Sales of skin care products in the United States grew by 13% in 2018, hitting $5.6 billion, while makeup sales increased only 1%, according to the NPD Group, a market research company. This is encouraging for the industry but at what expense is this having on the consumer’s actual skin, their second largest organ?

Most clients that aestheticians see today identify as having sensitive skin when, but professional aestheticians assess that most clients actually have sensitized skin.

So, what does this really mean? Consumers are single-handedly sensitizing their skin by trying new products that they are buying off social media, department stores, and new direct-to-consumer brands without the advice of the professional aesthetician. Here are a few things to remember when determining whether a client has sensitive or sensitized skin.

Pimple patches became popular in Asia at the beginning of the last decade and hit the United States around 2012. Are they still a thing? According to Amazon’s bestseller lists, yes. Updated hourly, Amazon’s bestseller lists provide a real-time look into what people are buying and as of 2020, five of the top 100 best-selling items on Amazon’s beauty and personal care list are acne patches.

Fans of these hydrocolloid band-aids evangelize them while others dismiss them as ineffective. But, after some research, they can be quite effective when used properly (sounds like all skin care products, right?).

What are they? Pimple patches are made of hydrocolloid, a squishy, plastic material used in wound dressings in hospitals. Hydrocolloid from blister pads is more widely recognized as they can be found at drugstores. The material absorbs fluid, forming a gel that gets trapped in the bandage, turning the area of the bandage white. Some patches are equipped with microdarts to potentiate the delivery of active ingredients within the patch.

The term Latinx refers to people who originate from the geographical region known as Latin America. Historically, Latinx civilization extended north from South America into Mexico and eventually the southeastern United States, where it blended with indigenous American cultures. Latinx is often confused with Hispanic and conflated into one monochromatic group of people. Hispanic refers to people of Spanish-speaking origin. For example, Brazil is a part of Latin America, so Brazilians are Latinx, but Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, so they are not Hispanic. A person may be Hispanic but not Latinx or Latinx but not Hispanic.

Latin America involves many countries and nationalities that may share commonalities, but there is a wide diversity in skin colors. Latinx people are not one single race. They have had many influences, including Spanish colonialism, African slavery, and Native American culture.

A technician, educator, mentor and business owner, Mary Nielsen has been at the forefront in medical aesthetics since its infancy in the early 1990s. She is currently vice chair and industry expert on the Oregon Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians. She is the author of “Fearless Beauties,” the book, along with other aesthetic texts. She is the executive director of an aesthetic school, the founder of Fearless Beauties, and the creator of Cascade Aesthetic Alliance and Skintelligent Resources.

High-quality, professionally images are among the must-haves if you want to secure media coverage. So much so, that when I begin a relationship with a brand if they do not have an existing library of images, a photoshoot is scheduled within the first few weeks of our partnership. Of course, professional images are used for much more than PR. They are essential for websites, marketing pieces, and social media.

Not only do images give writers and editors a look at your facility and products when they are being considered for coverage, but superior images can also make the difference between whether your company or another spa makes it into the story. Sometimes, a media outlet will send a photographer to your facility to photoshoot for the magazine, newspaper, so forth. However, that is only after the story is assigned (thanks to great images and a well-written pitch). In most instances, you will be asked to supply images.

Debra Locker is the president and owner of Debra Locker Group, which she founded in 2008. The award-winning, boutique agency specializes in the luxury lifestyle market. Clients are featured on “The TODAY Show,” in SHAPE, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Huffington Post… to name only a few. Locker is the co-author of “Women of Courage.” The book is a compilation of stories from women who have found wellness and happiness following a struggle. Prior to launching DLG, Locker was the PR director for the International SPA Association. Before her PR career, she was a television reporter

Urticaria pronounced ur-tuh-keh-ree-uh is another term for hives (wheals). The term comes from Latin origin with “urere,” meaning to burn and “urtica,” meaning nettle. More modern interpretation comes from the European “stinging nettle” Urtica Dioica. Three million Americans are affected with urticaria each year.

Classified as a rash, urticaria presents as itchy, raised, red, or skin-colored welts on the surface of the skin. A form of urticaria-angioedema differs in several ways. Edema is present under the surface of the skin and is marked by deep swelling, usually occurring on the face, throat, feet, and hands. Generally, the swelling dissipates in less than a day.

urticaria can present as tiny bumps not much larger than a pinhead. They can be several inches wide. They often appear pink or skin-colored, but when pressed in the center, the area can turn white.

Brenda Linday is a licensed aesthetician, licensed aesthetic instructor, and certified aesthetic consultant with over 16 years’ experience in the medical aesthetic industry. Linday serves as a consultant for medical and aesthetic companies desiring to build strong sales and education teams. She develops clinical and sales education content, and trains sales and educational units, clinicians, physicians, and distributors around the world. Linday is also a featured author in many industry publications. Her passion is sharing her wealth of knowledge with other like-minded professionals who believe that education is the key to building lasting relationships with our clients, making each clinician more successful by increasing client satisfaction. Reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or @LindayConsul

As we begin our spa business recovery from the recent economic recession due to the COVID-19 virus the stress of being out of work combined with the concerns on how to re-open the economy safely can take a big toll on our mental wellness.

Both spa staff and client confidence have left many spa professionals concerned about their ability to recover their businesses long term. After being in the spa business for 32 years and surviving many economic downturns, I feel qualified to speak on this topic, especially since I am still a spa owner of a 3,000 square-foot medical spa that employees 18 staff and the manufacturer and distributor of a product to the trade with over 200 small business accounts that depend on our company to provide not only products but also training.

I must acknowledge that this time is like no other in that the economy around the globe has been affected by this recent pandemic disaster. As an industry leader located in Atlanta, Georgia, the first state in the United States to open back up to the business, here are a few words of encouragement and tips to help you on the road to recovery.

Lyn Ross, L.M.E., is the founder and CEO of Institut’ DERMed Clinical Skincare, Med Spa and College of Advanced Aesthetics. A licensed master aesthetician, Ross is an accredited aesthetic instructor with over 40 years of experience in the field of aesthetics. Throughout her career, Ross has treated thousands of patients and has worked with the top plastic surgeons and dermatologists in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been committed to bridging the gap between aesthetics and medicine for over 30 years and continues to be instrumental in influencing the exploding medical spa industry with both her hands-on technical training and solid business experience.

As an aesthetician, we are trained to help clients through so many stages in their lives, as well as their skin changes. Teenage acne, adult acne, major milestones, weddings, aging, trauma, you name it, we see it. We also play a little bit of the role of a therapist at times. Listening to our clients, developing relationships with them, and holding their hands through good and bad times. For me, this is one of the many things I love about my career. Treating skin disorders and nourishing new friendships along the way. It feeds me just as much as it feeds them. But what happens when we hit a wall? When we need a pick me up from the day-to-day? Do you ever get the feeling you are running in circles? Or that you’re just plain stagnant? So many questions can arise when aestheticians, need a little boost and love. As I write this, we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time that is extremely confusing. A lot of us are out of work and wondering what is next. Right now, more than any other time in my life, self-care should be the top priority. When I chose to write about what self-care meant to me months ago, I had such a different perspective on the topic than I do now. But nonetheless, self-care should always be a top priority. I am going to take you through my thought process and things I do to get myself out of a funk. It happens to all of us, we are human.

Courtney La Marine has been a licensed aesthetician since 2006 and continues to grow and learn in the skin care industry every day. She is based in Denver, Colorado and owns Clove Studios. She has worked with many skin care and wax lines as head of education. Working with top resort spas and destination hotels has allowed La Marine to create a unique approach to how skin care is presented to clients. Not only does she have a skin care studio in Denver, she also takes clients in Uvita, Costa Rica and researches new ingredients for a fresh take on skin care. La Marine is a result-driven professional who loves what she does, creates unique treatments for each client, and wants to give clients the skin they deserve. Staying current with new trends, innovative ingredients, and the latest technologies are of the upmost importance to her.        

We have all heard the term self-care, seems like everywhere you look nowadays it is being promoted, but what does it mean? Well, I think that varies from person to person; however, what is universal is that it is necessary.

Aestheticians work day-in and day-out providing care, sometimes even their clients self-care, helping people feel and look their best, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy and beautiful skin. One of the best parts about our job is knowing the impact aestheticians skills have on our clients’ skin health and well-being, how we can change someone’s day, help them reduce stress, and promote overall happiness, but what about you?

Andrea Gregaydis is a licensed aesthetician and International CIDESCO Diplomat. She holds multiple additional licenses as a New York state instructor and nail technician, as well as certified laser technician. Gregaydis is the lead instructor at the Aesthetic Science Institute and has over 10 years of experience as a practitioner, team coordinator, and role model for hundreds of future skin care professionals. She is a contributing author to top industry trade magazines, as well as a speaker at various aesthetics conferences across the United States.

If you did not nurture your skin in your 20s, your sins of the past and bad habits will show up in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. It is s a cumulative effect too. Every sunbathing session and every night you slept with your makeup on will come back to haunt you. One day, you’ll look in the mirror and see those age and sunspots, fine lines around the eyes, and loose skin near the jowls staring right back at you. Thank goodness for advancements in modern technology. There are outpatient skin resurfacing procedures that can help restore a youthful appearance and maintain skin’s long-term health. Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of Radiation) technology is so far advanced that all complexions can safely undergo these treatments with a qualified, licensed professional.

Annette Hanson is the founder of Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, a New York state licensing, NACCAS-accredited skin care school, postgraduate facility, and the first United States aesthetics college to be recognized by London’s International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC).Her professional experience spans more than 30 years as a Paris-trained aesthetician, waxing specialist, body therapist, salon manager, and spa consultant. A creator of two product lines, she is also a published author and sought-after lecturer at leading professional conferences worldwide. She was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the New York state aesthetics license, as well as the written and practical exam. She served as an educator on the Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee to New York’s Secretary of State. She was inducted into the Aesthetics International Association (A.I.A.) industry legends in August 2009 by DERMASCOPE Magazine. She is on the leadership committee of the ASCP Skin Care School Council (Associated Skin Care Professionals).

Funny to think that the minute we are born, we begin to age. And I for one am quite grateful that I am blessed with ongoing aging because the alternative simply does not take part in my next 40 years of dreams and goals.

My body has gone through many changes as I mature in age, and sometimes I find routines that I have been following for years need to be adjusted. I read somewhere once that one of the most important changes to consider as we age is our personal hygiene, which often declines as we get older. I believe the more we are upfront about matters, candid and unashamed, unapologetic for being blessed with aging, the more we can help each other continue to age with grace.

WHAT MATTERS MOST

This article comes to you during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. And, only God and my children know just how much care I give to myself to help me age with grace. Headscarves, hats, and so forth, are all part of my daily wardrobe these days.

Factors affecting the aging population such as difficulty standing, getting up and out of a bathtub, problems with balance, and loss of memory can affect one’s overall health. Other than my selective loss of memory that helps me in “special situations,” I have not reached the challenges. I am very blessed and grateful for my mental, spiritual, and physical strengths. And, I do what I can to keep strong, such as exercise, water intake, and eating healthy foods. You know – the basic good stuff of life, with a glass of wine thrown in here and there.

Our business is very important–albeit our politicians do not want to admit we, skin care professionals, are essential because a person’s overall health also includes skin health. And some of you know how diligent I can be to remind everyone that the skin covers the entire body, not only the visages and décolleté. Finding and selecting a routine and products that work effectively and safely is very important to maintaining good personal hygiene at any point in our life – lest we forget as we age.

BODY SUGARING FOR SENIORS

Hair removal might seem like something we’re only concerned about in our younger (those under the age of 65) years, but not only do many women and men still desire to get rid of unwanted body hair later in life, it can also be beneficial as we age.

Near all of us will experience skin thinning and becoming more sensitive with age. For those who still desire hair removal services, it is important for them to use methods that are gentle and skin-friendly. Certain waxing products might be too harsh and come with higher risks of tearing or bruising the skin, while laser might not be able to pick up the hairs that have been lightened due to loss of pigment.

Body sugaring hair removal is a safe, gentle, and effective method for all skin colors and types, including senior skin. Beyond just removing unwanted body hair, sugaring with high-quality pastes and an advanced technique can improve the skin’s overall tone and texture and is gentle enough to even treat areas with varicose and spider veins. Sugaring hair removal is beneficial for seniors, as they tend to be prone to developing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or simply excessively dry skin. Sugaring treatments are a great way to provide light exfoliation to expose an immediately healthier, more youthful-looking skin without contra-indication.

INTIMATE HAIR REMOVAL

The real benefit of hair removal for seniors has to do with personal care of intimate regions – the genitals. These areas can be prone to infections due to inadequate personal hygiene causing the area to become a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria.

Performing intimate hair removal treatments on seniors requires a gentle technique, due to the skin becoming thinner and more delicate. Advanced sugaring is a perfect match for seniors seeking intimate hair removal treatment.

By removing the hair in these regions which can hold onto bacteria, you are helping reduce the chance of infection while improving the effectiveness when cleaning these areas.

STAYING CLEAN THROUGH SUGARING

In women, urinary tract infections (UTI) are most often caused by bacterium escherichia coli (e. Coli) and are increasingly more common in aging women. This is related to thinner more delicate genital tissue and less effective washing of the vulva – the outer portion of the vagina. By removing the hair from this area, bacteria have less of a foothold, and washing of the vulva has a better chance of removing bacteria.

For men, the benefit of intimate hair removal may not be as obvious as it is for women, but it is still beneficial for improving personal hygiene. Properly washing the genitals is crucial for preventing possible infections and as with women, reducing hair in this area improves the effectiveness of male genital washing. Additionally, men tend to have thicker hair growth in their inner buttocks surrounding the anus which can retain fecal matter. Once this hair is removed, washing and keeping the anus area clean is easier and much more effective (and no more skid marks).

Anyone who has met me knows that I am proud to be hair-free from head-to-toe. Nearly 28 years ago, when I went for my yearly OBGYN appointment, my doctor was shocked when he saw how sparse my hair was. “Lina, how long have you had this problem?”, he asked with concern in his voice. Laughing, I replied, “Doctor, I told you last time I was here that I am involved with sugaring–a hair removal process. My hair is going away!”

After explaining body sugaring to him and all its benefits, my OBGYN doctor began referring to some of his patients to me, who was prone to vaginal infections, for sugaring treatments. According to his patients who became my clients, the doctor felt that by removing their bikini hair, they would be reducing the potential breeding of bacteria that can lead to yeast infections. Cleansing would be easier and more effective.

EASY AND EFFECTIVE CLEANING

Let’s not forget that bacteria in the vaginal area, mixing with oil from the pubic hair area is also a cause of bad odor. This can be a common cause with seniors, as it is generally recommended that they only bathe every few days because washing too often can cause increased dryness. In order to prevent bacteria build-up between washes, especially in intimate areas, seniors should look for easy to use, pH balanced products, such as wipes, for the interim.

If you do not already offer sugaring treatments for seniors, this is an opportunity to increase your spa clientele. We are a large group of boomers who want to look and feel good up to the last minute. As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

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.