The reality is, everyone’s skin is different, and as someone who has navigated almost 30 years in the skincare manufacturing business, I am religiously consistent with what I apply to my own skin and the type of ingredients I look for. Without a doubt the most frequent question I’m asked at Industry Events is “What products do you use?”

My “Founder’s Edit” isn’t a list of our best-sellers or the latest trends. It is just my personal favorites, a carefully curated lineup of the products I reach for because of how they make my skin look and feel and what ingredients they contain.

Here is a look at the ingredients in these products that have made the most impact on my skin.

The Hydration Foundation: Comforting Moisture

An important component of my routine is hydration. I remember when I was in my early 20’s one esthetician I met mentioned she adds a product/layer for each decade – I have pretty much followed this philosophy (but I’m not going to say how many layers I’m at!). My routine is built around layering, adding hydrating and revitalizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and dynamic plant extracts.

Using formulations rich in these skincare fundamentals make my skin feel dewy, pampered and balanced. I prioritize hydration because dryness accentuates the look of wrinkles and staying hydrated is important for both your body and the skin!

Gentle Exfoliation & Natural Radiance

I am focused on maintaining a smooth, silky look, but my skin requires a delicate touch. I can’t use Retinols or AHAs and haven’t done lasers, so I rely on gentle physical exfoliation to manage texture.

I also prioritize natural skin illuminators such as Vitamin C, Arbutin and botanical-source Pea-derived Actiwhite®. These ingredients deliver the results I want and I have noticed a greater uniformity of skin tone and amplified radiance without irritation or harsh side effects. Formulations centered around these attributes work beautifully for me.

Pure Peptide Power

Finally, my routine would not be complete without Peptides and superstar ingredient Voluform, a natural alternative to fillers that supports the scaffold of the skin. I gravitate towards products with Peptides, as I believe they are vital in a pro-age skincare regimen. I also like ingredients that support skin volume retention, fighting the loss of volume and thinning skin that occurs with chronological aging.

Four of the standout products from this collection are our Eye Serum and Neck and Décolleté Crème containing peptides and a Nighttime Crème and Serum containing Voluform.

I love how these products make my skin feel. They work synergistically, cocooning my skin in a silky, luxurious layer of ultra-revitalizing goodness. It is the nourishing hug my skin needs to feel it’s best.

Discover Your Own Ingredient Edit

The “Founder’s Edit” is what works for me. It’s my personalized regimen of premium hydration, gentle texture refinement, and scientifically validated peptide-driven amplification, but skincare is personal. It’s my hope that this peek into my personal program will help you find the perfect products that your skin will love.

Liz Cocchia
CEO
Vitelle Labs

The first recognizable commercial brand to tackle ‘natural’ was Aveda. Founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher it integrated holistic thinking with Rechelbacher’s interest in products free from toxic chemicals. Since that time a lot of progress has been made in this field with a growing number of companies embracing the movement away from synthetic, harsh materials which were commonplace 30 years ago.

One trend that emerged was Sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates (Sulphates) are surfactants and foaming agents, used in shampoos to clean the scalp and hair.

The common belief that more lather means cleaner hair has fueled the use of synthetic foaming agents such as Sulfates, often present in high concentrations. Sulfates are used in most liquid cleansers, including dishsoap or foaming bath products, as they share common ingredients and functionality. However, the main difference between shampoo and dishsoap is the secondary performance enhancing ingredients typically found in hair care. Hair care is formulated for specific hair types (e.g. fine, curly, straight, color treated) with active ingredients impacting the texture and condition of the hair.

While Sulfates are very good foaming agents, they have acquired a negative reputation in the hair and skin care marketplace due to their potential to cause irritation. As well, the efficiency with which they work can often result in the depletion of natural lipids (oils) in the hair and scalp causing both to become dry, brittle and flaky. When the scalp loses its natural oils, the sebaceous glands increase production, resulting in a lack of equilibrium. Sulfates can also damage the hair shaft, resulting in split ends and breakage.

To address concerns related to hair and scalp quality, surfactant manufacturers have developed alternatives which has resulted in an uptick in Sulfate-free shampoos. These ‘natural’, milder ingredients are less abrasive, resulting in softer hair with noticeable shine, as natural oils remain on the hair and scalp following cleansing.

Many of these new generation surfactants are natural origin. The most common of these are: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate; Cetyl Betaine; Coco-Betaine and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.

These milder cleansing agents help lock in moisture; are less aggressive on color and curl treatments and are generally less likely to irritate the scalp. There are now many brands offering these shampoos which embody a natural, holistic approach to hair quality management.

The trade off with Sulfate-free shampoo is that it will not lather as effectively so you must adjust the way you wash your hair to get a good result. First, make sure the hair is fully wet, then dispense the shampoo into your palms, add water and create a mild foam before applying. Work the shampoo evenly through the scalp and hair ends, massaging gently with the fingertips to enhance distribution, then rinse thoroughly.

I encourage my clients to use Sulfate-free shampoos having seen noticeable improvements in hair and scalp condition with those who consistently use them.

Jay Yano, Master Stylist & Educator. As a salon owner, mentor and award winning stylist based in Vancouver, Jay has collaborated with industry leaders and independent salons, providing advanced styling techniques and salon marketing expertise.

With online sales breaking records there is no denying that this isn’t just a trend, it’s the future. For those of you who already sell online, you may have noticed your business revenue has recently been more reliant on retail sales than on service revenue, certainly during the Covid-19 shutdowns.

Everyone in the service industry has been hard hit in the last 10 months. If your business currently continues to operate you have most likely found indirect ways to service clients. Online skincare sales is one such avenue that has flourished and continues to outperform services for many of my clients. So many business owners have had to adapt their skillset to become quasi-internet, website, social media, shipping Gurus. However, if you are one of those businesses who shifted to an ecommerce platform, you might also be dealing with online sales returns. Yes, those pesky returns that are a reality of selling online.

I’m going to share what I have found to be a very easy and practical approach that could help limit your returns. According to Magneto IT Solutions (magnetoitsolutions.com) health and beauty products have a return rate of 22%. In contrast, according to InvesPro (invespro.com) brick-and mortar stores have a much lower return rate of 8.89%. This could be in part a result of the convenience of a “click” return rather than having to go back to a physical store with the item and the reality of not being able to test the products for suitability. There is a reason skincare practices use testers!

To help reduce online or even brick-and-mortar returns, over the last several years I have recommended this strategy to my clients and they have had great results.

For all first-time customers it can be risky to purchase a product they have never used before. One option is to consider giving away or selling a sample or travel size of the same product at the same time your customer purchases the full retail product. Offer no returns or refunds on trial products, limit returns to the full-size unopened product only.

Ensure tamper-evident seals are present on all full-size products to mitigate returns when you provide or sell testers with full size products. While it’s always disappointing to receive returns, when you are unable to resell the product it’s even more so. Being generous with testers reduces risk for the customer and they are much less likely to return an open full-size product because they already know what they will be getting.

Another option is to sell samples or testers, the value of which can be applied as a credit to retail size items. Typically, your cost on samples/travel sizes is 50% less than the value you charge, so you can afford to be generous if that brings you the retail sale. In this way your customers will be encouraged to move forward with their purchase of full retail sized items knowing they have not lost any money in the testing process.

The same strategy works well in a brick-and-mortar business. If a customer is about to move onto a new skincare regimen you may suggest they purchase smaller sizes (or a trial size kit) before committing to the substantial investment that accompanies a new collection of retail size product.

By implementing this simple sampling strategy you should see a reduction in returns. My clients who use this approach have increased their bottom line and reduced time spent dealing with returns. Good Luck!

Written by:
Aleks Vranicic, L.E.
VP Sales & Technical Training
Vitelle Labs

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and has an important job as a barrier to infection and environmental factors.  Adopting a great skin care regime and regular treatments at a spa or dermatology office will help to maintain healthy over-all skin.

When you take care of your skin with a proper regime that includes treatments, you are helping prevent future problems such as wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone, to name a few. Treatments are designed to remove toxins, dead skin cells, oil, dirt and address skin issues, while helping slow down the effects of aging. Treatments enhance and improve circulation, increase collagen and result in a more youthful looking appearance.

The full cycle of the skin’s new cell turnover is approximately 28 days.  Taking that into consideration, it is recommended to have your treatment done every 4 to 6 weeks until your concerns have been addressed.  Depending on how many treatments you have, you will notice a change in the clarity, elasticity and texture of your skin. 

The key to getting the most out of skin treatments is the proper choice of treatment. Choosing the right one depends on the type of treatment, your skin type, and what results you are looking for.  The following are just a few of the great treatments available to you.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion is a safe, non-invasive procedure using fine crystals that help to remove dead skin cells and renew skin tone and texture.  It is known to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring and melasma by stimulating blood flow and improving cell production.  It also improves the effectiveness of at-home care skincare product penetration.  Most will notice improvement after one session, however it is recommended to get a series of treatments for longer results.

Microdermdermabrasion is not recommended for use with deep scarring or any kind of open wounds on the face.

CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin and encourage the growth of new, more evenly colored skin.  They are typically a choice if you are looking for an anti-aging and rejuvenating option.  They are used to address acne scarring, age spots, dull skin and discoloration. There are a number of options to choose from that range from superficial, moderate or deep, depending on the kinds of acids used. With a lighter peel, you may require no down time whereas a deep peel may take up to a week or more for full healing.  Chemical peels will involve one or more acids such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, or phenol.  You may feel a burning sensation that typically subsides after 10 minutes.    Depending on the peel used, you will notice a reaction similar to a sunburn.  Peeling may occur within 3 to 5 days after treatment.  Mild peels can be re-done 1 to 4 weeks after your initial treatment if need be.  Medium peels may require a healing period of 7 to 15 days, and can be repeated after 6 to 12 months if necessary.  After a chemical peel your skin will be more sensitive to sun, so wear a sunscreen of at least SPF30 or higher. 

LED LIGHT THERAPY

Light emitting diode (LED) light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has multiple benefits—such as  stimulating collagen and elastin production, treating mild to moderate acne, reduce inflammation and speeding up the recovery process from more aggressive laser treatments.  In short, LED therapy, by working with the skin, encourages its own natural healing process.  LED light therapy is safe and painless, without any side effects.  Using varying wavelengths of light, including red and blue.  Both are highly effective and it is recommended that you have your procedure done every month or two.

• Red Light Therapy

Red light LED is anti-inflammatory (great for healing!) and is used to help stimulate collagen and elastin production, thus it is often used for its anti-aging benefits to the skin. When performed,  it is applied to the skin and the epidermis absorbs the light and stimulates collagen.  The more collagen your skin has, the more your skin will appear plump and smoother, as it can reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  Red light also helps to retain moisture as well as improve overall skin tone.

• Blue Light Therapy

Blue light LED works to kill bacteria that lives below the surface of the skin responsible for acne.  You can incorporate red and blue light therapy together to help treat acne and also heal at the same time.

Often times, bluelight (kills bacteria) is used in conjunction with red light (heals the skin) to help treat acne, decrease scarring, and promote anti-inflammatory effects.

LASER RESURFACING

Laser resurfacing uses high-intensity pulsating beams of light to improve the appearance of sun-damage, scars, fine lines and wrinkles.  Resurfacing is known to stimulate collagen production, tighten the skin and balance tone. Treatments vary in effectiveness based on superficial to deep treatments.  Because your skin is hypersensitive to sun exposure after having resurfacing done, it is recommended to perform these treatments in the later part of the year (fall or winter), when daytime hours are shorter.  However, always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF30 or higher.  There are many laser resurfacing treatments available.  Since there is no one laser treatment that can help all of a patient’s skin concerns in that treatment.

Laser resurfacing can be ablative (removes top layer of the skin, creating a wound to promote healthy healing) or non-ablative (non-wounding, stimulates collagen growth and tightening of the skin).  Ablative is considerably more effective and requires fewer treatments.  It does, however, require a longer recovery period and there is a potential for pigment.  Non-ablative does no direct damage to the outer skin layer, making it less invasive.  It is said to treat more superficial issues and you may need 3 to 6 treatments.

Depending on how aggressive your treatment is, downtime can be anywhere from one to fifteen days.  Laser resurfacing is not highly recommended if you have active acne or darker skin (can cause pigment issues).  Full results will be apparent at about 3 to 6 months.

• CO₂ Laser Resurfacing (ablative)

A common type of laser resurfacing treatment, CO₂ uses carbon dioxide to treat issues such as wrinkles, scars and enlarged oil glands, removing thin, deep layers of the skin.  CO₂ treatments can also resurface the face and remove aging spots, sun damage and scarring caused by acne.  An ultra-pulse beam eliminates damaged skin cells and stimulates new collagen production below the skin’s surface.  There  is no need for additional appointments as results continue months after your first treatment.

• Erbium Resurfacing (ablative and non-ablative)

A common type of laser resurfacing treatment, Erbium removes surface-level age spots, lines and wrinkles, and is the choice for those wanting to achieve dramatic improvement in skin appearance. It also promotes collagen and tightening of the skin. There is minimal burning of the surrounding tissue, so recovery time is shorter than with CO₂.  For those with darker skin tone, Erbium is your best bet, as this treatment is less invasive than CO₂.

After any skin treatment, it is important that you choose skincare with quality ingredients to ensure you are getting the best benefits for your skin.  Consult your skincare professional to set up the best regime for your skin type.

Tiffany Mosley
Senior Client Service Representative
Vitelle Labs

Define “Your” Success

Success is a subjective term, it isn’t necessarily the same for everyone. It’s the goal you reach for but it could be a money goal or having your favourite celebrity endorse your product as a “must have”. One useful exercise is to consider and identify what success means to you so you can take steps toward it and know when you get there. As you accomplish milestones or your end goal, you can revisit success and recalibrate it, but it’s important to establish a goal in the beginning because you can’t shoot for a star that isn’t there.

Investments are not always about money

When you hear the word “investment” the most obvious example that comes to mind is money. However, there are other equally essential elements to consider that can impact your brand achievement, like time. I found those who spend time evaluating and selecting the right products for their practice, and then brainstorming how to implement and execute the introduction of those products into their brand identity, encountered the greatest growth and success. It’s a fundamental of a well-considered plan, to spend time developing a blueprint to guide you in your journey.

Don’t lose sight of why you began your journey

They say ‘challenge builds character’ and often in business challenge is the impetuous that moves us in a direction we did not intend or forsee. Sometimes what seems like the worst possible situation is actually the starting point for a journey to a remarkable opportunity. The passion and desire that led you to a career in skincare and your desire to deepen your relationship with your customers through branded products is something you should not fear. Whatever the short term challenges may be try not to lose sight of the big picture, there may be a setback here or there but with a positive mindset you are equipped to overcome it.

Stand behind your brand

Through my discussions with different brand owners, both established and potential, one of the most distinctive attributes I notice that helps fuel success is passion. Successful entrepreneurs are confident, they believe in their business and they truly want to make a positive difference.  Whether you are preparing your website or educating your staff on your new skincare line, if your enthusiasm and passion come through it will be noticed. Due to numerous influencers and opinions on the internet and social media about skincare, ingredients and their efficacy, you may encounter a situation where your buyer is hesitant or confused. There may be moments where you can’t please everyone but if have done your homework, tested and personally evaluated your products and based on that positive assessment exhibit confidence, you can often turn that “negative” into a “positive” landing yourself a happy new customer!

Focus YOUR energy on the areas YOU specialize in and seek help for the rest.

You wouldn’t ask your dentist for home construction advice so there is no reason to think that you can handle all aspects of your new skincare business yourself unless you have a wide range of skills (which most of my clients do not). From business plans to financing, social media to website design, there are many areas that require consideration. One common mistake I’ve come across is the brand owner that wants to do it all. They end up spreading themselves too thin and the end result is poor. I strongly believe that you should focus your time on areas you are good at! If your budget allows, reach out to professionals who can help you bring your vision to reality. Using the resources around you will, in the long run, result in a more professional finished product and allow you to use your skills where they are most effective.

Loyalty will be one of your most valuable sales generators

It could be that your first few sales are the hardest because you haven’t sold your own branded skincare before, but as you build your own following of loyal customers it will become easier. You will quickly identify your top sellers and notice trends in buying which will inform you how to maximize your marketing dollars for the greatest return. I have noticed that clients are loyal if they feel they are getting the results they have been promised. Most new customers are cautious so they might start with one or two products, then come back every couple of months and add to their collection. Once you build trust you can build a long term relationship with your brand. Financially what this means for you is a steady stream of revenue you can count on. However financial gain isn’t your only benefit, loyal customers can also be a strong source of social media influencing and marketing potential because they know and love your brand. Your influencers won’t hesitate to share their feedback with their family, friends, colleagues or their social media connections. Happy clients can result in referrals and it’s possible for these referrals and loyal customers to generate even more revenue for your company than paid advertising.

To be successful you need to embrace challenge and make the most of your time, money and energy. Start this venture like you should each day, with passion and positivity, with this mindset you will find your road to success will be a great adventure!

Shanley Lal
Product Specialist/Esthetician
Vitelle Labs

Mistake #1
Guilty as charged when it comes to the “My night was better than yours” morning look! If only I knew the underlying truth of what was actually happening when I went to bed and woke up with a flawless foundation application still intact.

The realization only began with understanding the functionality of our pores. The activity of your pores is to not only for product absorption but also to help excrete oil to lubricate and protect your skin – forming an acid mantle. Sleeping with a blanket of makeup on prevents your sebum from completing its journey to your skin’s surface which results in congestion and can eventually lead to blemishes.

Through years of performing this skincare taboo I never stopped to visualize aside from my makeup what “else” was making its debut along with it on the surface of my skin. When you hear the phrase “Wash the day away” – it actually means to cleanse off everything you have encountered that day. That includes all the free radicals, pollutants and dirt particles you picked up along the way, go to sleep with you at night if you skip this essential step!

Mistake #2
Fitting into the Fitzpatrick Scale at a 5, I occupy skin that rarely burns from the sun and has lower risk for concerns like skin cancer compared to fairer tones. A day at the beach leaves me with a sun kissed glow – a blessing right?

Being “sun safe” to prevent damage in future years was never a concept that crossed my mind due to a shortfall in understanding the power of UV rays when it comes to skin and aging. Some of the most commons signs of premature aging as a result of sun exposure are fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration. Thankfully with a hint of education I was able to change the direction I was going on my skincare journey when it came to the glistening rays. Life moves at the speed of light but if you could delay aging by the application of sunscreen wouldn’t you? If you’d still like to achieve that sun kissed glow, opt for the kind that comes in a bottle instead – your secret is safe with me!

Mistake #3
My basic routine consisted of using a cleanser, an astringent to combat blemishes and an occasional quick scrub which at the time seemed to work wonderfully. So what if a freshly cleaned  face felt tight at first? At least my skin “looked” clear and I could count on the oil induced shine to be back again.

I wish I knew skipping a finishing product to avoid an oily complexion was actually causing me to produce excess oil. Comprehending the relationship of quenching dehydrated skin versus moisturizing dry skin provided insight that despite the excess oil, my skin was thirsty for hydration! Stripping all the oil off my face caused a panic for my oil glands causing them to work overtime to provide a layer of protection. A simple change of feeding my skin cravings with humectants, like hyaluronic acid, provided me the healthy skin harmony I was missing out on. Now I even catch myself indulging in a heavy cream at night as an extra treat.

Without background knowledge it can be difficult to address skin concerns and be confident you are taking the appropriate measures. Instead of skipping out on an important step, seek advice from your skincare professional to point you in the right direction.

Shanley Lal
Product Specialist/Esthetician
Vitelle Labs