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

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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

Raw Cacao

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Consuming chocolate that contains at least 70% cacao is great for the skin. Cacao is not the same as its sugar laden counterpart cocoa. Cacao is a purer form of chocolate and much less processed than cocoa powder. Dark chocolate is full of anti-oxidants, which help fight free radical damage. Free radicals can cause premature aging. Keep in mind when selecting a dark chocolate that the higher the cacao percentage, the higher the antioxidant content. Choose the highest percentage you can while still enjoying your chocolate.

Berries

Berries especially blueberries, strawberries and raspberries and are a high source of Vitamin C which is critical for collagen formation. Collagen is one of the components that keeps the skin firm and smooth. A lack of collagen can cause the skin to sag and develop wrinkles. Berries are also among the fruits that have the lowest sugar content. Excess sugar even from natural sources can cause insulin to spike within the body. Excess insulin can exacerbate skin conditions like acne.

Wild Salmon

Wild salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation within the body. Many skin conditions are linked to inflammation including eczema and psoriasis. Omega 3’s also help moisturize from the inside out keeping the skin looking vibrant and supple.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are chocked full of vitamins and minerals to promote healthy glowing skin. Eating your greens also helps to support the proper functioning of the liver which aids in detoxification. If the liver is over loaded with toxins the skin tries to pick up the slack as a secondary path for toxins to leave body. This can result in skin conditions including acne.

Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Yams and sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene which converts to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A aids with cell and tissue growth, which is essential for glowing skin. Vitamin A has also been known to help prevent sun damage, which is one of the main causes of aging skin.

Deanna Cocchia

Office Manager, Licensed Esthetician

Vitelle Labs

So, what does this have to do with skin care?  Plainly put, this blog is not about formulations or ingredients.  This blog is about how to improve your retail sales on your website or in your brick and mortar location or both.  Let’s have some fun as we look at this fascinating psychological principle in the decision making process of buying.

The psychology of buying more of what you have already decided to buy is really simple.  If someone is buying something of their own free will, that usually means that they like what they are buying.  So, what would they do if they were offered more of the same item that they like at a better price per unit?  In our industry we do this with packages, programs or series.  Buy, 5 treatments and get the 6th for free or buy 10 treatments and get 2 for free.  Also consider Costco Wholesale Warehouses as another prime example of this psychological principle exemplified.  You buy something you already like in bulk quantities and in return you pay less per unit.  Where you’re going to store everything is an entirely separate issue.  But, you’re content and feel good that you paid less per unit even though you paid more than you would have normally for a smaller size of that item in a grocery store.

Let’s go back to the toy race car and track set that I happily paid $145 for.  If the commercial that I saw had advertised a price of $145 for the set, I would not have even considered making the purchase.  The question to be answered is how did I go from wanting to spend $39.99 to gladly spending $145?  Some call this gradual sales process a click funnel.

When I was on page 1 of the website I rewatched the same commercial video that I saw on TV. The video kept my attention and my excitement high as it showed kids having a great time playing with the race cars and tracks.  When I clicked to purchase the kit I was funneled to page 2, which contained a couple of offers that were too good to pass up.  Once I added more race cars and more tracks and clicked to purchase I was funneled to page 3, which contained a few shipping options.  Being that it was before Christmas there was a sense of urgency on my end to make sure the race cars and tracks arrived in time.  One of those shipping options was a guarantee for everything to arrive before Christmas and it came at a premium shipping and handling price.  But, it would be included for free if I added 2 more race cars and 1 more track set.  The choice was easy at that point with the logic of, why just give my money away for shipping when I could have the guaranteed shipping for free and have more race cars and tracks for my nephews.  When I clicked the final purchase button I really felt like I was getting a good deal.  It was a gradual process and I was in control the entire time, the decisions were mine and the $39.99 package was always available and a real option.

I was so impressed with the decision-making process I had been guided through that I began to look for the same model on other websites in hopes of replicating it.  What I found was what seems to be a formula for this selling process on websites often beginning with a video.  A video is a great way to convey what is being sold and it can be done in simple informative or very entertaining formats.  Having a video helps to keep your ideal customer’s attention and to build excitement and demand for the main product that you want them to buy.  The best person to sell your product also happens to be you.  Yes, you!  YouTube has some great tutorials to help you with filming yourself.  Creating videos has never been easier due to high quality cameras and audio in mobile devices.  You don’t need a professional videographer that charges thousands of dollars.  Just hold your mobile phone and tell us what is so great about you, your product and your company.

Once your customer wants to purchase what you are selling then you would take them through the following process, as an example.  You are selling your Overnight Facial Serum for $150 on page 1 of your website.  The custom clicks to check out and they get to page 2 and they are presented with a couple of offers.  They can now purchase two Overnight Facial Treatment Serums for a unit price of $125 each or they can purchase three for $100 per unit.  Which one would you choose?  On page 3, before check out there is one more offer your customer has qualified for.  The option is to purchase the complementing Overnight Facial Treatment Moisturizer, that would enhance the serum they are purchasing, for an amazing 50% off the regular price of $150.  In addition, as a special offer and if they act now they will receive a FREE Peptide Eye Serum normally $125.  The customer is likely to choose one if not several of the enticing funnel options.  If they don’t then they still have purchased the one product they wanted.  But, if they do, the numbers begin to look very exciting and the customer feels like they got a great deal on great products.

If you don’t have a website or platform that allows you to create funnels then you may find www.ClickFunnels.com very helpful.  If you have a brick and mortar location you can try this without having to set up a website to do this.  Present these offers in your e-newsletters or when your customers are getting their treatments.

At Vitelle Labs we want you to have the greatest possible success selling your products. I hope this blog has given you a different perspective on how to promote and sell your products.

Needless to say my nephews loved all of their race cars and the massive track set.  Their reaction was even better than what I had imagined and I am still the Best Uncle Ever!

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

Most people don’t have the bandwidth to manage the demands of their regular day without the added pressure of self-reflection. That said, I believe seeking ‘inspiration’ is a probably one of life’s most important considerations because harnessing its potential can create some pretty spectacular outcomes.

Consider first the difference between inspiration and motivation. While there are some similarities from my perspective they are quite different. Motivation is what gets you out of bed in the morning, drives you to work harder and be better. It’s that inner voice that pushes you to succeed. Motivation feeds your needs and wants. It is most often a tangible, measurable outcome that you can quantify and milestone, charting incremental steps forward on your road to that goal.

One of the benefits of motivation is you can often identify what motivates you with little struggle because its nature is highly measurable. For example, if you are motivated to be at the top of your professional you might work longer hours, take on more responsibility and be more engaged than your colleagues.  By contrast, if you are motivated to take care of yourself because you have a family history of health concerns you might work less, exercise regularly, practice yoga or meditate, eat a healthy diet and make holistic wellness your priority. The desire to take care of your family is also a significant motivator for both men and women leading you to take actions that best achieve that result.

Motivations can drive you to accomplish amazing feats, never miss a day of work (even when you are ill) or push harder to be the best you can be but inspiration is the secret sauce that makes that journey fulfilling.  Finding joie de vivre (joy of living) as a result of being inspired is a key to day to day fulfillment and long term well-being.

A study from the University College London (UCL) suggests that the more you are able to enjoy life, the longer you’ll live. This study demonstrated that a reduced mortality rate is directly linked to a long term sustained sense of satisfaction and life enjoyment.

Finding inspiration, creating the potential for fulfillment outside of the needs or wants of motivation can transform more than your outlook – it can lead to a longer, happier life.

Inspiration is the magic that feeds the soul.

We’ve all met people who are remarkable, people who by their actions or simply through their energy have a profound impact on us. Sometimes it’s what they have accomplished that inspires us or their story of triumph over adversity. They never quit regardless of the odds and they say and do things that make us think outside the box. Exposure to people like this often moves us to be better, do more or reach for new heights. What I have noticed is those inspirational people all seem to be inspired themselves, I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

If your strategy has been to wait for an epiphany you might be waiting a long time. What do you have to lose by actively taking part in a search for inspiration? Music, literature, travel, spirituality, people, art – there are so many places to find inspiration if you only look for them.

For many of us slowing down and taking time to actually think it is the real problem, especially people in business who are not usually programmed to think in terms of ‘me time’ and ‘what makes me really happy and fulfilled’.  However there is simply no denying the importance of the mind body connection to the maintenance of wellness for the long term.

Why not make 2019 the year you find your joie de vivre. Take the first step, create the intention to seek positivity and inspiration.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart”. Helen Keller

Liz Cocchia
CEO
Vitelle Labs

With the advancements and innovation in the laser based treatments, practices have a wide range of devices to choose from. There is often a tendency to rely on devices alone to enhance skin condition but there are other ways to set your practice apart. During a consultation, you suggest a treatment plan for the patient which includes a range of in-clinic treatments. Patients are often eager to book appointment(s) for the recommended treatment, however in many cases their skin is not in its optimal condition to most benefit from the laser (or treatment) prescribed. Pretreatment homecare can play a vital role in an outstanding end result.

Before a professional painter begins painting, they usually prepare the canvas by priming it to create a solid foundation. With the same concept in mind, it is a fundamental step to have your patient’s skin prepped and primed before preforming any aesthetic procedure. Pre-treatment can involve a topical homecare regime or an in-clinic treatment such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Pre-treatment prepares the skin for what is to come while adding nutrients necessary for repair. When you perform a procedure on your patient, you want the skin to be in its healthiest condition because healthy skin responds better to treatment. Pre-treatment regimes will vary depending on your patient’s skin type and the in-clinic treatment being performed. This valuable step sets the tone for the patient’s journey with you and your team. Tailoring a customized treatment plan for your patient adds that “special touch” that enhances their overall experience and shows you care about them.

Patient demand for non-surgical, non-invasive, minimal downtime aesthetic procedures has grown exponentially in recent years. With this in mind, it is recommended to inform your clients how they can reduce undesirable outcomes and accelerate post-operative healing. The goal of any pre-treatment regime is to optimize healing and reduce the risk of infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Several studies have convincingly demonstrated that pretreatment with retinoids before laser resurfacing treatments speeds wound healing ¹, by increasing keratinization and collagen production. Retinoids have also been shown to decrease the risk for postoperative milia and hyperpigmentation, as well as allowing better penetration of the laser beam².

For decades, aesthetic laser devices were recommended exclusively for lighter skin tones, due to the high risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation to skin types 4 and above. Technological advancements and the emergence of new devices and better ways of using existing devices have resulted in laser treatments becoming more accessible to a broader range of skin types. That said, even with these advancements, PIH is still one of the biggest complications experienced from laser treatments, thus making preventative measures highly necessary to mitigate this issue. Prior to treatments, mineral SPF 30+ and other cosmeceuticals containing tyrosine inhibitors such as Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Arbutin, some Peptides and Licorice Root have become sought after ingredients by aesthetic professionals to suppress melanin production pathways. Pre-treatment with topical actives should begin several weeks prior to treatment as these actives require time to take effect. Other changes in homecare such as discontinuing the use of retinoids and other photosensitive, are also recommended immediately preceding in-clinic treatments.

Achieving and maintaining optimal skin health is the cornerstone of any aesthetic procedure and should be seen as the goal for all professional practices. Approaching treatments from a holistic perspective, considering what is needed prior to, during and post treatment will greatly improve outcomes that will reflect well on your cosmetic practice and patient relationships. Helping your patients achieve the results they are looking for in the sensible way where skin health is the core, will likely result in a happy, long-term patient who leaves your practice with a desire to return.

1.   J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Aug;39(2 Pt 3):S79-81. The role of retinoids in wound healing

2. Lupo MP, Jacob LG. Cosmeceuticals for enhancing cosmetic procedures. In: Farris PK, ed. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell; 2014:268-276