Restoring health and balance to sensitized skin must begin with a basic clarification of terms. If your client complains of tight, red, stinging, itchy, reactive, flushing, blushing, or hot skin, she may describe her skin as "sensitive." In fact, an estimated 50 percent of our global industry's skin care clients describe their skin in this way.
The customer is always right, but in this case, most of them are wrong. Sensitive skin is inherited. Sensitized skin is acquired. The behaviors of the two conditions are often similar, and treatments may be similar as well. But here is the crucial difference: If you truly have genetically inherited sensitive skin, then the tendency is innate and cannot be fully erased but it can be treated. It is in your DNA!

Some aspects of aging are out of our control and we should learn to accept these changes with grace. The plain fact is we are all going to get old, at least I hope so. As we strive for health and longevity we should consider not how long we live, but the quality of our lives as we age. I equate aging with vitality and the ability to have mobility. I would much rather be old and walk two miles a day, bike to the park, practice yoga, and have vital energy that drives my passions, than the alternative, which is to be on multiple medications, breathless after walking up stairs and daily suffering from every ache and pain.

There are many luxury treatments that we can discuss, but I would like to address the issue of acne, and with it, your youngest clients. Why? It is vitally important that our children receive the help they need through diet, education, and emotional support in order to overcome difficulties associated with acne, and the confidence issues that it brings. By giving your best efforts and demonstrating your knowledge and a professional approach, you give your clients all the reason to trust you and to trust that their acne condition will improve. These are your future clients - once they believe in you, they will be your followers for life.

More than any other profession the field of aesthetics captures what it is to be beautiful.  Being an aesthetician is like living a fantasy in the adult work world. Above all other occupations, it stands alone because it is the only professional arena where if you have the right look, personality, talent and brains you can enter center stage and still be in true character. No illustrious degrees required. All you need is the right fit and the right pathway and you will succeed against all odds.

When the drug review began over 30 years ago, the focus was predominantly on UVB protection or sunburn protection. The recommendation was skin that was unprotected would cause skin cancer and premature aging. So, chemist began formulating sun blocks and sunscreens that touted an SPF (sun protection factor) claiming that by applying these solutions one could stay engaged in outdoor activities longer without damaging the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation have emphasized the best way to prevent skin cancer was to use sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 15. They also include the recommendation to wear clothing, hats, and sunglasses for added protection.

We are all visual people, especially when it comes to our appearance and how our skin looks. Even though recent studies show that the number of diagnosed skin cancer cases each year continues to increase, a lot of people think first about the outside cosmetic effects of tanning and sun exposure. Regardless, we all must understand that proper sun care is key for our skin and overall health. We also have to comprehend that effective sun coverage requires more effort than just slopping some lotion on when you arrive at the beach. Healthy and sunburn-free skin starts with recognizing the myths and facts.

As the spa, beauty, and aesthetics business becomes more sophisticated – and advertises more services that purport to retard the aging process, overcome damage to the skin and promote greater health through the wonders of modern chemistry, natural products or spa-based treatments – it is useful to have a basic understanding of the potential legal ramifications of offering these services and products in a spa or beauty salon.
As a general principle, if nothing goes wrong or if things work as they are supposed to, there will rarely be any legal consequence, but if products or treatments do not work as advertised or actually cause harm, there can be significant legal issues to confront.

Have you ever asked your clients what it is that keeps them purchasing their favorite skin care product? Do so and you will hear everything from “It reduces the fine lines on my face” to “It feels great on my skin” and “I love the smell.” These answers, and others, speak to the art that is skin care product formulation. Through a delicate balance of ingredients, chemists create products that cleanse, moisturize, lighten, protect, or reduce the signs of aging, with features such as pleasing consistency and pleasant fragrance, characteristics that appeal to consumers’ senses.

How do retail stores entice you to enter their doors and linger over their shelves full of irresistible products? Visual merchandising is a skill that department stores, shopping malls, and chain retailers have spent many years perfecting. Retailing and merchandising is an important part of your overall business plan and it will dramatically increase business profitability at your skin care center, salon, day spa, or medical spa. Lauren Gartland is the president of Inspiring Champions, a business training and coaching company specializing in the beauty industry. Gartland, along with Salon Spa Cash Flow expert Gary Ahlquist, regularly advise business owners on how to instantly boost their profits with retail.

Raise your hand if you are familiar with social networking. Maybe you have a Facebook profile or Twitter account. If you are currently engaged in these activities, is it for business, pleasure, or both? If you answered both, are you maintaining separate accounts or just one?
In everyday life we have very well established protocols regarding the separation of these activities. For instance, you would never allow your children to accompany you in the treatment room with a client or discuss your personal matters with her other than superficial pleasantries.