After going back to school to obtain a degree in Psychology, Joe returned to the aesthetics industry in 2011 when he agreed to join Christina Cosmeceuticals as the CEO of the newly formed United States distribution entity. In early 1992, I received a phone call from my wife suggesting she had found something for us to do and by 1993 I had received my aesthetics license. What started out as a search for knowledge turned into a determination to understand the issues aestheticians faced, and the education they needed in order to obtain a license. It is hard to believe it has been over 20 years, but I have been in the aesthetic industry since. Since becoming a part of this industry I have held two roles, but have worn many hats. The role as the chief executive officer for DDF clearly taught me the most and had the largest impact on me. Among other things, it taught me that success is truly the product of many and that it is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. I am surprised and pleased when I receive e-mails from former employees and associates. In fact, I would say that it has been what has surprised me the most through my professional journey; hearing from people I have met, kept in touch with, and genuinely cared – having them reciprocate those feelings. As for regrets… it is a laughable thought to think there is one thing I wish I would have done differently. There are probably a million. The one thing I do not regret, however, are the relationships I have made with the people in the aesthetics industry. Whether a person owns a one room day spa or a big business, I believe that in order to be successful one needs to have the basic business skills mastered. I encourage everyone to go back to school for some business finance and accounting, as well as marketing background. In my opinion, the successful spas and skin care clinics have a combination of things that appeal to the customer, not just one. Simply put, the customer has a rewarding experience. They are happier when they leave then when they came into the establishment. What goes into this – Appearance, Attitude, Amount, and After-effect. What does the facility look like? What is the attitude of the people there? What is the cost/value of the services being rendered? And finally, what lasting effect does the client experience following a session? Excelling in these four and striving to be the best will ultimately lead to success in the long run.

Joseph Contorno’s response when asked if there was a particular ingredient he felt was a “super” ingredient:
Anyone who knows about the physiology of the skin and the science of skin care understands that there is no one magic bullet to solve our skin care issues no matter what the infomercials would like you to believe. What might be the “best” ingredient today will certainly be “bettered” by something else tomorrow.  

DERMASCOPE:
What various roles and positions have you held within this industry? continued…

Joseph:
I have had just two roles during my time in this industry, but have worn many hats. Both were CEO of a fledgling entity, a very small fish in a sea of sharks one might say.

DERMASCOPE:
Has there been a constant theme that has led you from one point to the next throughout your training and career? (as in asking questions, reading certain material, etc.)

Joseph:
It is hard to pin down a constant theme, but Elaine says: “You never stop.” And I guess that would be it. I find there is always something that needs doing. But do not interpret that to mean I am obsessive. Just focused!

DERMASCOPE:
What do you believe separates the best clinics from the rest? continued…

Joseph:
I think that spas or clinics that excel at all four of the A’s do the best and succeed in the long run. Of course you have to get people to come to your facility the first time and that is a product of clever advertising and promotion, and the wonderful benefits of viral and social media if you have the four A’s down pat.

DERMASCOPE:
Do you have a signature treatment that your clients love – a classic of sorts? What makes it so loved?

Joseph:
To me, and certainly to Christina Cosmeceuticals, that is a difficult question to answer, because the treatment the clients love are the ones that help them with their skin care concern. Each client loves the treatment that really makes a difference in their appearance. Having said that our two most popular lines are Forever Young for general anti-aging concerns, and FlourOxygen+C for skin tone related concerns like sunspots, hyperpigmentation-like skin tone issues, and redness related to acne or blemish-like issues.

DERMASCOPE:
What adaptations have you made over the years to stay relevant in the treatment room?

Joseph:
Christina Cosmeceuticals has always been focused on the treatment room first. In order to help keep the line relevant, we constantly evaluate new ingredients and manufacturing techniques. We have a 30 year history, but our brand and our skin care lines are some of the most modern in the industry.

DERMASCOPE:
As a manufacturer, is there a particular ingredient that you feel is a “super” ingredient? If so, why? continued…

Joseph:
Along with this question often comes the statement that “this or that ingredient” is the hottest thing out there. I remember many years ago there was an ingredient which was all the rage, a vitamin which shall remain nameless. People were even touting a study conducted at a famous university which showed amazing results. Okay, so curiosity got the best of me and I looked up that study. What I found was that it was a study conducted on five people who never used skin care product before! And it was a not a controlled, blind or double-blind study. Essentially it was a study which had a specific conclusion in mind and was made to come out that way.

DERMASCOPE:
You wear so many hats: business owner, manager, manufacturer, sales, et cetera. What is your secret to keeping life in balance and enjoying the journey?

Joseph:
Wow, how do I keep life in balance and enjoy the journey is a really interesting and tough question. I think the honest truth is I did not always keep life in balance nearly as much as I wanted to or should have. But over time, what I have succeeded in doing is changing the balance and making more time for family, friends and life outside of the business.

DERMASCOPE:
Do you or your company support any particular causes or charitable organizations? If so, who and why?

Joseph:
We have supported several charities and will continue to do so. Personally, Elaine and I have supported the Susan B. Komen breast cancer events (I did the three day 60 mile walk) and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have also supported Children’s Benefits and donated a portion of the proceeds from sales during the month of November to one of several children’s charities which we will do so again in November of this year.