options that insurance provides such as liability, property, professional liability, and business interruption insurance. Sometimes, leasing properties require certain coverage and for the landlord to be listed as an additional insured on the policy. If the business owner owns the property themselves, the bank or lienholder typically requires property insurance. Liability insurance is always a good idea for any business to protect against claims from clients; however, there are multiple types with the most common being general liability, professional liability, and product liability. If unsure about the coverage each of these offers, business owners may want to consider reaching out to an insurance company or agent for advice. 

Many young people take for granted their ability to eat whatever they want and never see or feel any significant side effects. However, as the decades have passed, it appears everyone is becoming much less tolerant to foods – even children, due to a progressive worsening of food quality. Digestive health has become a big discussion but with it comes a lot of misinformation. 

For skin professionals, the most important side effect of malnutrition involves how digestive imbalances manifest on skin. While some dermatologists dismiss that some dietary choices lead to skin issues, many skin care providers have found that just removing dairy, sugar, or alcohol from one’s diet can help clear skin. In the cases where it does not, it may be because the body needs help to clear the candida. This can be especially true of people with congested skin, as this signifies they may have accumulated mucus in their gut. Even when triggers like dairy are stopped, the body cannot easily remove mucus. Skin conditions that may be caused by candida or mucus are facial acne (excluding jawline or neck), rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

Skin care professionals may have noticed more free advertising alongside everyday products in the grocery store, intended to steer customers towards or away from buying certain products. “Gluten-free,” “sugar-free,” and “phthalate-free” are popular buzzwords across the aisles.  

A popular claim in the skin care and cosmetics realm has become “silicone-free,” but why would the absence of silicone, a naturally abundant and harmless material on the planet, be marketed as a health benefit? Whether strolling on a grassy field or riding a dune buggy in the desert outside Dubai, people interact with silica. It is not a toxic, rare substance that needs to be avoided. It is important to understand the facts behind silicone and why unnecessary negative messaging has cropped up around it. 

SILICONE’S BEAUTY HISTORY

Silicone can come in many forms in the beauty industry. Four of ten products introduced in the 1990s included silicone in the formula. Since then, silica has received growing acceptance in dozens of personal care products. Many shampoos and beauty products include silicone. In shampoos, silicone smooths, detangles, and adds volume to hair. In skin products, it locks in moisture, soothes wounds, and smooths skin. 

There are contraindications to silicone use. For example, those with acne-prone skin can be more sensitive to the occlusive nature of silicone, but according to Medical News Today, “The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that silicone in skin care products, such as moisturizers and patches, is safe. Forms of silicone, such as dimethicone, do not interact with the epidermis, the upper layer of skin, and are therefore unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier.” Even in more invasive procedures, countless people retain silicone breast implants for decades with no problems. Of course, there is the odd complication, as there can be with any treatment, but complications tend to be sensationalized in the press, fueling the “bad silicone” fiasco.  

Reference

1. “Silicone for Skin: Uses, Benefits, Risks, and More.” Medical News Today. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/silicone-for-skin#safety. 

There are two main types of wax that professionals may use for hair removal services. Hot wax is often referred to as hard wax and strip wax as soft wax. When should you use hard wax versus strip wax? How do you know which to pick? What is the difference between hard wax beads and the traditional brick packaging? Below are the answers to these questions and more! 

KEY DIFFERENCES 

The main difference between hot (hard) wax and soft (strip) is the way that the wax is applied and removed. Hot wax is applied against the hair growth, left to set, and then removed without the use of an epilating strip. Strip (soft) wax is applied in the direction of the hair growth and then an epilating strip, like muslin or pelonis, is placed over the wax, pressure is applied, and it is removed opposite to the hair growth, pulling the hair out. Both are effective ways to remove hair and allow for a smooth result. Additionally, hard wax is heated to a temperature of approximately 60°C (140° F); it should be a thick honey consistency. Whereas strip wax is heated to 70-75°C (158-167° F) and is a runnier in consistency. 

WAXCRAFT 

Strip wax is applied thinly and can be removed quite quickly with practice. As a result, it is advisable to use strip wax in larger areas such as legs, arms, back, and even the outer edges of the bikini (inner thighs). A good quality strip wax should not cause skin drag or leave any sticky residue behind. Hard wax is excellent for more sensitive areas such as the bikini or Brazilian area, underarms, and face. Hard wax can be applied in different size patches, which allows for more precise waxing around tricky areas such as the eyebrows and the lips.  

PRE & POST  

With all waxes, it is advised to use a cleanser before and after waxing to help cleanse skin of any debris, makeup, or lotion. Waxing opens the hair follicle, so it is important to ensure skin is clean prior to waxing. Applying the cleanser immediately after the wax will help close the hair follicle. Applying a pre-waxing oil with hot wax adds an additional barrier of moisture to skin, and a little goes a long way! With both hard and strip wax, applying an aftercare product after the service further soothes skin and reduces any redness or inflammation.  

WAX WISDOM 

When choosing which waxes to have at your station, it is important that you consider all factors, such as what areas you will be waxing most and whether you will need both a hard and strip wax always heated. If yes, you will need to look at how big your wax station is and whether it can fit a duo heater or two singles. Being able to have both waxes available allows you to tailor your services. However, ultimately, the most important factor is that you are comfortable waxing with the type of wax chosen as this will make for the most comfortable waxing experience for you and your client.   

Lindsay Miller is the president of LYCON Wax North America. Having first discovered LYCON Wax in the United Kingdom 10 years ago, she has dedicated her time to growing the brand across North America, including introducing LYCON to Canada. Training and product quality are extremely important to Miller and she prides herself on building a strong team around her that can offer the best customer experience possible. LYCON continues to be a market leader in hair removal wax and is used in top spas and salons around the world. 

Base Beauty Creative Agency, the New York digital marketing agency is pleased to announce the appointment of two new key hires: Erica Feldman as Business Development Manager, and Tina Falco as Director of Program Success. BBCA is projected to double its revenue this year and these two positions are pivotal for the continued success of the 17-year-old business and will be key to its growth.


Erica is a seasoned media professional with a passion for propelling client growth in the beauty, personal care, and wellness sectors. In her role as Business Development Manager, she will play an integral part in driving agency revenue, winning new clients and work, and ensuring the agency’s points of difference are in the forefront. Erica orchestrates strategic initiatives to align with larger business goals and actively seeks out target brands where BBCA’s capabilities can create a transformative impact. Before joining BBCA, Erica held roles at top digital publishing platforms and media agencies, including Conde Nast, Bustle, Vice Media Group, and Kyra. With a proven track record in the digital media landscape, Erica brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic insight, and industry expertise to her role at BBCA. She is dedicated to leveraging emerging trends and technologies to help brands thrive in today's competitive market.

Tina is a seasoned marketing professional with vast experience with beauty brands. As BBCA’s Director of Program Success, Tina will play a vital role in driving the success of programs by focusing on customer satisfaction, effective program management, stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, data analysis, continuous improvement, and accountability. Her efforts will contribute to achieving program objectives, delivering value to stakeholders, and ultimately driving organizational success. Prior to her role at BBCA, Tina grew her client service and integrated marketing expertise at Saatchi & Saatchi and Zimmerman and Ogilvy. In her most recent role as Executive Director, Global Marketing and Creative Operations at Estee Lauder, Tina successfully launched the Lab Series for Men brand creating a global program that was disruptive, ownable, scalable, and adaptable. Tina has led Global 360 campaign projects and processes for Creative & Marketing teams and is highly regarded by her clients for balancing business goals and performance while delivering best-in-class creative.

With the expanded leadership team at the helm, BBCA is poised to accelerate agency growth and continue delivering exceptional results for clients. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any further information.

  https://www.basebeauty.com/

Over the years, the various aspects of the beauty and skin care business have completely evolved into their own entities, and hair removal leads that pack. Schools and states alike have created licensing requirements and education that are specific to hair removal practices, such as waxing, laser, and the long-forgotten electrolysis.

Every form of business related to hair removal has done the same. There are now product manufacturers, distributors, spas, salons, and clinics dedicated solely to hair removal products and services. The unique part of this niche of our profession is that it continues to evolve in and of itself –  ever changing new products for pre-, post-, and removal, new applicators, new equipment, and new techniques. All things that allow for continued growth of a service business. What was once a focus on removing hair from the legs, bikini area, and face has evolved into every inch of the body including nostrils, ears, and custom designed bikini areas for one and all! 

This month’s issue will serve as a hair removal bible for any hair removal expert. Take the time to explore each page and keep yourself open to new offerings of products. What makes one different from another or different from what you currently use? Where does the product come from and what is the level of both customer service and equational support? Dive into new ways of doing what you are currently doing. You may find yourself surprised that your finely tuned skills can get even better – making your business even better.

I remember the first time I experienced the joy of my skin being smooth and hairless. Like most women, this was during puberty and the result of my own hands with a common razor. I remember feeling like I had brand-new legs, and no one had ever felt that silky before. While that certainly was not true, it reminded me of the power professionals have to make the biggest difference in the lives of many.

Waxing, sugaring, threading – hair removal is seemingly simple. Wax on, wax off; the hair is gone until next time. It is so easy, anyone can do it! But if that were true, would professional hair removal be a billion-dollar market? 

Although there will always be those who prefer to take hair removal into their own hands or to forgo it completely, one thing remains: if you build a quality hair removal business, they will come – and keep coming every four to six weeks. This is a testament to the expertise and finesse that professionals bring to the table, elevating hair removal from a mundane task to a rejuvenating and skillful art. This issue is dedicated to the nuances of hair removal, offering insights, tips, and tricks to elevate skill sets and provide a working guide for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Until next time, enjoy the smooth journey ahead!