While access to information is generally seen as a good thing, the sheer volume of information finding its way into the consumer realm can be an overwhelming mess to navigate, often full of contradictions, misinformation, and just downright bad advice. It is for this very reason that the roles of skin care professionals now extend beyond simply offering the treatments they have mastered; they must also now become trusted guides to help clients decipher fact from fiction and benefit from harm.
It is this commitment that makes ethics a cornerstone of aesthetics, especially when sales tactics veer into unrealistic territory or science is misinterpreted and misrepresented. While undoubtedly important, the integrity of professionals and their businesses is not just about earning client trust; it also then becomes about upholding the credibility and a mutually respected ethos for the entire industry. To do so, professionals must look at the essentials of that ethos and support a climate of ethical intent.
ESSENTIALS OF ETHOS
High Standards
Skin care professionals must be thoroughly trained and continually update their knowledge on every treatment offered. Staying current with advances in skin physiology and adhering to universal best practices ensures that all services are both safe and effective. Maintaining the highest standards of personal hygiene, sanitation, and equipment maintenance is equally essential.
Clear Communication
Treatment plans should be presented clearly, outlining expected outcomes, benefits, risks, costs, and managing realistic expectations. By ensuring every client fully understands what to expect, they are empowered to make informed decisions without pressure.
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
Clients trust professionals not only with their skin but also with personal aspects of their lives. Upholding privacy, maintaining a professional demeanor, and treating every client with respect are fundamental to ethical practice.
PSYCHOLOGY OF SKIN
Skin care is so much more than skin deep; it regularly touches the emotional and psychological well-being of many clients and even professionals themselves. Many individuals have a deep emotional connection with their skin, often viewing it as a reflection of their overall self-esteem, identity, and self-worth. Misleading marketing and exaggerated promises yield unrealistic expectations, significant disappointment, and can even harm mental health all while damaging trust and industry credibility. Skin care professionals bear an ethical responsibility to counteract these negative impacts and ensure clients have someone trustworthy to turn to when questioning claims.
Visually stunning before and after imagery might seem like a great way to promote a product or service. However, a more ethical and realistic way to approach potential end results can be to highlight the journey of gradual improvement, emphasizing that true skin transformation is a collaborative process – one that involves consistent care, realistic milestones, and most importantly, an understanding that each client’s experience is unique. When the focus is on genuinely supporting clients rather than chasing a quick sale, professionals foster loyalty and long-term relationships. A well informed and well supported client is more likely to appreciate a carefully curated treatment plan tailored to their unique skin needs rather than feeling coerced or even bullied into a simple transaction. In this way, sales and marketing processes often become an extension of the commitment to transparency and client care as well as a reflection of dedication to both scientific integrity and the emotional wellbeing of those being served.
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Dru Pattan is a licensed aesthetician, mentor, educator, and entrepreneur currently operating Skin & Bare It, a virtually established skin support business. In a rapidly evolving world, she has met the challenge of bringing skin care into everyday life without the restrictions and limitations of being locally based to her clients and helps guide other professionals into shifting their business models and mindsets as well. She has recently ventured into the world of manufacturing and cosmetic chemistry alongside her business partner, Daniel Clary. Recognizing the large gaps and unmet needs within the industry, they are committed to improving upon these areas and elevating the professional community through education and support, accompanied by sophisticated and advanced formulations.
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