As the skin care profession has risen to new levels of professionalism and expertise, the responsibility for the individual professional to represent those levels has become increasingly necessary. On a daily basis we are seeing new products, equipment, technology, ingredients, and techniques. It can be a full time job simply keeping up with the wave – let alone actually being appropriately informed. Yet, it remains…

It is interesting that after almost 30 years in the skin care and beauty business, the same three skin conditions continue to wreak havoc on the health and beauty of the skin: acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It really is not a wonder why, when you consider the underlying biology and take a look at most lifestyles and the world around us – it makes perfect…

I love the start of a new year as it is an inspiring time of endless opportunities and limitless goal setting. I truly hope each of you have set your sights on an outstanding accomplishment for 2019. Our first New Year’s topic is all about the body, including hair removal services and body treatments. These are great topics to start the year off because, for…

As we wrap up the end of the year, it is the ideal time to cover two great topics: exfoliation and New Year’s resolutions. Yes, they may seem like an odd combination, but, in reality, they go pretty well together. Exfoliation rids the surface of the skin of buildup, debris, and accumulated toxins; New Year’s resolutions can do the same for one’s life! Exfoliation is…

Where in the world does the time go? I have to pinch myself to believe we are winding down 2018 – and at a super rapid rate! I feel like just yesterday I was saying to myself “June will be here before we know it.” Now, June is long gone and 2019 is in my sights. But, as fast as it goes, I have loved…

Ihave always found autumn to be a breath of fresh air. Here in the northeast, we have cooler days and breezy nights, a lower setting sun in the sky, falling leaves, and crisp air. It’s a time of rejuvenation and an opportunity to set your sights on the upcoming months. First, fall is the ideal time for making connections and exploring new business ideas. This…

After 30 years in the skin care business, I can honestly say I think I’ve seen everything! When you tack on 16 years as a school owner – my goodness – I could write a book! I’ve watched the ebb and flow of an amazing industry that has grown leaps and bounds in products, ingredients, technology, services, sales, and business strategies.

As we roll through the summer months, our thoughts are on sunshine, warm weather, picnics, barbecues, and beaches. Summer is the ideal time of year to enjoy friends and family, reconnect with the great outdoors, and, honestly, to pause long enough to smell the roses. But, as much of a blessing as summer is, it is also a time of the year when we should…

I never knew exactly what I wanted do when I grew up. During my senior year of high school, my best friend and I decided that we were going to become hairdressers and open our own salon, so we convinced our parents to put us in beauty school. Three nights during the week and every Saturday for 10 months, we drove to downtown Albany, New…

Makeup enthusiasm is at an all-time high. I can barely keep up with the viral video tutorials by professionals, let alone those being made by younger individuals – sometimes under the age of 10! I must admit, my makeup routine is very minimal, so I take great interest in these videos. From contour to shading, and dramatic evening looks to light daytime looks, these videos…

Often overlooked when treating clients with acne is the emotional side of dealing with the condition. For youth, teasing and bullying often occurs. In some cases, this leads to depression, withdrawal, and even suicide. I have found that providing opportunities for clients to open up about the emotional element of acne creates an environment where they feel safe. Remember, it is not easy to gather…