During winter time our skin is subject to the damaging and drying effects of cold, windy weather and the low humidity of dry indoor heating. In order to stay warm we enjoy long, hot showers and internal high temperature, this tend to suck the moisture from our body, leaving skin dry, itchy and prone to cracking ,and those with sensitive skin or skin conditions  are (more…)
In the winter, humidity levels plummet, the dry air dehydrates skin and strips it of lipids, which are part of its protective outer layer. Irritants enter more easily as the moisture barrier is compromised and causing inflammation, redness and flaking… Think of the skin’s surface like the paint job on (more…)
“It’s complicated.” “They’re too messy.” “I don’t know if my clients would purchase a body treatment.” These are just some of the phrases I’ve heard over the years from spa owners and practitioners as to why they don’t offer professional body treatments. But the right body treatment performed the right (more…)
Brand Partnership Strategies for Marketing Success Aesthetic industry marketing is rapidly evolving with the growth of visual and social media. Being well versed in your brand’s marketing tools will help you stand out and create trusted consumer relationships in a competitive environment. Essential Education Choose a brand that you believe (more…)
One of my favorite questions over my 17-year career working with business owners is; “What is the optimal retail inventory amount for my clinic?” I love this question because it tells me the clinic owner wants to know how to maximize profits while optimizing cash-flow. While optimal retail inventory amounts (more…)
Being rushed or pushed into a sale. Leaving a business with a bad taste in your mouth. Feeling like your time, or worse, you, were unimportant. Just reading those scenarios is enough to sink your spirits, and that’s because we’ve likely all experienced them first-hand. These examples are some of (more…)
You may not have noticed, but over the past 5 years the amount of organic products in the marketplace have skyrocketed. Organics are everywhere. More and more sectors of the U.S. economy are embracing organic products, mostly because of the overwhelming demand by the U.S. consumer for organic products in (more…)
Aromatherapy is one of the easiest ways to reap the health benefits of essential oils. There are almost as many ways to use these powerful plant products as there are different essential oils, so where do you start? Aromatherapy can be as easy as applying the oil to your skin (more…)
As the founder and CEO of a skin care company, I have encountered many spa owners and estheticians over the last twenty years with a great desire to learn. While education in skin science, ingredient chemistry, facial and peel hands-on clinical training and marketing have been par for the course, (more…)
Providing a thorough skin analysis should be the starting point of any skin care treatment program. Without a complete understanding of a client’s history, work/play lifestyle, sunburn history, genetics, ethnicity,  medications, sensitivities, current skin care regimen, etc, treatment plans and home care regimen changes or suggestions may not completely or (more…)
It’s my favorite time of year when we shift from the dog days of summer to the snuggle-up brisk days of winter. For me there’s nothing better than cozy nights wrapped in a blanket, sitting by the fire. I also love cooking comfort foods for my family – soups and (more…)
As aestheticians we are naturally big-hearted, generous, kind and enjoy spending our time making other people look and feel good about themselves.  Even on our worst days, we are natural born givers, so why not make it an official part of our business.  There are so many ways to combine charity work with business (more…)
How To Succeed In Business.  It’s a wonderful Broadway musical that recently did a revival on Broadway!  While we’re not going to sing and dance, if you follow our 5 steps to holiday marketing, you’ll be dancing in your spa in January 2019!  We have a plan for you to (more…)
Congratulations to the 2018 Scholarship Winners NASNPRO Grants & Scholarships are making dreams come true! We want you to be successful and have partnered with leading companies to be able to offer these awards. Thank you to all who submitted an application and congratulations to all the winners! NASNPRO Décor Grant-$500.00 Megan (more…)
Mists and toners are trending and understandably so. They’re quick and convenient. Psssht. Psssht. That’s it. No fuss. No mess. And there are so many uses for them. Take a look: Daily Skin Care and Treatments Facial mists and toners refresh and moisturize the skin, and they tighten pores. But (more…)
The front desk is one of the highest traffic locations inside a spa. Your clients’ first and last impression is with the front desk team. Think about your front desk right now, how would you describe the experience. How would your clients describe their experience? Creating a true customer experience (more…)
In my blogs I have stressed numerous times the importance of wearing your daily SPF to protect your skin from sun damage. UV light damages the elastin fibers in our skin. Elastin is what gives skin its tightness and ability to stretch and return to shape. Once these fibers are (more…)
Statistics state that the millennial generation seeks a lifestyle that is filled with wellness, clean eating, and to create a work life balance. The days of spas being stereotyped as a place for just women is in the past. We are all humans with the same stress, need for self-care, (more…)
The Lower the Ph, the Higher the Concentration, the More Effective the Product… Let’s start with a quick throwback to chemistry class: pH is a scale that measures acidity and alkalinity. Zero is the most acidic and 14 the most alkaline. Water is 7, which is neutral. The skin’s natural pH is between 4.5 (more…)
Adaptogen. A word likely to gain commercial momentum among enthusiastic consumers of wellness supplement, alternative healthcare, and holistic beauty products in the coming years. The term refers to a group of largely herbal agents with the assumed ability to help an organism achieve homeostasis through physiological process regulation, or adrenal (more…)
5 Steps You MUST Take to Gain Customers, Followers, and Loyal Fans. We can’t get through a day without hearing about what Kim Kardashian did on Instagram, or what #45 tweeted. That’s because the world is obsessed with social media. It’s taken over our phones, our businesses, our communication, and (more…)
MEMBER SPA’tlight 02 Spa Owner: Rick Verrico 208 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.251.5868 02 Spa offers massage and oxygenated hydro-therapy treatments for a complete package of health and wellness when combined together. The oxygenated tub immersion experience is the star treatment at 02 Spa, where even the Pittsburgh Steelers (more…)
Much like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, my mind is loud and busy. Thoughts fly in, and they fly out. Sometimes there’s even a rough landing, like at night when I suddenly jolt out of bed to make sure I turned off the oven. In yoga, my instructor has a term (more…)
The number of worldwide weather-related disasters has increased over the last 20 years1. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of weather events in the coming years, the impact of floods and storms on human health is likely to worsen. Contact with flood waters and high-speed winds during a (more…)
Successful beauty professionals, no matter their specially, get many questions from new professionals concerning growing a clientele. Usually they are frustrated and are feeling stuck. Happy and successful gurus can tell you there are many ways to do that but let’s focus on just one of them here, Cross Promotion. (more…)
Summertime fun and everyone wants to look their best in preparation for beach vacations, outdoor activities with family, and leisure time with friends. It’s for this reason that some may look too common myths to clear their skin before and during the summer months. With that said, here are five (more…)
Although sunlight is essential for human life, daily exposure to the sun over a lifetime is a major cause of skin damage, including wrinkling and skin cancer. The process is characterized by clinical, histological and biochemical changes that differ from changes in chronologically aged skin. While chronologically aging skin changes (more…)
“Know thyself.” These infamous words spoken by Greek physician, Hippocrates, are just as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. Simple yet profound, this statement speaks of self-awareness, which is the best way to keep and maintain your health. Hippocrates’ contributions to the world of modern medicine are many, (more…)
NASNPRO Member SPA’tlight ESSpa Kozmetika Day Spa eDry Brow and Blow Dry Bar Owners: Eva and Scott Kerschbaumer 17 Brilliant Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412-782-3888 ESSpa Kozmetika has been named numerous times as Pittsburghs Best Day Spa, Best Spa in Pennsylvania, Best Day Spa in America and owner Eva Kerschbaumer, (more…)
  Increasing productivity and profitability can be as easy 1,2, 3. Maybe, that is a bit of an over statement however, the 3 tips can assist you with profitability for your business. An honest evaluation of your entire operation will need to be assessed. It is important you to know (more…)
The daily repetitive tasks performed by estheticians involve the constant use of fine motor movements of the hands and wrists. Over time, this repetition can develop into chronic conditions called Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Because of massive growth projected in the skincare industry, estheticians can expect to treat more clients (more…)
My first encounter with a victim of domestic violence took place in the summer of 2007. I was working as an esthetician at a spa in Western North Carolina when a client came in with her boyfriend. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary: a lady wanting a day (more…)
What is a Chemical Peel? A chemical peel is a treatment in which a licensed professional applies an acid solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove damaged layers of the epidermis. What is an Acid? Acids are chemicals derived from natural sources or synthetically made to enhance the exfoliation (more…)
Goal vs Intention Goal making is a valuable skill; it involves envisioning a future outcome. Goal setting helps us to see the future, understand what we want, create a plan, and stay on track to get it done. You organize your time and energy based on your goals; they help provide (more…)
It is very common for the vaginal and anal skin to become discolored in both men and women. Many people are embarrassed about this topic do not want to discuss options with their clients. NASNPRO asked Enrique Ramirez, founder and lead esthetician at face to face in New York to (more…)
Therapists are fearful of the “C” word. I suppose ethically to claim a cure is to imply a certain amount of ego and a lot of risk. In America, It could be seen as making a medical claim. However,when we take a client from point A, bristling with pustules, papules, (more…)
MEET LINDA NELSON AT A NASNPRO EVENT, Sunday February 25, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. Register Now: nasnpro.com/event Peptides are messengers of skin restructuration and repair so can address concerns associated with aging damaged skin. As messenger molecules, peptides are capable of regulating cell activities. They activate the new synthesis of (more…)
As committed supporters of The Harvey Milk Foundation worldwide, championing the rights of every human being to be exactly who they are, we also provide services that help people along their individual pathways to success and fulfillment. With the recent “outing” of transgender Bruce Jenner, more and more potential clients (more…)
Add a little clay to your Self-Care Day! French Green Clay is one of the most remarkable clays in the world. Luxury spas offer body wraps with this clay. Health practitioners encourage drinking clay. Estheticians include French Green Clay to acne treatments due to its anti-bacterial elements and drying properties. (more…)
Are you offering half of a facial? Do you just cleanse, mask and mention to your client how their pores are clogged? Or do you include extractions, a mask and add sunscreen to finish off their experience? I hope the ladder! When you don’t offer the last step, you might (more…)
With NASNPRO, you have access to exclusive everyday low pricing on HP ink and toner with discounts up to 40% off at Office Depot. Hundreds of items to choose from, with unbeatable quality and pricing. Count on HP to deliver peak performance. Example Savings: · HP 36A – 40% off (more…)
The skin, this organ through which we work hold the key to our health and vitality. As estheticians we are taught the functions of the skin. However it goes so much deeper than the way we first understand them – The skin is a direct connection to the inner workings (more…)
At the beginning of a new course, it’s common for instructors to tell students of the vast opportunities an esthetics career presents to the ambitious graduate. This all-encompassing career choice rests in both academic and practical spheres with elements of art, science, business, and vocation interwoven throughout. As such, an (more…)
You have the vision, talent and drive to turn your passion into a thriving spa. Yet you continually find yourself bogged down by the paperwork of it all. If you are tired or frustrated, you are not alone. Spa owners (and small-business owners in all industries, as a matter of (more…)
  One of the greatest joys in life is making people feel better.  This includes sharing the gift of health and wellness on many levels, through exercise, diet, flexibility, massage therapy, skin care, and most importantly, self-appreciation and positive living.  I can honestly say that the rewards and self-fulfillment from (more…)
Are you working in your business or on your business? What’s the difference you ask? Your answer probably is: “I work for my business to keep it open and to grow; provide a livelihood for myself and my employees and to make a difference in my clients’ life”. Excellent – (more…)
Many names – all leading to the promise land: Male Brazilian bikini waxing.  Many estheticians are still quite unnerved by the thought of waxing men’s intimate areas.  Let’s examine why: What if they are weird or perverted? 99.9% simply want to be hair free.  Just like women.  In the event (more…)
What spa owner doesn’t crave more loyal clients who will visit regularly, spend well and refer others to their business? Today, clients have so many different options when it comes to getting skincare and spa treatments. Spas are everywhere and most offer similar services to those that you offer to (more…)
The journey to a happier, healthier you can begin anytime, at any place. Many think of yoga and assume that its not for them. Yogis are often thought of as extremely flexible people holding impossible poses for agonizing lengths of time. When in actuality Yoga is appropriate for all ages, (more…)
Being an esthetician, and a certified nutrition and wellness consultant for almost a decade, I have an immense passion for health and beauty, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge.  I have always been a dedicated proponent of the organic and holistic lifestyle, so when tragedy struck in my family, I (more…)
Men are a growing market segment in our industry. Yet, many aestheticians feel uncomfortable providing services for male clients.  As a result, the male market is underserved. For this reason, major industry publications publish articles encouraging aestheticians to seriously consider expanding their service menu to attract male clientele. Men, especially (more…)
Recently, I was invited by the leadership team of National Grid, a gas and electric company, to share my insights with their 500 leaders who are responsible for 14,500 employees in New York and throughout the New England states. Instead of just showing up and throwing up as some speakers (more…)
Depending on which part of the country you’ll be in this summer, there are different challenges when trying to stay healthy and hydrated, while maintaining that beautiful glow. With warm breezes, hot, humid days, and balmy nights, Florida can seem like the ideal place for your skin to be in (more…)
Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman that Ever Lived once said, “Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your (more…)
The beauty industry is constantly evolving. The search for the “Fountain of Youth” will always exist. With advanced technology we get closer to it every year. The objective of creating an In-Spa Education Program is to keep staff engaged and excited about the services offered. The more knowledge they have, (more…)
  Being an esthetician often means spending extended periods behind a treatment table with one service flowing into another. If no time is blocked for a breather, the day’s first break may come at the end of an eight-hour shift where a worn-out sense of accomplishment is met with after-treatment (more…)
UV radiation from the sun comes directly through the clouds, the odds of being sunburned are slight, the UVB rays are short and will not have a direct affect on the skin. However, the UVA rays are very long and penetrate deep into the dermis, where new skin cells, collagen (more…)
  Massaging the head has been a vital part in Indian life and Culture. This service can be traced back to the earliest texts about 4000 years ago, based on the Ayurvedic healing system. This ancient technique was used in conjunction with herbs, spices, essential oils and oils such as coconut, sesame, (more…)
Hormones are chemicals secreted by cells or glands, which act as messengers that are sent out from one part of the body to signal cells in other parts of the body. Hormones control and regulate the body’s internal environment by regulating metabolism, controlling the reproductive cycle, inducing hunger and cravings, stimulating or inhibiting growth, and preparing (more…)
Success. Definition a: degree or measure of succeeding. b: favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence. c: one that succeeds ….. Success can have a multitude of meanings for different people. The Whole Shabang The Spa: It is a “whole” experience. All the senses (more…)
Nothing is more beautiful than creamy shoulders segueing into smooth and lovely décolleté topping off a strapless evening gown. This was once the very Hallmark of Gibson Girl beauty in Edwardian times when the showing of legs or even an ankle was viewed with shock and considered déclassé. Plunging necklines, (more…)
  The dream of 75% of beauty professionals is to own their salon. But when they meet that goal, the one part they hate is firing an employee, no matter the cause. But it is part of being in business, and learning what to do is a task that must (more…)
Cross marketing is a great way to build new day spa and medical spa clientele as well as to sell more services to your existing regular clients.  It’s really quite simple. `Do unto others as you would want them to do for you’. The Golden Rule of Cross Marketing is; (more…)
is the innovator and founder of a world- wide movement known as Skin Revision. As far back as the early 1960’s, this visionary and pioneer became aware that something was missing from the popular approaches to caring for skin. Danné strongly believes that there should be a positive working relationship (more…)
Fragrant, colorful, rich with tradition– These are stunning elements of Javanese pre-wedding “Lulur” ritual.  The 17th century Javanese Lulur ritual traditionally began with a massage with coconut oil, infused with pandanus leaves and cempaka flowers, followed by an exfoliation with a blend of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, jasmine flowers, and a (more…)
Good energy makes you feel uplifted, while negative energy drains you. Albert Einstein taught us that everything is energy…”What we have called matter is energy, whose vibration has been so lowered as to be perceptible to the senses. There is no matter.“ What does this mean for you and your (more…)