If we took a moment and reflected on the last five years, I think all of our heads would spin.  It has not exactly been pretty, but we survived. The last several years have brought so much turmoil, unrest, diversion, and upheaval to our lives as well as our business’s that many of us have felt like we could barely come up for air. Yet here we are, the star of an amazing new rear, and one that is sure to bring provide all of us with the ability to pivot, breathe, and burst forward.

Together, our industry has not only survived, but we have also become stronger in unity, support, communication, and education. We have built new relationships, established new clients, and introduced new ways of doing business. These are all traits of leaders and passionate professionals that believe in what they do and believe in the growth and success of their businesses. That is you!

You are a survivor, you are a fighter, and you are a leader. Belief in your efforts and a vision for the future, combined with a positive attitude and an open mind, will launch you into 2025 like the superstar that you are.  

Happy New Year to you, my fellow skin care successes!

Of the many aspects of the skin care business, the topic of this month’s issue is by far one of my favorites. Although I will never argue the true gift of a skin care professional’s touch and hands, I am a huge advocate of the uniqueness and efficacy that various types of equipment can provide.

Equipment in skin care is nothing new. Galvanic current was originally used as early as the 1930s to maximize skin penetration and skin health. Soon to follow was high frequency as well as LED and microcurrent – the latter two having been in use since the late 1990s.

Today, the equipment options are limitless, including laser, intense pulsed light, radio frequency, ultrasound, microneedling, hydrodermabrasion, and a host of advanced technologies. Although the options may seem infinite, there are three things that a professional must consider when deciding on the addition of a piece of equipment for their treatment room.

First, know the scope of practice in your state. Just because you can purchase a radio frequency machine does not mean that you can use it as an aesthetician. In many states, an aesthetician is required to be under a physician to use many types of equipment. Know these rules to remain in your scope of practice. Second, know your equipment. Purchase from a reliable distributor that provides training and support.

Lastly, know your business. Invest in equipment that enhances current service offerings and the needs of the clientele that you service. Just because you think something is cool, does not mean it is a good fit for your business. Take your time with this month’s issue. It is loaded with equipment information to answer all your questions!

July is the ideal month to discuss an essential topic when it comes to not only age-related skin concerns but to overall healthy and youthful skin as well: the topic of pigmentation. Skin discoloration disorders rank at the top of the skin care concern list for more than half of the population. 

Hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation all stem from the activity of the melanocytes. These cells work to protect healthy skin cells by producing pigment in situations that threaten the function and wellbeing of any healthy cell. These triggers include inflammation, stress, ultraviolet exposure, skin damage, improper product use, poor pollution, medications, illness, a stressful environment, and, most frequently, an imbalance to the hydration level and microbiome of skin. 

As grand as the scope of influencing factors can be, the scope of ways to protect from them is in our favor and lies heavily on two critical ingredient categories: ultraviolet protectors and antioxidants. Ultraviolet protecting ingredients have been perfected to allow for maximum protection while at the same time minimizing the old white, opaque shadow on the face. So many now include tints and color correctors to perfectly balance ultraviolet protection and even skin tone. More importantly, is the amazing field of antioxidant ingredients that immediately serve to minimize the natural inflammatory response of skin due to internal and external factors. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and a plethora of phytonutrients now act as powerhouses to protect skin and minimize pigmentary skin reactions. 

I am a firm believer that protecting skin and maintaining youthfulness and health is a much easier task than trying to undo what has taken years to be done. Start early, start now, and practice what you preach every day.  

Any time that you hear the word “aging,” it seems to have such a negative connotation to it. Very few people embrace not only the term, but even the process. For those who have read any of my past articles or heard me speak, you all know that I have replaced “aging” and “mature” with sophisticated in my vocabulary. I, by far, would prefer to be classified as sophisticated over aged, and I am sure I am not alone.

In any case, the process is inevitable, but the magnitude of the process allows for a multitude of control factors. Diet, exercise, proper sleep, minimal stress, and a happy heart have an immeasurable impact on painting youthfulness. Mix proper skin care, professional skin treatments, and the blessed hands of an aesthetician into the mix and the effect will be multiplied tenfold.

Our profession is a plethora of new ingredients, innovations, and technology. We are constantly gifted with new ways to turn back the hands of the aging process and trigger the true, youthful, healthy function of skin. But rather than focus our objectives on aging, I invite readers to shift their mindset to a simple core focus of the word “healthy.” Healthy means hydrated. It means pliable, soft, smooth, and radiant. Healthy means cell renewal and collagen reformation. Healthy means youthful. Scour through these pages and fill yourself with every bit of knowledge and skill you can to offer your clients the ability to be ageless.

At this point, we are entering 2024. My question to you is, how do you think it will go? Have you made any resolutions? Do you have a plan in place to stick to them? Are you heading in the direction of growth and success?

I hope you are. I truly do. But if you are not, it is time to redirect. I am one for saying that every day is a new day. There is never any sense in looking back because yesterday cannot be changed, but tomorrow surely can. Set your sights on something that inspires and excites you, like a new product line, a new piece of equipment, or a new paint color on your treatment room wall. The objective is to grab the reigns and control the direction of your career. You, and only you can make things happen. To sit back and wait for someone or something to alter your pathway is simply a waste of time that only leads to incredible disappointment.

Fortunately, AIA and DERMASCOPE is here for a little support (actually a lot of support). The pages of this magazine and the content of the DERMASCOPE website are a powerhouse of tools to help every skin care professional flourish and grow. Decide what tickles your fancy and pop that word or phrase in the search line. You will be provided with source material that is sure to give guidance, answer questions, and sort out comparisons that can sometimes be paralyzing and prevent forward motion. The bottom line is that it is January. The year has begun. Tomorrow is a new day. Let it be a new beginning.

Tis the season to be jolly… go on, finish the rest! I am an awful singer, but boy do I love Christmas carols. Here we are everyone, at the end of another year. Yes, we made it. We all survived, and if you really look closely, maybe even squint your eyes, you will see that twinkle of newness and surprise at the end of the tunnel.

I know it has been a year; good for some, not so much for others. Yet, here we all are together, and whether we like it or not, we are in complete control of pulling joy, spirit, smiles, and laughter out of the last days of the year.  

Let me share some positives for the year. Aesthetics treatments, services, and product sales were all up. Commitment to health, wellness, and personal well-being were all up. Availability of education and opportunities were all up. Take advantage of the fact that all of this is within reach and still available in the final days of the year. Yes, there is still time!

Reflect on what you have accomplished and what is yet to be done. Embrace the fact that you are in complete control of those accomplishments. As much as accountability can be a hard word to swallow, it is amazingly freeing to realize that you do not need to rely on anyone but you. Now that is a blessing.

As the year rounds out and you reflect, I send you all holiday blessings. The AIA and DERMASCOPE team are always at your side! Happy Holidays!

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

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

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

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

Although a clerkly, inevitable, critical topic, nothing makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up more than the term age management, and that is clearly because I have now entered the management stage. 

Those who know me, know that I refuse to refer to skin over the age of forty as aging or mature. Several years ago, I coined the term “sophisticated” for all skin in need of assistance of turning back time.  

However, I am clearly aware of the inevitable process of aging, and the fundamental role it plays in our businesses. Fortunately, for all skin care professionals, the aesthetics industry has continued to excel in research and development of ingredients, products, treatments, and equipment specifically designed and formulated to not only turn back the hands of time, but in many cases, to slow the ticker all together.  

Using the professional’s  knowledge and expertise of skin, their analysis and consultation, combined with the phenomenal offerings available, they really have the ability address multiple factors of sophisticated skin concerns at multiple levels. Readers should take their time with this month’s issue. It is packed with information to sharpen skills and even change the way that each individual approaches their needs.  

From products and treatments to lasers, lights, current, and combined modality treatments, by the end of this issue, readers will be the master of sophistication. Do not forget to check out the website for even more tips, tricks, and insights! Happy spring! 

A good 30 years ago hair removal was certainly not a substantial component of the skin care profession, or of any business. Bleaching facial hair topped the list, followed years later by electrolysis. In school, everyone’s absolute least favorite clinic service both to give and receive was waxing!

Those times have long gone by the wayside. Hair removal products and services have become a business all their own. From waxing to threading and laser, the opportunity for business success and revenue generation in hair removal is endless.

We now have students going through aesthetics school solely to do waxing. Some states, such as New York, even offer professional licensing just in waxing, making the education, training, and opportunity for success quick and affordable.

Expert hair removal professionals are highly sought after and tend to have a clientele that is very dedicated. It is one of the quickest areas to build a business on.

For the flip side of the service, hair removal specialists absolutely must find a manufacturer or distributor that will last as their partner, in a sense. Whether it be waxing, sugaring, or even laser, be sure to partner with a company that is committed to mutual success. Find a company that provides a quality product (which does not have to be off-the-charts expensive), education, and training, and most importantly, support as needed.

Enjoy this month’s issue; it is full of everything readers need for hair removal success!

This month’s topic is the ideal bit of conversation for the month of February – peels, peeling agents, peel series, and more! The aesthetics industry has been obsessed with peels since the small hit of glycolic in the early 80s. Do not get me wrong; the industry has come a very long way, but the concept and the desire have not waned.

Today’s options in chemical peels, blended peels, signature peels, and designer peels are beyond fabulous. They provide virtually every individual with almost every skin type assistance, from a mild exfoliation to a full-facial renewal. What is even more fantastic is that the harshness of old-school peels have been perfectly paired with powerful antioxidants, soothing agents, brighteners, and glycosaminoglycan-boosting ingredients. The result? Fresh, new, youthful skin without the side effects of potential irritation, pigmentation, or heightened sensitivity.

As with almost every part of the industry, we have refined advanced ways of achieving a youthful appearance while both maintaining and optimizing overall skin health. This, in turn, delivers an even more youthful appearance.

Read on and take it all in. This issue is packed with information, ideas, and knowledge on how best to master one’s skin peeling services.

Here we are! Happy New Year! I hope everyone’s 2023 is off to an amazing start! Although in reality, a new beginning can happen any time one chooses, there is something about a new year that grants some type of super permission. It is quite freeing while at the same time quite overpowering. Either way, I am one to take full advantage of it. 

This month’s topic feeds into the dynamic of new beginnings in the sense that going out on one’s own as a solo professional can be a very big new start at any point in one’s career. It is also both very freeing and very overpowering. 

The fact is that there is not necessarily a right way or wrong way to go solo, and there might not even be an ideal time to do it. Do not get me wrong, there are some things that must be in place, but a large part of one’s success will be learned as one goes – falling down and getting back up, making mistakes and learning from then. It is very much like life. What works for one person may not work for another, and what truly drives the success of one individual may not at all be the motivator for another. 

Everyone simply must learn on their own. However, the following things are absolutely necessary: believe in yourself, regardless of what others say. Have a basic plan that includes startup expenses, location, products, services, and marketing ideas. These things do not have to break the bank. As the business grows, so will its ability to expand. New equipment can be purchased down the road, and social media just takes time. Lastly, just do it. Do not wait to regret not doing it six months down the line. Here is to all the solo professionals in 2023! 

Well, here we are – rounding out another year and preparing for the start of a new beginning. This time of the year holds so much emotion: laughter and joy, sorrow and pain, grief and sadness, relief and calmness, and so much more. 

I like to take the month of December to reflect on every part of my life, but most importantly, the gratitude for the things that I have – the gratitude for every new day, every new morning, every smile, and every breath. Having gratitude for the little things is important because the little things is what gets us through each day. 

This leads us right to this month’s issue very special section, the Cover Contest. I absolutely love this issue! We will take an everyday, hardworking professional who is committed to what they do, changes lives, and raises the bar of our industry. This is precisely what our job is all about, and what better way to end the year than by celebrating one of our own fabulous superstars. Congratulations, Iysha!  

We had so many fantastic submissions. Choosing was not an easy task, but the most gratifying component was getting to know so many professionals by getting a first-hand look into their career world and the piece of the skin care profession that they have carved out in their lives.  

We at DERMASCOPE thank you all. And I thank you for all the inspiration. To everyone out there, end your year on a high note. No matter what has happened this year, be grateful. Be grateful for whatever it is that you do have. Be grateful simply for yourself. Happy holidays and a happy farewell to 2022. My blessings to you all. 

Here it is. The end of another year is approaching. In the blink of an eye, 2022 is coming to an abrupt halt. Hopefully everyone is ready for it! I sure am. 

This month’s topic weighs heavy on the skin care profession. As the industry and those apart of it have become more educated and increasingly aware of the inner-outer body connection, the topic of hormones has leapt to the forefront of influencing factors for skin. 

There was once a time when the topic of hormonal changes was tied to teenage puberty and acne. Then it spanned to pregnancy, menopause, and the manifestation of both acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation. 

Although the above scenarios remain hot hormonal topics, the last several years have given rise to a considerably broader spectrum of consideration. This is the indiscernible link between stress and anxiety, their influence on hormonal changes, and the impact on skin.  

There is no doubt that this is an era of heightened levels of stress and anxiety. It has been emerging for years with excessive workloads, long days, sleepless nights, and in some cases, outrageous life expectations (often self-imposed). Then came March 2020, and the world changed. If stress and anxiety was thought to be prevalent before, it Is socially tapped out now. 

No, skin care professionals are not therapists. But perhaps for a few minutes, they can help clients escape to a calmer place. More importantly, it is essential to understand that the chaos in clients’ lives triggers hormonal imbalances that result in skin sensitivity, acne breakouts, acute on-set rosacea, and never before experienced rashes, hives, and hair loss. 

Take the time to explain the connection to clients and help them understand that everything in their life shows up on the surface of their skin. A little laugher helps. A smile helps. A knowledgeable skin care partner helps even more. 

Round out the year with kindness. Calm the soul. Soothe the skin. 

Cheers to October! In my opinion, October is the true transient month from summer to fall. The leaves are changing. The air is cooler and has the best fresh, crisp smell to it – not to mention the cool sweaters and jeans I can pull out of the closet. 

This month’s issue hits home with a range of ages, skin types, and sexes. What was once categorized as the skin condition of teenagers now runs the gambit of including a whole host of individuals. This increasing skin concern provides each skin care professional with an increasing opportunity to grow their business, expand their knowledge, and help others. 

   Long gone are the days of acne being linked solely to teenage hormones, greasy food, and unclean skin. Yes, those are still existing factors, but today, we are seeing adults struggling just as much. Environmental changes, lack of sleep, medications, and out of control stress and anxiety levels are all key triggers of hormonal imbalances that directly influence acne breakouts, both acute and chronic. It is more important than ever for skin care professionals to know their facts and understand the dynamics of acne and the influencing factors that affect men and women at every age. 

Although skin is our scope of practice, it is the big picture that must be taken into account. Help clients understand how their lifestyle influences their skin. Guide them through the process of connecting the dots between sleep, healthy eating, breathing, exercise, meditation, lowering stress, smiling, laughing, and just plain slowing down to healthier, clearer skin. 

It is a lot simpler than it seems. We are all a ball of interconnected energy that can be controlled and manipulated when we take the time to be aware of it. 

Stop and smell the roses.  

There is something very special about the month of September. I think of it as a transition month. It is that precarious shift between summer and fall, between vacation mode and school mode, and between a little bit of lazy life and structure. It is also a month that sparks a cool energy and newness. New beginnings and fresh starts are often talked about at the start of a new year, but there is something about September that sparks the same type of thrill and excitement. 

As a kid, I remember that thrill of the unknown of a new school year. As a parent, I am still reminded of that same thrill. It is a fresh start, a new beginning, an opportunity to do new things, meet new people, and set new goals. These are things that I find thrilling about September. 

I encourage all readers to think about the newness of this month and to consider igniting the end of the year, rather than waiting until the beginning of the next one. Do something a little different. Pretend it is the start of your new school year. Read a new book, take a new class, meet a new colleague, set a new goal, and so forth. Do something for yourself – something that gives a little thrill or that sets off an exhilarating ride to race to the end of the year in a quest for accomplishment and success.  

Life is too short, and the months pass by so quickly. Readers should take this moment to reflect on what it is they could do better, should do better, or want to do better – and do it.  

I feel like I am constantly hearing about sensitivities lately. Unfortunately, when it comes to skin care, skin sensitivity has crept its way to the top of the skin concern list in recent years, and sadly, it does not seem like it is going anywhere anytime soon. 

There was a time when sensitive skin was a temporary, reactionary concern – the result of medication or an external influencing factor – but today it affects over 80% of clients. As with any skin condition, understanding the multitude of causes is the only way to improve the condition. Since there are far more than just a handful of influencing factors, the challenge is up to skin care professionals. This month’s issue is loaded with information that will lead readers down the path of “skinsensitivity,” but there are two things that are worth sharing that will serve as a driving success force. The first point is the importance of a thorough consultation and the second is thinking outside the box. 

The consultation is the most critical part of any skin treatment. Yet, treatments are often performed without any conversation about the client’s skin. A client books an appointment for a particular treatment, and the professional performs the service, no questions asked. Why? Because the client knows best, right? Wrong. 

 Sometimes, a client books a particular treatment because it sounded appealing on the spa menu or because their best friend recommended it. In no way does this mean that the treatment is right for them. Consult, be thorough, and educate the client as to what would be best for their skin and why. This is the professional’s job and responsibility. Product use, lifestyle factors, eating habits, medical conditions, and more can impact the condition of a client’s skin, and they should be talked through it. 

After the consultation, think outside the box. Take all the information received and carefully look it over to determine the best course of action. In most cases, the problems are factors that have absolutely nothing to do with skin; they just directly affect it. It can be difficult to deal with skin sensitivity in clients, but if the professional taps into their knowledge, skill, and expertise, they can stay ahead in the sensitivity game. 

I love the month of December. It is full of laughter, love, family, friends, and reflection. It is the finale of the year, and the opportunity to embrace the events of the last twelve months in order to boldly steer into a brand-new beginning. But the best part of December is the announcement of the amazing Cover Contest winner for 2021! 

We all strive for recognition in life. Whether it be glitz, glitter, and notoriety or simply looking in the mirror and proudly giving recognition to the image looking back. In any case, this recognition represents exactly what professionals give to their clients every single day. Skin care professionals look at the whole. They carefully extract the necessary details of their clients’ lives in an effort to improve the way they look and feel about themselves. Professionals provide clients with some of those essential tools to look in the mirror and proudly appreciate themselves. There is nothing more powerful than that. 

This is also what DERMASCOPE’s Cover Contest is all about. Recognizing the amazing women and men in the skin care industry that are the reason for the season –the reason that this profession continues to be the fastest-growing profession in the labor force. A profession that touches the lives of all ages, all ethnicities, all sexes, and all people with only one motive – to help clients live healthier, more beautiful lives. 

To all the entrants, thank you for your submissions. Each one was amazing. Every contestant will definitely have their day. The thing to remember is that skin care professionals are a force that can collectively use their knowledge, skill, passion, and commitment to change the world, even if only in a small way. 

Congratulations, Sharon! This is your moment of recognition. Everyone is so proud of you. 

As an educator and practitioner, the moment I hear skin conditions, I immediately get goosebumps. Not only does it top the list of my favorite subjects, it is also one of the most open-ended, ever-changing topics in the skin care field, which is what makes it so darn exciting. 

I could take up this entire magazine writing on various skin conditions – what they are, what they look like, influencing factors, treatment options, associated medications, and so on. However, focusing on many facets of a skin condition that so often get overlooked or dismissed must also be done.  

Skin care professionals often have to tiptoe around their scope of practice. The fact of the matter is everything about an individual’s life has an impact on their skin. Eating habits, exercise, sleep, stress, environmental exposure, and an entire host of lifestyle habits all have an effect, whether direct or indirect. Although professionals may not be dieticians, trainers, therapists, doctors, or scientists, they still clearly understand the enormity of the inner and outer skin health connection. 

It is in identifying these influencers that professionals make real progress in the improvement of a client’s skin condition. It is their responsibility to educate clients – to open up the realm of controlling factors that may be right at a client’s fingertips, and they do not even know it. 

By having clients keep a one-week journal of everything they eat and drink, professionals can address if any food ingredients are contributing to the skin condition. Professionals can also explain to clients that a lack of sleep or disrupted sleep can affect the immune system. 

Stress can influence skin because it increases cortisol levels, lowers the immune system, and impacts the blood circulatory and lymphatic systems. As always, alcohol and smoking can have unfavorable consequences on skin health.  

While exercise helps to detoxify and promote circulation, excessive or strenuous exercise can have a negative impact due to excessive blood flow and the ability of capillaries in the face to respond. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, pollutants, wind, and even chemicals all disturb skin. 

Since humans are all intricate amazing packages, improving one aspect of health must often take into account all of the other parts as well. 

I know you all know that skin is the largest organ of the human body. You have studied it for hundreds of hours, analyze it every day, and spend your career focusing on making it healthier and more youthful. What is interesting about this is the fact that for most of skin care professionals, and certainly for the majority of their clients, the focus of care is only on about 20% of skin. What about the other 80%? 

Clients and professionals tend to focus on the face, neck, and chest, but the remaining skin of the body requires just as much attention and care, especially as people age. How often have you seen women and even men with healthy, youthful skin on their face and neck, while skin on their arms, hands, and legs appear to belong to another person of another age? It is pretty common. 

I have always been one to note the obvious – it is easier to take care of what you have while you have it than to fix it later. Skin of the body has the same requirements as that of the face. Proper cleansing is obvious, but exfoliation, hydration, and protection are just as essential. It is a reflection of inner health, a means of protection, source of toxins, and waste excretion, as well as the main mode of heat regulation. Keeping skin of the body functioning to optimal capacity serves to promote overall health. 

Falling completely within the scope of practice and realm of expertise of professionals, body care treatments should be a major staple on a service menu. Scrubs, wraps, dry brushing, suction, and massage treatments may seem old-school but are rapidly re-earning their place at the top of the treatment chart – do not miss out. Create your custom body plans and show clients what you can do for every lovely inch of their skin. 

I can recall a time when the primary focus of my skin care clients was antiaging and skin renewal. Though both remain at the top of the list of skin care concerns, they have been surpassed by the skyrocketing concern of hyperpigmentation. I travel the world to educate on skin care, and in Asia, combating pigmentation ranks at the top of the list, with lightening ingredients being overwhelming favored. My Asian counterparts are often amazed that such concerns exist in the Americas. Not only do they exist, but they have also climbed the corporate skin ladder. 

Like most of the skin care business, combating hyperpigmentation is not a simple task, and there is absolutely not a single black and white answer. The only way to improve and prevent hyperpigmentation is to completely understand what causes, triggers, and influences pigmentary changes within skin. 

The melanocyte is a tricky cell. It has a mind and memory of its own, and above all, the cell is easily influenced. However, with this month’s issue, readers have the opportunity to gain a wealth of information on pigmentation, causes, triggers, treatment options, and prevention. One of the most essential bits of advice that I can provide is to think outside the box. Take every aspect of clients’ lifestyle into account because it is within these areas that the biggest culprits of pigmentary influences are often found.  

Obviously, exposure of ultraviolet rays and the use of sun protection products are important, but this is basic skin knowledge. Everyday lifestyle influencers such as vitamin supplements, sleep habits, stress levels, hormonal changes, and even traumatic life events such as divorce or the loss of a loved one are also important factors to keep in mind. Training and knowledge in conjunction with the client’s consultation will provide the opportunity to conquer their pigmentation concerns. 

As an aesthetics educator, I often get that child-like, cross-eyed look when I announce that the next subject to be covered is chemistry. “What? Chemistry? I hate chemistry – what does chemistry have to do with skin care?” 

Skin care professionals know full well what chemistry has to do with skin care. To truly appreciate the magnitude of a professional’s abilities, consider the physiology of skin and how it must perfectly pair with the chemistry of cosmetic ingredients. This scientific knowledge is pertinent for the results that skin care professionals achieve with their treatments and products.  

If the importance of ingredients’ chemical and physical effects on the physiology of skin is not understood, comprehension on how or why a difference occurs will not be understood either. This is what a practitioner’s success should be based on. 

An understanding of the chemistry of skin care spans a broad spectrum. First, it is essential to master the cosmetic makeup of active ingredients, bases, preservatives, filler, and surfactants. Professionals need to know which ingredient makes the difference, which provides slip, and which serves as a preservative.  

From there, move on to learn about formulation. Simply having a quality active ingredient does not make a product effective. Let’s take vitamin C, one of the finest ingredients in skin care. A product with vitamin C may have a concentration of 10%, and it may seem amazing until the ingredient deck is checked, only find that the first ingredient is water. As many professionals know, vitamin C is highly unstable and begins to degrade when exposed to air, light, and water. Therefore, this would not be a commendable product.  

Next, make the connection of how ingredients precisely work with skin. Find out whether they promote cellular renewal, increase firmness, plump skin, or brighten complexions, and the process behind each modality. 

Lastly, keep your eyes and ears open for what is hot, new, and coming down the line. Always stay a step ahead of clients to knowledgeably discuss the newest trends and why they are great (or not). The beauty of the skin care profession is that there is always something exciting around the corner, and it is part of the job description to share its insights. 

The fusion of holistic and medical aesthetics is a very sticky topic. There are many different opinions, definitions, and interpretations of both from various skin care professionals. Skin care professionals who have an opinion on their preference, may not be willing to share.  I have been involved in education long enough to know that my purpose is not to offer opinions but to give facts. As a teacher or skin care professional, I provide the information that the student, or client uses to determine their own thoughts, opinions, and actions.  

While the phrase “medical aesthetics” has multiple definitions, in most cases, it refers to a licensed skin care professional that administers services as a medical practitioner. This upper end of a skin care professional’s scope of practice enables the practitioner to not only consult their skin care expertise but to also take into account a physician’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations. It is especially valuable to help clients struggling with major skin concerns.  

Holistic aesthetics takes a slightly different approach. It looks at the entirety of an individual to determine the underlying causes of skin concerns and skin health needs. Holistic aesthetics considers every aspect of an individual’s life, such as lifestyle habits, eating, drinking, digestion, medical conditions, medications, health history, sleep habits, stress level, and exercise. It then factually assesses how each of these factors directly impact the overall health and condition of the skin.  

Until recently, the biggest question has been, what happens next? The medical approach most often relies on medication and aggressive therapies to achieve results, whereas the holistic approach utilizes lifestyle and habit changes. 

To fuse these approaches together is a gamechanger and a life-changer for those in need of skin care treatment thanks to groundbreaking short-term medical relief and long-term source prevention.  

I recall my early years as an aesthetician and educator discussing antiaging products and aging skin. It all seemed so distant. The topic has always been at the top of the skin care agenda, but the word aging seemed to carry such a negative connotation with it, as aging skin is deemed to not be desirable.  

From there, the preferred referential term became mature. Professionals would tell clients that they have did not have aging skin, they had mature skin. I can recall thinking how much better the term sounded. It was certainly more appealing and had a more positive connotation. Does not everyone want to be considered mature?  

Then an interesting thing happened; I suddenly found myself a part of the mature category and very quickly decided that mature was not at all what I wanted to be. It was then that I decided on the perfectly appropriate term to describe skin that is beginning to see its more senior years – sophisticated. Yes, that is my word for it. I have sophisticated skin. So, forget about age-prevention or management because it is all sophistication. Feel free to use the term at your discretion. 

Regardless of the term used, the facts have yet to change. Although the aging process cannot be stopped, the means to maintain healthy, youthful skin long into the time of sophistication are available. The secrets have not changed, and they most likely never will. What has changed are the tools that are now accessible and the knowledge to use them.  

So, what are the secrets to sophisticated skin – sun protection, hydration, vitamin C, antioxidant protection, and promoting cell renewal. With the over thirty years that I have been in this business, I have noticed that the objectives have never changed. However, the quality of products, ingredients, and equipment have hands-down raised the bar in the skin care industry.  

Stay involved and stay in the know because every day there is something new available.  

Of all the topics that could be highlighted in the month of July, hydration screams to be at the top of the list. Even though hydration may seem to be a simple topic, it is often set to the wayside and overlooked as the essential foundational component of healthy skin that it is. 

It is a well-known fact that the human body can survive longer without food than it can without water. The hydration level of the body affects energy levels, clarity, body temperature, nutrient delivery, sleep quality, and mood. Hydration pretty much impacts every function of the body. This equally applies to skin. 

Skin care professionals often focus on the visible concerns of clients, such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, elastosis, skin tone, texture, and even acne. While these efforts have substantial merit, it remains a fact that if the core integrity of skin is impaired, so too will be any efforts to improve any conditions. Think about it logically. If one’s body is dehydrated, a workout may not be as effective. Dehydration can also affect how well one is able to concentrate, focus, and even multitask.  

The same scenario applies to skin. When skin is dehydrated, it struggles to balance itself and work efficiently. Simple dehydration slows cellular turnover, triggers inflammation, creates a bacteria-friendly environment, and increases sensitivity. As skin struggles to perform its basic function of protection, it can in no way assist with additional tasks.  

Take that one step further and consider the products and ingredients that are often used to improve skin conditions. They may be vitamins, acids, exfoliants, or things that, under normal circumstances, do not have a negative impact on skin, but when applied to skin lacking its structural integrity, become irritating and aggravating. In the end, one can end up with more of a mess than they started with. 

The simple solution is hydration. 

June marks the halfway point of the year. Sort of like calling Wednesday hump day, I liken the month of June to hump month. 

We have eased passed the chaos of a pandemic with vaccines, boosters, reduced quarantine and isolation, and all of the unknown. We have shaken hands, given hugs, seen long lost friends and family, and maybe even met amazing new assets to our lives. We have come a long way, and it feels pretty great. 

In the first half of 2022, our profession has flourished. Tradeshows have seen record attendance, educational classes are booming, professionals are adding new products, services, and treatments, and clients are seeking out our services from places we never imagined. It is a great time to be an aesthetician and an even greater time to flourish.  

To encourage readers to celebrate the first six months of this year, I challenge you to some tasks for the second part of the year. I will offer you the challenge of exceeding your expectations, of achieving even higher goals, and of climbing even higher mountains. 

I challenge readers to take this hump month and make it an upward climb without a downward fall. You have it in you; I know you do.  

Each month, I challenge you to the following tasks. 

1. Learn something new.
2. Gain one new client.
3. Increase your revenue by 5%.
4. Say a daily affirmation. For example, I believe in myself, I am strong, or I am confident.
5. Try something new, like yoga, meditation, journaling, or even getting eight hours of sleep!
6. Wake up in the morning and smile.
7. Hold yourself accountable.
8. Hold others accountable.
9. Be honest.
10. Be fair.

Are you ready? I am! There is no point in waiting until December 31st to set new goals and make changes. Start now and end this year not only on a high note but also the best note ever. 

Well, here we all are! May. I love it – and I hope each of you are surrounded by blooming summer flowers. One of the things that I love about May is that regardless of where you are in the world, May is a month of early blooms, new blooms, and regenerating blooms. There is nothing quite like it.  

It is the absolute ideal month to focus on trends and ingredients around the world because the month of May holds a commonality to the aesthetics profession. At any given time, no matter where someone is in the world, the skin care profession is growing, emerging, evolving, and flourishing. We never stop with the newness. The new blooms bring advancement and substantiation to what we do. 

Things may not always be exactly the same, but the process is. From Southeast Asia to the United States and Europe, at any given time, companies, manufacturers, and aestheticians alike are pushing the limits and opening new doors to advancing health, wellness, and beauty for everyone around the world. Again, there is nothing quite like it, which brings me to my real message and the point of this welcome.  

With all of the chaos, upheaval, and bizarre happenings in the world, we are one. Our profession is one. Everyone in it is one. Regardless of whether they manufacture, distribute, educate, or treat, we are one.  

We represent one of the few consistencies in the world. We are a mass of individuals around the world, united in a profession of ever-changing progress in the never-ending search of the betterment of ourselves, our businesses, our success, and every single one of our clients. 

There is nothing quite like it. 

I try to find something special about every month of the year. The older I get, the faster the months go by. In the blink of an eye, I am left wondering where the seasons have gone. 

April is pretty unique. It is what I refer to as a “cusp” month. I live in the Northeast where we desperately struggle between early winter, winter, late winter and spring, summer, and fall all rolled into one. April is that month that everyone holds onto with bated breath for a burst of fresh air, slightly longer days, and chirping birds. Quite honestly, there is nothing quite like it. 

This time of year is about newness. I realize that is quite often the topic for the start of the new year, but spring represents the epitome of transformation and rebirth. This spring is unlike any other.  

The last two years have turned all our lives and businesses upside down and sideways. We have barely had the chance to grasp the enormity of change when just like that, we are back on our feet and faced with the future. Back to tradeshows, in-person education, mask-free faces, and beautiful glowing smiles that we have never before seen. 

It is okay. It is all part of a bigger, newer growth plan and rebirth. Take advantage of this opportunity. Take advantage of the fact that this month gives you the opportunity to renew. It even fits the topic of the month, exfoliation. A coincidence? I think not. Instead, it is the perfect marriage of newness – personal newness, business newness, maybe even emotional and spiritual newness, and most certainly skin newness. 

So, cheers to April and cheers to whatever new this month brings readers.  

It is rather ironic that I am writing this AIA Welcome in recognition of two events: AIA’s 50th anniversary and this month’s topic of antiaging. In reality, both topics could be a bit of a downer if one is a “half glass empty” type of person. 

Not me – I am a “half full” kind or girl! I will tell you why. Turning 50 has nothing to do with being old. It is a milestone of growth, success, accomplishment, perseverance, and an abundance of opportunity to look back on and to take all that knowledge and experience to make the next fifty years even better. At least that is what AIA has done and will continue to do. (It is exactly what I have done too.) 

Now for antiaging – the term can also be rephrased as mature skin. So, why is it used in the month’s issue? I apparently neglected to inform the editorial team of the revision. They will know for next time!  

In the earlier days of the skin care industry, the term antiaging was above and beyond acceptable when referring to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and pigmentation as the clear characteristics of older skin. As I got older, antiaging just meant old, so I reverted to a more acceptable term, mature skin. I remember thinking that mature skin sounded so much more appealing, and then it happened. My skin actually became mature! I entered the arena of women and men that now had aged and mature skin. That made me cringe at the suggestion of antiaging products, mature skin treatment, and turning back the hands of time. There must be a better term – a better phrase. That was when it hit me. I am not aged; I am beyond mature. I am sophisticated.  

Yep, that is what I am. And that is what my skin is – sophisticated. I laugh even as I write this, and I hope readers get a giggle out of it too. Not sure how the editorial team feels about it, but I will be sure to have them consider including a retraction in next month’s issue. 

How is 2022 going? At this point, a month has passed in the new year, one in which most had no clue as to what it might bring. Given the events of the last two years, pretty much anything could have happened.   

What I have come to realize is that now more than ever is the time to focus on things that can be controlled. The things that in all actuality are some of the most important things in life – thoughts, actions, goals, and opportunities. When focusing on these things, each becomes exponentially more powerful and controllable. It is sort of like harnessing a secret weapon people may not have realized they had. Consider this a bit of inspiration, perhaps a little nudge to steer clear of the chaos and follow the direction of growth and success. 

Pay attention to the mind and thoughts. This may seem like an odd thing to say, but when a person becomes actually aware of what they are thinking, they begin to analyze those thoughts and even ask themselves why they think them. They will quickly realize that thoughts dictate actions. What someone thinks, is how they act. Therefore, actions directly influence goals. Are you working towards yours or not?  

Why does this matter? Because the end result is opportunity. Positive thoughts lead to positive actions; positive actions lead to accomplished goals; accomplished goals open multiple doors of opportunities. When circling back around, there will be a head full of positive thoughts that are now acutely aware of a plethora of opportunities. And opportunity is what the rest of the year should be about. 

It would be putting it mildly to say that the last two years have been an exceptionally trying time. With everything going on in the world, it often feels as though the surroundings are filled by anger, unrest, violence, and uncertainty. I have to admit that I have experienced it all right along everyone else. But I do like to think that everything in life happens for a reason, and that somewhere amidst the chaos and immoderation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It might be just a twinkle. It might appear really far away, but it is there. I truly believe it. 

Therefore, I ask all dedicated DERMASCOPE readers to join me in a few moments of positive reflection. Although there have been struggles, the skin care profession continues to thrive. The desperate need to feel good, look good, and have a professional partner to tend to such needs exists now more than ever. In addition, there is an industry bursting at its seams that requires dedicated, committed, and educated individuals that strive to raise the bar and uphold qualified standards of the profession; that’s you – the skin care professional. And finally, there is a world in need of peace, knowledge, understanding, and compassion. All these aspects require the hard work and devotion of skin care professionals. 

Be thankful for what you have and what you have accomplished. Be grateful for accomplishments, whatever they may be, and be proud of the fact that any change is possible for tomorrow. 

Here is to 2020 and 2021. The last two years have taught people that they can endure more than they could have ever imagined as long as they look ahead, not back. The past determines today. Today determines tomorrow. Make today count. Lead the way to an amazing 2022. Have confidence. 

Happy New Year and many blessings. 

There is an abundance of information that is consistently said about sun protection. Much of this surrounds the notion that it is an essentialthat needs to be worn year-round and reapplied when outdoors.This is a simple concept that many are well aware of; however, it is one thing to know what should be done for sun protection. It is quite another to put it into practice. 

There are two things to consider when covering sunscreen. First, there are those who do not heed advice given on this topic. Secondly, today’s SPFs have far more benefits than just sun protection.

The first point may seem self-explanatory, but it is of the utmost importance. Daily use of an SPF is essential every day – all year-round. Skin care professionals believethe strength should be no less than an SPF of 35.The reason as to why SPF should be consistently worn is because even in cloudy skies or cold weather,ultraviolet rays prevail. This is a difficult concept to grasp for most because sunscreen and summer have gone hand-in-hand for as long as sun protection products have been widely available.

Today’s SPF formulations are far more than they were 30, even 15 years ago. Modern formulations are packed with antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin A, C, and even E. These essential antioxidants provide powerful protection from free radical scavengers in the environment, such as auto and industrial pollution, air quality pollutants, particulate matter 2.5 (fine particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller that can penetrate the skin), and stress-induced free radicals.

In addition, new technology sunscreenshave the ability to protect from the influences of inside lighting, as well as blue light produced from the screens of electronic devices.  

Clients and skin care professionals alike are inundated on a daily basis by free radical scavengers that break down the healthy cells of skin. SPF is the best defense from harmful rays and, therefore, continual use is a must.

Pigmentation, aging, body contouring, and hair removal are amongst the top beauty concerns in the industry today.At one time, hair removal was a moderate concern with a simple solution but has maneuvered its way to the top of the list.In fact, there are skin care professionals who have built their entire business and brand around being their area’s go-to individual for getting rid of unwanted body hair. 

The removal of unwanted body and facial hair has become a necessity for both men and women of many ages and ethnicities. For professionals, it has topped their list of revenue-generating services as the list of clients has diversified.

From waxing and threading to sugaring and laser, hair removal treatments have earned their rightful place in the business. With the many options available, it is easy to find at least one to fit a service menu and meetclients’ needs. 

What professionals need to know is that no two things are created equal. This does not mean that one is necessarily better than another, just not the same. Each modality requires its own specialized training, some more than others. Hair removal is a year-round service that may have higher demand in the sunny months. However, it is best tended to in the off-season when clients can let their hair grow and have it expertly removed. This concept may require the practitioner to educate their clients, buthormonal, aging, and lifestyle changes can trigger altered hair growth at any time.

Professionals should educate themselves on the differences regardless of what is offered in their business. Know the pros and cons of each option. Simply not offering a particular hair removal service does not mean a professional should be able to talk about its effectiveness. Clients come to their skin care professionals for answers and building a reputation that lives up to that notion is crucial in staying a pillar of knowledge in clients’ eyes. 

Choose quality products, equipment, anda brand with both educational and client support. With the many options available, it is important to do the research to ensure the spa’s menu includes the best of the best. Above all, choosing to provide superior services regardless of the hair removal type (or any treatment) is what successful careers are made of. 

For those that have been in the industry for years, you understand the skin care profession is one of the most rapidly changing professions out there. For new skin care professionals, I am sure you see it too – keeping up is not an easy task.

However, a few things remain the same, and unfortunately, it is the top three skin care concerns: aging, pigmentation, and acne. The beauty in these unchanging factors is that the industry is providing ever-changing tools to combat these concerns.

Of these three topics, the concern about acne has by far gained the most momentum over aging and pigmentation. What was once a worry of teenage skin, has now become a worry of both men and women at various ages of their adult lives. What was once linked primarily to hormonal changes in the progression of life is now strongly linked to factors such as the environment, food consumption, and stress. What was once a condition that had a handful of options for treatments, now requires multifaceted approaches to improvement.

But, all of this is okay because this is the skin care professional’s job. Improving acne conditions requires the skin care professional to reach down deep into their knowledge base and utilize all that they know about skin, its influencing lifestyle factors, ingredients, and treatment options. It requires them to be open and receptive to new tools of the trade for exfoliation, light therapy, and electricity. It requires them to think outside the box and take every aspect of their clients’ life into account. Above all, it will require that they closely monitor progress and change, then adapt to treatment protocols and homecare regimens to meet these changes.

In my 30-plus years in this profession, never has my knowledge and skills been so essential to the needs of my clients. Skin care professionals play an integral role in the way their clients look and feel, but now more than ever, skin care professionals have become more essential. The level of angst, instability, fear of the unknown, and the chaos that surrounds everyone on a daily basis has trickled into the needs of clients. We are not therapists – no, far from it. But the work that skin care professionals do with their knowledge and skillset can change a person’s life. Stay safe, healthy, happy, and be impactful.

The health of the skin should be a primary priority for skin care professionals. How a skin care professional approach that priority can be multi-faceted. Clearly one of the first objectives is a thorough skin analysis to determine the best skin care treatments and homecare regimen, either for themselves or for clients.

Skin care professionals spend hours upon hours studying the physiology of the skin – how it functions and the influencing factors that determine its condition. Skin care professionals also spend hours analyzing and studying product ingredients to determine precisely how they impact skin cell activity, cell health, and cellular function.

In addition to professional treatments, always include and begin with a thorough consultation –at least you should be. It is here that I want to take a moment and focus. It is the consultation that determines the most influential impact on the overall health of the skin.

Skin health is a direct reflection of internal body health and lifestyle choices. Although, it is often sidelined in the bigger picture, what people see on the outside is a direct reflection of what is happening on the inside. This is all-inclusive. To determine a current skin condition and the steps to improve skin health, a full lifestyle analysis must be taken into account. These are factors that are all too often overlooked but are increasingly essential in skin health.

Consider a client’s eating habits and overall nutritional intake, sleeping habits, and exercise (or lack thereof.) Caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking, water intake, and daily supplement consumption for a thorough consultation. Last, but not least stress levels are a critical aspect to talk with clients about. All the above factors impact the health of the skin by having a direct effect on free radical formation, inflammatory responses, cellular turnover, sebum production, skin sensitivity, lymphatic flow, and circulation.

Do your homework. Take the time to research these effects, so that you can be the skin health partner that clients have come to expect.

Here we are, kicking off a new year, and I know exactly what everyone is thinking – thank goodness and for good reason. 2020 will be a year to remember and not one any of us wishes to repeat, seeing as it felt. Here we are, kicking off a new year, and I know exactly what everyone is thinking – thank goodness and for good reason. 2020 will be a year to remember and not one any of us wishes to repeat, seeing as it felt like five. So, with a big breath of fresh air, we kick off the new year. With courage, strength, and gratitude, it begins. This beginning may look different from professional to professional, as various states are operating at different capacities, but it is a new beginning nonetheless. Fitting for this month’s topic to be sanitation, given that heightened practices of sanitation procedures are at the forefront of every aspect of our personal and professional lives. Fortunately for those of us in the skin care profession, sanitation has always been at the forefront. From the early days of aesthetics school and state board examinations to application in the treatment room, following proper sanitation procedures and guidelines has been a critical component of a skin care professional’s practice. Today, they take what they have always known to a new level – a level that now takes into consideration the health, safety, and wellness of themselves, their co-workers, clients, and families.I know there is no need to preach to the choir, but I will take this opportunity to remind all of the magnitudes of responsibility that comes with the role of skin care providers. It is a skin care professional’s responsibility to practice what they preach, to exemplify the utmost adherence to any new guidelines set forth by government and health agencies, and to be a pillar of excellence for the industry. The responsibility of sanitation has never been greater, and I know aesthetic professionals are up for the task because of the initial client care that has led the majority of people to this industry. Skin care professional’s clients rely on them and the trust that the professional will be there. It is the professional’s responsibility to exceed the client’s expectations. Stay safe, healthy, and beautiful.

Often when people consider acne and acne breakouts, the mind instantly hones in on their teenage years. That awful, awkward time of trying to figure out identity, direction, companionship, and how to look like a million bucks... or more likely, how to cover up those unsightly pimples.

Anniversaries are very special celebrations. They are moments to reflect on growth and regression, strengths and weaknesses, success and failure, laughter and tears, and losses and gains but most importantly the fact that an individual is present, in the moment, and accountable for all of it.

There is nothing more rewarding than having the ability to reflect on the past in an effort to grow in the future.

To that, I say happy anniversary DERMASCOPE Magazine. Happy 45 years of leading the skin care industry to new heights, directions, and opportunities.

I remember being fresh in the skin care profession – that overwhelming feeling of wondering how I will learn more, perfect my skill, set myself, help raise the bar, and wondering if I would ever excel. The feeling of being completely on my own in a free-for-all of products, equipment, manufacturers, distributors, and total information stimulus overload – the good old days.

I survived, as everyone has. I thrived by reading industry magazines, attending tradeshows, taking continuing education classes, and networking with other professionals. I found guidance through AIA and DERMASCOPE.

I thank my association and the magazine for always pushing forward. For staying two steps ahead of where I was or even imagined being. DERMASCOPE offered the latest and greatest information in articles, the chance to test my knowledge in quizzes, the access to leaders, movers, and shakers, and countless tradeshows packed with all I could possibly need to fuel my success in the industry.

For those of us in the industry, we should all be blessed enough in life to reflect on 45 years with such success and accomplishment.

Happy 45th anniversary DERMASCOPE!

I can recall a time, not too long ago, when the primary focus of my skin care clients was antiaging and skin renewal. Not that those issues are not still at the top of the list of skin care concerns, but they have surely been surpassed by the skyrocketing concern of hyperpigmentation. I have traveled the world as a skin care educator, and in the Asian market, combating pigmentation ranks at the absolute top of the list of skin concerns, with skin lightening ingredients being the number one selling skin care products. My Asian counterparts are often amazed that such concerns even exist in the Americas. Not only do they exist, they have “climbed the corporate ladder.”

I wonder how many of you looked at this month’s topic and thought “Oh, here we go – another article on antiaging?” I know, I sort of thought the same thing when I was assigned the topic. We are inundated with articles, blogs, videos, products, ingredients, and equipment all geared toward antiaging – it is everywhere, so I decided to take a different approach.

We have become conditioned to believe that aging is a natural process, one in which it is going to happen no matter what and one in which we have little control. Sure, we have control over lifestyle habits, eating, drinking, smoking, ultraviolet exposure, and various the influencing factors. But, what if this was not the case, what if we did not have to look old and act old? Just what if we had more control than we thought? Crazy? Maybe, but not entirely unrealistic.

What are the things that keep a body youthful? Cell strength, health, resistance, and energy. After all, these are the very claims that our products and ingredients are making. Why then, do we not focus on the fundamental factors that keep the body healthy? Do you know? Neither do I. But after almost 10 weeks of COVID-19 shut down, I have a few ideas.

Human health, strength and beauty comes from within. Not just within the body, but within our hearts, souls, and minds. It comes from laughter, positive thinking, self-grounding, and acceptance. It comes from the courage to look fear, loss, and uncertainty in the face and to stare it down like a mortal enemy. It comes from nurturing your character, emotional wellbeing, and inner spirit.

Your heart, soul, and mind. Laughter, positivity, self-grounding, and acceptance. Courage and nurturing are the ingredients for antiaging. They are not found in a bottle – they are found inside of you.

The month of May is truly one of those transitional months that is like a bursting ball of energy. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, temperatures are sneaking up the thermometer, and those extra hours and warmth of sunlight are dominating the days – it’s the best.

Now, with that being said, let’s talk a bit about reality. This transitional month moves us right into the summer months of sun-drenched skin and unavoidable amounts of ultraviolet exposure. We all know the facts, we know the consequences, and we also know that preaching to clients about sun protection is often like talking to a wall.

The skin care professional’s job is to do our best to care protect the health of our client’s skin year-round. This means sun protection year-round, as well. Daily sun protection factor is as essential in the winter months as it is in the summer, regardless of location. One of the things often neglected is the daily use of sun protection factor on the body, too. I completely understand that your bottom does not see as much ultraviolet radiation on a daily basis as your face, but the daily regimen sure can’t hurt. Furthermore, today’s sunscreen formulations are so wonderful that most also contain amazing hydrating and antioxidant ingredients – all benefits to healthy, youthful skin.

Another area that has greatly improved is sunless tanners and spray tan applications. These are hands down the most ideal ways to show off a sun-kissed look without ultraviolet damage. They provide no sun protection factor protection, but they do allow clients to look as if they spent hours on the beach in the tropics.

So, this month, be sure to stop and smell the flowers, listen to the birds, and smile at sun’s rays – just don’t forget your SPF.

The simplest, fastest, most cost effective way to boost revenue in any beauty business is with hair removal services, especially waxing. The hands of a skilled waxing professional will boost a bottom line in the blink of an eye, and there truly is not a hotter demand than a smooth, hairless face and body.

Hair removal services have been at the top of the beauty service “food chain” for years and for good reason. Not only is hair removal in high demand, but it has the ability to generate amazing revenue with very little cost and very little time.

Waxing is what I call a “love-hate” type of service. I hear it from the students in my school all the time, as well as the professionals in the field. They either love to wax or they want absolutely nothing to do with it.

Here is my take – if you can wax and you are good at it, you will always be generating revenue. From a simple lip, eyebrow, and chin, to a more extensive arm, leg, and bikini wax, a skilled waxer can knock off any of these services in no time at all. Go one step further and master the Brazilian bikini wax – you have now skyrocketed to the top of the hairless heavens.

The secret to waxing success is quality wax, skilled technique, thorough consultation, and practice, practice, practice. Choose a wax company that can provide you with top-quality wax, tips, tricks, techniques, and education, and that offers you excellent customer service.

Lastly, now, more than ever, is the ideal time to fine tune your waxing skills as we enter the spring and summer months when clothing begins to get minimal and bare bodies are ready to soak up the sunshine. Time to get your wax on!

How often have you heard someone make the statement, “You never know where you’ll end up?” I have heard it countless times, but I have said it even more.

The fact of the matter is – you just never know.

As we roll into the start of tradeshow season, it is the ideal time to keep your eyes, ears, and mind wide open to everything going on around you. The array of new products and equipment, the astounding wealth of information and education, and the plethora of networking opportunities are endless.

The tradeshow experience offers the opportunity to network with fellow professionals, manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, educators, marketers, and influencers. When you take advantage of this opportunity, you open doors that you never even knew were closed. You open yourself to unforeseen knowledge and growth potential that may never have been presented to you in the past or may never have been a possibility.

I will share with you my unforeseen experiences. By writing an article, I found myself on stage at a tradeshow. By speaking on stage, I found myself hosting conferences. By writing, speaking, and hosting, I found myself contributing to textbook development. By all the above, I have found myself educating tens of thousands of skin care professionals in over 30 countries around the world and opening one of the top 10 international aesthetics schools in the United States. Not bad for a small town girl from upstate New York. Now, don’t get me wrong – none of this was easy and none of it was handed to me. It took hard work, perseverance, and courage, but none of it would have been possible without the people that I met and the connections that I made along the way.

My point is that quite often we don’t have a clear path of where we want to go or a clear vision of our future – and that is okay. When you keep your eyes, ears, and mind wide open to everything going on around you, and take advantage of networking opportunities, you never know where you’ll end up.

So often, I make note of the rapid advancement in technology and ingredients in the skin care profession, but you cannot avoid it, and you cannot ignore it. Today, technology and devices to enhance aesthetic treatments abound. Every time you turn around there is a new gadget running rampant on the market.

There are many different views on the use of technology and gadgets in skin care, us old timers will say that nothing beats the power of touch, and as true of a statement that that may be, there are an awful lot of close contenders.

The fact of the matter is that there exists a rapidly growing list of items that have a profound impact upon the health, beauty, and condition of the skin. From the early original use of galvanic current and high frequency (which in the United States dates back to the early 1920s) to microdermabrasion, LED, microcurrent, and the many controversial technologies lingering on the edge of scope of practice, there is clearly a long withstanding line of equipment that fuels the evolutionary skin care fire.

Turn the page and look at the advancement in ingredients and it will further blow your mind. From the emergence of age altering acids and antioxidants in the 1980s and 1990s to today’s focus on alpha hydroxy acid alternatives, CBD oil, and stem cells, we are literally turning back the hands of time.

When you stand back and look at what skin care professionals have available at their fingertips, it is not a surprise that skin care professionals have become the go-to professional source for clients seeking exceptionally healthy skin achieved with the latest and greatest technology and ingredients – not to mention the ability to look years young

There are very few things that remain a constant in the skin care profession. Every day brings new products, high-quality ingredients, advanced technologies, and equipment. Yet, a few things do remain the same: the desire for youthful, hefty skin, the on-going battle to turn back the hands of time, and the effortless attempt to combat acne breakouts.

When it comes to improving acneic skin and preventing breakouts, there are five things that a professional must know. First, you must be acutely aware of the four etiological factors of acne because they never change. These factors include the presence of bacteria (particularly P.acnes), increased sebum production, excess keratinization, and hormonal triggers. When you are well schooled on these factors and the wide variety of things that influence them, you are well on your way to acne management.

Second, you must absolutely have a solid understanding of your clients’ lifestyle and habits. Critical daily activities and interactions have a substantial impact on the physiological workings of the human body, as well as the triggers of acne’s etiological factors. Sleep habits, stress levels, exercise routine, and eating habits are key to understand. Next is illness, medications, product use, and daily skin care routine. In so many situations, the little things that get overlooked have the greatest impact on the function of the skin.

Combatting acneic skin is a challenge. Taking a holistic approach and applying that information to the acne’s underlying factors will put you ahead of the game every time.

As the topic for this month’s welcome letter came in, I just so happened to be reading a book on why we age and why we do not have to. Quite the interesting read, but it plays right into the topic of healthy aging.

Most of us look at aging as an inevitable process, as something that is bound to happen regardless of our actions, lifestyle, and choices. But what if it was not inevitable? What if we really could stop the hands of time or even turn them back?

I know it sounds a bit farfetched, but how wonderful would it be if it were reality? For the time being, let’s assume that we have such power and that it lies in the control of our choices to live a healthy lifestyle – one that will attribute itself to healthy aging.

What might this look like? I think it would be different for every one of us, yet I also think that a few constants would remain, such as inner peace, acceptance of self, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, daily exercise, laughter, love, contentment, and goals.

As skin care professionals, our influence on healthy aging is enormous. We have the ability to provide inner peace and acceptance, if only for an hour or so. We can share our knowledge of the impact that nutrition, sleep, and exercise have on the skin and we can offer the opportunity to laugh, love life, show contentment in our practice, and help create healthy beauty goals.

Yes, we have big shoes to fill, but it is for these reasons that our profession continues to soar amongst the fastest growing professions in the country. Be proud to know your dominant role in the future of healthy beauty.

It’s hard to believe that summer is over, and that Autumn is in full swing. Where do the days go? I recently had a yoga instructor make the most beautiful comment about the changing of seasons. She said that they were like a rite of passage – permission to close out the prior growth period of life and start anew – permission to refresh, renew, and revive yourself, your life, and your surroundings. Her statement struck me as one of the most beautiful, freeing things I had heard.

So, how does this fit into this month’s welcome letter? Well, you can apply it any way you like. From a simplicity standpoint, begin by applying it to your daily surroundings. Apply this rite of passage to your work environment. The design and layout of your treatment room, work area, or even full spa can benefit from the change of seasons.

Take a step back and look around. Does the layout and design of your work environment suit you? Does it allow for flow, access, and ease of use? Does it wrap its arms around you and invite clients to stay?

Take advantage of this amazing time of year to optimize your space. Move things around, add a little color, or change the direction of the carpet or the sign above the door. We spend more time at work than we spend anywhere else. When you optimize your workspace, you optimize your work life, which has a beautiful impact on everything else around you.

There are so many aspects of a professional skin care treatment that are vital to the health and wellness of the skin, yet the one area that requires crystal clear attention is exfoliation. Skin of every age and every type can benefit from proper exfoliation – the key word being proper. From youthful, sensitive, oily, and acneic skin to sun-damaged, aged, dehydrated, and mature skin – all can reap the rewards of exfoliation.

 As skin care experts, our job is to provide expert exfoliation. This requires having an acute understanding of the skin and an even more acute understanding of exfoliation ingredients. It is often easy to get caught up in the hottest and newest craze of exfoliation techniques and ingredients, but the reality is, not every treatment is for every person.

The one thing that remains constant is the necessity to provide a thorough consultation and pair the determination of that consult with proper ingredients. When this process is expertly executed, the benefits to the client are priceless. It is this process and these results that have positioned professional aestheticians as the clients’ right-hand skin care partners in achieving healthy, youthful, beautiful skin.

Whether it be chemical or mechanical exfoliants, or a combination of both, be the professional expert that you are. Use your knowledge and expertise to deliver expert exfoliation benefits and keep clients coming back.

For over 30 years, I have watched our industry explode into a force in which we would never have imagined, with technology, ingredients, and equipment that truly change the face of the business. Although health and wellness have always been a component of our industry, now, more than ever, they are taking center stage.

The topic of alternative medicine is a tricky one, clearly not our scope of practice, yet an integral part of the condition of the skin. Let’s be clear – our scope of practice does not include any type of medical practice, nor does it include prescribing supplements or dietary alternatives. What we can do is share our knowledge and understanding of any of these topics and what we know can be beneficial to clients. The inner-outer beauty connection is a given – you reflect on the outside the health of the inside.

That being said, the world of alternative treatments and medicine lies right at your fingertips. Alternative practices focus on the whole individual. They take into account emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. In this day and age, we clearly see the link between emotional health, physical health, youthfulness, and beauty. Alternative therapies strengthen these connections and provide us with the ability to educate clients on the vast amount of opportunities that they have to positively enhance their lives in natural, simple, non-invasive means.

The future of our profession will be in our ability to guide clients through the options that are available to enhance the skin care treatments that we perform. These options include taking a clear look at the whole person: their lifestyle, habits, and beauty objectives. We cannot avoid the fact that this will include the world of alternative treatments.

Do your homework. Increase your own knowledge and experience to live the life that you promote to clients.

Aesthetic Science Institute CIDESCO graduate Lauren Sankey gets hired by Norwegian Cruise lines!

Of thirty applicants Lauren was one of two hired by the International Cruise ship company.  Her new place of work will be on Norwegian's Pride of America circling the Hawaiian Islands!

Congratulations Lauren, so proud of our ASI CIDESCO graduate! 

Oh how I love this time of year! I’m not sure where you are, but here in the Northeast, the month of July is what we wait the entire year for! Yes, we pretty much get one month of summer. It’s hot, humid, and brilliantly sunny and beautiful – love it!

It’s also probably the number one month for hair removal services. Bikini bodies are what everyone wants (or at least hairless bodies). There are two things to keep in mind during the summer season of minimal clothing and even less body hair: superior service is first and second is a hair removal plan for the year.

Superior service should always be at the top of your service objectives, but especially during this time of year, since post-hair removal skin is not easily covered up. Your hair removal focus needs to be proper preparation and amazing post-care. Regardless of the hair removal method, pre- and post-care will always determine the superiority of the outcome (along with technique). Ensure that you have quality products to get the job done. Pre-care products should remove debris, but also prepare the skin to minimize a post reaction. Your post product should instantly minimize the inflammatory response and calm and soothe the skin, leaving clients with beach-ready bodies.

As important as the quality of your service is, the big picture here is a hair removal treatment plan. As I am sure all of you hair removal experts know, the reality is that true hair removal should happen when hair is allowed to grow a bit (unless it is laser) but requires multiple treatments to really take effect. The idea is to have the hair virtually non-existent by the time the summer months arrive.

So, get through this lovely weather with superior service, and put in place a hair removal plan for the next several months. This time next year, there will be no hair anywhere!

If I were to ask 10 aestheticians why they chose this profession, I would bet that nine of them would respond by saying, “To help people make their skin better.” The last person might respond with, “To maintain healthy skin.” Although we surely have our “A-list” clients that come to us knowing that it is essential to maintain healthy, youthful skin while you have it, the reality is that most come when they need help – when their skin does not look like it should, could, or once did.
Addressing mature skin, as well as multiple other conditions, consumes over 90% of the business. This is not a problem for us. It is what we do and is a fact of our professional life and, yet, it has also become a fact of our clients’ lives.
Clients are bombarded with marketing and information – in every media form – that guarantees the fountain of youth, instant relief from redness, vanishing acne, and disappearing pigment. But, what they really need to understand is that, first, they need healthy skin to make an ounce of real improvement.
And, BAM! That is where we come in!
Take what you know about the basics and build on it: first, optimal hydration; second, regulated cell turnover; third, antioxidants. Hydrated skin that renews at a regular rate and has the ability to provide itself with antioxidant protection is the ideal platform to provide the skin care professional with the ability to drastically improve signs of aging, sensitivity, acne, pigment and other skin concerns.
You have the power at your fingertips to change the way people look and feel about themselves. Go back to the basics. Start with what you know is essential, then hit the ground running with what you have the power to improve.

One of the biggest challenges for skin care professionals today is staying in the know. Every day there are new products, new ingredients, new technology, and, most importantly, new equipment that blur the line of our scope of practice. Rarely a day goes by that I do not receive a phone call from a seasoned aesthetician begging for where to go for the answers.

Our goal at AIA is to be your go-to resource for staying in the know. We are committed to raising the standards of education and public awareness in the aesthetics industry by providing members access to every resource imaginable. Thousands of articles, hundreds of manufacturers and distributors, and a network of top professionals in the industry – all at your fingertips. And, now, easily accessible monthly webinars to keep you in the know.

Our monthly webinars have been carefully selected to provide members with knowledge and education on hot new topics, as well as the critical content on the core of our profession, such as physiology, skin conditions, and retailing.

On DERMASCOPE.com, you can register for upcoming webinars and watch past webinars on-demand. This month, on April 15, Brian Goodwin, international educator for Eminence Organic Skin Care, will present, “Reducing and Preventing Hyperpigmentation Naturally,” a webinar on hyperpigmentation, including its many causes, overlooked influences, and safe and natural solutions. What a great opportunity to get in the know about one of the most complex, challenging skin conditions to treat! Be sure to visit DERMASCOPE.com to register.

Join me and the AIA family to further your cause, grow your business, and build your library of knowledge. We are all in this together and, together, we raise the bar, we raise awareness, and we raise our success!

As the skin care profession has risen to new levels of professionalism and expertise, the responsibility for the individual professional to represent those levels has become increasingly necessary. On a daily basis we are seeing new products, equipment, technology, ingredients, and techniques. It can be a full time job simply keeping up with the wave – let alone actually being appropriately informed. Yet, it remains our job and responsibility to know what is happening in the industry. All of that being said, there is one particular area that acts as a knowledge base – a foundation per say – that never changes but constantly gets built upon. That area is ingredients.
As an educator, I preach to my students that there are two things that will always lead to treatment results: physiology and ingredients. If you understand the skin and you understand ingredients you will always know what products to choose and why to choose them.
We live in a consumer savvy time. Clients are bombarded with marketing campaigns that make promises and claims about products and ingredients with very little substantiation. Our job is to clear up the confusion and we can only do that by knowing the facts.
Know your ingredients. Know what they are and where they come from. Know how they work and why they work. Know the influence of formulation, such as the pH level, pK level, the type of base, the preservative, and additional actives. Knowing just one fact about an ingredient is simply not enough, since once it is mixed in a formulation, its original properties can change.
Have the knowledge and ability to help clients decipher between effective and not-effective, but be able to tell them how and why.

Michelle D'allaird Brenner
AIA President and Director of Education

It is interesting that after almost 30 years in the skin care and beauty business, the same three skin conditions continue to wreak havoc on the health and beauty of the skin: acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It really is not a wonder why, when you consider the underlying biology and take a look at most lifestyles and the world around us – it makes perfect sense.
Let’s discuss acne and consider what we know. We know that acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of the sebaceous gland. We know that there are four key etiological factors: altered keratinization, excess sebum production, hormonal activity, and increased bacterial activity – all of which contribute to and result from an increase in inflammation, making for one perfect recipe for acne.
We also know that all of the above factors are directly impacted by environment and lifestyle. Thus, we must pay special attention to the world around us and, more importantly, to the world around our clients. Eating habits, sleeping habits, exercise (or lack there of), smoking, drinking, improper skin care, and stress are all essential factors in the development and pathology of acne conditions.
Amongst the list of lifestyle factors, one in particular holds the torch and leads the pack – stress. When stress levels increase, they trigger hormonal imbalances. The increase in androgens stimulates sebum production, which gets the acne ball rolling. At the same time, chronic stress levels activate inflammatory responses throughout the entire body, which in turn fuels the fire.
These few paragraphs are a simple snapshot of a serious skin condition. To help your clients, you must be empowered with the knowledge and understanding of what a condition is, what causes it, what can improve it, and, most importantly, why it occurs.

I love the start of a new year as it is an inspiring time of endless opportunities and limitless goal setting. I truly hope each of you have set your sights on an outstanding accomplishment for 2019.
Our first New Year’s topic is all about the body, including hair removal services and body treatments. These are great topics to start the year off because, for many aestheticians, hair removal and body services are ancillary treatments in their businesses. The reality is, not only are they phenomenal revenue generators, but they play critical roles in the overall health and beauty of the entire body.
Hair removal has long been a staple of our profession for both men and women. The absence of facial and body hair is in demand by the masses. And, as popular as laser hair removal has become, both waxing and sugaring have certainly not fallen by the wayside, especially since regular hair removal services minimize regrowth, are incredibly affordable, and take very little time. When you add proper pre- and post-care, soft, smooth, hairless skin leaves a client feeling like a million bucks.
I find body treatments to be the biggest area of opportunity. It’s interesting that, often, when someone talks about the quality, youth, and beauty of their skin, they are referring to their face, when 90 percent of their skin covers the rest of their body! As we age, all of our skin ages and we rarely realize it until it is too late. The skin requires two essential elements: exfoliation and hydration. When the skin is exfoliated, it breathes and renews itself properly. When it is well hydrated, it functions at its optimal capacity. Skin that breathes, renews, and functions optimally is healthy and youthful.
Start the year off with a full-body approach to youth and beauty, with healthy skin from head to toe.

As we wrap up the end of the year, it is the ideal time to cover two great topics: exfoliation and New Year’s resolutions.

Yes, they may seem like an odd combination, but, in reality, they go pretty well together. Exfoliation rids the surface of the skin of buildup, debris, and accumulated toxins; New Year’s resolutions can do the same for one’s life!

Exfoliation is the ideal way to detoxify the skin. Ridding the surface of buildup and debris increases cell renewal and provides the skin with the ability to better absorb nutrient-rich and beneficial ingredients. With the endless amount of external stimuli that attack skin on a daily basis, professional exfoliation is a necessity for skin detoxification and renewal.

Various forms of exfoliation equipment have taken this to the next level. At the top of the list is microdermabrasion and dermaplaning, two methods that remove multiple layers of the stratum corneum, leaving the skin amazingly soft, smooth, resurfaced, and ideally prepared for quality active ingredients.

As the industry changes and new equipment and techniques are introduced, be sure to stay in the know on what works, how it works, why it works, and what your state regulations do and do not allow. Do your best to incorporate the newest trends into your menu of services and stay on the cutting-edge of delivering the best skin care results to your clients.

End the year by setting a plan for next year. Is there something you want to add to your treatment regime? Are there different results you would like to achieve? Write them down and set a plan. It is that time: out with the old and in with the new! Resolve to move into 2019 fresh, new, soft, smooth, and ready for the year ahead.

Where in the world does the time go? I have to pinch myself to believe we are winding down 2018 – and at a super rapid rate! I feel like just yesterday I was saying to myself “June will be here before we know it.” Now, June is long gone and 2019 is in my sights. But, as fast as it goes, I have loved every minute of a thrilling 2018, full of unexpected opportunities, smiles, success, and new ventures. I cannot wait to see what next year brings!

As we quickly push into the holiday season, we here at AIA and DERMASCOPE Magazine are diligently working to add a little excitement and end the year on a high note with our annual Aesthetician’s Choice Awards. Nominations for 2019 took place in September, when we received thousands of nominations for industry favorites. Since then, our ACA panel has narrowed each of our product, equipment, and people categories down to four finalists. Now, during the month of November, readers have the opportunity to go online and vote for the winners of each category!

We love this contest because we love to hear from all of you. It is such a blast to hear which brands and people our readers think are the current movers and shakers in the industry. Even better, it is a wonderful recognition for those top nominated people, products, and companies out there to be noted for their efforts and success.

Have you voted? If not, log on to DERMASCOPE.com and vote, vote, vote! Show your support and help determine the industry’s top favorite brands and people of 2019!

Ihave always found autumn to be a breath of fresh air. Here in the northeast, we have cooler days and breezy nights, a lower setting sun in the sky, falling leaves, and crisp air. It’s a time of rejuvenation and an opportunity to set your sights on the upcoming months.

First, fall is the ideal time for making connections and exploring new business ideas. This time of year is all about “back to school,” so take advantage of that yourself. Trade shows, webinars, and continuing education classes are in abundance.

The aesthetics profession is changing each and every day. We are constantly surrounded by new products, ingredients, and technology. To be a success you have to stay on the cutting edge. That doesn’t mean you have to do it all, but it surely means you need to be aware of it. Because, trust me, your customers will know!

Expand your circle of knowledge. Build your professional network by connecting with someone new. I have found over the years that some of the best information that I come across comes from the knowledge and experience of another professional. There is nothing better than learning from someone else’s mistakes! It’s a gift to know what not to do before you do it.

All of this is what AIA is all about – providing each and every one of you with a massive network of professionals in which to learn, grow, connect and succeed. AIA will give you a firm professional foundation in order to propel you into the future.

Take my word for it: success does not come easy and it does not come over night, but it surely does come when you make the most of the opportunities around you, like training, education, and professional relationships.

Ground yourself now and, tomorrow, the sky will be the limit!

Michelle D'Allaird-Brenner
AIA President,
Director of Education

After 30 years in the skin care business, I can honestly say I think I’ve seen everything! When you tack on 16 years as a school owner – my goodness – I could write a book!    I’ve watched the ebb and flow of an amazing industry that has grown leaps and bounds in products, ingredients, technology, services, sales, and business strategies.

As we roll through the summer months, our thoughts are on sunshine, warm weather, picnics, barbecues, and beaches. Summer is the ideal time of year to enjoy friends and family, reconnect with the great outdoors, and, honestly, to pause long enough to smell the roses.

But, as much of a blessing as summer is, it is also a time of the year when we should pay particular attention to our clients’ homecare routines. Ultraviolet exposure, winds, temperature changes, and even pollution are responsible for 95 percent of premature aging, most notably, fine lines and wrinkles.

As skin care professionals we know this and we relentlessly preach to our clients the necessity of protecting their skin. But, when we are not with them, we also know that our preaching is often thrown to the wind. So, it is essential to take it a step further and create a detailed plan for each client to incorporate into their daily regimen. This removes the need for them to put much thought into coming up with their own routine.

As a school and business owner, I learned when things are in writing and protocols are in order, they get done. When they are left as a suggestion, they often get dismissed.

So, make a plan and revise that plan with every visit. Based on your clients’ activities over the upcoming months, decide what they must do to best protect the health and youthfulness of their skin and, most importantly, minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

First, SPF is a must – every day, any day, all year long. Sunscreen not only prevents damage due to ultra-violet exposure, but most sunscreens also include vitamins for antioxidant protection from free radical damage. If a client is heading to the beach or doing another activity in which prolonged sun exposure is involved, stress the importance of increasing SPF to 50 or beyond. Advise them about using sun protective clothing, such as a ball cap or sun hat, as well.

Second, emphasize hydration. We often forget how necessary water is. Plump, hydrated skin shows fewer lines and wrinkles; but, more importantly, it functions better to protect itself. Think about how you feel when your body is dehydrated. Sluggish, tired, and unenergized – skin behaves the same way when it is dehydrated!

Lastly, encourage powerful antioxidant protection. My go-to antioxidant is vitamin C! Teach clients to pack the skin with vitamin C to give it the ability to prevent free radical damage and boost collagen production.

These three simple steps – SPF, hydration, and antioxidants – are key to experiencing summer bliss with fewer wrinkles!

Michelle D'allaird Brenner
AIA Vice President, 
Director of Education

I never knew exactly what I wanted do when I grew up. During my senior year of high school, my best friend and I decided that we were going to become hairdressers and open our own salon, so we convinced our parents to put us in beauty school. Three nights during the week and every Saturday for 10 months, we drove to downtown Albany, New York to go to beauty school. It all sounded great in theory – until I realized that, not only did I not like doing hair, but I also was not good at it. I completed the program, got my license, dabbled in the workplace, and, then, went to college to complete my bachelor’s and work on my master’s in psychology.

As an intern in a psychiatric facility, I quickly realized, once again, this profession was not my calling. I fell back on my cosmetology license and decided to open my own skin care and nail business.
That business molded a new being within me. I fell in love with learning. I studied every video and book about skin care that I could. I was determined to never be asked a question in my treatment room that I could not answer or at least find the answer to.

I was determined to help others accomplish goals, create futures, secure incomes, and become something. In January 2003, I opened the Aesthetic Science Institute, an aesthetics school in Latham, New York. I had no idea how to run a school – I just knew what I wanted to teach and how I wanted to teach it. My first class had six students and one teacher: me.

Fifteen years later, I have over 100 students per year, nine amazing instructors and staff, New York state-approved curricula, and a CIDESCO-certified institution. I am incredibly proud, but even more grateful.

I believe that the skin care profession is a pathway to unlimited potential and success. The opportunities are there for all of us; it is simply a matter of how many you want. Perhaps you do not know what you want from the industry, but I can assure you that if you know you want something and act upon that, then endless possibilities will be afforded to you.

I have learned and experienced so much over the years and I am excited to share it with you through these pages for the rest of the year. Happy reading!

Michelle D'allaird Brenner

AIA Vice President, 

Director of Education

I was recently completing an application for an association in which I had been inducted. One of the last questions on the application asked me to list my favorite hobbies or the things that I like to do in my free time. I responded by listing that cooking, cleaning and taking my children to their extracurricular activities were among the top of my list. When it occurred to me that this was probably not the response they were looking for, I realized that it was all I could come up with. I would love to have hobbies that include taking long walks in the park, reading non-fiction novels, and enjoying a glass of wine in front of a crackling fire – but that is not even close to my reality.

How often have you been told to take a deep breath? You may have even muttered it to yourself once or twice. Generally, an individual can go months without food or several days without water, but only minutes without air. Basic survival aside, breathing has a variety of different effects on the human mind and body that are beneficial to your overall health and wellness.
Many cultures have long known that deep breathing is a natural and simple form of relaxing and cleansing the mind, body and soul. Touted by original yoga practitioners as the source of life, breathing has become an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Posture plays an influential role in many ways. It is critical to maintaining your health and physical appearance, two factors that can have a dramatic effect on your life.
I typically start my weekends strolling through the farmers market first thing in the morning. One particular morning, as I wandered through the crowd, I remembered that my latest column needed to be completed over the weekend. Suddenly, it occurred to me that my entire study group and column content was currently walking all around me. A vast selection of ages, genders, genetics and postures were all within arm’s reach. Immediately inspired, I quickly found an empty bench and began to take notes.

How often do you find yourself thinking, “Where did the day go?” Since I find myself saying it on a regular basis, I decided to take a closer look at exactly what I did with my day; two businesses, traveling, writing articles and teaching classes, five kids, and one husband. Where does the time go, indeed! We always look at everything we are responsible for, but there is nothing worse than ending your day and feeling like you did not get anything accomplished.

Sleep deficiency can affect your mood, concentration, energy level, memory, coordination, depression and lack of sex drive. When you take each of these factors into consideration and the role that they play in your everyday lives, what is left? A good night’s sleep is necessary for getting the most out of each day, out of yourself, and out of your life. So, what defines a good night’s sleep?
A good night’s sleep involves natural cycles of activity in the brain that fluctuate between Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep.

“You can do it; it is only mind over matter.” Has anyone ever said that to you? While we are experts at telling people how to run their lives and make decisions, the funny thing is that we rarely apply it to ourselves. What is it that we are so afraid of?

When I have a training class or seminar on skin conditions, I often start by asking how many people have a stress-free life. I rarely get a hand raised. If I do get one, they quickly retreat with a silly statement like “just kidding.” Unfortunately, not many of us can raise our hand for that one. On a Sunday morning, I sat down to write this article thinking that I would be able to put it together in no time since there was clearly so much to write about. Ironically, once I was ready to start writing, my fingers were at an absolute stand still on the keyboard.

This month I want to talk about balance. I did say balance, and I did not mean standing on one foot with your other leg out in front of you. I mean balance in your life. When I accepted the opportunity to write this monthly column on health and wellness and its direct impact on you, the aesthetician, it prompted me to do a bit of soul searching and reflection. Specifically, on how much I practice what I preach, concerning what I believe is so absolutely critical not only to our success, but to our lives.

No matter how long ago it was, we all remember sitting through anatomy and physiology in aesthetics school. Literally memorizing the muscles, bones, arteries and veins in a desperate attempt to pass the test, and hopefully retain enough memorization to make it through the state boards. Now skin physiology was another thing – that just made sense – and knowing why we needed to know it made sense... But the other stuff just seemed a bit mind boggling! Well, if only we knew then what we know now, we just might have paid better attention! Every aspect of the aesthetics curriculum has come full circle, and what may not have seemed important 15 years ago is at the forefront of what we need to know now – and the anatomy of the face is one of them.

How often have you heard somebody say to stop and smell the roses? Well, how often have you actually done it? And I do not mean the roses on your desk from Valentine's Day or your birthday; but the fragrant, soft petaled beauties growing in your garden (or even someone else's)!

Taking It for Granted

It is not very often that we think about how we need to spend time outside and experience nature ...more than we experience our treatment room or office. Let me give you a few examples; perhaps you can relate. Think of what it feels like that first warm, spring day; are they not the most amazing senses?

This month I want to talk about exercise and you. Yes, I mean you – the professional aesthetician. Now, I do not want to preach, but I am going to and I have to tell you how critical exercise is to you and your life. Any time I broach this topic, the non-exercisers immediately come out with “I do not have time,” “It does not fit in my schedule,” or “I just cannot get myself motivated enough.” I have been there; we all have. Unfortunately exercise is critical to you, to everything you do and to everything about you.

The inner-outer body connection is well documented and has been for years. The physical, emotional and psychological condition of the human body has the ability to influence not only the inner functioning of the body, but its outer appearance as well. Nutrients, eating habits and food categories all have an influence on the condition of the skin; and as an aesthetician it is critical that you look and feel your best. You are your best advertising!
All the expensive skin care products in the world will not help without a well-balanced, healthy nutritional diet.

As professional aestheticians, we're caregivers, "people" people, nurturers, and emotional laundry bins. We give all of ourselves to our work, our clients, our family, and our friends… often to find that there is simply not a whole lot left for ourselves. So this month's article is just for you, and only you; this month, it's all about you.
Perhaps you can relate… this year is a "significant" birthday for me… yeah, I'm not going to say it, but one that I truly thought would never happen. I have watched my babies grow from completely dependent tiny little beings, to five-foot eleven, 150 pound high schoolers' (ugh).

What I truly love about the skin care profession is not necessarily the “how” of treatments, products, and results; but the “why”. This is probably why I am so passionate about teaching. It is not enough in our business to simply be able to make recommendations and deliver visible results to our client’s skin, if we do not know precisely why we are capable of achieving such results.
As consumers place increasingly more confidence in our hands regarding meeting their skin needs and concerns, our professional responsibility to meet those needs has grown, requiring aestheticians to have a deep understanding of how those concerns even came to be. That being said, one of the most influential contributing factors to the condition of the skin, at many different ages, is fluctuations in hormones.

As professional aestheticians, we’re caregivers, “people” people, nurturers, and emotional laundry bins. We give all of ourselves to our work, our clients, our family, and our friends… often to find that there is simply not a whole lot left for ourselves. So this month’s article is just for you, and only you; this month, it’s all about you.
Perhaps you can relate… this year is a “significant” birthday for me… yeah, I’m not going to say it, but one that I truly thought would never happen. I have watched my babies grow from completely dependent tiny little beings, to five-foot eleven, 150 pound high schoolers’ (ugh).

Not a single one of the Webster’s definitions seems all that flattering, especially when relating to my skin, and most certainly not when relating to the skin on my face! However, it is what it is, and mature is mature, whatever that means!
OK, let’s get serious and talk about “mature” skin. For the purpose of this article, I am going to refer to relating to, or being an older adult, as mature. Of course we can now ponder over exactly what does “older adult” mean. For simplicities sake, our clients easily classify themselves as “older,” and are generally quite quick to refer to their own skin as “mature.”