Nothing ages skin faster than sun damage. More ominously, one American dies from melanoma every hour, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. So the choice to apply sunscreen is a no-brainer. But your clients may not know how to get the maximum protection. “Everyone reading this is probably using too little and applying too infrequently,” says Talia Emery, M.D., medical director of Remedy (Westlake Village, CA), a cosmetic dermatology center. “More is better. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.”...

In years past, facials were considered spring cleaning for the skin. But since then, they have evolved to do much more. Today’s facials tackle a host of skincare concerns—and a growing number of skincare devices have appeared on the market to help in the cause. From microdermabrasion to light therapy, there are now tools to better cleanse the skin, improve product penetration, eliminate acne-causing bacteria, minimize hyperpigmentation, firm and tone the skin, and more. If you want to take your...

Just about anyone under the sun—literally—can be prone to hyperpigmentation, those dark patches of skin formed by an overproduction of melanin. The sources of these unsightly spots—triggered by UV rays from past or present exposure—are many. Anything from hormonal changes to skin inflammation to adverse reactions to facial peels and other chemicals can cause them. Though harmless, hyperpigmentation ranks as a legitimate and growing concern among clients. If not on equal par, it is a close second to wrinkles, according...

Nature’s Bounty “Nature’s oil-blotting ingredients, including saw palmetto, sesame seed oil, argan oil, and Chinese peony, absorb oil in the follicle before it reaches the surface.”—Teresa Stenzel, director of education, Bioelements Professional Skin Care (www. bioelements.com) “Shiitake mushrooms, an ingredient in our new Intense Defense Serum, provide vitamins A, B, C, and especially D. Also, they provide immune-response stimulation and diminish surface microbial counts.”—Carl Thornfeldt, M.D., founder, Epionce ( www.epionce.com ) “Resveratrol that has gone through biofermentation provides anti-aging and...

Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapy is an ideal addition to a medical spa’s repertoire of services, because it is painless, non-invasive, and has virtually no recovery time. There are several different forms of LED therapy, with each color or combination of lights targeting a specific purpose. Because LED therapy can be used for multiple reasons, it is important to discuss with your client the exact results they are looking to achieve so you can give them the most effective treatment. For...

Known for its healing properties, geranium was once associated with Venus, the ancient Roman goddess of love, sensuality, and victory. One whiff of its floral and feminine scent, and you’ll understand why geranium has a reputation for being at once soothing and completely invigorating. In fact, Roman soldiers used its essential oil to instill courage and self-confidence before battle, and during medieval times, people planted geranium around their cottages as a means of protection from evil spirits. In Britain in...

From the Bard to emily Brontë to the band Poison, roses have inspired poets and songwriters for millennia. Their delicate petals have also inspired beauty and therapeutic treatments—Cleopatra’s rose oil treatments and rose water baths, for example—and roses have become a symbol of love, romance, and femininity. But sometimes the flower’s skincare benefits get lost in the telling, overpowered by the intoxicating fragrance. This spring, as roses start to bloom, remind spa-goers that which we call a rose treat- ment...

Your interaction with the environment, your lifestyle and what you consume will impact how quickly you age. The concept of “beauty from within” brings forth a holistic philosophy looking at what you ingest through diet/supplementation, how it complements topical treatments/products and ultimately affects your external appearance (skin, hair, nails, weight management). This year nutrcosmetics are flooding the market claiming to help you look your best. Although I am a proponent of nutricosmetics, I encourage my clients to look at what...