Opening your new office is a major undertaking for anyone. But now, your practice must be practical yet welcoming, friendly yet functional, and one that is above all undeniably you – and makes money. Without a strong plan, costly mistakes may quickly spiral out of control.

Consider these top mistakes when opening a new practice.

Jay A. Shorr, BA, MBM-C, CAC I-XIV is the founder and managing partner of Shorr Solutions, a Florida-based medical practice consulting firm assisting practices with their operational, administrative, and financial health. He served as the vice president of operations and practice administrator for a leading board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon and held partnerships in two leading South Florida plastic surgery centers. Shorr has served as a professional motivational speaker for nearly a dozen industry organizations. He is a certified medical business manager (CMBM) from Florida Atlantic University, a certified aesthetic consultant (Levels I-XIV) at The Aesthetic Show and The Aesthetic Academy, and a member of The Aesthetic Show’s 2019 Scientific Advisory Board.

Mara Shorr, BS, CAC II-XIV, is a partner and vice president of marketing and business development for Shorr Solutions, bringing more than a decade of marketing and communications experience to Shorr Solutions’ clients. She is a Level II through XIV certified aesthetic consultant utilizing knowledge and skills from her previous positions in marketing for two separate leading dermatology, cosmetic, and plastic surgery practices located in South Florida. Focusing on both internal and client strategies in traditional and new media, she is a public speaker and has written for several industry publications.

Rob Deters is the Business Development Manager at Shorr Solutions. Having previously worked as an administrator at a large family practice outside of Boston, Rob has first-hand experience on running a busy physician-owned medical spa. This unique perspective makes him an invaluable asset to all of our clients. In his free time, Rob can be found cruising the waters of Cape Cod or hiking in the woods near his Massachusetts home.

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.

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.

Let’s talk branding. Branding is used to differentiate one company’s product or service from another’s by distinctive symbols, slogans, and designs. A brand is identified by its image, color, and logo which structures its presence from its competitors. Physical appearance and attributes are equally important, therefore are considered part of a branding. Branding is a marketing practice that uses creative tools, ideas, and terms to gain brand recognition across various channels of media. Interchangeably branding is marketing and marketing is branding, yet they are different because marketing represents the methods used for branding. Furthermore, branding is an element used to market the product or service as it relates to the brand and its messaging. Both communicate the definition and the identity of it effectively to its audience. According to The Brand Journal, a brand is the perceived image of the product you sell, and branding is the strategy to create that image.

Cole Patterson is a celebrity makeup artist and male groomer. She has been honing her expertise behind the scenes, gracing the faces of some of Hollywood's most famous stars on the big screen in the film and television industry.

Aestheticians, educators, and primary care providers spend much time explaining what acne is to clients and how it can be managed and treated. Currently, in the throes of a pandemic, the world is acutely aware of the sheer havoc a microscopic virus can wreak. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights that skin care professionals should really be speaking more about primary prevention, including the steps to build a healthy immune system and avoiding unnecessary exposure to aggravating and causative pathogens. Modern life has led to the introduction of an immune-compromising diet, a sedentary lifestyle, overcrowding, exposure to toxins and pollution, and the new development or over-production of pathogens. It is within the professional’s grasp to shift this paradigm to one where clients are able to take ownership of their personal health and the choices, they make surrounding it. Knowledge is empowering and sharing this knowledge with clients can be even more beneficial than the treatment itself.

Increased androgens, sebum production, lifestyle, genes, and hygiene practices can all contribute to teenage acne. Yet another possibility could be due to excessive or poor makeup usage. This type of acne is known as acne cosmetica.

Rachelle Dupree has over 20 years of experience in marketing, media, communications, and design. She studied with a Denver-based herbalist and naturopath for four years, combining her marketing knowledge with her love of natural remedies and skin care. She currently contracts as a marketing and communications director for Vivoderm Natural Skincare and various design clients.

Helping a teenager with acne achieve clear skin is one of the most rewarding times of being a skin care professional. The journey, however, is not without its hurdles and obstacles.

Mark Lees, Ph.D., M.S. is a multi-award-winning speaker, master clinical skin therapist, and product developer of Mark Lees Skin Care products, specializing in acne, sensitive, and aging skin, and author of “Skin Care: Beyond the Basics”, the “Skin Care Answer Book”, and his latest book “Clearing Concepts: A Guide to Acne Treatment.” Dr. Lees can be contacted or to order his books at markleespro.com.

AN INTRO TO ACNE

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit — blockage or inflammation of this unit will result in acne. Oil glands are found in the highest density on the face, back, and chest and these are the most common sites of acne development. Sebum is a food source for bacteria called propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) that reside in the skin. As these bacteria proliferate, they attract white blood cells, which is an immune response that can damage the follicle walls, forming debris and dead cells that result in pimples and sometimes pustules.

Acne can manifest in many ways. It can be non-inflammatory, where sebum and dead skin cells easily become trapped within the follicle. This accumulation of cellular debris and sebaceous matter forms a hard plug that obstructs the pore opening. This obstruction is called a comedo. It manifests itself as a non-inflamed bump or blackhead on the skin’s surface. Over time it can become more inflammatory where small red bumps (papules) or pus-filled spots (pustules) occur. In more severe forms, deep, red, tender spots known as nodules or cysts develop. This form is also known as cystic acne, which can result in scarring of the skin. It is important to remind clients not to self-pop, squeeze, pick, or poke at their acne lesions as they can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), or scarring.

Beatrice Van is an award-winning aesthetics master educator and enthusiastic, positive, self-starter with over 17 years of progressive experience in the beauty industry. In addition to her role as a clinical master aesthetics educator at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, she is the clinical director for Fearless Beauties. She is also a certified advanced aesthetician, makeup artist, and nail specialist. On her days off, Van is at Indie Esthetics helping her clients look and feel like the very best versions of themselves or off traveling throughout North America as an education ambassador for CND and Fearless Beauties. Her passion is to empower both students and beauty professionals to boldly invest in their education and strengthen their skills while elevating standards in the industry.