Grab those flannel PJs & turn up the heat. Winter is on its way. And… your skin needs protection. Dry air and harsh wind can zap moisture from the skin leaving you dry scalely and irritated. If you think staying indoors is going to prevent dry skin----- think again. Your furnace absorbs all your natural moisture; with out that you can’t stay soft & supple. Remember 70% of skin tissue contains water; so dry environments can really take toll on your skin.

A recent study was published by skin research technology that said exposure to a low humidity environment plays havoc on the texture of your skin & accelerates the development of fine lines & wrinkles. The secret to soft hydrated skin during those cold dry months is to provide external relief and protection. One solution for those thirsty skin types, spritz your face and body with ClearChoice® Balance.Not only does science support aloe as a miracle healing & protection. Centuries ago Ancient Egyptians used aloe from the inside / out to heal every problem they encountered.

A decade ago, Med Spas were an emerging trend, primarily emerging from places such as Beverly Hills and Manhattan. These were mainly progressive thinking Doctors designating parts of their practices to offering more cosmetic procedures. Day Spas and Full Service Salons were still the standard in offering relaxing, pampering skin care treatments. Today, Med Spas are flourishing throughout the country, and you’d be hard pressed to find a city without at least one. Evolving trends and improved technologies have given rise to the phenomenon we are experiencing which I call the Rise of the Med Spa. More and more, the lines which once clearly defined the spa experience from the medical one has blurred, and Med Spas are offering cosmetic medical treatments combined with pampering touches once strictly performed at traditional Day Spas. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for clients to be able to schedule their brow wax, facial, and Botox injections all at the same place, and more and more this is becoming the standard. So how does the traditional Day Spa survive in this changing market? I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Estheticians from all over the country about this growing dilemma, and one fact I find particularly fascinating is the pressure some Estheticians are feeling to compete with “Medical” Estheticians. The idea that if you work in a doctor’s office you must be a better esthetician than one who works in a Day Spa has gone from one mainly held in the mind of some clients, to now permeating our profession. This is a completely false and biased prejudice, and as skin care professionals we should work to dispel these myths.

Below, I’ve listed a few simple strategies that can be used by any esthetician, whether you own a large Day Spa or rent a single room in a salon. The success of our profession is measured by the success of every individual in our profession, and Esthetics is a wonderful career mainly because of the variety of settings in which in can be practiced. Whether in a salon or a plastic surgeons office, every Esthetician is working towards a common goal, to care for our client’s skin in the most effective way, and offer the best treatments and therapies available.

Define your Concept
Every successful business has a concept, an idea or inspiration on which the foundation of the business is built. This idea is as unique as the individuals who create it, and in the spa market uniqueness is essential. In a world where franchises and copy cats are becoming the norm, it’s refreshing to find Day Spas that offer creative and unique menus and treatments. Having a clear definition of your businesses concept will help you create a practice in which your strengths and specialties are utilized completely.

Keep up with Industry Trends
/> Whether you offer cosmetic medical procedures at your spa or salon or not, it’s always a good idea to be informed and educated on the latest trends and procedures. Your clients look to you as a source of information and guidance on their skin care, and you should be able to answer their questions intelligently. Offering treatments that help speed healing and reduce trauma after cosmetic medical procedures is also a great way to ensure that your clients will return to you for their pre and post procedure care, and not be lost to the Doctor’s office completely. No one knows your client’s skin better than you, so no one is better suited to nurture and care for their skin than you.

Offer only the Best
Every esthetician has a specialty, something we are better at than any other, and this is your best. In this age of mass marketing and advertising, it’s imperative to separate yourself from the competition. Give your personal best to every client that walks through your door, offer them innovative and creative treatments, and use only effective and scientifically proven products.

These are only a few suggestions, and I would love to hear from you on any ideas you may want to share. Please e-mail me your comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I’ll post your ideas in next month’s Education Corner.