As a young girl growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, I loved watching my mother dress up for church in coordinated outfits complete with perfectly set hair and natural makeup. I remember going to Rich’s Department Store where my mom would have her foundation custom blended from colorful green, yellow, blue, and pink powder dispensing tubes. Little did I know then that these impressions would lead to my vocation in aesthetics.

AN EARLY CURIOSITY

Around age 12, my parents were going through a divorce. The combined stress of their breakup and my changing hormones erupted in my first acne breakout. In the late ‘50s, there were very few products available for acne – only Noxema, Clearasil, and Noxema-infused Covergirl makeup, to be exact.

All through my high school years, I would pack Clearasil on my pimples and use Cover Girl makeup packed on top of that. Looking back, this mission I have been on for so long, helping people with their skin, was born from that real self-conscious feeling of having to face people with pimples all over my face. During a bad breakout right before prom, my mom took me to see a dermatologist who prescribed a sun lamp to dry the pustules. Unfortunately, that only made the breakout and my low self-esteem worse. I developed a voracious curiosity about the condition of my skin and experimented with home remedies like egg white masks, salt, and baking soda scrubs, always trying but never curing the acne.

 A WOMAN OF MODERN TIMES

After high school, I considered myself a woman of modern times and moved from the conservative south to sunny California. The 1970s were a decade of great political, economic, and social change worldwide and the beginning of the women’s liberation movement.

I was awakened to changes in women’s fashion and attitudes about wearing color cosmetics. In those days, wearing makeup at all was considered unthinkable by some women of this new culture. There was also growing concern from public safety groups about the way cosmetic ingredients were being manufactured and tested. Microbial contamination was linked to cosmetic acne, along with health risks that were associated with metal in lip colors and coal tar in mascara. In response, manufacturing laboratories introduced quality control standards, with no animal testing, no harmful artificial dyes, and safe cosmetic preservatives.

On one of my phone calls home, my mom told me about a new store that had opened in Lenox Square Mall called iNatural Cosmetics. She loved the products and sent me a care package hoping to help me with my skin. I, too, fell in love with the products and, being a southern belle with a blind ambition, I wrote a letter to the president of the company, Louis Muller, with an inquiry about the possibility of opening a franchise in Santa Cruz, California. Mrs. Muller and her vice president of sales flew from New York to meet with me and approved my location in the Cooper House, the old county courthouse built in 1894 that had been converted into shops and restaurants by developer Max Walden.

This was a time when it was difficult for a woman to even get a credit card on her own (fortunately, things changed after the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which guaranteed that right in 1974). But, if it were not for Max Walden and my mother believing in me, I would not have been able to secure the $7,000 business loan needed to purchase the products and build out the shop.

I launched the first iNatural Cosmetics franchise in California in 1974. Kim Rizzo, the iNatural educator, came to California from New York to train me on all the products and cosmetics. Soon, I was sharing the benefits of Cucumber Cleanser, Honey Nut Scrub, Milky Toner, and Strawberry Frappe Moisturizer, as well as teaching women how to apply natural color cosmetics in my shop.

This natural makeup and skin care products trend was to be a dream come true. I must credit my mother for raising me and my sister as a single working woman. She taught me a lot about the value of being financially independent and the importance of having a strong work ethic. She would always say 90% of success is getting up, suiting up, and showing up – advice I now give to aspiring “esty-preneurs.”

I knew I had found my calling as a beauty therapist before aesthetician licensing was even available. In my early twenties, I had never heard the word entrepreneur and I did not realize that only 4% of women in the United States owned their own business.

A EUROPEAN EDUCATION

As the ‘70s era came to an end, there was an influx of European beauty therapists coming to the United States, introducing French, Swiss, and German product brands to American women. On a visit home to Atlanta, I heard about this growing demand for European beauty services. I instantly wanted to return home to be closer to my mom and to become part of the professional skin care services trade. I sold my iNatural Cosmetic Shop and left Santa Cruz to get in on the ground floor of the aesthetics explosion happening on the east coast.

I was hired by Judith Sans International, a prestigious full-service skin care center newly launched in Atlanta. Judith Sans, a Hungarian CIDESCO diplomat, partnered with Sydell and Arthur Harris to create product manufacturing and a chain of facial and body care service centers. My business experience with iNatural Cosmetics fit right into helping them grow the company. I quickly rose within the organization to be a top sales person and trainer. Learning the art of European facial techniques from these passionate health and wellness beauty experts fueled my love for this emerging field.

In 1982, Sydell and Arthur Harris noticed a new trend within the industry forming and they would ultimately part ways with Judith Sans International to become the forerunners in the day spa boom of the ‘80s and ‘90s. They launched their own concept, which would become known as Spa Sydell, one of the first full-service day spas in the country. Arthur and Sydell mentored different aspects of my career during my time as manager of their Buckhead location.

LOBBYING FOR LICENSURE

1982 was also the year that the Georgia Cosmetology Board introduced licensing for aestheticians. For beauty providers that had been working in the field for over five years, a one-time grandfather license was offered. I became one of the first licensed aestheticians in the United States. In 1985, I was licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology as a master aesthetician, accrediting me to train other aesthetic professionals.

When cosmetology boards across the country were considering the deregulation of beauty industry professionals in the early ‘90s, I was one of a small group of aestheticians that testified before the state legislature. We not only helped to secure our licensure, but we also lobbied to increase the number of required hours from 750 to 1,000 in support of a higher level of education for the state.

A PARAMEDICAL VENTURE

It was around this time that I read an article about paramedical skin care in DERMASCOPE Magazine, and a spark ignited in me that this could be a new direction for me to expand and grow into. Hard as it was to leave my position with Spa Sydell, I once again received great support from my family and ventured out to launch Personal Aesthetics. This center was designed as a skin care clinic, rather than a day spa. My clinic included a retail store front of four European skin care brands, along with paramedical aesthetic treatments. My target market was dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

By 1992, I had established a network of thirteen plastic surgeons and dermatologists that referred their patients to my clinic for pre-operative peels, post-operative manual lymphatic drainage, medical camouflage makeup, and acne extractions. I also established three on-site treatment clinics inside cosmetic surgery centers. I loved working with physicians and the many challenging cases they referred to me, such as vitiligo, birthmarks, pigment disorders, scleroderma, acne, cancer patients, trauma, and facial reconstructive cases, as well as cosmetic elective surgery patients.

My client list quickly grew to include the “who’s who” of Atlanta society and local celebrities referred from esteemed physicians. To my delight, their patient referrals converted to become regular clients of the skin care center.

Through my physician affiliations, I was able to gain access to dermatology and plastic surgery conferences, where I learned about leading-edge products, devices, and procedures. I also spent countless hours and hundreds of dollars at the medical bookstore at Emory University educating myself on skin disorders and their remedies.

GOING GLYCOLIC

I attended a dermatology conference lecture in 1994 where I learned about the benefits of glycolic acid. I decided to try this new compound for myself and started using a glycolic acid cleanser and gel twice daily. The results were miraculous – my acne cleared up in a matter of three weeks after 37 years of suffering.

The intersection of beauty and science propelled me to create a line of glycolic acid skin care products under the brand name DERMess Skincare. When my staff of aestheticians and I began product protocol testing on very willing clients at the clinic, the results we were achieving were once again miraculous. We tested these protocols on acne, aging, discolored, and even sensitive skin types. I saw how skin changing the product formulations were for my clients.

I began to receive quite a bit of media attention when I contributed a chapter on the benefits of glycolic acid peels in Dr. Harold Brody’s book, “Chemical Peeling and Rejuvenation.” Dr. Brody is a well-known Atlanta cosmetic dermatologist and the author of two textbooks on chemical peeling and resurfacing. At the time, he was also a clinical professor of dermatology at Emory University Medical School.

Beauty editors from major consumer magazines, television talk show hosts, and professional trade journals were requesting interviews and articles from me, due to my expertise with the latest trend of glycolic lunch time peels, known as celebrity-style skin rejuvenation.

Before there were pharmaceutical companies in the skin care game, DERMess was one of the few glycolic acid lines being distributed through physicians’ offices. I recognized a great need for advanced education on peel application and patient care for both the medical and aesthetic communities.

DOCUMENTING THE EXPERTISE

For months, I documented all my medical aesthetic experience and business knowledge into one comprehensive program I called “The 5 Day Medi-Clinical Aesthetics Certification Course.” This course launched the Institut’ DERMed College of Advanced Aesthetics Training Center in 1995. I continue to personally teach the “5 Day” four times a year.

From the process of creating numerous lectures and courses, I discovered I like to research and write about my favorite subjects – treatments for skin conditions, cosmeceutical ingredients, and the business of beauty. Turns out, I have a lot to say. I have authored two books, “Your Guide to Beautiful Skin at Any Age” and “The Ultimate Secrets to Unlimited Referrals.” I have also written numerous manuals, guides, and magazine articles, with more on the way.

INSTITUT’ DERMED CLINICAL SKINCARE

The new millennium brought a reinvention and expansion of the glycolic acid line of products. My chemists and I worked hard to create a new standard in skin care by combining enzyme, acid, and active botanical formulations for the treatment of the five most common skin conditions: acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin, and cellulite. The expanded Institut’ DERMed Clinical Skincare line of cosmeceutical products are formulated without parabens, fillers, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates (synthetic fragrances), or artificial dyes. I also committed to earth-friendly recycled packaging.

In May 2001, I closed on an SBA loan to fund the expansion for my product line, training center, and medical spa. Now, all three entities would come together under one brand name – Institut’ DERMed Clinical Skincare, an acronym for “scientific education on medicinal skin care.” Institut’ DERMed was on the forefront of what would be the medical spa boom in early 2000. Business owners and skin care therapists came to us for education on cosmeceutical products and procedures and national distribution increased under the new brand name.

A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP

That same year, in June, I was contacted by Glenn Stogryn, who wanted to discuss distribution of the brand in Canada. Stogryn Sales was started in 1957 by his father Bert Stogryn, a pioneer of the beauty industry in Canada. Stogryn and his team were to arrive on September 13, 2001. Stogryn Sales was going to be our first international distributor, and I was beyond excited to meet with them here in Atlanta. On September 11, the Twin Towers in New York were tragically attacked and I thought there was no way they would still travel to Atlanta given the extraordinary circumstances. However, I have come to learn that Glenn Stogryn is a force of nature, and he was determined to meet with me and learn more about how our companies could work together to bring advanced education and cosmeceutical products to the growing Canadian skin care market. Stogryn and his team arrived on September 13, as planned, and they worked with me for three days, after which a deal was made between our two companies.

Although compliance for export into Canada would pose many challenges, we stuck together through it all and have created a super successful partnership for over 18 years. Our relationship has given me a vision for creating distributor partnerships who believe in teaching skin care therapists and spa owners about retail sales of the products they are using in the backbar. I carefully select distributor partners who share my philosophies on education and am fortunate to currently have like-minded distributors in New Zealand, Africa, and Asia, as well as the United States and Canada. I am interviewing distributors for the European Union and the United Kingdom and continuously seek ideal partners to help with education and sales.

DRIVEN BY COMPASSION

In 2019, I entered the compassionate category in The Skin Games Extraordinary Esthetician competition. My goal was to help the Foster Cares Support Foundation’s Annual Prom-A-Palooza event, which provides everything a young girl needs to feel like a princess on the night of their first big dress-up affair – prom.

I was overjoyed to be one of the winners in the competition and present Racheal Ewald, the founder of Foster Cares Support Foundation, a $5,000 donation from the The Skin Games community.

Over the past five years, I have recruited aestheticians and makeup artist volunteers from the Atlanta Aesthetic community to help with this event. Each year, we serve over 250 teenage ladies from all over the state of Georgia, who without this event, would have to miss out on the most important milestone event of their school year.

While I have been recognized for business achievements from the “Who’s Who of Professional Women’s Association,” voted “Best Of” by Atlanta Magazine, voted “Best Of” by Best Self Magazine, nominated to the Sandy Springs Business Hall of Fame, and now this incredible recognition by Aesthetics International Association to be inducted into the Academy of Legends, I consider my greatest achievement to be that of helping to raise thousands of dollars using my beauty skills in support of foster children and teenage empowerment organizations in the state of Georgia.

I am often asked if I have children and, while I have not been blessed with my own kids, I am fulfilled knowing that I have helped increase the annual incomes for aestheticians who tell me about how they are able to support their families and enjoy higher levels of lifestyle from the financial opportunities provided through Institut’ DERMed Clinical Skincare.

Being an entrepreneur takes a tremendous amount of hustle and dedication. I have had to continue my own education and re-invent myself several times. I have also made incredible personal and financial sacrifices to build my business, working long hours and weekends. Nevertheless, the business has afforded me a comfortable lifestyle, exciting travel, relationships with interesting people, flying lessons, and many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

My legacy for the aesthetics industry that I love so much is to continue evolving the careers of licensed skin care professionals through advanced education, mentorship, independent Institut’ DERMed Clinical Skincare Centers, and digitizing my years of experience and wealth of knowledge to share with the global professional aesthetic community.

Skin-imaging equipment comes in many forms these days and leaves no shortage of options for the professional to choose from. Each imaging device comes with an array of purposes and spa uses, which should be kept in mind when searching for the right device. Some devices can project an image of what a client will look like post-treatment, while some are designed primarily to aid professionals in getting a closer look at a client’s current skin state.

When selecting an imaging device, there are many essential factors to consider. The modalities of a device created to aid in skin treatments on the face may have different functions than equipment used for body treatments such as fat reduction.

Skin care professionals should determine the features needed in a device before shopping for equipment. This is a good way to narrow down options during the selection process. For instance, if it is important to capture changes in coloration and skin health beneath the surface, that may or may not require different equipment than a device that captures changes on the surface. When monitoring discoloration issues, it may be necessary to purchase equipment with lighting that identifies red and brown areas on the skin.

No matter the specifics of a spa’s dream device, there are a few benchmarks to assess when selecting the appropriate equipment for the spa.

EASE OF PHOTO ACCESS

The first benchmark is ease of photo access. While this may not be at the top of the list when searching for the ultimate device, keep in mind that it may be necessary to share images between several workstations or to access the images outside of the spa. When looking for ways to offer more value during basic treatments to increase prices, it is always an added bonus when images can be shared with clients in a manner that they can access from anywhere. Spas should keep in mind that the ability to provide clients with pictures of their skin pre-treatment and throughout various sessions is invaluable. This allows clients to see their skin’s recovery process closeup and in real time versus waiting to see if their skin will be comparable to a mock image created before the service. This will also allow for the client to compare their results to before and after photos, which is also a useful marketing tool for the spa.

IMAGE QUALITY

The next thing to consider is the quality of the images procured from this equipment. Pictures that can display even the most acute details are necessary to accurately present progression within a treatment or system. This also offers great options for before and after images, which aids in the marketing of different treatments, enhances the offerings in even the most basic treatments, and creates a visual record of how specific treatments or key ingredients work for individual clients. Spas can utilize this to draw in new clients through the marketing of their before and after images.

SUPPORT AND TRAINING

Finally, it is paramount that any equipment chosen has an easy-to-contact technical support department and accessible training for spa professionals. Spa professionals should be very clear on the equipment’s policies and support when it comes to investing in imaging equipment – be sure to know their policies and timeline for repairing and dealing with the equipment purchased.

In order to truly ensure that the money spent on the equipment was well worth the investment, training a large portion of the staff to use the equipment appropriately and in a timely manner is necessary. It is wise to seek out a company that features reputable sources and reviews from other spa owners. Take the time to research, ask questions, and train staff to preserve the equipment.

Though it is tempting to purchase the latest technology for the spa, it should be noted that clients will not be impressed by the possession of a skin-imaging machine unless the value added to their experience will be tangible. Keep in mind that the primary purpose of purchasing an imaging device is to enhance the spa’s consultations, treatments, and retention without negatively disrupting the current flow of the spa or overwhelming the client. Be sure to research how an imaging system will affect your business model and how this device can create a better treatment or protocol for clients. Keeping this philosophy in mind will lead to a sound investment.

It’s an exciting time to be in aesthetics as new products and services are constantly hitting the market. And, at the top of the current list is the advent of new, handheld, professional skin care devices utilizing the intriguing science of nanotechnology.

WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY?

Though nanotechnology has become a ubiquitous term in skin care during recent years, there is still some confusion as to its definition. In simplest terms, it means something extremely small. In more precise terms, nanotechnology is defined as science, engineering, and technology conducted at 1 to 100 nanometers on the nanoscale.” So, for a device to be accurately deemed authentic nanotechnology, it must include a dimension that falls between those measurements.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

So, what does this all mean to skin care professionals? By taking advantage of the enhanced properties nanotechnology affords materials, such as higher strength, lighter weight, and improved performance, there is a new offering in professional skin care called nanofacials.

The primary benefit touted by nanofacials is dramatically increased product and serum absorption. This is achieved using the device and its tip to create hundreds of thousands of invisible, pain-free nanochannels in the epidermis’ outermost layer, the stratum corneum. This is a true game changer, as it allows for results-oriented treatments with none of the negatives associated with more invasive procedures.

Average industry absorption rates for products fall between 2% to 10%. Nanofacials claim to increase absorption rates upwards of 40%, thereby optimizing the benefits of the infused nutrients. This innovation has led to nanotechnology devices recently becoming a hot commodity in the aesthetics industry, which, while promising, also carries concerns.

VETTING A COMPANY

Per Sheri Flasch, founder of the Esthetician Connection said, “Nanotechnology devices have been one of the biggest innovations in recent years, but we really had to vet them for our members. We saw a lot of tools claiming to be nanotechnology that simply weren’t. Always go with an established company you can trust that provides you a guarantee.”

Another consideration with any new modality is regulatory issues. Skin care professionals are well aware that regulations vary from state-to-state and that it is their license on the line when it comes to working within their scope of practice. A professional’s utmost concern should always be protecting themselves and their clients when choosing a new modality.

Wendy Cochran, founder of California Aesthetic Alliance (a group dedicated to protecting aestheticians’ rights), recently presented a verified nanotechnology tool to staff of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, educating them on true nanotechnology parameters and affirmed the modality fell well within the scope of practice for a licensed aesthetician in California.

FACTORS TO LOOK FOR

Here are some other key features to look for when purchasing a professional nanotechnology device:

• For sanitation and safety reasons, single use, disposable tips are a must.
• Be wary of a device that fits multiple styles of treatment tips. If a device is inspected and reviewed, it is always better to have a device that only manufactures one type of tip.
• Choose mono-crystalline silicon, not metal, for authentic nanotechnology. Silicon as a material, unlike metals, has the ability to be manufactured in the nanoscale.
• Be wary of adjustable depth devices, as true nanotechnology devices are precision tuned to exact specifications.
• Avoid companies that promote a specific product line, as authentic nanotechnology devices should increase the efficacy of any product line.

In conclusion, a nanofacial is perfect for clients who want the results of an aggressive facial, but with none of the negatives. The advent of nanotechnology applications may just be the world’s next industrial revolution, and many are excited to watch the innovations nanotechnology is bringing to the world of aesthetics.

When it comes to choosing advanced oncology training, here are some important factors to consider.

The professional should consider which path they should take, as this will help them accomplish their professional goals. Advanced training will make a professional more knowledgeable and, as an added bonus, will set them apart from their peers as an expert in the field. By investing in advanced training, it will also increase profitability and provide more job satisfaction. While advanced training does cost money and time, knowing what one is looking for in training will narrow down the choices and help ensure the desired outcome is achieved.

ASK QUESTIONS

A professional who is seeking advanced training should be prepared to ask questions. Interview each training company and ask questions that correlate to how they teach. For example, asking questions that address what the training agenda or teaching style is can impact whether an individual should consider advanced training options. Other questions to consider can include how long the company has taught the subject, whether they revise regularly to grow with the industry, whether they teach within the scope of the professional’s license, and why they teach the subject. Ask for referrals from former graduates of the course to see how they are using the training and if it was beneficial for them.

CHOOSE A CLASS

Next, contact each company that teaches oncology training and then choose a class. If oncology services are a direction that a professional wants to pursue, it is highly recommended to take all of the classes available. Something different will be learned from each teacher and class, which will build knowledge and skill level.

Many professionals with advanced training recommend adding one new skill every year. This keeps professionals current, prevents boredom, and makes them valuable to their clients and boss (if they have one).

CONSIDER POST-CLASS OFFERINGS

Lastly, consider asking the training company if they are available to assist or mentor and answer any lingering questions after the class. Do they offer a part two or more if needed or wanted? Are they able to help with proposals or business ideas to put new skills to work?

It is important to consider all these things in order to have a well-rounded idea about the advanced training you are considering.

With varying levels of intensity and the ability to do quite a bit of damage if performed incorrectly, professionals know that peels are one treatment they cannot afford to cut corners on. The products they use in treatments and recommend for homecare must be of a superior quality or a client could get hurt or have unsatisfying results. When deciding on a line of peels to offer at the spa, consider the following factors.  

DEPTH

Because clients come to the spa with a wide range of skin concerns, it is important to be able to offer peel solutions that can address this range of concerns. Formulated at precise concentrations and pH to treat specific levels of the epidermis and dermis, peels vary in depth, from superficial to medium to deep.

A quality product line will provide options to meet these needs. When examining a company’s peels, keep acid strength and pH in mind, as well as intended purpose. Look for a company that offers peels that are formulated to treat specific conditions and skin types. Also consider whether the brand offers peels for homecare, in addition to its peels for in-spa treatments. Will clients be able to supplement and maintain the results of their in-spa treatments through efforts at home using the line you have chosen?

INGREDIENTS

Quality ingredients are essential when it comes to choosing a line of peels that produce superior results while still being safe for the client and their skin. An ideal company will have high formulation standards that are backed by science. Look for a brand that is honest about the ingredients they include in their peels. Do they offer organic products free of phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals? Are their products plant-based and cruelty-free? Do they meet FDA regulations and operate out of a cGMP-certified laboratory? These are important questions to ask, as the answers will determine the quality of their products and how they will impact clients’ skin. Transparency is always a desirable quality in a company you choose to work with.

EDUCATION

Consider choosing a line of peels from a brand that offers a high level of professional support to its customers. A superior company is dedicated to its customers beyond just the product sale. They want to ensure their products are used safely and effectively, so their customers can achieve the results they desire for their clients. Look for a brand that shows this dedication to the professionals it serves through its educational efforts. Do they offer product knowledge training on their products to teach you how to use them? Do they offer additional training and courses, assistance with brand development and marketing, a blog or newsletter that regularly produces educational content, and more?

OTHER

Other important factors to consider when choosing a line of peels include the company’s customer service and what others are saying about the products. Look for a company that is easy to communicate with and that is backed by positive testimonials from other professionals. It may also be important to look for a line that is available exclusively to professionals and is clear about their shipping and return policies.

Using guidelines like the ones above to carefully examine your options for a line of peels to carry and recommend in your spa will help in ensuring the best products possible are chosen for you and your clients.

From Hollywood celebrities to high street medical practices, LED light therapy is in hot demand. Backed by proven science, light therapy can effectively treat a variety of skin, pain, and even wound conditions. Thanks to advances in LED technology, today’s devices are more compact, versatile, and cost-effective than ever before. While the prospect of selecting the ideal LED device may seem daunting, it does not have to be. Here are some simple rules for choosing the best LED device for your practice.

QUALIFICATIONS

When investing in a new light therapy device, the most important consideration is the device’s credentials and the clinical research behind it. You need to know that the machine is proven to do what you want it to do. For this reason, it is important to separate science from marketing hype. Ask the manufacturer for proof that the device is FDA-cleared for the precise claims being made and the clinical research to support those claims. Only devices that have been issued FDA-clearances and medical CE marks have been reviewed for efficacy and safety.

AFFORDABILITY AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Gone are the days of the LED device the size and price of a car. Understanding how long it will take equipment to pay for itself should be a determining factor for any wise investment. Just like smartphones, today’s devices have become multi-functional, portable, and streamlined. These versatile devices treat many conditions and are more cost-effective than ever before.

EFFECTIVENESS

A specific amount of light energy must reach the target tissue to achieve favorable clinical outcomes. So, when choosing an effective LED device, the real question is how much energy is available for absorption by the cells, not how much power is being emitted by the device. There are several factors which impact the cells’ ability to absorb the light energy.

First, choose a device which emits evidence-based wavelengths; blue, red, and near-infrared. These wavelengths have been proven to increase ATP production, so under-functioning cells can perform more effectively. No other wavelengths are more broadly supported in credible scientific research.

Also, as mentioned previously, the efficacy of a light therapy session depends on the amount of energy absorbed by the cells during the treatment session – not the power output by the device. The closer the device can be placed to the tissue, the more readily the energy is absorbed. Consequently, it is prudent to choose a flexible and shape-taking system, which contours to the treatment area, holds its shape, and stays in place without a support. Conforming to the treatment area permits more consistent distance to the tissue and ultimately more uniform absorption of the light energy.

Light can be delivered in either a continuous wave or pulsed manner. Look for an innovative LED system that offers both as an option. Specific micro-second pulsing parameters modulate the light delivery, enabling the cells to uptake more of the energy over the treatment session. More energy absorbed by the cells equals faster, more superior clinical results.

Treatment time matters, too. It takes cells a certain amount of time to absorb enough energy to effect a change at the cellular level. The duration of the LED session should take this fact into account. High-quality LED devices call for 20- to 30-minute treatment times to deliver a full therapeutic dose of energy upregulating cellular activity for up to 48 hours post-treatment. This is how a quality LED device achieves observable change in skin, pain, and wound conditions. The range of energy delivery for an effective LED device is measured in joules and should be in the range of two to 12 joules per centimeter squared.

To meet ever increasing revenue demands, garner more control over products used at the spa, and stand out from competition with unique offerings that cannot be replicated elsewhere, many spa owners turn to private label. While this decision can bring a host of benefits and excitement, it can also come with apprehension and uncertainty when it comes to deciding on a company with which to private label. Using the guidelines below can be helpful and bring peace of mind when examining companies up close and determining who will be the best fit.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Before committing to a company, it is important to determine how involved you want to be in the development process and assess if the company’s research and testing laboratory is equipped to produce what you are envisioning. If you have a formula wish list in mind, is this something the company can accommodate? Are they able to take on custom creation proposals? Will it be easy to communicate feedback? On the flipside, if you are looking for a simpler custom labeling experience, one in which your logo is placed on an already established formula, you will want to check to see if the company has stock formulas available.

CONFIDENTIALITY

For some spas, one of the biggest motivating factors for choosing to private label is to be able to offer something unique and distinct to their client base – something that cannot be found or replicated elsewhere. For this reason, it may be important to determine if the private labeling company you are considering offers non-disclosure agreements. Are they committed to protecting your formulas and projects?

MANUFACTURING STANDARDS

When offering products to clients, spa owners want to be able to trust that the products are up to par with current laws and regulations in the industry to ensure client safety and satisfaction. Assessing a private label company’s compliance with laws and regulations, such as FDA requirements, is important in guaranteeing the products you will be offering clients are of the highest quality possible.

PACKAGING

Some who choose to private label may be seeking a simple process that does not involve too much innovation or work on their end. For these individuals, using the packaging options available through the private label company might be ideal. However, others may hope to use their own packaging designs. For such, it is important to check that the company can accommodate this kind of request. If they can, what is the review process like? Do they require a sample of your packaging prior to filling to be sure it meets labeling requirements and regulations and is compatible with the product and their production equipment? It may be a red flag if not. Such precautions are important for quality control and your safety and satisfaction.

OTHER

Other factors that may be important when determining a private label company to work with can vary depending on your needs and goals. Are you hoping to offer clients vegan, cruelty-free, or fragrance-free products? If so, vet the private label company for the types of ingredients it uses when formulating. Is it important to you to be able to test the private label products before committing to a large purchase order? If yes, look for a company that offers samples and check to see what the process is like for obtaining samples. You may also want to consider a company’s customer service, commitment to its customers, pricing, shipping policies, ease of communication, and more.

By considering a company’s product development process, confidentiality policies, manufacturing standards, packaging options, and more, you can find the confidence you need in selecting a quality partner for your private labeling needs.

When it comes to choosing the right form of cryotherapy for clients and the spa, there are a plethora of options and modalities to utilize cryotherapy to its fullest. With so many products on the market today that offer cryotherapy methods, it is important to know the variations and types of tools available. A few considerations should be taken when deciding which tool is right for you, as there is cryotherapy for the whole body or partial body, cryotherapy with skin temperature sensors, instant ice packs, and internal cryotherapy.

DECIDE ON THE TOOL NEEDED

First and foremost, a skin care professional should seek out what they wish to achieve by incorporating cryotherapy tools into their spa. It is imperative for professionals to examine what their clientele seeks out most or what could increase benefit and sales. With these things in mind it will be much easier to discern which cryotherapy tool option is right.

One of the most common forms of cryotherapy used in spas far and wide are cryoglobes – modalities which can be used during facial and waxing treatments to help relieve redness, calm skin, and reduce inflammation. Many spa owners seek out this option when first delving into adding cryotherapy to their spa, due to its convenience, mobility, and effectiveness.

EASE OF USE

There are a variety of options for cryoglobe choices, as some come packed with microbeads and are made of variations of quartz, while others may be made of metal materials. An important factor to consider when selecting the right cryoglobe tool for the spa is the ease of use. The modality should be easy to grip and move while performing treatments – avoiding a slip. A skin care professional should also be aware of the option to use quartz, glass, or plastic. These three material options provide dramatic differences, as glass may be prone to break easier, while plastic can attract bacteria. Many of the best options for cryotools come in the form of thick quartz, as these cryotools will remain untouched by humidity (bacteria causing) and will have a smaller percentage of damage.

CONSIDER CLIENTS’ NEEDS

When selecting the right company to purchase cryotherapy tools from, it is mandatory that skin care professionals look for a specific line that will meet not only their needs but the needs of their clients. If a spa performs many microneedling or chemical peels, a cryotherapy tool could be more then useful to clients receiving these treatments. Search for a cryoglobe modality that addresses issues the spa’s clients typically face.

Seek out a cryotherapy brand that fits all the spa’s needs, including size, material, recommendations from other spa owners, and reputability. By considering these factors, professionals can be sure to choose the right cryotherapy tool that they can depend on while treating clients.

For those skin care professionals who are constantly wanting to learn more about their field and the specialties within it, post-graduate education may be the answer. After finishing an aesthetic program and finding a placement or opening a spa, it is necessary to consider looking into more advanced education and training in order to further one’s career path. Post-graduate education is an easy way for professionals to seek out higher learning in specific areas of interest. Post-graduate courses are offered at many levels and can include an assortment of study areas.

BENEFITS

The benefits of advanced training are vast, allowing the skin care professional to not only narrow their practice, but also become the ultimate expert within their field of choice. Many skin care professionals turn to post-graduate education because it allows them to expand upon the subjects they studied while obtaining their aesthetic license. From classes that focus on laser, waxing, and medical aesthetics to chemical peels, paramedical aesthetics, dermaplaning, and more, a skin care professional can broaden their horizons and widen their expertise, and, in so doing, add this education to their resume and title, making them more desirable to hiring spas and other practitioners.

QUESTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND

When selecting the right school or higher learning center for post-graduate education, it is important to look at what the school offers. Examine what ways post-graduate education can benefit you – how will it provide a deeper understanding and what additional skills will it bring to the table?

Do they offer only one specific training and education course, or do they offer a variety of options? How hands-on is the training? Is the educational facility accredited?

 It is also important to find out if the advanced training will ensure a certification, what testing options it provides, and the amount of time the class will require. Other questions to consider when choosing a post-graduate educational course are the cost and educator. How much is the cost of the course and the examination? What is the time frame for completing the training? How long has the educator been in the business and do they have good rapport with other industry professionals? These are all necessary factors and questions to consider when searching for a reputable learning facility. As always, remember to look for reviews and recommendations from other skin care professionals before choosing a post-graduate educational course.

STATE REQUIREMENTS

Another important factor when considering post-graduate education is whether or not it is required by the state. Some states require aesthetic professionals to take continuing education courses in order to maintain their licensure. Be sure to find out if this applies, as the state may have recommended post-graduate education options, as well.

AN INVESTMENT

Post-graduate education is an investment that will not only bring about many benefits to the skin care professional but is also an investment in the future. The more a professional can learn, the more options and career paths they can choose from. Seeking out a niche market of the field can be a skin care professional’s way to truly make it in the business. By investing time, money, and dedication, a skin care professional can create value for themselves and their clients. It also shows the surrounding community and potential clients that the professional has spent time in the industry learning more than just the basics.

Lastly, skin care professionals should strive to continue their education no matter how big or small the post-graduate course may be. Continuing education is the most efficient and active way for skin care professionals to stay relevant and on-trend with the treatments clients need and want.

Australian Sandalwood: Made from trees native to southwest Australia, Australian sandalwood is prized for its natural fragrance and many benefits for the skin. Among its skin care benefits are its astringent, emollient, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.

Mica: Mica is a common mineral ingredient used in skin care and body products. It helps to produce a shimmer in products and is loved because it is produced naturally and is safe for most skin types.

Microcrystalline: Derived from refining and de-oiling petroleum wax, microcrystalline wax is known for its fine crystals and flexibility. It is viscous and emollient in nature. It is generally harder and has a higher melting point than other types of wax.

Bellus Academy owner Lynelle Lynch has been elected to the 2019-2020 International Spa Association (ISPA) board of directors. Lynch’s election to the board was announced during the 2019 ISPA Conference & Expo, September 10 to 13 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lynch brings to her role a fierce commitment to professional beauty and wellness education and a vision for uniting the industry to increase the number of qualified spa professionals. As owner of Bellus Academy, she leads one of the nation’s most innovative and influential aesthetic programs. Bellus Academy is the first school in North America to offer the prestigious CIDESO Skincare Certificate and the first school to offer the Wellness for Cancer training program.

Lynch also serves as president of Beauty Changes Lives, a non-profit uniting the industry to equip and empower the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals. In partnership with leading beauty brands, Beauty Changes Lives recently launched the hyper-targeted Make Your Mark campaign, raising awareness of the pathways and possibilities available to licensed professionals beauty and wellness professionals.

Lynch is a frequent panelist and speaker at global beauty and wellness events. She recently served on a panel at the CosmoProf Worldwide in Bologna, Italy, exploring the factors driving beauty and wellness education.

“Advancements in technology, the surge in men’s grooming, and a renewed focus on the synergy that exists between health and wellness make now a very exciting time to be part of the professional spa industry,” says Lynch. “I am honored to join the ISPA board as we share a commitment to move the professional spa sector forward with initiatives that advance and celebrate excellence across the spa profession.”

Bioelements is excited to announce their new national sales director, Kelly Melvin.

Melvin brings more than two decades of experience in the consumer goods industry to her new role at Bioelements. She got her start working as an account representative for companies including Warner Lambert (now Pfizer) and Kraft but chose to make a career shift in pursuit of her enthusiasm for beauty and wellness. Melvin then entered and excelled in the professional beauty space, with roles in business development at L’Oréal Professional for nearly seven years and, most recently, directing sales at Alterna Haircare for the last five years. In this new role, Melvin will be responsible for defining the direct and distributor sales infrastructure for Bioelements and will work across departments to increase Bioelements’ sales pipeline.

Melvin’s background highlights her exceptional leadership in the field of consumer sales and her ability to strengthen existing relationships, as well as strategically identify new partnerships. Skin care is her ultimate passion, and she emphasizes that she will not sell a product she does not believe in.

“It’s important for me to know that the brand I am representing has integrity and that the products perform as promised. I’ve been a huge fan of the brand for years, so when the opportunity presented itself to work with Bioelements, I jumped on it,” shares Melvin. “I’m excited to combine my love for the professional beauty industry and to represent a brand as innovative and well-respected as Bioelements.”

Bioelements is excited to announce their new e-commerce and web content manager, Jenny Almandarz.

Almandarz comes to the Bioelements team with extensive experience in digital marketing across channels. Her expertise is in data analysis and using that data to develop digital marketing strategy. She also has hands-on experience managing e-commerce stores, building e-mail marketing programs, and crafting paid ads, in addition to her success with search engine optimization and web content development. Her experience in the luxury brand space has allowed her to excel at implementing programs that resonate with customers across both B2B and B2C channels.

A Chicago native, Almandarz has a master’s degree in psychology and uses that background to influence and connect with a variety of audiences. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with her colleagues and contributing to a positive workplace culture.

“Bioelements is an impressive brand, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to share my talents with this team,” says Almandarz. “The culture at Bioelements is truly collaborative, and I already feel like I’m making a positive difference. I look forward to helping Bioelements continue to grow and thrive, while also growing professionally.”

Burt’s Bees, a pioneer in natural skin care, announced research supporting the role of efficacy-first natural regimens to defend, restore, and improve skin health. The studies will be presented at the second annual Integrative Dermatology Symposium (IDS) in San Diego, California, October 3 to 5, 2019.

These latest research findings from Burt’s Bees highlight:

• antiaging properties of bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol and the active ingredient in the brand’s new antiaging line
• the important role nature-based skin care products play in protecting skin and decreasing sensitivity and reinforcing nature’s innate ability to protect against skin-damaging elements in the environment
• a first-of-its-kind in vivo study examining lip barrier function and clinical data highlighting benefits of a new nature-based lip treatment, underscoring the brand’s heritage in lip care

“At Burt’s Bees, we are committed to harnessing the proven power of nature-based ingredients,” said Hemali Gunt, Ph.D., head of clinical and scientific affairs at Burt’s Bees. “Notably, research announced provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of natural retinol alternative, bakuchiol, which has been shown to be comparable to retinol in its ability to improve signs of photoaging. The powerful antiaging properties of this ingredient provide patients with a natural option to nurture strong and healthy-looking skin, without the frequent irritation that some patients experience with retinol products.”

The effectiveness of bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, was evaluated in vitro on production of procollagen I in an aged fibroblast model. In addition, protection against UVB- induced aging was studied on collagen and elastin. Overall, results demonstrated antiaging properties of bakuchiol and support its use in topical treatments as a natural alternative to retinol in preventing or slowing skin aging.

These in vitro studies found that cells treated with test material exhibited higher procollagen type I production than untreated cells. Additionally, significant collagen type I and elastin increases were observed in post UVB treated tissues similar to retinoic acid.

Clinical results from nature-based skin care regimens demonstrate the protective properties of the products to reduce the negative impact of environment on skin, including redness and sun damage, while strengthening the skin’s barrier and providing hydration for overall healthier skin.

In a four-week clinical study, female subjects with sensitive skin were given a twice-daily skin care regimen; the test group was given a nature-based regimen and the control group continued a current synthetic regimen. Results demonstrated that the nature-based skin care regimen significantly reduced skin reactivity to lactic acid, decreased sensorial symptoms of skin sensitivity, improved the skin barrier through decreased transepidermal water loss, and significantly decreased carbonyl proteins, an indicator of oxidative damage.

A second eight-week clinical study measured the ability of nature-based facial oil to decrease oxidative stress. Results indicated the oil protected against ultraviolet-induced inflammation and decreased sunburn cell counts on the treated site.

“Patients today know that both natural and man-made environmental factors can threaten their skin, but many don’t realize that nature can be equally powerful to protect and nurture the skin,” said Vivian Shi, MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine and study investigator. “Backed by proven science, nature-based skin care regimens have the ability to reinforce the skin’s epidermal barrier, improve skin hydration and elasticity, and protect against oxidative stress.”

Unlike other skin, there has been little research on the biophysical properties and molecular composition of the lips, despite lips serving as a key visible marker of aging.

In a first-of-its-kind in vivo study, the structure of healthy female lips was examined to better understand water content and other barrier-relevant components. Water content was lowest on the surface but gradually increased when reaching the stratum granulosum border, continuing to increase at great depths.

A second two-week clinical study assessed the effects of a nature-based lip treatment at day three, week one, and week two. Results showed that all clinical-grading parameters studied (roughness and texture, fine and dry lines, fullness and plumpness, contour and definition, and overall lip condition) were significantly improved.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, one of Texas’ leading resorts located right outside Austin, has promoted Adrienne Willis to director of spa. Willis previously served as assistant director of spa at the resort.

“We are thrilled to announce Adrienne as the new director of Spa Django,” said Dave Jacobs, general manager at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. “Adrienne exudes an attitude of care and attentiveness towards our guests, and she is a great leader for her colleagues and team members. We can’t wait to see her plans for Spa Django, come to life in her new role.”

As spa director, Willis will oversee the operation of Spa Django, including inventory management, the development of treatment and service offerings, and providing support and direction to her team of more than 50 employees.

“I’m very excited for my new role at Spa Django,” said Willis. “Having worked with the Spa Django team for many years now, I am honored and humbled to serve as the director of such an exceptional group of people who I am proud to call my colleagues. In this new position, I look forward to further expanding our services with the latest and greatest products available, while finding more ways to incorporate wellness into the resort experience.”

Willis began her career working as an intern in the human resources department at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in 2010. Having a passion for working in salons and previous experience working in cosmetology, Willis transferred to the resort’s Spa Django where she served as spa coordinator later that year.

Following her time as spa coordinator at Spa Django, Willis worked in the spas at multiple Hyatt properties including Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa in California and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii.

Willis received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Texas State University in 2008. She has received numerous recognitions throughout her career including Hyatt Regency Lost Pines’ Leader of the Fourth Quarter in 2016.

Nestled among 405 acres of the lush scenery of central Texas, Spa Django is a full-service spa featuring 18 individual treatment rooms. The spa provides a robust menu of signature treatment options, ranging from the Django massage and a Colorado River Rock massage to body rituals including the popular Lost Pines lavender wrap and herb garden salt glow. Guests can relax in the spa’s world-class facilities which include an outdoor heated pool, relaxation rooms, dry saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and whirlpools.

An interview with Denise Keeler, chief operating officer of the new luxury treatment center for men and women, OrangeTwist, with locations in Texas, California, Nevada, and Washington.

What is the concept for OrangeTwist?

The concept for OrangeTwist is simple. We want everyone to be the best version of themselves. Our treatments are non-invasive and best in class. We believe medical spa treatments should be as popular as hair and nail treatments. We built this business to be approachable, safe, and comfortable.

How did you decide on the name OrangeTwist and is there a special meaning behind it?

The real story stems from a cocktail – a martini with an orange twist garnish – but, truthfully, there is nothing in the English language that rhymes with orange, making it very unique. The twist comes from its definition, taking two or more strands and twisting them together to make one common thread.

What pushed you to acquire the PURE location?

PURE was acquired based on its location, like-business, and beautiful build out. Overall, wellness is a growing segment in the medical spa space, so we were eager to adopt the IV therapies and wellness vitamin shots to help round-out our clients’ goals and experience.

How many locations do you have and what are your plans for expansion in 2020?

We are proud to have 14 locations in four states. We have announced a partnership with Sephora – opening our first one in October. The future is bright for OrangeTwist, as we will finish 2019 with 17 locations and are expecting to close out 2020 with 30 plus locations.

What separates you from other aesthetic centers?

Great question and simple answer: we do everything a little bit better and we focus completely on the client. OrangeTwist is approachable and we make it simple for the best results.

What has been the response to the addition of IV therapy to the menu?

There is definitely a growing interest. Adding this service has really shown busy clients that we are their go-to, one-stop shop. 

What is the most popular treatment request?

At OrangeTwist, our most popular treatment is coolsculpting. We have treated more people in the market, have more machines per site, and are the number four provider in North America.

Do you plan to add any new treatments to the menu in 2020?

We are always looking at treatments that are considered best in class and in high demand and how they would fit into our four-wall economics. That being said, there are a few technologies that have piqued our interest, including oVio360, a machine that captures full 360 HD imagery in less than seven seconds for detailed side-by-side comparisons, which we are currently beta- testing. It is an absolute game changer for consultations by helping the client visualize exactly what their end result will be.

What are your growth plans for 2020?

We are planning to expand our market further in Washington and Texas and are looking to expand our partnerships.

How do you market to the public?

We have a marketing agency partner that we actively work with and are very much focused on branding, engagement, and conversions. We hone in on these details with a 360-approach, which includes our website collateral, programmatic, social media, videos, and community activation.

How do you choose which skin care professionals to hire at your locations?

We are constantly recruiting and looking for the best in the business. We hire for attitude and train to aptitude. Great team members attract more great team members. We worked with recruiters in the past, but now, we are pleased to say that we hire based on referrals.

What motivates you to work in this industry?

This industry is growing and has been a fun ride. OrangeTwist is the perfect motivator, as we mix retail with aesthetic treatments in beautiful locations. Overall, this is a fun and rapidly growing industry. We love the people, businesses, and technology that make it all work – that is the icing on the cake for us.

Following significant industry growth, in-cosmetics North America is expanding its indie brand program by launching the Indie Trail and Tour, a hybrid of the show’s popular marketing tours and the hugely successful Indie Trail at in-cosmetics Global 2019 – their sister show in Europe. As a free to attend initiative, the new Trail and Tour responds directly to calls from last year to make it easier for indie brands to meet relevant suppliers and make the most of their time at the show when it returns to New York from October 23 to 24.

The growing momentum of indie brands within the cosmetics industry, enabled in part by more accessible funding and compelling marketing platforms that resonate with modern consumers, has opened doors for smaller companies to contend with corporate giants for market share. Since its launch last year, the popularity of Amazon’s Indie Beauty shop is testament to the sector’s growing influence. In 2019, market research provider, Kline, analyzed privately-owned United States independent brands who in the past several years recorded high double-digit to triple-digit growth – outpacing total market growth. As the market continues to grow, the United States continues to be seen as a global leader of indie beauty, making it more important than ever to provide an event for the entire North American personal care market to connect and collaborate at.

At this year’s show, the dedicated Indie Trail and Tour will highlight specialist suppliers that can offer the latest innovative ingredients in smaller quantities to suit a 100 kilogram production, allowing indie brands to match the NPD pace of major cosmetic manufacturers. In addition to offering assistance in sourcing the latest ingredients on a smaller scale, the brand-new Indie Trail and Tour will facilitate the instigation of all-important conversations and connections that will help indie brands grow their network and make the very most of their visit to in-cosmetics North America.

Do disrespectful behaviors and mentally draining experiences just come with the territory? Or is there a better way?

Experienced master aesthetician and instructor M’Lisa Hansen Ellis has taught and mentored hundreds of beauty professionals to discover their talents and grow their businesses. These experiences, along with running her own studio spa, have led her to realize that an essential skillset is missing, and devastatingly so, from aesthetics education.

“Boundaries in Esthetics” shares five ways that licensed aestheticians can set and preserve professional boundaries that encourage a quality clientele and empowering skin care practice. Through spa policies, proper documentation, conversation guidelines, and more, this book demonstrates how aestheticians can build sustainable businesses while avoiding common struggles and overwhelm. With Ellis’ unique perspective, “Boundaries in Esthetics” reminds that skin care professionals are worthy of respect, safety, and a career that brings fulfillment and joy.

“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated,” says Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW.

M’Lisa Hansen Ellis has been working in the beauty industry since 2008 and received her master aesthetics license in 2012. She and her husband, Royal, recently started Spa Strong, an organization that helps aestheticians learn how to improve business practices and stay mentally, emotionally, and physically safe, so they can build a business they love with quality clients who keep coming back.

https://www.spa-strong.com/

Leading luxury skin care brand KNESKO SKIN has partnered with Fairmont Kea Lani’s Willow Stream Spa to create new ways for guests to engage in wellness activities beyond the traditional walls of the spa. The relationship began in 2017 with KNESKO and Willow Stream Spa Maui working together to develop an extensive line of spa enhancements, special events, in-room offerings, and poolside services.

“The partnership with KNESKO has been extremely successful in growing and enhancing our overall spa and wellness programming,” said Christianna Claghorn, director of the spa at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. “KNESKO Gemclinical masks are an excellent tool to promote the spa to the resort’s guests and provides us the flexibility to create multiple wellness touchpoints across the resort. Our guests love the immediate results provided by KNESKO’s masks. Lejla and her team continue to innovate the line and provide on-trend products for us to share with our guests. The luxury brand alignment is spot on.”

Willow Stream Spa Maui has been successfully offering KNESKO enhancements in the treatment room for both facials and massage. The $49 upgrade is highlighted in the enhancement menu presented at intake. As a recognized brand with a growing social media following, guests are often enthusiastic to see KNESKO in the spa.

“Our therapists rave about how popular the KNESKO masks are with our guests,” adds Claghorn. “During quieter business periods, we host spa parties with our aestheticians and offer complimentary eye masks to hotel guests to generate interest in the spa. The eye masks are a great activator because they are so attractive. Guests will see other guests wearing the masks, they get curious about what is going on in the spa, and it becomes an introduction or segue into conversations about spa.”

KNESKO masks also play a leading role in monthly signature events, poolside, and in VIP guest service at Fairmont Kea Lani’s Willow Stream Spa. The masks are featured in the Wellness Suite – a special package for rooms incorporating all aspects of wellness. In this specialty package, KNESKO masks are offered alongside a bath kit, essential oil diffuser with sleep aromatherapy, and other spa amenities.

An example of a unique signature promotion is “Get Your Game Face On” on Superbowl Sunday. Willow Stream Spa Maui offered complimentary KNESKO Black Detox eye masks to guests enjoying the spa. The spa staff, along with the concierge and front desk staff, were wearing eye masks – a great conversation starter to raise spa awareness.

Research led by Dr. Krystof Bankiewicz, who recently joined The Ohio State University College of Medicine, shows that gene replacement therapy for Niemann-Pick type A disease is safe for use in nonhuman primates and has therapeutic effects in mice. These research findings are published online in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Prior to joining Ohio State as a professor of neurosurgery, Bankiewicz conducted this translational gene therapy research at the University of California at San Francisco, in conjunction with researchers in New York, Massachusetts, and Spain.

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, has no known cure, and is often fatal. It is caused by mutations in a gene that causes a deficiency of a specific enzyme, acid sphingomyelinase. With this disease, the body’s ability to metabolize fat within cells is affected, causing these cells to malfunction and, eventually, die. This inherited disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and lungs.

Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of adeno-associated viral vector serotype nine (AAV9)-based gene therapy. Using a newly developed cerebrospinal fluid delivery method into a specific area of the brain allowed widespread gene expression in the brain and spinal cord of nonhuman primates without signs of toxicity.

In addition, the treatment provided a bystander effect by preventing motor and memory impairment and increased survival in a mouse model of the disease, said Bankiewicz, who also is a member of Ohio State’s Neurological Institute.

“This is the proof of concept of gene therapy in animal models for this disease. It’s a big jump in the development process as we work toward one day being able to safely give this therapy to children who otherwise would die by age three,” Bankiewicz said. “Our plan is to translate this exciting data into human clinical trials at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center within the next couple of years.”

Based on this research, Bankiewicz and his team, including co-author Lluis Samaranch, an assistant professor of neurological surgery at Ohio State, will move forward with additional animal studies in preparation to eventually begin clinical trials in humans.

“Dr. Bankiewicz is a world leader in neuro-restorative medicine, particularly gene therapy. With his recruitment, along with the expertise of his five-member research team he is bringing with him, The Ohio State University College of Medicine is making a strong commitment to developing a gene therapy program to develop treatments for this and other diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. K. Craig Kent, dean of Ohio State College of Medicine.

Throughout his career, Bankiewicz has maintained a strong focus on the development of translational approaches to drug, gene, and cell replacement therapies.

His research has focused on new treatments of serious diseases, including brain cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s diseases, pediatric neurotransmitter deficiency, and lysosomal storage disorders. At Ohio State, Bankiewicz will work closely with the department of neurological surgery to conduct other gene replacement therapy clinical trials in humans.

Bankiewicz has co-founded MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc., Voyager Therapeutics Inc., and Brain Neurotherapy Bio Inc, and also invented several devices currently used clinically to administer gene therapy to the brain.

As the largest beauty market in the world, United States cosmetics brands are constantly looking to create and innovate through the use of new technology and ingredients. It is this approach that has put the region on course to achieve record sales of $90 billion by 2020 – a 45% growth over the last decade. And, as formulators and marketeers begin planning for the next wave of products that leverage the latest trends, in-cosmetics North America returns to New York City with a program set to inspire the best minds in the business.

Paving the way forward are makeup and premium offerings, with prestige beauty, in particular, registering massive rises. But across the sector, there is category disruption taking place that is changing the way the industry operates and how consumers interact with new beauty. Revolutionary new concepts, technologies, and experiential retail are radically altering the whole product supply chain – from development to final use – meaning brands must engage with these trends to ensure they stand out from the crowd.

It is against this backdrop that in-cosmetics North America returns from October 23 to 24, providing an ideal opportunity for companies to immerse themselves in all angles of the new product development journey. The interactive exhibition brings together personal care suppliers with chemists, marketeers, and indie brand owners, each looking to make the connection between the microtrend and the macro consumer need.

Mark Chandler, president of ACT Solutions Corp and Prestige Clinical Instructor at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is the new in-cosmetics North America technical advisor. He commented, “This show delivers an opportunity for visitors to learn, test, and evaluate the latest ingredients’ suitability for new finished products. To win in this competitive climate, brands need to throw out the old rule books and ensure they are aligned with current industry trends. That’s why the show is a must for those focusing on new product development, as it provides all the tools needed to successfully innovate and launch new products to market.”

Also offering a unique local perspective will be Cherie Buziak, founder of BeautyEdge LLC, who will be running the Fast Track Marketing: Technology Tours. Created to showcase the best innovations on display at the event, the tours will give marketers the tools to maximize their time at the event and connect them with the best suppliers who can help them meet their current and future requirements.

A key premise of in-cosmetics North America is engaging professionals throughout the product development cycle; there is an extensive marketing trends program which provides insight into the latest themes, facts, and figures influencing consumers. Topics confirmed for this year’s program will address where consumers shop for beauty products, led by Euromonitor International; neurocosmetics and emotions in beauty, with neuroscientist Dr. Claudia Aguirre; the rise in CBD and the factors driving consumer interest in the CBD-cosmetics space, with HEXO, a major player in the cannabis market; and the next ten years of macrotrend influences, with leading global design and innovation company, Seymourpowell.

Also returning to the event, a program of technical seminars will delve into the practical and technical elements of how new ingredients can be used in new product development. The formulation lab provides hands-on training for current and budding formulators, while the innovation zone, makeup bar, and sensory bar provide samples of new materials to inspire the next generation of NPD. And, the eagerly anticipated and hotly contested formulation challenge will also return this October.

Commenting on this year’s exhibition, event director Daniel Zanetti said, “We expect exhibitors and visitors at in-cosmetics North America will notice a clearer synergy this year between the visitors attending the show. We have spent the past three years successfully building the event’s profile and widening its appeal to everyone, from major cosmetics brands to emerging indie brands. We are primarily a North American event focused on driving business opportunities, and provide insights, information, and intelligence to the local and regional market. With the help of our new advisors and partnerships, we are aiming to broaden our appeal across the regional NPD value chain.”

Sun safety practices for attendees at skin cancer screening events differ from the general public, according to findings published by researchers from the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center. The study was published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Proper sun safety practices, like wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing, are critical to reduce the risk for skin cancers, like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. 

Through a survey randomly administered at six locations in Washington, D.C., and to attendees of a free skin cancer screening event at GW, a team led by Emily Murphy, a research fellow in the department of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, found that respondents from the screening group were significantly more likely to always wear sunscreen, always seek shade, and always or sometimes wear sun-protective clothing than the public group. These data suggest that individuals who do not typically attend free screenings may have greater gaps in sun protective knowledge and behavior, highlighting the need to reach these populations through different mechanisms. Survey responses were also analyzed by age and race to identify additional disparaties. Participants who identified as white were more likely to always or sometimes wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing than non-white participants. Patients over 61 years were more likely to always seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing than those younger than 31 years.

“These findings highlight the importance of tailoring free skin cancer screening events for non-white and younger populations,” said Adam Friedman, MD, interim chair of the department of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, director of the Supportive Oncodermatology Clinic at the GW Cancer Center, and senior author on the study. “While free screening events are important, we also have to think about comprehensive, community-based solutions that reach broader demographic populations than skin cancer screenings alone.”

White participants in the study reported more blistering sunburns than non-white participants, as well as more indoor tanning uses. However, indoor tanning use was equal among the screening and general public groups, indicating that all patients need to be educated on indoor tanning risks. The Community Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, non-federal panel of public health and prevention experts, recommends multicomponent interventions that combine individually focused strategies, educational campaigns, and environmental or policy changes to influence sun safety behaviors. Other recommendations include education and policy approaches in primary school and outdoor recreation settings.

“This study also highlights the importance of reaching non-white populations with skin cancer prevention messages,” said Friedman. “We have to address the myth that skin cancer only affects fair-skinned individuals. Skin cancer does not discriminate and, therefore, we need to encourage sun safety practices among all individuals.”

Bioelements is excited to recognize the Spring 2019 Students of the Year from aesthetics schools across the United States.

Alize Alonso, Alexzandra Colon, Alternetta Dunbar, Megan Duncan, Angel Gilbert, LaTiba Neal, Cassandra Nichols, Gabby Oates, Hannah Paschke, Theresa Rutz, Qiana Sellers, Maddison Verdone, Makenzie Winkler, and Emisa Zeqaj have been nominated as Students of the Year for their outstanding performance in the classroom.

Educators from schools that feature Bioelements products in the classroom identify individuals that show exceptional work ethic, passion, and customer service to receive this unique honor. Each student is presented with a Student of the Year certificate and a Bioelements Professional Esthetics Discovery set to support their promising careers in aesthetics.

“Bioelements’ Student of the Year program recognizes students who show tremendous promise in the field of aesthetics and rewards them with the products that will set their careers up for future success,” says Bioelements director of education, Teresa Stenzel. “We are proud to award each of these students the honor of the title.”

“My passion is skin care and being able to provide people with my help and the expertise they need to gain confidence back in themselves,” says Winkler, a student from Cosmetology and Spa Academy in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Institute of Advanced Aesthetics and Health Sciences offers a medical aesthetic training program that rates at the top in online training platforms for licensed professionals. With over 16 years of experience in the medical aesthetic field, Founder and CEO Linda Gulla makes education a top priority in reaching out to aestheticians and paramedical professionals, with hopes of bringing higher recognition to the value of a well-trained aesthetician. Business owners and medical doctors are endlessly searching for qualified professionals who can provide aesthetic procedures with little training or supervision and who would be an asset to their practice.

“It is unsettling to me that aestheticians are constantly looked upon as an employee and not as an asset,” says Gulla. With proper training and education behind them, aestheticians should be recognized as an asset who contributes to business growth and reputation and wages should be paid accordingly as any other clinical practitioner. “When I see job ads for aestheticians that require them to do everything from cleaning to consultation, sales, and performing procedures, I ask myself, what is this employer really looking for?” continues Gulla. Not only is it absurd, but it is insulting to expect so much from a professional for a job that, in many cases, pays so very little.

IAAHS hopes to change the profession dramatically through advanced education and offering credible learning material that is accessible to all professionals who wish to further their career or advance into the medical aesthetic field.

To view a list of program content, visit iaahs.com/program-content. For inquiries or interest in live presentations, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pineapple Extract: Containing the enzyme bromelain, pineapple is a natural alpha hydroxy fruit acid used for exfoliating dead skin cells. Rich in citric acid, folic acid, minerals, and vitamins like vitamin C, pineapple also helps fight free radicals and boost collagen production.

Crushed Coconut Shells: Ideal for gentle exfoliation, crushed coconut shells are another great natural exfoliant used in body and face exfoliators. The shells contain purifying and detoxifying properties and are a natural coloring agent.

Jojoba Beads: Made from hardened jojoba oil and prized for being biodegradable, jojoba beads have smooth edges that make them great for gentle exfoliation without the risk of micro tearing. Jojoba also has hydrating, moisturizing, antiaging, and soothing properties.

BiON Skincare

Fruit Enzyme Scrub by BiON Skincare contains pineapple enzymes that act as natural antibacterial agents. The aloe vera and chamomile have soothing and healing properties. Cucumber Scrub is recommended for normal to oily skin. It opens the follicles and removes cellular debris. Ingredients include hydrogenated jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, cucumber extract, vegetable glycerin, pineapple extract, and chamomile extract. 877-715-2466 or bionresearch.com

Pure Fiji

Exfoliate, polish, and nourish skin with Pure Fiji’s Coconut Crush Scrub. This South Pacific beauty secret buffs away dry skin cells and unclogs pores, leaving skin smooth, hydrated, and glowing. Main ingredients include pineapple enzymes, crushed coconut shells, coconut cream, and exotic oils. 800-477-4283 or purefiji.com

Skin Script Skin Care

The Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub/Mask from Skin Script Skin Care is a dual-action performance product which exfoliates while brightening to promote a clear, healthy skin tone. It lessens the signs of aging and promotes skin rejuvenation. Jojoba beads provide the physical exfoliation component of the product. They gently buff away dead surface debris and leave behind jojoba esters, which are a moisture retaining component of natural skin sebum. 480-543-1121 or skinscriptrx.com

CIDESCO, the world standard for beauty and spa therapy, has announced registration is officially open for its 67^th World Congress and Exhibition, which will take place in Chicago, Illinois from September 19 to 23. This annual prestigious event provides the opportunity to discuss the industry’s most important issues, learn new skills, and network with the world’s leading experts in the skin care and spa industry.

Organized by CIDESCO Section United States, the theme for this year’s congress is The Architecture of Beauty and includes a unique boutique exposition of select manufacturers and suppliers for the attendees. Offering many advertising and sponsorship opportunities, brands can promote their presence to top spas, salons, schools, and professionals in the world of beauty.

Held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, an opening reception will be held on September 19 to welcome all CIDESCO members and attendees and provide a networking opportunity. During the five-day event, guests will be able to attend seminars, workshops, and educational sessions. Witnessing the top trends affecting skin care beauty, attendees can learn the latest techniques and meet CIDESCO colleagues from around the world.

Delegates who attend the 67^th CIDESCO World Congress and Exhibition can enjoy a welcome evening, cultural event of an architecture cruise, and dinner offering great views of Chicago. They will also have the opportunity to attend the popular gala dinner taking place at Chicago’s Willis Tower.

The annual CIDESCO World Makeup and Body Art Competition will be open for all professionals and students who wish to take part, with the competition encouraging unique and artistic looks from all participants. The theme this year is “American Cinema.”

Eve Taylor London has joined with Trees for the Future, which is revitalising degraded land supporting impoverished families in Africa by planting new trees.

Planting new trees regenerates the land, supports the ecosystem of wildlife and insects, and combats climate change by offsetting carbon emissions to the equivalent of 26,000 miles of car driving and producing approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. By planting specific types of fast-growing trees, fruit trees, hardwoods, and food crops in a systematic manner over a four-year period, families can positively change their lives forever and support the environment. For more information visit trees.org.

VEGAMOUR, a vegan hair wellness company that uses powerful, plant-derived actives with proven clinical and visible results, announced the launch of a full line of scientifically-created CBD serums and nutraceuticals to promote healthy hair growth for the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

The topical products in the company’s new CBD line of hair, eyelash, and eyebrow serums are formulated with full-spectrum, micro-encapsulated CBD. This proprietary process decreases the size of the CBD molecules by over 1,000%, so that the CBD particles can penetrate the skin and hair roots more deeply and deliver increased efficacy.

“Our research has shown that CBD has inherent, clinically-proven actives that naturally work in tandem to stimulate healthy hair growth,” said VEGAMOUR CEO Dan Hodgdon.

The company, which has always had strict ingredient guidelines and has always stayed away from the harmful chemical ingredients found in most pharmaceutical hair growth products, will be extending their CBD line from topicals to ingestibles and supplements to create a full CBD hair health line, resulting in stronger, thicker, and healthier hair. 

“Our line of full-spectrum CBD hair wellness supplements work in tandem with our topical CBD serums by providing additional synergistic health benefits, such as balancing the endocannabinoid system for overall peace, stress reduction, and improved sleep,” adds Hodgdon.

Dr. Jason Emer, Los Angeles, California’s top board-certified dermatologist, unveils a stratosphere of cosmetic innovation inside his new comprehensive medical and surgical facility, Emerage Medical, in West Hollywood, California.

With design concepts impeccably executed by EXOD-ARCH in collaboration with Ben Ballantine Architects Studios, the futuristic facility boasts 8,000-square-feet of modern luxury, including two fully-automated aesthetician rooms, two procedure suites, five spacious laser and cosmetic treatment rooms, and numerous private workspaces with magnificent views of the city. A state-of-the-art operating center is currently under construction, which will accommodate surgical procedures, as well as in-house aftercare. Exclusively equipped with the most sophisticated technologies in the fields of cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery, Emerage Medical houses over 80 cutting-edge lasers and minimally-invasive devices for aging, scarring, pigmentation, burns, and lifelong preventative rejuvenation.

In the Liquid Lounge, patients can enjoy a wide array of exclusive amenities and spa treatments, including IV hydration therapy, massage, customized facials and masks, dermal infusion, micro-ampule infusion treatments, and more.

Respected worldwide for their impeccable precision and bold techniques, Dr. Jason Emer, Dr. Robert Cohen, and Dr. Farhad Ardeshirpour have pioneered some of Hollywood’s most sought-after procedures and cater to an elite clientele. Dr. Emer’s specialties include high-definition liposuction and body contouring, facial sculpting, and feature enhancement with fillers and Botox and laser dermatology for scarring, pigmentation, rejuvenation, and antiaging, wrinkle, or sun damage. Dr. Cohen’s specialties include aesthetic breast surgery of every type, complex revision procedures, mommy makeovers, abdominoplasty surgery, male chest defining surgery, arm and thigh contouring procedures, and labia reductions. Dr. Ardesh’s specialties include facial rejuvenation such as face lifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgeries, as well as rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), ear reconstructions, and chin and jawline augmentations with customized implants.

In May, the Professional Beauty Federation of California’s (PBFC) Welcome to Our World (W.O.W.) lobbying event took place at the Capitol Events Center, next door to the capitol building in Sacramento, California. Dozens of volunteer beauty professionals performed hundreds of services on more than 125 policymakers, regulators, and staffers throughout the afternoon.

PBFC’s members and industry sponsors used this opportunity to focus on the many opportunities, issues, and challenges facing the industry in California, particularly policy and regulatory issues that need to be addressed by California’s elected and appointed leaders. With most of the laws and regulations that govern salons and industry professionals created at the state level, providing these state officials with a direct connection to knowledgeable industry subject matter experts has been a proven success over the past 19 years.

This legislative session gave rise to a dozen bills that could have a direct impact on beauty students, colleges, salons, and behind-the-chair professionals. This year’s event was of particular importance to the mission of the PBFC to protect its industry by redirecting well-intentioned, but misguided, legislation to more positive ends or simply kill bad bills whose authors are not willing to compromise.

PBFC was pleased that senior officials from the state board participated in this year’s W.O.W. to help educate policymakers in support of a well-regulated, licensed profession. The PBFC and state board joined forces last month to kill one bill that would have chipped away at the licensed scope of practice, leaving more beauty consumers unprotected and exacerbating unlicensed activities that place legitimate salons at a competitive disadvantage.

Noted beauty industry executive, Rochelle Weitzner, former CEO of Erno Laszlo and former CFO at Laura Mercier Cosmetics and RéVive Skincare, announced the launch of Pause, a first-of-its-kind, science-based skin care line focused on supporting skin during the three stages of menopause.

The Pause story began when Weitzner experienced her first hot flash. Naturally, she looked to her industry for products that could support her through menopause. What she found – or, actually, what she did not find – shocked her.

“Not only were there no products targeting the particular effects of menopause on skin,” reflects Weitzner, “but no one was even talking about it. For all the noise we make about aging and all the products aimed at antiaging, it was as if the whole topic of menopause was forbidden.”

After a career in the C-suite, Weitzner found that not just surprising but unacceptable. “Menopause is or will be a fact of life for millions of women,” says Weitzner. “From peri-menopause, which can start in a woman’s thirties, and for the rest of her life, she will deal with a combination of hot flashes, dryness, sagging, and loss of elasticity.”

She decided to change all that, redirecting her extensive experience in beauty to fill this gaping void. Weitzner teamed up with Grace Beauty Capital to establish Pause Well-Aging skin care.

“Menopause is a huge transition for women and a huge underserved market,” says Grace’s Founder and Partner, Frank Fazzinga III, “and I couldn’t understand why nobody had the courage to tackle it.”

Pause is a first-of-its-kind skin care line focused on the three stages of menopause, turning traditional antiaging thinking on its head with an unabashed well-aging approach to menopause and its effects on skin. Weitzner notes, “We’ve done our homework, developing products that scientifically target this stage of skin health from both the inside and the outside.”

Pause launches in June with three products created to address the unique physiology of menopausal skin. The next round of products will launch in the fall.

While products are the core of Pause, Weitzner emphasizes that Pause is about more than skin care. “Pause is both science for your skin and a community for your soul,” Weitzner offers. She explains that it is about giving women resources and space to share their stories as they adapt to the new normal that is menopause. The Connect the Dots blog is packed with articles, stories, science, lifestyle features, humor, and more – reflecting the company tagline “Pause. Learn. Laugh.”

Weitzner sums up the company’s mission, “We want to view menopause, not as an ending, but as a time to Pause, reflect, and look ahead. Pause is beauty for what’s next.”

With decades of hands-on work and experience under their belts and a firm commitment to education as their mission, the Color Up Therapeutics team is launching the Cannabis Master Program for the spa professional. Releasing now, this first-of-its-kind online course for massage therapists and aestheticians is more than 15 years in the making. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a certification from Color Up Therapeutics as a Cannabis Master.

“Set to become the gold standard for therapists everywhere, Color Up’s Cannabis Master Program for the spa professional is the most comprehensive, in-depth cannabis education program available today,” says Color Up Therapeutics’ co-owner and COO Shauna Blanch. Blanch is also a licensed massage therapist, certified reiki master, and yoga teacher. “Our team of aestheticians, massage therapists, chemists, and cannabis business professionals have been studying skin care and cannabis for more than 15 years,” says Blanch. “The Cannabis Master Program is a compilation of that research and learning.”

The Cannabis Master Program kicks off with two tracks, one for massage therapists and body workers, and one for aestheticians. There are eight lectures for aestheticians and seven for massage therapists. Topics include: The Endocannabinoid System: An In-Depth Look, The Magic of Cannabinoids, Healing from the Inside Out, The Science of the Skin, and Give Yourself a Raise: Retail Selling.

The team’s intention is for the Cannabis Master Program to become a full university for the at-home user and the spa professional. “Bringing CBD skin care and body care into a spa practice is much more than a trend. It’s a comprehensive approach to functional healing for body, mind, and spirit,” explains Vice President of Education Emily Davis, LE. “CBD is more dynamic than many ingredients that are generally used in skin care and massage products because it is communicating with our body’s main regulatory system – our endocannabinoid system. For this reason, education is very important for the provider.”

Over the past year, Color Up Therapeutics has brought on more than 1,500 professional accounts, including spas, aestheticians, and massage therapists. To educate partners, Color Up Therapeutics created a comprehensive training program and is currently working with aesthetics and massage schools as they incorporate cannabis education and products into their curriculum, as well.

“If we can educate our professionals, they can broaden the community more than we ever could alone,” says Blanch. “The Cannabis Master Program provides the information needed to not only offer CBD in a professional setting, but to become a cannabis expert.”

With a mission to expand holistic beauty globally, Osmosis has exciting company news to share. As of June 1, 2019, Osmosis will formally be under a new brand name, fully transitioning into and merging under the Osmosis +Beauty umbrella. Now, as Osmosis +Beauty, several key changes will distinguish the core of the brand moving forward. This includes new prestige, rose gold packaging, a new online identity, and a new combination of product collections, including Osmosis +Skincare, Osmosis +Colour, Osmosis +Wellness, and Osmosis MD.

Upholding the brand philosophy started over 10 years ago, Osmosis +Beauty will continue to create skin care products and treatments founded on medically developed, clinically validated, and consumer-proven results that are patented, tested, and trusted. Each innovative offering will remain doctor-developed and medical-grade, formulated with patented actives and proprietary nutrients that deliver transformative results without harming the skin. Meanwhile, the line’s makeup will feature gentle, non-toxic ingredients, botanicals, and natural pigments, while the wellness supplements and rejuvenating elixirs will remain inspired by the skin-body connection for inner health that radiates outer beauty.

“In a world where we can be anything, at the new Osmosis, we choose to be kind – to ourselves, to one another, to our skin,” says Robin Silber McGee, CEO of Osmosis +Beauty. “As the most trusted professional skin care brand for the past 10 years, Osmosis has led the way in cutting-edge innovation and impactful results, but we won’t stop there as we continue to transform and evolve our brand.”

In this transition, the current Osmosis Skincare and MD collections will become one professional offering, Osmosis MD. With a modern look and secondary packaging with dual languages, this collection will be exclusively devoted to the professional. Osmosis +Colour and Osmosis +Wellness will encapsulate the new look and feature innovative products and enhanced formulas.

Osmosis +Skincare will be a selection of skin care products inspired by the professional collection. With distinct packaging, new product names, and tailored formulations, this curated collection will be sold exclusively to non-professional, e-commerce partners, Amazon, and retail-based businesses. Osmosis +Colour and Osmosis +Wellness will remain available to this market.

All products will be in prestige packaging featuring metallic copper accents with beautiful white and rum foiled boxes. New branding will be reflected throughout social media and a new website.

“In 2019, we are taking our unique message to the next level with curated collections that support our professional partners, while also making many products available to consumers across the United States,” said Silber McGee. “I want to thank everyone who has supported us so far, and we are so excited to share our new vision with the world. Welcome to our innovative state of transparent, healthy beauty.”

Three Degrees Salon, a new creative hair studio, will open its door this month in the East Village of New York City, New York. The salon is headed by Kei Hirata, an established top Japanese stylist whose career spans New York, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Located in a vibrant community with The Cooper Union and The Standard Hotel nearby, Three Degrees is a salon that features the talents of Hirata and other skilled Japanese stylists. The theme of its interior is Modern Park, exampled by The High Line and Venice Beach, and it is open to all kinds of people and dedicated to providing comfort for all.

To mark its opening, the salon presents a unique art exhibition, “Connected: We are closer than you think,” a collaboration between Three Degrees’ Creative Director Kei Hirata, Conceptual Photographer Brick Thana, and Videographer Derek Siyarngnork. Three degrees of connection, which is the salon’s main theme (and where it derives its name), is conveyed through a photography exhibition and short film that showcases the intersection of hair, lifestyle, and experience, while highlighting the connectivity of living in a global city such as New York City. Six New York-based influencers from diverse backgrounds are featured as models and video subjects.

The concept of three degrees conveys the idea that strangers are more connected than they believe. The theory of six degrees of separation states that any person can be connected to anyone else on the planet through a chain of six or fewer social connections. In the age of digital social networking, this concept has been updated and it is believed that any person can be connected to another through three degrees of separation. With the power of this chain of amicable connections and the unlimited potential that it holds, Three Degrees Salon hopes to become a social hub that generates its own culture through building community.

Three degrees also expresses the idea of three degrees Celsius as a warning of global warming. It is said that if global temperatures rise by three degrees Celsius, the lives of two billion people would be at stake. Sustainable practices will be a core value of the salon. Through a partnership with Yarok Hair, the salon will provide organic and 100% vegan hair care treatments and products, as well as ammonia-free hair color options by Organic Color System. Disposable eco towels will be used in daily operations, as this requires less water and energy consumption than other alternatives and will be donated to local community gardens for composting.

The salon opened on Sunday, June 2nd, and offers haircut, blow-dry, color, perm, and treatment service, starting at $70 and up.

Hempfield Botanicals, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based cannabidiol (CBD) product manufacturer, became a Certified B Corporation on May 2, 2019. After a rigorous assessment process, the company has achieved a distinction that only approximately 2,200 companies worldwide can claim.

B Corporation Certification is far more than a stamp of approval on a business’ products and services. It involves an in-depth assessment (and verification by the non-profit organization B Lab) to determine if a company meets “the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.”

Some of Hempfield Botanicals’ business certifications, practices, processes, and protocols that have enabled it to achieve B Corporations status include:

• a supplier diversity policy, buying from preferred, local, minority and women-owned suppliers within a 200-mile radius
• paying team members for monthly community volunteer involvement
• charitable giving practices, such as donating to local non-profit organizations
• tracking use of water and electricity to determine ways to lessen the company’s impact on the environment
• taking steps to become a zero-waste manufacturing facility
• chemical reduction methods: use of non-toxic cleaners and unbleached paper products
• increase in fair trade purchases
• regular monitoring of key performance indicators to assess if the company is meeting its social and environmental objectives
• providing advanced skills and life skills training, quality assurance methodology, and other development opportunities for full-time team members
• a board of directors that has formally agreed to balance profit and purpose

Hempfield Botanicals, along with its sister-brand, Makes Scents Natural Spa Line, attained a score of 81.2 on its B Impact Assessment by B Lab, which will be updated and verified every three years to maintain certification.

Originally developed by professional skin care pioneer and founder of Eva’s Esthetics, Eva Friederichs, and modernized by her daughters, Lisa and Lori Nestore, Tuel is a clean, vegan skin care and aesthetics company that is more than just essential oils and firming facials.

Honoring their mother’s legacy, Tuel (which stands for “two L’s,” the first initial of each co-president’s name) continues to provide cruelty-free, botanical skin care solutions for all skin types. Most recently, the brand debuted a new look with sleek yet simplistic packaging and a major website redesign. And, while their skin savvy runs deep, including their tried and true pore analysis used to determine skin type, the sisters are equally passionate about female entrepreneurship and empowering other women to become better business leaders.

Together, and as an extension of the Tuel brand, Lisa and Lori have created the Pore Star Club, a community of over 300 women nationwide, including spa owners and practicing aestheticians, seeking the education and resources needed to run a successful spa practice. After years of watching individual spa owners and aestheticians struggle, getting lost in the business logistics and losing profit, Lori, who spearheads the sales side of the brand, began providing individual guidance to Tuel aestheticians. As those individuals began to experience financial success, she realized the value in offering a service that would help foster professional development and important business skills not taught through traditional aesthetics trainings. As a result, the Pore Star Club was born with a mission to help businesses operate more efficiently.

The Pore Star Club provides expert training, curriculum, and protocols designed to teach spa owners and aestheticians how to successfully run their businesses. It goes far beyond the basics, covering everything from best business practices to specific treatment techniques to client conversation starters and the art of upselling. Members are taught how to better market themselves, their practices, and more. Curriculum also focuses on finance management and back office logistics, including organization of client filing systems, insight on how to manage a database, ways to identify business vendors, and billing and budget management.

“Tuel has helped me grow in so many ways,” said Tamara Amaral, founder of Dazzling Skin LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I’ve become more confident and organized. Not only have I learned about the product line, but I’ve learned how to sell it and how to grow my client base and increase profit. As a direct result of Tuel’s Pore Star Club training program, my business has improved by 100% in two years.”

Sentient Lasers, the leading solutions company for the aesthetic market, which specializes in service, sales, procurement, leasing, and warranty, announced the addition of Philip Mostow as solutions specialist. In his new role, Mostow is responsible for customer support, developing and implementing new service offerings, and driving new business acquisition. Additionally, Mostow is spearheading a neighborly outreach campaign directed to the local aesthetics community, extending an invitation to take advantage of what is right in their backyard.

Mostow has spent the past 15 years in the real estate industry, with a focus on residential development and new construction sales, as well as investing and commercial leasing. Previously, he worked in the environmental graphics business, supporting companies on graphic design projects, signage systems, real estate, and hands-on remodeling.

“I’ve known about Sentient Lasers for a long time through my childhood friend, who lived next door to Van, the chairman of the company,” said Mostow. “About a year ago, Sentient enlisted me in helping them find a new office building to move into, which is when I first met Chris. I was drawn to the dynamic leadership team and, after working solo for many years, I knew I wanted to work with and learn from an inspiring group of people.”

“Philip’s drive, determination, and strong leadership skills make him a perfect fit for his new role at Sentient,” said Chris Cella, CEO of Sentient Lasers. “We’ve set him up with some tall marching orders to begin with and have full confidence that he will deliver. We’re looking forward to working alongside Philip to grow and improve as a company.”

Mostow will be based in the company’s Park City, Utah headquarters.

The Sustainable Cosmetics Summit drew to a successful close two weeks ago. Over 140 senior executives from the beauty industry convened in New York City to discuss sustainability issues. Organized by Ecovia Intelligence, here are some of the key outcomes of the summit.

Packaging Innovations: With growing consumer awareness of plastic pollution, the beauty industry is facing pressure to reduce its packaging impacts. Examples of innovative packaging solutions were presented. Seed phytonutrients gave details of its compostable bottle made from post-consumer paper, while the Korean company, InnerBottle, showed how its new packaging technology creates zero waste. The way forward appears to be innovative rather than incremental measures, like lightweighting.

Consumer Impacts: In his opening keynote speech, Colin Beavan called for  awareness of the impacts created in everyday lives. The influential writer and internet blogger shared his own personal experience in trying to create zero impacts for one year. While living in New York, he and his family lived without electricity, ate locally grown foods, and produced no trash. According to Beavan, individuals should not just reduce impacts, but should also create positive impacts; examples include growing plants, trees, and vegetables and volunteering.

Scrutiny of Supply Chains: Raw material supply chains are becoming increasingly scrutinized for environmental and social risks. Verisk Maplecroft Research showed that shea butter, milk, vanilla, and cocoa are cosmetic ingredients with some of the highest social risks, including human trafficking, child labor, discrimination, and land grabs. Using essential oils as an example, Dee-Ann Prather from Down Under Enterprises showed how ingredient suppliers can provide traceability in their supply chains. Since adulteration is a major issue, the Australian supplier is looking at blockchain technology.

Wide Range of Green Materials: New sources of green ingredients are emerging. DuPont showed how it has created its Genencare OSMS BA material from food side streams. Genomatica is creating butylene glycol from plant sugars, while Aprinnova is making squalane from sugarcane. Butylene glycol is a petroleum-based solvent, whereas squalane is an emollient that has been traditionally sourced from shark liver oil. Details were also given on how plant cell technology is being utilized to produce active ingredients.

Look Beyond Organic: Diana Martin from the Rodale Institute called for farmers to adopt regenerative agricultural systems. The new Regenerative Organic Certification adds soil health, fair trade, and animal welfare to existing organic farming practices. The new scheme currently has 21 pilots worldwide and is backed by leading operators, such as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and Patagonia.

Creative Solutions: Several speakers suggested creativity is required to resolve major sustainability challenges facing the industry. Molly Rowan Hamilton from Pearlfisher urged beauty companies to design sustainability into their brands. According to Hamilton, one-size-fits-all does not work, considering sustainability has so many facets. The sentiment was echoed by Enoch Palmer from the design agency CASE, which helps brands in product design and communications.

Green Packaging Materials: Andrew Dent from Material ConneXion highlighted the issue with existing packaging materials: less than 5% of plastics are recycled in the United States. He called for brands to look at green materials so they can prepare for a circular economy. Examples were given of recycled materials, compostable packaging, and recent innovations. Bio-engineered solutions on the horizon involve algae, fungi, and bacteria.

New Business Models: TerraCycle showed how brands can move away from single use packaging through its new Loop shopping platform. Described as a circular shopping platform, Loop enables packaging to be returned to brands and re-used. Loop made its debut in the United States this month; partners include P&G, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Walgreens, and Kroger.

Natural and Organic Cosmetics: According to The Benchmarking Company, 68% of American females purchase natural and organic beauty products – up from 49% in 2008. Health reasons are the primary factors cited by 73% of buyers. The adoption rates are expected to continue to rise as consumer demographics change.

Create Marketing Experiences: Millennials and Generation Z now represent half of American consumers. According to Sourabh Sharma from FIG or Out, these growing influential consumers expect sustainability to be a core value of companies. He called for brands to create marketing experiences for these consumers. Winners in the digital age are likely to be brands which utilize these characteristics.

Nevada has become the 21st state to allow students to possess and use sunscreen in school. The law, signed by Governor Steve Sisolak, also enables children to wear protective clothing and allows schools to teach students sun-safe behaviors. This ensures children are protected from overexposure to the sun, thus preventing skin cancer.

The law is based on the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association’s (ASDSA) SUNucate model legislation, which was designed to eliminate barriers prohibiting students from possessing and using over-the-counter sunscreen in schools and camps by exempting these products from broad reaching medication bans.

“Research indicates that one in five children will eventually be diagnosed with skin cancer. Therefore, it is critical that sun-safe behaviors are taught as early as possible,” said ASDSA President Murad Alam, MD. “SUNucate encourages and enables children to protect themselves at school, school-sponsored activities, and camps.”

“The SUNucate initiative aligns with the newly created Nevada Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Society (NSDDS) mission and its dedication to public education efforts on behalf of dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons, and their patients,” said NSDDS President and Founding Member, Whitney Hovenic, MD. “We are pleased to be part of this important effort in Nevada.”

Dermatologic surgeons and national media alerted ASDSA that many children could not use sunscreen while outside unless they have a doctor’s note or prescription. Although the United States Food and Drug Administration classifies sunscreen as an over-the-counter medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force both believe that children should have access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Massage Envy announced this week its partnership with Jan Marini Skin Research (JMSR) to integrate customized JMSR facials in their nearly 1,200 franchise locations, as well as for Massage Envy franchise locations to offer several of JMSR’s most popular retail SKUs. The integration of Jan Marini solutions is now available at Massage Envy locations nationwide.

Jan Marini, founder of JMSR, commented, “This key partnership with Massage Envy is a major milestone for the Jan Marini brand. We expect our mutual efforts will lead to significant growth with a new category of skin care consumers who will love what our facials and retail products offer.”  

“This selection criteria for Massage Envy included nearly a year of trialing products and assessing market response in a smaller subset of Massage Envy franchise locations,” said Joe Magnacca, Massage Envy franchising president and CEO. “The Jan Marini portfolio of premier solutions, their brand’s consumer awareness, and exceptional partnership support led to this being a clear decision to integrate as we seek to dramatically drive the Massage Envy brand’s contributions in the skin care category.”

John Connors, CEO and president of JMSR added, “We believe the opportunity for growth in skin care services within Massage Envy is second to none in the United States marketplace. Massage Envy has built a network of nearly 1,200 locations, which includes a mind boggling 1.6 million loyal members. JMSR is aligned to fully support the Massage Envy brand’s objective of delivering results and capturing strong momentum via our professional customized facial services and retail solutions.”

Chicago Says No More’s one-hour “Listen. Support. Connect” cosmetology and aesthetics licensure and license renewal requirement for domestic violence and sexual assault training has been taught to more than 11,700 professionals since 2016, during America’s Beauty Shows, at no cost to salon professionals in Illinois renewing their licenses in September 2019.

In continuing with supporting professionals in Illinois, Cosmetologists Chicago and Chicago Says No More now offer weekly classes every Monday from June 3 to September 30, 2019 in Chicago. Cosmetologists Chicago makes the classes free to attendees who will gain insights into these important topics. The classes offer innovative ways to help clients experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault.

When cosmetologists and aestheticians renew their licenses in September 2019, they will be the first group in Illinois’ two-year renewal cycle asked to confirm they have completed this new course now required by the Illinois Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetics, Nail Technology and Hairbraiding Act – Cosmetology Renewal License Domestic Violence Course (HB 4264/PA99-0766).

According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), here is the timeline for other groups required to complete a one-hour, one-time continuing education course regarding domestic violence.

This requirement must be completed in order for a license to be renewed. This requirement equips 84,000 licensees to help clients when they ask for help.

If a salon professional attended “Listen. Support. Connect.” at America’s Beauty Shows 2016 through 2019, they are in compliance and are not required to take the course again to renew their Illinois license.

Chicago Says No More experts in the fields of domestic violence and sexual assault produced “Listen. Support. Connect.” in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago and Pivot Point to increase awareness of the epidemic of intimate violence and to educate salon professionals about the best ways to respond when a client shares personal information or asks for help.

Certified domestic violence and sexual abuse instructors who have completed 40 hours of training will help salon professionals learn how to recognize signs, how to respond when clients ask for help, and how to identify and direct clients to helpful resources.

CBD American Shaman is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new store in Plano, Texas. Located at 3801 President George Bush Turnpike, Suite 130, Plano, Texas, the grand opening appropriately took place on 4/20. In keeping with its other locations throughout Texas, CBD American Shaman is on a mission to adhere to the best possible industry standards and provide the highest quality products on the market. The company also hopes to educate people about the benefits of CBD oil.

“There’s a lot of misinformation about CBD out there,” says Ashley Flood, co-owner of CBD American Shaman, Plano. “One of our goals is to dispel some of those myths, and, in particular, the idea that CBD can make you high. The benefits from using CBD are of huge benefit to both the mind and the body, from pain management to stress relief and a whole lot more.”

CBD American Shaman offers a variety of products that come in different forms. CBD oil is usually applied topically or inhaled, while CBD edibles deliver the cannabidiol when ingested as food or candy. Flood emphasizes that there is plenty of free advice to be had at the Plano location.

“We’re here to explain how the products will benefit you and how they should be used. Once you’ve explained your needs, we can definitely make the right recommendations for you. And, we do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can purchase from us in complete confidence.”

According to Flood, the company’s proprietary nanotechnology results in their products being nine times more bioavailable than anything else on the market. As a result, customers often note that the products take effect faster, because they are more efficiently absorbed by the body.

The store offers free samples and has laboratory reports available for viewing. Customers are also invited to participate in happy hour for a 10% storewide discount, Monday through Friday from 4:20 P.M. to 6:20 P.M.

From crunchy leaves to crisp air, warm cider to brisk hayrides – there are so many things to love about fall! And, though the hype and heat of summer may have faded, spas can still welcome a steady traffic of clients during this change in seasons with a few autumnal tips.

If there is one word that is synonymous with summer, it is sun – and, since July is national UV Safety Month, there is no better time of year to promote safe summer skin care! Do not let the weather be the only thing that heats up during these warm, summer months. Through specific, seasonal marketing focused on sun and summer skin care, professionals can boost sales, reconnect with clients, and watch as profits begin to sizzle, too.

Shuffling kids to and from gymnastics, tackling mountains of laundry, preparing Pinterest-worthy birthday parties, and conquering the world one piano recital at a time – it is no secret that mothers carry a great deal of stress and often put their own wellness and skin care at the bottom of their priorities list. Mother’s Day is the perfect time for spas to celebrate and spoil these everyday superheroes with special promotions, marketing, education, and retail.

Spring is the season that celebrates life, growth, and new beginnings. It is the perfect time of year for professionals to check in on their yearly goals, spa strategies, and client acquisition and retention efforts to ensure their spa is anything but garden-variety.  

As part of its Massage Makes Me Happy initiative, the Global Wellness Institute has deemed March 20, 2018 Global Massage Makes Me Happy Day. Compared to the high demand found in the ever-expanding massage industry, the number of qualified therapists in the marketplace is at a deficit. The institute’s website states, “The Massage Makes Me Happy initiative … aims to celebrate the healing powers of massage therapy and promote its benefits through research and education, advocacy and global awareness.” There are many ways professionals can celebrate and take advantage of the new massage holiday on a personal, spa, and client level.