Visibly transform skin with a lightweight clarifying oil. Ideal for all skin types, including oily and combination skins, this non-greasy formula is infused with activated charcoal and black seed oil to visibly reduce the look of uneven skin tone while absorbing excess sebum and leaving your complexion hydrated and soft.
1-888-747-6342  Eminence Organic Skin Care

Combination skin is the most common skin type, and the most commonly mistreated skin at home. It can also be overlooked in a treatment menu. Combination skin can affect people of all ages, from teenage skin to mature skin. It is characterized by an oily forehead, nose, and chin – the area of the face known as the T-zone – with drier areas on the periphery of the face, such as the cheeks. The condition manifests because of overactive sebaceous gland activity in the T-zone, which creates excess sebum, leading to blackhead and pustule formation. At the same time, the area on the periphery of the face has underactive sebaceous glands, resulting in dry, flaky skin and even a compromised skin barrier.   

DAMAGE CONTROL 

This skin type can be greatly affected by the environment, becoming oilier during the summer months due to heat and humidity, while becoming dry in the winter due to wind and lower humidity. This skin type can also result in dehydration, due to improper product use. One study found that participants with combination skin type were 1.63 times more likely to have sensitive skin than participants with neutral skin.1  

The greatest damage a client can do when treating combination skin at home is to use overly drying products that address the oily T-zone yet causes the outer area of the cheeks to become dehydrated. This causes the skin acid mantle to be disrupted and an imbalance in skin’s pH. Skin needs to be within 4.5 to 5.5 acid range levels, so it is essential to use products that help maintain the acid balance in skin.  

Combination skin’s unique set of concerns, which include presenting oily and dry, dehydrated skin at the same time as well as moisture barrier and pH disruption, have been difficult to treat in the past, but new protocols and products are making it possible to create the perfect balance. 

References 

1. Xiao X, Qiao L, Ye R, Zuo F. Nationwide Survey and Identification of Potential Stress Factor in Sensitive Skin of Chinese Women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Nov 20;13:867-874. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S284359. PMID: 33244252; PMCID: PMC7685347. 
2. Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. "Niacinamide: A B Vitamin That Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance." Dermatologic Surgery, July 31, 2005, 860-65. 
3. Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. “Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin”. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2004, 231–8. 

Skin can benefit from the power of full-spectrum CBD no matter one’s age or skin type. That is because CBD is chockfull of benefits that are well tolerated by most people, and with regular use, these benefits can result in noticeable improvements in the look and feel of skin. CBD skin care should be a staple in everyone’s routine.

CBD REFRESHER

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, which is part of the marijuana family. However, contrary to popular misinformation, cannabidiol does not contain THC, the main chemical in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, CBD contains many beneficial compounds that work within naturally existing receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex system governs everything from metabolism and pain to immune responses, inflammation, memory, sleep, and many other critical functions.

As winter fades away, the last of the dwindling daylight and colder temperatures can significantly impact people’s moods and energy levels. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often referred to as “seasonal depression” or “winter blues,” is a recurrent mood disorder that typically sets in during the fall and lasts through the winter. Its symptoms include depressed mood, increased sleep, overeating, and carbohydrate cravings. One distinguishing feature of seasonal affective disorder is its cyclical, seasonal nature, primarily occurring in the winter.1  

MOOD BOOST

Research suggests that there is a potent ally in combating seasonal affective disorder: vitamin D. While vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, is widely recognized for its role in regulating calcium absorption and maintaining bone and heart health, it also plays a crucial role in mood regulation. 

References

1. Rosenthal, N. E., et al. (1984). Seasonal affective disorder. A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. PubMed 

1. Huiberts, L. M., & Smolders, K. C. H. J. (2020). Effects of vitamin D on mood and sleep in the healthy population: Interpretations from the serotonergic pathway. ScienceDirect 

NCBI 

1. Kerr, D. C. R., et al. (2015). Associations between Vitamin D Levels and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Young Adult Women. PubMed 

1. Forrest, K. Y. Z., & Stuhldreher, W. L. (2011). Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. PubMed 

1. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. NEJM 

Inner mobility is essential for clear, healthy, and glowing skin. The type of movement needed can vary from person to person, but the goal of balancing the exchange of nutrients and waste removal remains the same. Movement relieves restrictions in the connective tissue, softens muscle tension to allow for the free flow of fluids, improves circulation to feed skin with nutrient and oxygen rich blood, and supports skin’s natural filtration system to remove excess fluid and cellular waste. 

OBSTRUCTION, STAGNATION, ACCUMULATION. 

Stagnation does not occur by itself – it is an intermediary, a cause and effect of blockages and accumulations in the tissue. When an obstruction –a tight muscle or tangle in the connective tissue, restricts movement – it leads to stagnation (sluggishness or immobility) within the tissue, which creates an accumulation of excess fluids and wastes that lead to an abundance of skin related issues. Obstruction can lead to “tech neck” and sagging from tight muscles and scar tissue and wrinkles from restriction in connective tissue. The resulting stagnation can cause hyperpigmentation, lack of vitality, and tenderness. The pooling of fluids and wastes (accumulation) leads to puffiness, acne, and dark circles. 

Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools in spa and skin care marketing, particularly social media, creates new opportunities for efficiency, content development, and enriched customer engagement. Leveraging free or paid versions of generative artificial intelligence tools can create a month’s worth of social media posts within seconds – complete with hashtags and suggested images.

THE RIGHT WORDS

It is all about the prompt – how one asks AI tools to generate a request. The more detailed the prompt, the more precise suggested postings become. In fact, AI-generated posts (after modifying with specific spa details or expert names) can even be added into a social media scheduler.

Men are gaining interest in premium skin care. The global men’s beauty market is projected to grow to $110 billion by 2030, while the United States men’s skin care products market is projected to reach $28 billion by 2029, according to a Future Market Insights study.1 A growing demand for antiaging products and skin care formulated for men are some factors in driving market growth, alongside the power of social media, where #mensskincare has over 1.1 billion views on TikTok. It is clear that men and subsegments of this demographic are becoming interested in ways they can enhance their general appearance, improve skin texture, and look younger. 

SIMPLE IS SUCCESSFUL

When it comes to skin care, many male clients prefer minimalistic skin care routines and are hesitant to commit to a multistep product regimen. “We often must start our male clients with one or two foundational products and gradually incorporate more products over time as the client gains trust in the process,” says Joanna Garcia, a licensed aesthetician and director of aesthetics at MedBeautyLA.

References

1. Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (2022, May 13). The men’s skincare products market is projected to reach US$ 28,344.8 MN by 2029: Men’s skincare products industry trends, analysis, forecast. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/05/13/2442635/0/en/The-Men-s-Skincare-Products-Market-is-Projected-to-Reach-US-28-344-8-Mn-by-2029-Men-s-Skincare-Products-Industry-Trends-Analysis-Forecast.html 
2. Experienceispa. (n.d.). https://experienceispa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Industry-Study-FINAL.pdf

Members Medical is a results-oriented medical spa located in the tranquil Tarzana area of Los Angeles, California on Ventura Boulevard. Not believing in a one size fits all approach when it comes to health and aesthetics, their staff consists of highly trained nurses and aestheticians who provide thorough consultations to form individualized treatment plans, and they only work with research-backed lasers, injectables, and treatments. They pride themselves on having a mix of treatments committed to both health and beauty, ensuring clients glow inside and out. Their clients love being able to receive all their desired treatments in one trusted place. 

How long have you been a licensed nurse practitioner, and what pushed you to open you own medical spa?

I became a registered nurse in 2017 and a licensed family nurse practitioner in early 2023. I decided to run my own medical spa to improve upon all the gaps and flaws in patient care I noticed elsewhere while working in the aesthetics field.

Antioxidants have been a mainstay of the skin care and wellness industries for decades, exciting professionals with their oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scores and the promises of helping stop the age-promoting damage from those pesky free radicals. What has been learned from this discourse? 

Antioxidants are easily and rapidly made by the body when needed in most healthy people in forms that are the most precise and helpful for the types of free radicals being created. Megadosing antioxidants internally was clinically proven to prevent some physiological functions of free radicals that are needed for cell signaling.1 I believe this is likely true for most antioxidants because most free radicals in the body may be health-promoting and formed on purpose to push a chemical reaction through. 

References

1. Li, S., Fasipe, B., & Laher, I. (2022, October). Potential harms of supplementation with high doses of antioxidants in athletes. Journal of exercise science and fitness. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9241084/ 
2. InformedHealth.org. (2020, October 8). Common colds: Does vitamin C keep you healthy? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279544/ 

The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving and witnessing significant shifts in consumer preferences. The rise of clean, vegan, and gluten-free products has left spa owners and skin care specialists wondering if these labels are merely marketing gimmicks or genuine reflections of the evolving consumer consciousness. This article delves into the world of clean, vegan, and gluten-free skin care labels, exploring whether they are still relevant and meaningful or if they have become dated concepts in the ever-evolving skin care landscape. 

THE CLEAN BEAUTY PHENOMENON 

Clean beauty has been one of the most prominent movements in the skin care industry in recent years. It centers on using products free from potentially harmful ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The concept of clean beauty gained traction as consumers became more conscious of what they put on their skin, with an emphasis on natural and nontoxic ingredients. 

Clean beauty products claim to be safer for skin, promoting healthier, more radiant complexions. Many spa owners and skin care professionals embrace this trend, often marketing their businesses as clean beauty sanctuaries. But are these claims based on solid scientific evidence, or is pure beauty merely a marketing ploy? 

It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate the term “clean” in skin care, and there’s no universally accepted definition. Consequently, the clean beauty label can vary significantly between brands. Some companies may avoid a few specific chemicals, while others may have much stricter criteria. As a result, spa owners and consumers may need help deciphering what constitutes a genuinely clean product. 

Reference 

1. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Cosmetics labeling guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling-regulations/cosmetics-labeling-guide

Richard Merrill is a results-oriented spa business consultant with distinctive expertise in nurturing and guiding spa enterprises across the United States. His proficiency spans strategic planning, branding, marketing, sales, and operational management systems. With an extensive background of over 15 years in the spa and beauty industry, Merrill brings a profound understanding of the intricate intricacies of establishing and managing a thriving spa venture. His unwavering commitment centers on propelling spa professionals towards accelerated success and realizing their visionary aspirations. In 2019, he founded Richard Merrill Consulting, an enterprise that offers holistic business consulting, cutting-edge marketing services, and streamlined printing solutions. This all-encompassing resource is an indispensable toolkit for spa professionals seeking to cultivate more lucrative enterprises.