Acupuncture is an ancient technique used in traditional Chinese medicine that is now a common alternative medical treatment used worldwide. According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture has been used in some form for at least 2,500 years. It involves inserting very fine needles into the energy meridians or pathways in the body to balance and optimize the flow of the life or energy force known as Qi. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that disorders of the energy flow, Qi, are the root cause of illness, emotional dysfunction, and aging. 

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION 

Acupuncture provides benefits to both the body and the mind. In addition to its use as a treatment for physical ailments, acupuncture is widely used to treat diverse mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance addiction, and insomnia. Cosmetic acupuncture also provides a host of aesthetic benefits from acne treatment to anti-aging.  

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes that a link exists between the mind and body that make them an integrated system. This system connects the organs in the body, the energy pathways (meridians) throughout the body, and the psychological state. Through acupuncture, the body’s energy meridians are balanced and optimized so Qi flows freely, producing better mental and physical health. 

NONRISKY BUSINESS 

A 2018 article in Psychology Today, “Acupuncture in Mental Health Care,” states that research studies suggest that conventional needle acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and computer-controlled electro-acupuncture treatments show consistent beneficial effects on depressed mood and anxiety.  

A more recent article, “Acupuncture for Psychological Disorders Caused by Chronic Pain,” published in 2021 in Frontiers in Neuroscience, explains that “acupuncture tackles the multidimensional nature of pain with fewer or no serious adverse effect.” The article goes on to state that an estimated 20.4% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, with depression and anxiety being the most common psychological disorders resulting from this chronic pain. An estimated eight million Americans have used acupuncture, primarily for pain-related problems, and it has had a beneficial effect in the treatment of psychological disorders caused by the chronic pain. 

Internationally recognized aesthetic business development expert. Cheryl Whitman. is the founder and CEO of Beautiful Forever Consulting. She is a sought-after speaker and industry marketing specialist. who assists physicians and medical spas in creating new profit centers, developing profitable private label product lines, ghost writing articles and eBooks, and identifying and executing new business strategies aimed at improving their bottom line. A celebrated author, Whitman’s “Aesthetic Medical Success System,” a turnkey educational system, has assisted clients in opening or jumpstarting their current businesses. Her second book, “Beautifully Profitable, Forever Profitable,” provides solid, practical information on how to create, launch, and grow successful aesthetic medical practices and related businesses.

Though dirt may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of luxurious skin care, mud treatments have historically been a favorite in beauty rituals in many cultures throughout all corners of the world. 

Fangotherapy, the medical use of mud derived from the Italian word for mud (fango), was first introduced by the ancient Greek and Romans that would often socially bathe together in mud baths. Romanian legend tells a story of an elderly man that was blind and crippled who ended up stuck in the muddy waters of Lake Techirghiol with his donkey and later walked out of the water with his blindness and aches cured. 

Native Americans have also recorded the use of mud to sooth irritated skin. Cleopatra, beloved pharaoh of Egypt, is said to have built the world’s first spa after recognizing the mystical powers and therapeutic properties of the Dead Sea in Israel. Stories echo of her applying Dead Sea mud to her face which has claimed responsibility for her renowned youthful beauty. Queen of Sheba, King David, and King Herod the Great also acknowledged the healing powers of the Dead Sea, according to historians.

While clay is primarily used as a drying agent, mud contains more healing properties. From improving blood circulation, deep cleansing properties, removing impurities, unclogging pores, absorbing oil, exfoliating, brightening, softening, and tightening perks, mud has remained a staple in the skin care industry around the globe. 

NATURAL MUDS

Natural muds are saturated in a variety of enzymes and minerals that are essential for healthy skin and incredibly difficult to artificially simulate. Each type of mud contains unique properties specific to the geological location they originated from. Here are 10 of the most prized muds used today:

1. Dead Sea mud: The Dead Sea, located along the shores of Israel, arguably contains the world’s largest source of vital minerals that benefit skin. This dense, dark mud has high amounts of sulfur (which is reflected in the aroma), magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, bitumen (natural tar), and silicon. Its high mineral concentration helps sooth inflammation and remedy common skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. 

1. Volcanic mud: This can be harvested from any location that has or has had a volcano, regardless of the volcanic activity. The most common harvest sources include Argentina, Hawaii, Italy, California, and Japan. The trace elements and ash found in the different locations are specific to the geography of its origin, but most all, volcanic muds offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Jeju volcanic clay from South Korea is particularly absorbent and ideal for oily skin as it smooths porous skin by drawing out excess oil.

1. Moor mud: This deep colored, plant-derived mud originated in the moorlands of Europe. Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, France, and Turkey are the main locations it is found thanks to over 20,000 years of plant decomposition common in those areas. Because moor mud contains a mild astringent, it is ideal for sensitive skin types.

Amanda Azar is a published makeup artist, medical aesthetician, and body wrapper based in south Florida. She is the founder and executive artist of Azar Beauty, makeup artistry instructor at Cortiva Institute, and lead artist for NewsmaxTV, Pelican Grand’s Pure Spa, and St. Andrews Country Club. Azar has a degree in business management from Florida Atlantic University, diplomas in fashion makeup from Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry and Paramedical Aesthetics from Southeastern College, is dual licensed, and holds over 40 certifications. Azar is a member of the National Association of Professional Businesswomen, National Aesthetic Spa Network, Look Good Feel Better, and a RAW Artist alumni.

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It is essential for skin care professionals to understand the unique intricacies that different Fitzpatrick skin types present so that they can confidently treat all clients who walk in the door. The United States Census Bureau projects that by 2044, 50% of the United States population will be of nonwhite descent.1 As the country continues to become more diverse, it is imperative to provide specialized care for conditions unique to their ethnic backgrounds.  

While nearly every single client has unique skin challenges, understanding the challenges of ethnic skin on a broader scale helps professionals solve some of the most common conditions and concerns confidently when treating skin of color.  

SKIN COLOR 

Skin color is a composite made up of four compounds. Hemoglobin (oxygenated blood cells), hemoglobin with non-oxygenated red blood cells, carotenoids (yellow pigment), and melanin (brown to black pigment). The melanocyte, which produces melanin, is directly responsible for skin pigment.  

A melanocyte has a mighty job; it is responsible for making melanin. The melanocyte takes the amino acid tyrosine, and through the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase, it converts to a new compound which is then made into melanin by the action of more enzymes.  

Once the melanin has been produced, the cell must form little packets called melanosomes. Melanosomes are the melanin granules that get transferred to the keratinocytes to be utilized for sun protection. Melanosomes act like little umbrellas that try to shield the body from sun exposure by producing dark spots, or pigmentation.  

References

1. Burgess, Cheryl, and Olabola Awosika. 2015. “Ethnic and Gender Considerations in the Use of Facial Injectables.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 136 (November): 28S31S. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000001813.

1. News. n.d. “Multicultural Dermatology: Treating Skin, Hair and Nail Conditions in People of Color.” News. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/multicultural-dermatology-treating-skin-hair-and-nail-conditions-in-people-of-color/2023/02.

1. ‌Love, Porcia B, and Roopal V Kundu. 2016. Clinical Cases in Skin of Color Medical, Oncological and Hair Disorders, and Cosmetic Dermatology. Cham Springer International Publishing.

1. Ludmann, Paula. 2022. “Vitiligo: Diagnosis and Treatment.” Www.aad.org. June 29, 2022. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-treatment.

\Michael Q. Pugliese, an informed educator, writer, and asset to the skin care industry, became the third-generation CEO of Circadia by Dr. Pugliese in 2006. His dedication and leadership to the brand has grown to achieve international recognition and distribution worldwide. This global expansion has created a skin care regime for every skin type in the world. Pugliese’s compelling lectures honor the tenets of modern skin science discovered originally by his grandfather. By following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he has been driven to deliver a clear message on skin care to all his clients and fellow educators in the industry. In addition to the success of the skin care line, Circadia also has the first physician-formulated pillowcase formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural circadian rhythms which protect from environmental damage while focusing on skin repair during evening rest.

Picture it – a well-known organization has launched a new perfume to raise money for breast cancer. Many people who have had a loved one battle cancer would not bat an eye at purchasing this perfume for a great cause. Come to find out, the first six ingredients of the perfume are known cancer-causing ingredients. Everyone from doctors to nurses to cancer patients themselves have fallen prey to beauty companies’ efforts to sell products or raise money for cancer or cancer research but formulate with cancer-causing ingredients or ingredients that can interfere with cancer treatment. This is an example called pinkwashing – an ode to the pink ribbon synonymous with breast cancer – and surprisingly, most of the harmful ingredients being applied every day through personal care products are completely lawful.

UNREGULATED GOODS 

The United States skin care industry is one of the least regulated industries. There is little legal protection from people putting harmful chemicals on their bodies. There are 100,000 ingredients in the beauty industry and only 10% have been checked for safety. For example, fragrance listed on a product can mean up to 100 additional chemicals, but the FDA protects the company from listing them because these ingredients are considered a “trade secret.”  

People have control over precious little in their lives. For the majority of the day, the mind is running the show – making endless to-do lists and shifting focus in a million different directions, replaying conversations from the past and projecting potential scenarios of the future. This cannot be soothing for the soul. The good news is there are three simple, soul-sustaining secrets that can allow one to navigate life with grace and a smile (for the most part). 

AWARENESS

By nature, humans are programmed to be thinking machines, dissecting everything from wake to sleep. The mind is constantly churning out thoughts like “get ready for work,” “make breakfast,” “send appointment reminders,” “wake up kids,” and the list goes on and on.

I am not sure there is anyone else in the industry that uses the term, “age reversal” because it has not been the goal of most formulators and brands. While there are promising studies for future medical strategies to reverse aging, the skin care industry has been focused on slowing aging and making people look less old. Is there hope for more? 

Yes. As it relates to skin, aging can be defined as a loss of collagen and elastin, a loss of circulation and nutrients, and an increase in wounds that leave skin with hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or chronic redness. Many companies offer products that temporarily lighten redness or pigmentation, but the goal should be to heal and reconstruct skin. How is that done?  First, use ingredients that rebuild lost circulation. They exist – chlorella, niacinamide, retinaldehyde, and growth factors to name a few.

Aging can be proactive but inevitable. Skin changes over time. Some of these changes can be quite intense and affect not just skin but also mental health and well-being. For example, a teenager with severe acne may feel self-conscious and lack confidence due to their skin condition. A person in their 40’s who has developed deep wrinkles from improper skin care and sun exposure can resent their older appearance. From birth to final breath, it is imperative to provide skin with the proper products to meet its changing needs.

Education is an important factor for the longevity of a skin care professional’s career and ensures not only safety compliance but also ethical standards and the understanding of current industry trends. Skin care professionals must remain humble, with a true willingness to learn and absorb more information at all times as the industry is constantly evolving and changing. Professionals must focus on three categories of education investment: quality and compliance, investing in yourself, and credentials. 

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Courtney Sykes is the chief administrative officer of Southeastern Esthetics Institute and is a licensed aesthetics instructor in South Carolina. Sykes is also the creator of Courtney Sykes Molecular Anit-Aging, a clinical skin care line for consumers and professionals. Her passion lies in creating real change in the aesthetics industry, assisting her students to obtain gainful employment, and making a difference in the lives of their clients. Sykes specializes in a science-based approach to skin health and education. Her primary focus is chemical peels, laser treatments, eyelash extensions, micropigmentation, and cosmetic lasers. Her background in medical spa management has led her to nationally accredit the largest licensed aesthetics school in South Carolina – Southeastern Esthetics Institute. 

Social media can be overwhelming, exhausting, and disheartening at times. It can feel like a necessary evil for business owners and industry specialists with constant pressure to set yourself apart from competition and show up perfectly manicured for viewers. 

Social media may or may not be for everyone, but it is a free and powerful tool if you know how to utilize it in ways that won’t kill your spirit. It can be difficult to master the art of online sales through social media, but with a few simplified tips and tricks, the path to success is much easier. 

Tiffanie Orr has owned and operated her own skin care business for eleven years. She has successfully grown her business from a one aesthetician show to a thriving multiple six-figure operation. She has a team of nine amazing women in a small and rural town of only 3,500 people. She is proudly partnered with Éminence Organic Skin Care and Herbal Skin Solutions and is an educator and coach for beauty and skin care professionals through her sister company, Sweet Cheeks University (@sweetcheeksuniversity). Orr deeply wants to impact the lives of women through her work, and she especially wants to impact women who want to serve others as aestheticians as well as the women who depend on them. Orr is a mom to three beautiful children and resides in Salmon, Idaho. Follow her at @sweetcheekswaxingskincare. 

In the realm of advanced aesthetics treatment such as chemical peels, microneedling, lasers, and cosmetic surgery, achieving optimal results requires more than just the procedure itself. Properly preparing skin before undergoing these treatments is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize potential risks. Skin pre-conditioning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of these procedures, regardless of skin type. By incorporating key ingredients into a pre-treatment regimen, individuals can pave the way for successful outcomes and a smoother recovery process.

Before delving into the specific ingredients that should be a part of every pre-treatment regimen, it is vital to understand the underlying reasons why skin pre-conditioning is essential. The primary objectives of pre-conditioning are to optimize skin health, improve treatment outcomes, minimize adverse effects, and expedite the healing process.

References

1. Desai, S., Ayres, E., Bak, H., Manco, M., Lynch, S., Raab, S., Du, A., Green, D., Skobowiat, C., Wangari-Talbot, J., & Zheng, Q. (2019, May 1). Effect of a tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide containing serum on Facial Dyschromia: A clinical evaluation. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31141852/

1. Sander, M., Sander, M., Burbidge, T., & Beecker, J. (2020). The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 192(50). https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.201085 

1. Mukherjee, S., Date, A., Patravale, V., Korting, H. C., Roeder, A., & Weindl, G. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of Skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(4), 327–348. https://doi.org/10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327 

1. Yip, D. L. (2020). A pilot study on the use of a non‐crosslinked hyaluronic acid with associated anti‐oxidant ingredients to improve the effectiveness of nd:YAG laser toning in the treatment of Melasma in six patients. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(9), 2212–2218. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13565 

1. Lintner, K., Gerstein, F., & Solish, N. (2020). A serum containing vitamins C & E and a matrix‐repair tripeptide reduces facial signs of aging as evidenced by PRIMOS® Analysis and frequently repeated auto‐perception. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(12), 3262–3269. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13770