Social Media and your Mental Health | Our Article in NASNPRO Magazine

JANUARY 2022

As each year ends, it suddenly feels like the whole world gets a fresh start. New Year’s Eve and the days surrounding it have an air of excitement.

After all, it’s not only the calendar year that changes, but many of us make new personal and professional goals for transformation as well. 2022 is filled with possibilities, so dream big and believe in yourself this year!

Thank you for attending the annual NASNPRO Conference in beautiful Boynton Beach, Florida. Today is dedicated to learning, sharing and empowering each other. We continue to believe that with knowledge comes empowerment with community comes inspiration and with support comes success. We want to thank all the sponsors and professionals who generously share their time, expertise and passion. As we celebrate our 18th year of learning, growing and networking, we hope that you will share our passion to support each other and build a strong community and industry.

The CEs are provided by the Commission of Education through NCEA. You must fill out the online form at NASNPRO.tv to receive your certificate. Speaking of NASNPRO.tv

When we launched NASNPROtv, it was in a quick response to member demand for interaction during pandemic shutdowns. It was so popular, we continued all of 2021 with new episodes dropping often via our Facebook group and replays available there or on our WATCH page.NASNPRO.tv has had an amazing impact and the feedback about our episodes, topics, instructors, and swag has been fantastic-- However, we did notice a common thread of confusion of finding out where to watch. To solve that for everyone and bring a more beneficial user experience, NASNPRO.tv has gotten an UPGRADE! We have been working hard the past few months to bring you Aesthetic Education On-Demand that you can use to grow. The response has been overwhelming and we are ecstatic to announce that the National Aesthetic Spa Network officially launched the Aesthetics OnDemand NASNPRO.tv Channel. Check it out!

NASNPRO continues to reinvent, pivot and be a resource and support for professionals. We are grateful for you and look forward to 2022 being a year filled with double blessings, health, prosperity, and happiness.

Wishing you all the best success!

Denise R. Fuller Founder of NASNPRO Licensed Esthetician

FLORIDA JANUARY 23

DOORS OPEN AT 9:00

10:00 Welcome by NASNPRO Founder Denise R Fuller and Host Candace Noonan

10:15 Dr. Jayant Lokhande: Debunking Esthetic Myths and its Science

11:00 Michael Tompkins: State of our Industry: Job forecast, trends & YOU

11:30 Jennifer Crable: Improving Skin Immunity

12:00 Leo Szymborski: WATER: The Essence of Life, Health and Wellness

12:30 LUNCH

2:00 Maya Ivanjesku: Topical Probiotics for the Skin? It’s Not a Trend it’s a Movement

By Danne Montague-King

CareSKIN

Due to the advent of COVID 19, aesthetics worldwide changed dramatically, maybe forever.

Doctors, therapists, and other aesthetic practitioners could no longer touch people during massive lockdowns; they were forced to learn to reach out via Skype, Facetime, Portals, and other E-devices to assess clients’ skin anomalies. Many of them were experiencing acnelike problems due to increased stress and lethargy from a restricted lifestyle.

In addition, a strange phenomenon I had not seen in many years started to occur. Back then, I called it “PC” skin. It was when personal laptops began to be popular, so people who worked on computers at work all day long, only to come home and jump on their laptops for a few hours, followed by late-night television, exhibited strange, almost acne appearing rashes, sometimes red and scaling, which dermatologists diagnosed as rosacea.

The worst were workers in basement offices with no windows or inner offices, again window-free. Again, there were none or little flowing harmonies of electromagnetic waves going through these spaces, literally creating a Faraday cage.

The positive polarity of electromagnetic waves, the sodium half of the sodium/potassium pump, is the cell killer. This depolarizing agent erodes the cell wall membrane that holds our skin cells in homeostasis (healthy).

As humans, we have a specific absorption rate (SAR) for electromagnetic energy generated from cell phones, TV, and other electronic devices. So even though bombardment from computer screens would barely register on an oscilloscope (probably the reason we did not notice this disorder), I knew that the daily effects of the attack were accumulative. Little by little, the cell wall membranes would start to collapse, and depolarization and ultimately death of the cell would occur.

The Norwegian Works League and master aesthetician Elizabeth (Hexa)Stenvik of DMK NORGE and I came up with a protocol that alleviated this problem -later, computer filters were improved, and the flare-ups disappeared. We also learned over the years that extreme and constant stress enhanced by uncertainty could bring on similar symptoms.

2022 will focus on many of these symptoms brought on by the stress and angst resulting from COVID 19

and all its mutations.

We live in a virus world now. It will never return to any previous “normal” that we knew. Of course, there will always be clients interested in age management treatments, and the teens will still suffer the devastating social effects of bad acne. But mysterious rashes, odd bumps, sudden hyperpigmentation out of nowhere will become significant issues. Unfortunately, many dermatologists will scratch their heads and prescribe drugs or pharmaceutically compounded creams and gels based on old science and tried and confirmed cases with little results.

It will be up to us—in collaboration with the doctors. We have already started to assemble courses on how to do this and opened a medical division headed by the brilliant medical doctor, Bioengineer, and research engineer Dr. Jayant Lokhande.

Treatments based on the homeostasis of hormonal flux, getting cortisol levels back into normal, addressing gene sequencing to encourage new cell growth and normal cell proliferation!

There will be authentic microbiome diagnostic tools to assess what is wrong with people’s skin—and level

out the skin’s natural eco-system and give it a fighting chance against free radicals and other invaders like Malassezia and other skin fungi that is often misdiagnosed as eczema or rosacea. I cannot tell you how often I have noticed skin treatments ostensibly for certain skin disorders being more of an attack system than a cure. And, of course, our skin naturally tries to defend itself, thus appearing to get better—the true picture showing up months or even years later.

Think about this: every time we see something in the mirror we do not like, whether it be wrinkles, sags, hyperpigmentation, or just “zits,” we are looking at a defense mechanism of the skin—building up thick dead cell barriers, natural exfoliation reduced to a minimum.

If you are over 35, take a good look at your face with no clothes in the mirror.

90% of the time, your breast skin will look far younger, smoother, and even in color than your face! (Unless you are a nudist!) That breast tissue is your real ageprotected from the free radicals of sun damage and environmental attack by the simple act of wearing clothes! The following year and thereafter will be devoted to matching the face, backs of hands, and any other exposed area to that breast or butt tissue-simply because your body wants to do it!

We have already done this for several years and are coming up with all-new ways to address the new-age problems. Not just with new treatments or products, but new ways to LOOK at the skin.

There are so many myths to debunk first, so much education to assemble. At the age of 78, the very idea is daunting to me, but I cannot just walk off and enjoy the fruits of labor on a beach in the South of France!

Fortunately, we have an incredible network of real educators and researchers, organizations like the one headed by Erin Madigan-Fleck, ND and other industry educators and leaders who see the holistic approach as “the WHOLISTIC” approach, combining all sciences, medical and aesthetic.

Danné Montague-King is a pioneer in his industry. Danné has seen the depths of depression associated with poorly functioning skin. In fact, his everlasting passion was born from his dissatisfaction with his own acne as a teen. Not understanding the condition completely, and after failed attempts from top US dermatologists to cure his acne, Danné took things into his own hands and desperate for a cure, became his own guinea pig. A string of breakthroughs, trials and tribulations, and many travels would follow, until he found his first true breakthrough in

the 60’s involving vitamin C therapy. That’s all it took to spark what would be decades of developing successful treatments and products that would combine to form the iconic brand that is DMK – sold throughout 30 countries.

For 50 years Danné has lived by his motto: rebuilding skin, rebuilding lives.  Dedicated to his craft, his practicing therapists, and his clients, Danné is the founder of the DMK family and is responsible for rebuilding skin, and rebuilding lives all over the world. dannemking.com

EMPOWERING YOU IN 2022 THE POWER OF SAYING NO

BY STEPHANIE HOLIVICK

NO is by far one of the more difficult word we can say to a potential client. The challenge is real in everyday life but the in the life of a skin care professional what makes it so hard? The reasons we hate saying NO can be, losing profit, gaining negative social media attention, bad online reviews, losing clientele, sounding rude, or inexperienced. When should you say no to a potential client?

First let’s see what can happen when you say YES against your better judgement.

Have you had that client that has been around the block? You know they have gone from Estie to Estie and really cannot say anything good about their experience? Perhaps they may use words like botched, ruined, or burned me? This is an easy red flag, right? What about the more subtle indications?

ARE YOU AWARE OF THEM?

Begin With A Comprehensive Consultation

A consultation is just that, a consultation. It is not guarantee of treatment. The client should be aware of that prior to coming to their visit to your studio. I always preface my Free consultation by saying: “Your consultation is free, and I will leave enough time aside if we decide that the treatment is right for you.”

Make it an easy out for yourself. Keep the expectation that treatment may not be done that day. Now you have ample opportunity to not be pressured into the procedure. And can think it over before booking this potential client.

Be sure to ask yourself if you are willing to be certain that the client will be happy with the outcome and you will meet their expectations as discussed in the consultation, or will treating this client be more costly in the long run than rewarding?

During your consultation it is advisable to show good before and after photos and do show the good, the bad and the ugly. Meaning how things are supposed to go and how they can go without proper client selection and adherence to aftercare.

In the unfortunate event you happen to have a negative review of your practice online use that as a learning tool to reinforce the gravity of client selection and compliance of aftercare during the consultation.

I SAID YES!

If you said yes to treating a client who threw up even a tiny red flag you may now be regretting it. The constant phone calls start, the text messaging throughout the day and sometimes night, and a review online pops up. Your devastated and you have a pit in your stomach! And the first thing you tell yourself is “I knew I shouldn’t have treated her”

If this happens remember it has happened to all of us at some point in our career and to be honest, I don’t think it is something any one of us are immune.

Once this has happened and the wheels are in motion start recording all the steps you took from treatment to follow up communications. It may help you alleviate several

future problems. And if for some reason your insurance company must be notified you will be well armed.

SAYING NO

Saying no is never easy. Every client is different, and circumstances as well. Unfortunately, some clients need a hard no to treatment or product. As skin care professionals it is in our DNA to help clients and No has not been a big part of our vocabulary.

HOW TO SAY NO? EXPERTISE:

Your client requests a procedure that you are comfortable performing. Upon the consultation you come to find that the procedure will take more expertise than you can deliver. You know your limitations best and if you do not feel confident you can perform this treatment simply say something like I am sorry. I do this procedure you are seeing me for however I feel I would not have the experience best suited to meet your expectations. But I do have a terrific referral for you.

BAG OF TRICKS

You client comes in and has viewed many videos on YouTube and is now an expert. She knows what she needs and wants. Yet she is coming to the licensed professional for their valued opinion and assessment. The actual procedure they happen to come in for may be the very last thing they need. With your comprehensive consultation and education, you have steered the client down the correct treatment path without using the word NO!

HARD NO?

Sometimes you just have to say NO. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. The thought of a client stomping out once you have declined the opportunity to work them and never to be seen again is undeniably uncomfortable. Remembering how to say No without saying No and convincing the client to try another treatment or product is something that may take practice. Keep practicing it feels good to say No.

STEPHANIE HOLIVICK

In 1982 Stephanie Holvick began her nursing career specializing in surgery in 1982 and  has worked in well-known training institutes like Emory University, Medical University  of South Carolina, St. Joes of Denver. Stephanie was a mentor to new nurses in  the OR. While working in the field of plastic surgery she took the first step into the  aesthetic nursing. Having the opportunity to work with individuals who requested her  Micropigmentation services was very rewarding. Clients with visual impairments, those  suffering from Parkinson’s disease, burn victims, and alopecia had their self-esteem  heightened with Micropigmentation. Stephanie expanded her nurse aesthetic practice  to also treat skin integrity. Clients with minor skin irregularities are delighted in the  results of direct high frequency in the form of Skin Classic. Stephanie has completed  thousands of medical aesthetic procedures since 1993 and has shared many of them  with the world on the website and You Tube. Her practice has been featured in numerous  publications like Nursing Spectrum, a national nursing forum. Other publications that  have also helped spread the word of her nursing aesthetic practice. Stephanie consults  with many skin care professionals like fellow nurses, physicians, and aestheticians  who would like to incorporate her techniques for success. Currently, Stephanie enjoys  traveling extensively working with professionals around the country to pass on those  techniques with the equipment that makes a difference.enjoys traveling extensively  working with professionals around the country to pass on those techniques with the  equipment that makes a difference.

By Toni Lee Roldan-Ortiz

Cosmetic Needling

Well, the truth is, it’s not new at all. Although micro needling, in the medical sense, was first introduced in 1905, Cosmetic Needling was not introduced until 1995, and has been abuzz word ever since, gaining more and more momentum. The increase in popularity was due to the enhanced results that are achieved when one incorporates Cosmetic Needling to their skin care regimen. When we apply our skin care topically, the amount of those ingredients that will actually get delivered to the skin will be dependent on the thickness of the stratum corneum and the ability for that ingredient to pass the lipid barrier of our skin, whichcan be as low as 2% in some cases. When adding Cosmetic Micro Needling, that number can increase over 80% of ingredients being delivered to the skin. When Cosmetic Micro Needling, we create microscopic channels in the stratum corneumof the skin which does not hurt and will not damage the skin whendone correctly with the proper needling roller. The sole purpose ofCosmetic Needling is to allow for enhanced effectiveness of topically

What is this new craze micro needling that everyone is talking about?

applied ingredients.The skin is the largest organ of the body and our first line of defense. The Epidermis is 0.1-0.2mm in thickness, as thin as a sheet of paper, and our Stratum Corneum which is our true protection barrier is even thinner at 0.01-0.02mm. Although this layer is very thin it impedes the absorption of chemicals and watersoluble ingredients, so we need to rely on other methods and tools in order to get ingredients not just on the skin but to make true effective changes to the look and feel of the skin. Are all needling instruments the same? Absolutely not! There are certain things to look out for when looking into using a Cosmetic Needling roller. First, experience, research, and knowledge behind the company are important factors to consider. Second, manufacturing standards-Not all Cosmetic Needling rollers are manufactured in the same safe, high standard as others. For example, the length of the needles should not be too long as to hurt, should feel comfortable, and also should be made of high quality surgical stainless steel. Third, the quantity of needles on the roller matters so that it is able to create the micro channels effectively in the stratum corneum. Cosmetic Needling should be done in the evening hours only, since the micro channels stay open for a couple of hours after. Toreduce the risk of any damage, it is safer not to roll before direct exposure to UV radiation, application of makeup, or sunscreen. Cosmetic Needling should be introduced slowly by beginning every third night, then every other, then

eventually every night. Cosmetic Needling depth is categorized as any length between a .1mm- .3mm with the most popular length being .1 or .2 mm. At night, after cleansing and toning, needling should be done on dry skin. In order to get the best concentration of micro channels in the skin, it is best to roll in a 3 fold pattern: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal. This will allow for better effectiveness of ingredients. After Cosmetic Needling, the roller should be rinsed under hot water then carefully placed to dry with needles not touching a hard surface. They should then be soaked in a designated cleansing solution once a week for deeper cleaning. Cosmetic rollers are never to be shared; they are for individual use only. The type of ingredients and formulations that are used after rolling are vital for not just how the skin will tolerate it but for making efficacious results. Using safe formulations such as fat soluble forms of vitamin A and C, growth factors, and peptides willnot only ensure that the skin will not become irritated or react in a negative way, but it will assist in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, scarring, and lax skin. Histologies of the skin have shown an improvement in the appearance of the thickening of the stratum corneum by 100% and a more compact stratum corneum when incorporating cosmetic needling with these skin friendly forms of vitamin A and C . If you’re looking for a non-invasive, safe, effective tool to use at home, then join the Cosmetic Needling craze and see results for yourself!

Toni Lee Roldan-Ortiz

Toni Lee Roldan-Ortiz has over 25 years in the beauty industry, she began her career as a television and celebrity makeup artist. After several years, her interest turned to understanding more about the palette on which she worked— the skin. She became a licensed esthetician and was also certified in paramedical camouflage makeup. Toni Lee began working for a prominentplastic surgery office in NY and remained lead esthetician for many years assisting with growing the practice, training a team, creating treatment protocols and building sales.Toni Lee has written articles and spoken on a variety of skin care topics at industry shows and presently trains physicians, nurses and estheticians as a National Master Trainer for Dermaconcepts,exclusive distributor of Environ Skin Care in the USA

Environ’s Focus On Filler Treatment is a technologically advanced facial protocol designed to help smooth the look of facial lines and restore a rejuvenated, plumped youthfulness to the skin’s appearance. This 30 minute intense treatment is recommended as a non-invasive alternative or complementary treatment to Dermal Fillers.

“Environ only seeks to complement what can be achieved by using Dermal Fillers. Luscious-looking skin is the mission and this will enhance the beauty of well-placed Dermal Fillers.”

ENVIRON SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORS

Social Media and Your Mental Health

BY JENNIFER MARIE

It used to be commonplace that no one would discuss what was done on Facebook in real life. Ever. Circa 2005, if it was posted on your Facebook Wall, we didn’t discuss it at that lunch date. Facebook was just for fun… and expression. Like a pet rock. Nothing really exciting but… it’s there.

Fast-forward 15 years and all society seems to do is discuss what status you posted or what dinner picture got 50 likes… Our mental health has weakened in the past decade because of the comparison nature that comes with social media… But how do you leave it behind? It’s a detriment to our stability as happy, healthy, vibrant, energetic, and creative people. All these apps have to do is send the wrong person’s notification update and … MOOD KILL. Social Media SUCKS! … And I am a creative director for a social media marketing agency!

It doesn’t have to be like that, though. Our habits have trained it to be that way, but social networking can bring a lot of blessings to your business it if doesn’t kill you first.

SOCIAL MEDIA BURNOUT

The role of social networking and engaging with potential customers is huge in the grand scheme of business success. It digitally replaces word-of-mouth advertising with reviews, threads, and tags. However, before Social Networking online, you could close your door and not have to engage again until tomorrow. Now, you close your spa and then go home to scroll through reviews, questions, messages, and competitor posts.

We have all experienced a little bit of social media burnout before, I think. The notifications alone are enough to cause a breakdown when you’re stressed out and busy on a project and….”BING! Did you know that the refrigerator you looked at last month is now on sale?” We used to be able to slam the phone down on spam offers and at least get a release of the stress when the receiver smashed. With cell phones, google advertising tricks, platform algorithms geared up to make you feel awful to buy more stuff, and a lack of understanding of digital networking strategies for real growth without real headache… Many empathetic industry business owners (which spa professionals are!) tend to shy away from social media marketing altogether. This is where you insert the proverbial post, “Ok… that’s it. I’m leaving Facebook. You want to talk to me? Text me.”

These people usually last a week or two, MAX. There’s a

draw to being social… without having to be as social. Is it possible?

How can you use these (mostly) free tools to market your business but maintain your mental health in the process without going through a breakdown cycle publicly for the world to see?

ROUTINE.

You are beauty professionals. You preach routines for skincare, self-care, wellness, diet… Now it’s time to incorporate a social media routine for your business.

• Weekly Follower Cleanup • Regular Purge • Weekly Content Creation • Scheduled Engagement Hours

WEEKLY FOLLOWER CLEANUP

When you look to grow your social networks, you want to make sure that the people you’re following and the people that are following you ARE 100%  IN your target audience.

It’s great to like someone’s posts because they are your cousin’s sister who said she’d follow you back… Don't. It will jam up your feed and your mental health when you’re scrolling for engagement and leads. If you want to do this type of thing… or just have a personal freedom to post without professional eyes… that’s fine. Don’t do it from your business account. Create a personal or separate account. If you ping the wrong person the wrong way with that meme, your mental health might suffer from the comments that follow– from someone who isn’t even a possible client? No. It may not be worth it to “Express Yourself” if you have millions of random followers.  If they are in your target audience, they’ll probably understand the wax joke and give you some hearts! See the difference?

Also, people change. You’ll follow some great creators and then two months later they’ve changed their style or message or moved and it stings you instead of inspires you.

These are the situations in which a weekly unfollow/follow cleanup session will help your mental health greatly. Each week, set aside 30 minutes to click your “FOLLOWERS” and unfollow anyone who does not bring you joy or benefit your business. Then spend 5 minutes discovering

new accounts that JAZZ YOU UP! Doing this weekly will bring new GREAT content to your feed, allow for new people to find you, and stop the energy sucking-posts from grabbing all of your attention.

REGULAR PURGE

You’re probably wondering where I could be going with this… Didn’t we just do that with the follower cleanup? Yes, but this is further in-depth. This involves… shh… blocking!

Regularly, you need to take a look at your posts, followers, following, and bio in order to purge what no longer resonates with you and your brand. Update your profile picture to something that brings you joy and represents your business. Purge crappy people and content from your life by using the BLOCK and RESTRICT buttons.

• If another business owner is consistently stealing your mojo… and you don’t collaborate or work together… BLOCK

• If a spammer account comments junk under every single post you make… BLOCK

• If a foreign Prince has fallen madly in love with you via DM and wants to marry you… BLOCK

Remember, you can be a nice person and not allow people full access into every detail of your life at the same time.

Businesses do not benefit from having private pages very often, so having to interact with accounts that do not bring us joy is a somewhat necessary evil of doing business on social media. However, you are MORE THAN ENTITLED

to your own happiness and you don’t owe anyone a like or follow… So if that post keeps stinging. BLOCK.

The reason for this step is specifically mental health. The unfollower clean-up will aid your engagement and post stats, but a regular PURGE will allow your brain to have a safe space to scroll and express without consistently running into what I like to call “bully-blocks.” Bully Blocks are described as a post that seems targeted to hurt you, even though it clearly was not. They do steal your joy… whether it was intentional or not. Who cares? The joy is gone. You don’t have to engage with these types of content or creators in order to get your business message across. So just don’t.

WEEKLY CONTENT CREATION

This step is self-explanatory. When you don’t create and schedule your posts ahead of time, you end up in a consistent flow of “OH NO! What do I post today?” If you’re not a “be on camera at the drop of a dime” type of person… this will stress you out with the amount of video content required today to keep the likes coming. This is legitimate stress for some business owners, and we know what effect stress has on the body and the skin.

Therefore, set aside 1-2 hours per week and just create.

If you work for yourself and don’t have a management team, you’ll want to create AND schedule your posts in this timeslot. If you have a manager, you’ll want to brainstorm and plan the content needed for upcoming campaigns, take photos and get files ready to send to your team. In this time each week, you can decide to “look pretty” and

take a few different photos in different situations. (Note: Not saying this because being “pretty” matters at all but we hear very often that no content was taken because “I looked like crap today.” Our expert advice… Either stop thinking you’re capable of looking like feces because you’re beautiful as YOU ARE or start scheduling time to “look pretty for content.” Both are valid.)

Anyway, maybe your creative content creation session is simply creating a few graphics in Canva. Or maybe recording one or two episodes of a podcast or vlog to release.

Creating this content upfront and on schedule will take away the stress of “OH NO! Right now?!” every day on each platform.

This is the step that will determine if you need to hire a social media manager or not. If you find yourself able to create and schedule without stress…and still see engagement and growth, you should be okay to keep DIY in terms of social media marketing. If this part doesn’t come as easy… if this part stresses you out…. If this part is said to take 2 hours but you find yourself taking 6 or 7 each week… Hire a manager.

A good social media manager will take the tasks off your plate and still provide growth & ROI. Your stress levels are worth the cost of a marketing team. Just be certain to interview them more than a few posts they’ve created before. You need to trust and mesh well with your marketing team, because they’ll be literally speaking for you on many platforms, they need to understand what you do. This is not the place to let cost determine your relationship.

SCHEDULED ENGAGEMENT HOURS

Most people spend every bathroom break or lunch break with a phone in hand, endless scrolling without a purpose. Stop. Schedule a time on your calendar for 20-30 minutes per day (10-minute increments is fine) of liking, commenting, and following accounts and posts in your target audience.

In this time you are putting yourself in the mindset of your target client or customer.

• What hashtags are they looking at?

• What posts are they commenting on?

• What businesses do they follow?

Get in front of their eyes for 20 minutes a day. If you want to check out after this for a few hours, turn off notifications or Do Not Disturb. You can also use screen

timers and app timers to alert you when a certain amount of time has been spent on a certain app. If you have enough notifications that you need to be answering questions, comments, DMs all day then it’s time to hire a manager. At this stage, you’ll either quickly run out of steam for social media as your business keeps growing… or your business will become stagnate while you create TikToks. Neither of which is the goal of an entrepreneur unless TikTok is your business plan?

YOU’VE GOT THIS

Whichever route you go to manage your social media, DIY, or Hire a manager, monitoring your mental health will be an important part of that process. Implementing these tips will help, but overall, you have to determine where you’re going to get the most bang for your buck. If social media posting such as Instagram, TikTok or Facebook is stressing you out so much that you and your manager can’t make it work for you– then stop. Focus on email marketing or start a podcast. Or sponsor a local football team and attend games with a sign on your car and free goodies for the crowd. You have to market your business somehow, and there will always be uncomfortable parts about "sharing about ourselves so people will buy our stuff." If you don't though, they won't.  You've come this far... don't let the Fear of the Reel stop you from reaching your target audience.

Jennifer Marie

Jennifer Marie is a Creative Director at Facets of Hospitality, with a specialty in web presence growth & management. She has a background in psychology, cosmetology & entrepreneurship and this helps her understand the many aspects of the big picture with your business’s marketing strategy. A favorite part of her job is helping a passionate business owner bridge the gap between the digital tools and day-to-day business operations to successfully reach new customers. Jennifer is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan when not traveling on assignment. She enjoys photography, hiking, and singing in a band.

TOPICAL PROBIOTICS FOR THE SKIN

IT’S NOT A TREND, IT’S A MOVEMENT

BY MAYA IVANJESKU

It is openly understood in the industry that a person’s skin is bombarded daily with an excess of harsh pollutants, chemicals, and free radicals, which in turn puts their skin – the body’s first line of defense – in a state of exhausted, constant crisis. This leads to the question of how, as the expert, can you help your clients’ skin heal from this chronic crisis induced inflammation? After all, this must be done prior to treating your client’s main concerns. The answer is shockingly simple:

Support the skin microbiome with topical LIVE probiotics.

WHAT IS THE SKIN MICROBIOME?

Just like the gut, the skin is home to a community of billions of friendly living microorganisms (bacteria), also known as skin flora. This community is called skin microbiome. Think of it as an invisible eco-system that lives on the skin working to provide nutrition, protection, and keep it healthy. This microbiome defends the skin against pathogens, manages the ideal pH while continuously delivering the vitamins, minerals, and peptides the skin needs for balance.

PROBIOTICS AND THE SKIN:

It has been assessed by medical professionals that probiotics are advantageous in the treatment of skin disorders and play an important role in skin health, such as reconstructing atopic dermatitis, promoting the healing of scars and burns, rejuvenating the skin and strengthening the skin’s immune defense system. Topically applied probiotics calm skin disruptions caused by stress and effects of pollution while activating collagen and elastin production. Probiotics also defend skin against UVA damage by activating the skin’s natural process to heal itself while neutralizing harmful bacteria.

Probiotic Extract Skincare vs. LIVE Probiotic Skincare Numerous skincare brands incorporate only Probiotic Extracts (lysates) in their formulas and call it “Probiotic Skincare.” Don’t be misled. Probiotic Extracts, better known scientifically as lysates, are not alive. They are dead. Lysates are not probiotics, though many brands are promoting lysate enriched products as probioticcentric systems and therapies. Lysis is the breaking

down of the membrane of a cell and extracting the pieces of the cell. A fluid containing the pieces of the cell is called a lysate. These pieces of bacteria, while somewhat beneficial are limited in nutrients because they have completed their life cycle. They have already produced their fixed postbiotic metabolites and cannot provide the full spectrum of nutrients the skin needs.

On the other hand, probiotics are living microorganisms that constantly deliver the metabolites the skin needs for optimal health such as Vitamin K, short chain fatty acids, b-complex, antimicrobial peptides, amino acids, micronutrients, and antioxidant enzymes. When used in conjunction with pre and postbiotic metabolites they are much more beneficial to the skin.

TIPS FOR INCORPORATING LIVE PROBIOTIC SKINCARE INTO YOUR PRACTICE:

With new studies coming out more frequently regarding the skin microbiome it’s important to find a brand that values transparency and leads with education. This will save you time and money when incorporating additional products. Most importantly, as new technology arises you will have peace of mind that the highest quality LIVE probiotic skincare is being provided to you and your clients.

BALANCED SKIN MICROBIOME = HEALTHY SKIN

MAYA IVANJESKU: CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, DAKOTA BIOTECH

With over 25 years of experience as a scientist in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and biotech industries, Maya is a creative visionary and formulation expert.  Her career began at Estée Lauder Companies™ where she developed products for Clinique™, Origins®, Bobby Brown™, Aveda™, and LaMer™.  She has also created products for Bare Escentuals™, Mary Kay™, and Arbonne™.  With a passion for science, nature and well-being, Maya ventured into the biotechnology industry where she managed multiple projects, including OTC’s, cosmeceuticals, Rx topicals, topical medical devices, and nutraceuticals.

The diversity of her career path in formulating products, overseeing manufacturing, R&D and holding executive positions in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, led Maya to Dakota Biotech where she is currently the Chief Scientific Officer and formulator of LaFlore® Live Probiotic Skincare and Live P.S.®. Maya holds numerous patents, and her latest work yielded a patent for the technology that stabilizes live probiotics without the need of refrigeration (USPTO 10,959,950). She is committed to developing state of the art products, and utilizing live probiotics to create healthy human microbiomes, to achieve her greatest goal of impacting millions of lives globally.

Improving Skin Immunity

BY JENNIFER CRABLE

The skin is a complex organ with multiple functions from maintaining the stabilization of body temperature, prevention of fluid loss and relaying sensory inputs with physical barriers and biomolecules. Furthermore, it is equipped with intrinsic defensive mechanisms such as skinresident immune cells which are crucial for tissue repair.

To have a closer look at the skin’s immunity, we have to focus on the Stratum Basale, the Papillary and Reticular layers. The Basal Layer is not just home to the skin renewing and repairing Stem Cells but also to the immune cells such as the Langerhans cells, T-cells and Melanocytes. The Papillary and Reticular Layers house our beloved Fibroblasts and immune cells such as Macrophages, Lymphocytes and Mast Cells. Interestingly, if there is no ‘challenge’; no wound or inflammation present, the immune cells promote skin physiological functions!

PHYSICAL BARRIERS

The formation of the physical barrier of the skin function depends on so called junction adhesion molecules and tight junction proteins such as Claudins and Zonula Occludins-1 (ZO-1). Any impairment of these components leads to inflammatory conditions. Atopic Dermatitis shows low levels of ZO-1 and Claudin-1 for example.

BIOMOLECULES

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and lipids are the main classes of biomolecules that disrupt bacterial membranes. These are induced and expressed after cell activation in response to inflammation or homeostasis. AMPs have a broad activity against microbial species and are focus of current evaluation as therapeutics against infections since antibiotics have an increasing resistance rate.

Lipids such as ceramides and phospholipids are intermediate molecules that have antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus areus and Proprionibacterium acnes amongst others. These lipids are stored in the lamellar bodies in corneocytes in the Stratum Corneum.

MICROBIOME

Microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses are found in the epidermis, dermis and dermal appendages and are an additional layer of defense for the host. These are competing for habitable space, thus preventing colonization of the skin by pathogenic microbes.

THE PH OF THE SKIN

The low pH of 5.4-5.9 makes the skin inhospitable for potential pathogens as well. Additionally, the dramatic

difference in pH levels between the skin and the blood (7.4) is a secondary defensive mechanism in case microbes found a breach in the tissue and entered the circulation.

MYELOID CELLS

These immune cells of the skin include Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, macrophages, mast cells and eosinophils. They secrete growth factors needed for the survival of keratinocytes and fibroblasts and also maintain optimal tissue function by eliminating waste and apoptotic cells (programmed cell death).

In case of inflammation, Myeloid cells produce proinflammatory mediators that activate the infiltration of the affected site by related immune cells.

Langerhans cells activate T-Cells by migrating to Lymph nodes. They stimulate the type IV Collagenase ‘Matrix Metalloprotease 9’ (enzyme) which allows a restructuring of the dermal collagen network to create a path for the Langerhans cells to reach the Lymphatic System.

Macrophages secrete inflammatory cytokines, a type of signaling molecules, which attract immune cells that help to fight off the infection and warn neighboring cells of the threat of a potential viral infection.

In general, the recruited immune cells help to clear infected cells and amplify the immune response. For this, specific cells, broadly termed antigen presenting cells (APCs), process the virus in order to subsequently present parts of it on their surface to activate other types of immune cells. Once the APCs have found and activated immune cells

that specifically recognize the infecting virus, these start the second phase of the immune response, consisting of antibody production and targeted elimination of infected cells.

In this way, circulating viruses can be neutralized and destroyed before infecting further cells, while cells already infected with the virus can be cleared. These mechanisms are particularly important in the skin, which is our first line of defense against all kinds of infections as it is in constant contact with the outside world. But imbalances in the skin’s defense system are on the rise resulting in sensitivities and diseases.

BOOSTING THE IMMUNITY OF THE SKIN

We know of the importance of Vitamin D for the immune system but exposure to UV-Radiation for this purpose is rather counterproductive since UV-Radiation suppresses the skin’s immunity! It overstimulates the release of

Cytokines which has shown to cause a dysfunction of the Epidermis leading to atopic dermatitis as an example. Topical or oral Vitamin D are recommended but BetaGlucan in combination with Magnesium induces trained immunity, a process which prepares immune cells for an infection by setting them in an alert state and therefore allows them to react faster and stronger when encountering a pathogen.

It is crucial to keep the skin’s defense system in balance. Reactive skin; skin prone to Psoriasis, Eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, etc should avoid dramatic skin treatments such as resurfacing procedures or microneedling with titanium needles that induce inflammation. Since their immune system is on high alert and easily ‘overreacts’, these treatments lead to flare-ups and worsening of the condition. More gentle alternatives are needed here such as enzymatic treatments and needle-free needling with dissolving hyaluronic micro-pins.

JENNIFER CRABLE

Jennifer Crable is the National Educator and Client Care Manger for the EpiPin Pro and the German skincare line Dr. Grandel. She is a born Floridian but grew up in Germany where she lived for 27 years and her career in the industry of cosmetics started. She received deep knowledge of the skin’s processes while working for a developer and producer of active ingredients; as Export Manager she met many laboratories worldwide and worked with them in developing skincare products from professional to mass market. She became more interested in the actual work with skin, thus became an Esthetician in Germany in 2009 and then started to be a Representative and Trainer for Dr. Grandel.

She enjoys sharing her insight from working in the development and research of active ingredients since it shows the efficacy of skincare and the Estheticians’ work.

Candace Noonan

Candace is a Licensed Esthetician and Master Trainer for DermaConcepts, the exclusive distributor of Environ Skin Care in the USA and hosts advanced trainings on this pharmaceutical grade line. She holds certificates for internationally recognized programs including Advanced Skin Analysis, Dermal Needling and Oncology Esthetics, and is a proficient public speaker at medical and skin care conferences throughout the USA. Her belief is to never stop learning, in hopes of sharing the knowledge gained by her continued studies. Born in South Africa, and having personal experience battling Melasma, she feels her passion for skin care is her biggest asset.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr. Jayant N. Lokhande, M.D. (Botanical Drugs) and an MBA - Biotechnology is an expert in Botanical Drugs & Biotechnology Business Management. He has successfully strategized and formulated products for several cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and medical foods companies globally. He has significant clinical experience especially in using Botanical Drugs and Medical Foods for Complex and Chronic Diseases. His other professional interests are in Biodiversity Entrepreneurship, Bio prospecting, Medical Anthropology, Disease Reversal Therapeutics, and Ashtanga Yoga. He has special interest and practice in translating Yoga & Ayurveda Principles in Innovation, System & Technology Development. He has edited and authored 3 books so far and that are published by Taylor & Francis. He is currently working as Chief Scientific Officer at DMK Skincare, and his responsibilities include Innovation and Product & Service End-User Education Development.

Maya Ivanjesku: Chief Scientific Officer, Dakota Biotech, With over 25 years of experience as a scientist in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and biotech industries, Maya is a creative visionary and formulation expert.  Her career began at Estée Lauder Companies™ where she developed products for Clinique™, Origins®, Bobby Brown™, Aveda™, and LaMer™. She has also created products for Bare Escentuals™, Mary Kay™, and Arbonne™.  With a passion for science, nature and well-being, Maya ventured into the biotechnology industry where she managed multiple projects, including OTC’s, cosmeceuticals, Rx topicals, topical medical devices, and nutraceuticals.

The diversity of her career path in formulating products, overseeing manufacturing, R&D and holding executive positions in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, led Maya to Dakota Biotech where she is currently the Chief Scientific Officer and formulator of LaFlore® Live Probiotic Skincare and Live P.S.®. Maya holds numerous patents, and her latest work yielded a patent for the technology that stabilizes live probiotics without the need of refrigeration (USPTO 10,959,950). She is committed to developing state of the art products, and utilizing live probiotics to create healthy human microbiomes, to achieve her greatest goal of impacting millions of lives globally.

Michael Tompkins: Michael G Tompkins is a visionary leader in the luxury hospitality, healthcare, wellness, and spa industries, he has led celebrated teams to success for over twenty years. Combining industry knowledge with a vast network of industry peers and former colleagues, Michael has a rare ability to source expert candidates globally. Having held CEO positions with Miraval Resorts, Hilton Head Health, and PALM Health, Past Chairman of the International Spa Association (ISPA) and executive positions with Canyon Ranch Health Resorts, Michael credits his success in building executive management teams who excel in efficiency while building culture for guests and staff.

Jennifer Crable: Jennifer Crable is the National Educator and Client Care Manger for the EpiPin Pro and the German skincare line Dr. Grandel. She is a born Floridian but grew up in Germany where she lived for 27 years and her career in the industry of cosmetics started. She received deep knowledge of the skin’s processes while working for a developer and producer of active ingredients; as Export Manager she met many laboratories worldwide and worked with them in developing skincare products from professional to mass market. She became more interested in the actual work with skin, thus became an Esthetician in Germany in 2009 and then started to be a Representative and Trainer for Dr. Grandel.

She enjoys sharing her insight from working in the development and research of active ingredients since it shows the efficacy of skincare and the Estheticians’ work.

Leo Szymborski has 35+ years of experience in the water filtration and purification industry designing and developing innovative proprietary water treatment systems. Endorsed by leading medical and wellness experts, these systems include customized commercial and residential filtration systems that remove toxic chemicals, specialized filters for medical kidney dialysis machines and sea-water desalination systems. In 2003 Leo developed a serious health issue that was not improved by traditional medical practices. He sought a solution to recover his health drawing on his previous success developing equipment that effectively removed harmful contaminants from water. His quest was to create the ideal system to produce pure, healthy contaminant-free water that is both safe and affordable— encouraging the ideal environment for the body to heal itself.

Stephanie Holvick: In 1982 Stephanie Holvick began her nursing career specializing in surgery in 1982 and has worked in well-known training institutes like Emory University, Medical University  of South Carolina, St. Joes of Denver. Stephanie was a mentor to new nurses in the OR. While working in the field of plastic surgery she took the first step into the aesthetic nursing. Having the opportunity to work with individuals who requested her Micropigmentation services was very rewarding. Clients with visual impairments, those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, burn victims, and alopecia had their self-esteem heightened with Micropigmentation. Stephanie expanded her nurse aesthetic practice to also treat skin integrity. Clients with minor skin irregularities are delighted in the results of direct high frequency in the form of Skin Classic. Stephanie has completed thousands of medical aesthetic procedures since 1993 and has shared many of them with the world on the website and You Tube. Her practice has been featured in numerous publications like Nursing Spectrum, a national nursing forum. Other publications that have also helped spread the word of her nursing aesthetic practice. Stephanie consults with many skin care professionals like fellow nurses, physicians, and aestheticians who would like to incorporate her techniques for success. Currently, Stephanie enjoys traveling extensively working with professionals around the country to pass on those techniques with the equipment that makes a difference. Enjoys traveling extensively working with professionals around the country to pass on those techniques with the equipment that makes a difference.

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