When a client is walking down the hair removal aisle at the store, they are faced with so many options. They ask themselves, “What could go wrong?” It seems harmless – a little razor here, try some wax there. The only thing between the checkout at the local drugstore and them is you. It’s important to educate clients on what to doand what not to do when it comes to hair removal maintenance at home.Here are the most popular hair removal methods and the risks that come along with them. 

Lexie Choate-Bewley is a licensed aesthetician who brings over a decade of experience and knowledge into the treatment room. During this time, she has gained a deeper understanding of clinical skin care through thousands of hours of experience and advanced training. She has been featured in numerous blogs and magazine articles. She received national recognition for her work, being named, “Esthetician of the Year” by Cosmedix Skincare in back-to-back awards in 2017 and 2018. She specializes in corrective facials, peels, and speed waxing. To get in contact with her, follow her on Instagram @skinbylexie or GlossGenius.com. 

The world of aesthetic medicine is becoming more and more competitive. As commercial beauty stores begin to sell product lines to bigbox stores, an increased need for medical-grade products will rise. This increases the pressure on skin care product sales and profitability at many medical spa practices.Big box stores offer a wider distribution of the product lines they carry, which makes them more accessible to the masses.However, the secret to getting a leg up on this type of competition is to specialize, differentiate, and to make it easy to buy from the spa’s practice. Educate clients and bundle products with procedures for better results. 

SET YOURSELF APART

Focus on differentiating the practice and offering specialized skin care products with active ingredients that clients cannotget anywhere else.

Do this by selling private label, medical-grade over-the-countercosmeceuticals, or physician prescription-grade skin care products. This is something the commercial beauty stores of the world cannot do.Private branded products, especially medical-grade, bring clients back to the spa. They have an excellent margin (up to 300%), and they keep the name of the spa in front of clients’ mindson a daily basis.Sell homecare kits per skin solution based on skin type. 

Having the spa’s branded products prominently displayed and offering samples is an important way to introduce clients to the brand and helps close sales. Educated staff who are offering samples as an incentive plan to sell more products. Create monthly promotions to introduce products.Consider creating promotions with seasonal offerings or kits.

Create monthly auto-refill subscription programs. Prescription-strength products are important as well.Create a program to ship directly or offer curbside pick-up. Create extra income by adding virtual or in-person refill consults. Sell procedure packages and include a kit of three products to jumpstart a good home maintenance program. Easy-to-follow direction cardsare important and follow-up consultations monthly also create loyalty.

Branding and marketing are key components to building a successful medical aesthetics practice. An investment in a private label, physician-branded skin care line that carries the spa logo is a logical extension of the spa’s offerings. 

MAKING BUYING EASY

The pandemic has changed the way clients shop. Expect the growth in online shopping to continue even after the pandemic has ended because consumers have realized how convenient it is.

Spas must become comfortable doing business virtually.Promote the spa across a variety of social media channels.Include an online store on the spa’s website so clients can purchase private branded over-the-counter products.Offer a variety of online payment options ranging from credit or debit cards to PayPal, Apple Pay, and so on. Understanding that people are shopping more on mobile devices and buying through their Instagram or Facebook pages might be an option for the spa too.

The more convenient it is for clients to buy from the spa’s online store, the more likely they are to add to the spa’s bottom line. Know the demographics and the spa’s budget when creating a skin care line. Key ingredients are as important as the spa’s laboratory consultants are. There are a few different levels of private-label product branding. 

It is important not to overlook small things, like sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free ingredients. It is all about emotions and being able to create products as skin solutions since it is after all an emotional purchase. Be the expert doing the skin consultations and recommending products to clients for their best results. They will appreciate branded home maintenance products that are created by chemists. And, as always, offer customizable annual programs at different levels for their skin types to provide the best solutions.

Sugaring is by no means a new hair removal method. In fact, it has been around for thousands of years, hailing from the Middle East.This article will discuss the science behind professional body sugaring, which has been around for roughly 30-years. 

Lina Kennedy is the president and CEO of Alexandria Professional, a worldwide leader in body sugaring epilation and skin conditioning. Kennedy is the pioneer of professional body sugaring and master trainer of professionals and distributors in more than 30 countries. As a beauty industry innovator, Kennedy has developed a full line of all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free skin care products and treatments that are safe and effective for all hair and skin types. Kennedy is dedicated to ensuring that each professional trained in body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results they and their clients can achieve through the Kennedy Theory. She is a motivational speaker, the author of numerous articles in beauty magazines, and a multi-patent holder. 

The spring season, with its lingering arctic chill and unforgiving humidity fluctuations, is an ideal time for skin care professionals to focus on supporting skin hydration and product absorption as clientele often present a dry, dull, and dehydrated complexion. As aesthetic providers, the use of innovative skin infusion modalities is essential to help clientele achieve their skincare goals.

Kristen N.M. Johnson is an award-winning registered nurse, licensed aesthetician, and co-owner of The Eclipse Spa in Westminster, Maryland. With over 10 years of experience in the luxury spa industry, Johnson is passionate about creating an incredibly unique and indulgent experience for each client. She specializes in the development, education, and implementation of innovative treatment protocols. She holds advanced training and certifications in holistic and integrative health, microneedling, clinical skin care and treatments, nutrition, facial cupping, gua sha, hot stone therapy, advanced chemical peels, cosmetic injectables, facial reflexology, and is an Usui reiki master and teacher.  

Adhering to a pro-active recipe for antiaging is a multi-faceted approach that is inclusive of several factors which all play an integral role in contributing to skin health as a whole. The wealth of products that make up a skin care arsenal include diet, exercise, and general health, sun protection, environmental exposures, and physical factors, such as how one positions skin while sleeping. These are all important factors that comprehensively determine how well a person’s age.

So, how great of a role does sleeping on a silk pillowcase play in this great skin equation? Also, how does it compare to the use of traditional cotton fabrics? While sleeping on one’s back is the ideal position to mitigate facial wrinkling that results from placing too much pressure on either side of the face, it is not always comfortable or even possible due to underlying health conditions. Sleeping on one’s side compresses the skin up towards the mid-line of the face, which creates a tugging and pulling of the skin that forms temporary folds and creases. As skin ages, there is an inevitable loss of elasticity, which further exacerbates its susceptibility to folding and wrinkling that may become more prominent and even permanent over time. These long-term effects may be mitigated by limiting the amount of friction through sleep positioning and the use of gentler fabrics for those areas of exposure.

Far inferior in form and function to its more expensive counterpart, traditional cotton is one of the most absorbent materials. Due to its molecular structure and hydrophilic nature, the fibers in cotton are capable of drawing in and trapping a staggering amount of moisture, as well as product from the skin while one sleeps. Cotton can also absorb hair product into the pillowcase, which can then transfer onto the skin, leading to unwanted breakouts and irritation.

Silk, on the other hand, provides an exponentially smoother surface which causes minimal friction and dragging of delicate facial skin. It is especially beneficial to those with drier skin, as the smoothness of silk makes it less apt to absorb moisture, leaving the skin hydrated. And while a faux silk pillowcase made of polyester is an affordable and durable alternative that will deliver ample benefits, opt for a higher-quality case comprised of mulberry silk with a high momme, or fabric weight of 22 or more to capitalize on these skin benefits.

There are several companies that have taken these preventive measures a step further by incorporating the added benefit of shape design. Most often shaped like a half-moon to accommodate the natural curves of the face, these pillows are specially fabricated to limit the compressive effect on the cheeks, thereby reducing the formation of sleep lines.

While silk pillowcases cannot single-handedly prevent all facial wrinkling, they add a tangible layer of prevention. And what better way to optimize beauty sleep than to incorporate the luxury of silk, all while minimizing skin damage and facilitating the vital recovery and renewal process that occurs in the skin while snoozing.

Back in the day, the 1990s, over-tweezed, super thin, with no arch-look was the eyebrow style – think Pamela Anderson circa her Baywatch days. Fast forward to today and trends have changed in a major way – enter full and natural eyebrows. A good eyebrow artist knows to maintain the same attitude through it all – follow the natural eyebrow shape and arch, not the trend of the moment.

Around 2005, things started moving away from the thin eyebrow and towards high arches with a lot of shaping. In the last five years, the trend has become larger than life with the bigger the better, thicker, more natural, fluffier, with less makeup, making eyebrow treatments the perfect add-on for most clients looking to keep up with the times.

While microblading is all the rage right now because it can fill in patches in the eyebrow, this treatment requires total client commitment because of its permanency. Consider warning against it, as there are so many women who have learned the hard way that the results have no real reversal. Another option is to have clients opt for quick, temporary treatments in addition to a tint or wax.   

LAMINATION

Lamination is a treatment that helps clients get that “brushed up” look in their eyebrows that is super popular right now. It is a chemical treatment that can crinkle eyebrow hairs, which can make eyebrows look like there is a bend in their eyebrows. This treatment can frazzle and fry eyebrows. If a client is looking for that “brushed up” look, use clear eyebrow gel and brush the hair up to hold the look in place – natural and safe.

SOAP EYEBROWS

 If a client is wanting to go that extra mile from a clear eyebrow gel to get that brushed up look, but lamination is not for them, use or suggest a glycerin soap product instead. Dip a mascara clean wand into the product and then brush their eyebrows up. It is not permanent, it does not mess with eyebrows, and it washes off at the end of the day – the perfect option for a quick add-on.

Always preach to clients to go with the natural shape of their eyebrow regardless of what treatment is being done. Eyebrows, unlike nails or hair, are hard to change and grow back. Be hesitant when someone wants to completely change their natural eyebrow shape to follow a trend they see on Instagram or a shape a celebrity is rocking. Educating the client of their options is key when creating a beautiful eyebrow look.

The emerging trend of men’s skin care has been a hot topic in the beauty industry for the past few years. In fact, it can be said that men’s skin care is no longer emerging but rather, is here (and here to stay). While most, and certainly the best, products should be applicable to both men's and women’s skin, it is apparent that the relative brands are marketing very differently towards each target customer.

DISPARITY & TYPES

If the products work for both markets, why is there such a disparity? Simply put, men and women respond differently to the way products and services are marketed and delivered. If this is true for products, it is certainly true for spa treatments and services as well. This article will be focusing on how aestheticians can revolutionize the way men experience the treatment room for the new market that has been knocking at the door for quite some time.

In order to customize the spa treatment room, first, think about why men are getting treatments in the first place. Now every man is different, but there are a few common themes seen in male clientele. First is the “escapee.” This is a man that has a fast-paced lifestyle and not only comes to the spa for a skin treatment but also as a relaxing escape from his crazy life. Second is the “modern man.” Quite opposite from the escapee, the modern man is looking for a quick facial treatment, not as an opportunity to relax as much as he needs to look good, feel good, and get back to work. Finally, there is the “anti-ager.” This is a man that is going to do everything he can to keep his skin looking young and healthy and is probably in a career in which he needs to always look his best. When it comes to serving male clientele, skin care professionals need to first identify which archetype the client is and accommodate services accordingly.

Once the skin care professional understands why a man is coming to the spa in the first place, the skin care professional needs to be able to best serve the client’s particular needs in the treatment room. In order to properly gauge who the client is, it is always best to start with a skin consultation that goes beyond skin concerns and touches on the fundamental reasons why he came to the spa.

FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF CLIENTS

 Let us start with the “escapee.” When thinking of the escapee, think about how to maximize every part of his spa experience because he is looking for the works. Therefore, it is the professional’s job to exceed his expectations because he chose the spa over the golf course and the like. Start with the little things. This could be a hot towel upon his entrance or a complimentary face massage before or after the treatment. The opportunity for creativity at this point is endless. Remember that most men are not used to being pampered. Let us use this to the spa’s advantage and show them what it is all about.

Secondly, there is the “modern man” who is looking for a quick confidence boost in order to look good and feel even better. The key theme to focus on is maximizing results in a shorter window of time. This type of man most likely does not have time for the full package but is still going to demand exceptional results. This is also an opportunity to introduce male clientele to a proper at-home routine. The beautiful part about serving the “modern man” is that when delivering exceptional results, he is going to come to the spa for the full package when he has the time.

Finally, the “antiager” is a hybrid of the two other archetypes. This man is going to be the most passionate about the results of the service, while also demanding the whole package as well. This is a good opportunity to introduce new treatments and products that can help him advance his own routines.

Ultimately, the first step to customizing the treatment room for men is to know why they are there in the first place. Once a skin care professional understands the reason, they can deliver exactly what he is looking for and cater the spa experience to meet those needs.

Learn lip balance tips and tricks for clients presented by Jaclyn Peresetsky in her monthly video column entitled, "Skin Accessories." Scroll down to watch the full video!

Learn all there is to know on eyelashes! From extensions, faux eyelashes, and more presented by Jaclyn Peresetsky in her monthly video column entitled, "Skin Accessories." Scroll down to watch the full video!

Much can and has been said about dimethicone. It has been grouped with the less than attractive ingredients many skin care products boast about being free of. However, natural does not always equal safer or superior. In fact, pure synthetics like dimethicone have a lower chance of potential allergens compared to plant oils or butter. For this reason, it has been widely used in skin care and beauty to achieve that desired velvety, smooth effect most skin care lovers have come to expect from their favorite products. While it generally does not directly hydrate skin, it can act as a seal for those who want to prevent dry, rough, or scaly skin. Dimethicone or polydimethylsiloxane is an emollient and increases the soft texture of skin by sealing the spaces between the dead cells found on the top layer of the skin or the stratum corneum.

So where do the negative connotations come into play? Dimethicone is non-biodegradable, and for this reason, there is a concern of where it ends up after it is washed down the drain, particularly for oceanic wildlife. However, the European Union Chemicals Agency database citesthat they have found no negative effects of dimethicone in aquatic life. 

  In addition to its environmental concerns, because dimethicone can act as a seal, there is the question of whether it is comedogenic and if it keeps other products and ingredients from getting absorbed. While dimethicone does perform as an occlusive, it works similarly to the way a moisturizer does. Despite this debate, there are little to no safety concerns as it has proven to be a non-irritating, non-toxic, and non-comedogenic ingredient. 

Dimethicone may not be for everyone, but it is relatively safe to use on all skin types, including sensitivity. It cannot be used alone, and like any complex, cosmetic ingredient, it should be spot treated before it is used all over a client’s face. It is important to read beyond greenwashing and to choose products and ingredients that are backed by scientific claims.