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  • Book Appointments
    • Book Spa Appointments Online
    • STUDENT SPA MENU
    • Clinic Client Survey
    • Client Care Plan
    • Membership
    • Advanced Academy Consent Forms
  • Attend SEEI
    • ESTHETICS LICENSURE COURSE
    • ADVANCED ESTHETICS ACADEMY
    • MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM
    • COSMETOLOGY | HAIR, SKIN +NAILS SCIENCES PROGRAM
    • NAIL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
    • ESTHETICS EXCELLENCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
    • Continuing Education >
      • DOWNLOADABLE GUIDES
    • Certification Courses
    • Enroll >
      • Student Housing
      • Student Aptitude Test - SKIN . HAIR . NAILS .
      • Student Aptitude Test - Advanced Esthetics Academy
    • Financial Aid >
      • CARES ACT
  • About
    • Contact
    • Accreditation
    • Blog
    • COVID-19 Written Plan >
      • Esthetics Student COVID Acknowledgement
      • Advanced Esthetics Student COVID Acknowledgement
    • Med Spa Consulting
    • Our Mission
    • Alumni Packages
    • Written Plans
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Instructor Guides
    • Admissions Guides
    • Meet Our Team
    • Alumni Spotlight
    • Careers
    • Completers & Employer Survey
    • Data Security Plan
  • Student Portal

The 30% Margin Rule on ROI

7/6/2021

1 Comment

 
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Esthetics is an incredibly booming industry in 2021, with consumers getting back to business amidst the pandemic and caring now more than ever before about health and wellness. Spa owners have a unique boost in a world focused on more self care than ever before to ensure client satisfaction - and ensure a positive return on investment within the industry they love. The fundamentals of longevity in the spa business lie within understanding the 30% margin profit rule: Ensure the company is turning a 30% profit margin, at a minimum, on every single service and product in order to be sustainable. Esthetics practitioners must spend quality office time at least quarterly to dive into three categories within their spreadsheets: Vendors, Disposables, and Human Resources. 

Managing your vendors before they manage YOU.

For each product or service within your offerings, perform your due diligence in understanding what it means to work with the vendors you’ve chosen. Smart business owners do not make equipment choices on the fly - or order esthetics equipment without doing responsible research and ensuring warranties, as a small example. Does the company offer bulk discounts if stocking equipment for multiple treatment rooms within your space? Would the company potentially waive freight and shipping fees? The main questions lie within you. Have you carved out the time to put your business hat on and really ask the hard questions? Vendor relationships take time that many service providers, like us, simply don’t have. However, your long-term profit depends on time management and carving out the necessary actions to ensure quality investments. 

If you are working with a manufacturer for a product line or working with a company that provides your backbar and retail products, ensure you are performing the mathematical equations it takes to ensure that 30% minimum profit margin. Will these vendors increase their prices annually? Will you take the time to follow up and launch your new price points quickly after a price increase? Are you making the time within your schedule to ensure this is happening? 

Creating intentional time to create best practices within your company in the vendor relations department is paramount. This could be the difference in overspending versus finding someone that meets your core values and can help propel your company to the next level. Equipment and skincare products are the backbone of the results you offer to your clientele. Overspending and under-delivering are not an option.

If the disposables cost almost as much as the service, don’t offer it.

One of the big items that can really hurt spa owners in 2021 are the cost of disposables. For example, does your hydradermabrasion machine cost more to operate it per service than it’s worth? This is a hard pill to swallow and is the difference between being a smart business owner and someone that simply believes in industry hype. When purchasing equipment, the ultimate goal is to keep the cost of performing services with that equipment as low as humanly possible. This is where the return on investment comes into play. If there are multiple disposable products having to be utilized with a device, it simply is not worth your time. 

In a world where PPE is more important than ever before, ensure you are not doing yourself a disservice by purchasing gloves, for example, on the fly. Spend the time to research manufacturers and vendors that provide bulk discounts for a year’s worth of nitrile gloves and make that investment. The dollars you will save at the end of the fiscal year are completely worth it. The amount of money you may spend in shipping every week or month adds up quickly. This kind of irresponsible spending is the difference between wasting your hard earned money and investing in your company’s future. 

Becoming a wizard in the math equations required to operate on all cylinders with low disposable costs are part of the magic sauce that will keep you in business for years to come. You will have more time to spend with clients overall when spending more quality time in the office being intentional with your ordering, instead of allowing consistent disposable ordering to take over your weekly schedule.

Human resources should elevate your business, not put it under.

Another part of the equation lies in the funding it takes to employ individuals to perform service and sell products, even if this only includes paying yourself if you’re self employed. The percentage involved here is very important to master, as employees are important enough to pay a fair wage - but also can be the detriment to your business in the long run if not properly managed in payroll expenditures. 

If the return on investment must be 30% or higher and the cost of the disposables runs at least 10% of each service, what is there to put towards human resources? My rule of thumb for business owners is between 20-40% of each service, which can be equated into an hourly pay amount or hourly plus commission. Whichever structure you choose, provide fair wages for your employees, but also be fair to your company. Think of your business as an individual that must be paid also. The business has overhead to pay - specifically, equipment loans, lease payments, internet bills, marketing costs, and much more. The final 20% is hopefully a cushion to propel your profit margins per service to 50% - which allows more payoff of loans and other liabilities the company may have. 

Being transparent with your employees is also important in business. Making sure individuals understand what you are paying for and where funds are being allocated will make it a lot easier on daily operations and give team members an understanding of why they are being paid what they are paid - and where their wage increases cap out. This is a small tip that I find very responsible for business owners everywhere. Communication is always key and can really inspire your team if implemented correctly.

Sample Equation for Spa Owners: 

Double Exfoliation Facial | Menu Pricing $95.00

Disposable Costs (No more than 10%; 20% maximum) = $9.50 (10% of $95.00)
Inclusive of gauze, 2 pumps of cleanser, 1-2 droppers of marketed chemical peel, 2 pairs of gloves, 3 pumps massage oil, 1 pump of mask product, 1 dropper of serum, half pump of sunscreen.

Human Resources (20-40% of the marketed service price) = $19-$38
I suggest breaking this out into one of two ways:
  1. Pay your service providers hourly at $25 per hour. This leaves a cushion for an HR savings account to provide bonuses and wage increases annually.
  2. Pay your service providers hourly plus commission. The example could be $15 per hour plus 20% commission. This would almost cap out your budget, however, at $34 per service - which would cut into the ability to offer annual wage increases and/or bonuses.

30% Profit Margin = $28.50

The remaining 20% of $19 may go towards paying off loan balances and other financial obligations.

Overall, breaking apart all income generating services and retail sales can be time consuming, but will assist business owners in being able to sleep at night knowing that they are spending their time working towards something sustainable. Esthetics practitioners in today’s market do not have time or dollars to waste. Being intentional in both the treatment room and behind an Excel spreadsheet can be equally rewarding. Put your beauty boss hat on and rock the esthetics world. Success is yours with the right amount of time investment - to ensure your financial investments are reaping rewards! 
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Legal Requirements, Liabilities, & Benefits of Estheticians Seeking W2 Employees

7/6/2021

4 Comments

 
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Estheticians in 2021 require more than basic business knowledge when growing their companies and expanding their reach to consumers! Esthetics entrepreneurs require a system of processes to be able to not only run their independent business, but to grow and expand. Through growth and expansion, leaders may choose to hire employees to assist in gaining more market reach to share its mission and vision - and ultimately be able to rely on other sets of hands to perform services reaping revenue streams alongside them! Spa owners must first look within themselves to determine whether hiring individuals and being a servant leader to others is in their long-term vision. Once this decision is made, being an HR wizard will be a new hat to wear all on its own. However challenging, hiring W2 employees can be both rewarding and profitable when following the correct steps to success! 

Benefits of hiring W2 employees within your spa practice include being able to utilize individuals to meet the goals of the business more efficiently. Hiring W2 employees gives companies the benefit of setting work hours for individuals, having set standards and proficiency metrics for individuals to meet, setting sales goals and performance guidelines, and setting up the company for additional streams of income. Being a solo practice has its pros and cons - and one con, specifically, is not being able to be everything to everyone, all the time. Bringing on additional team members can provide your clients with many more appointment opportunities and also provide you a helping hand with appointment booking, bookkeeping, ordering, sanitation, and much more. When managed properly, spa owners can grow their company and ensure financial success for many years to come. 

The first step in hiring employees is to work with a payroll company to ensure tax compliance. While hiring W2 employees may be more expensive, it is worth it to provide payroll services and benefits to your team to ensure long-term fiscal responsibility and also staff loyalty. Working with companies such as ADP provides the opportunity for employees to receive direct deposits, view their pay stubs, and receive a potential tax return at the end of a fiscal year. When employers provide individuals with something as simple as a pay stub, it provides opportunities for purchasing cars, homes, and other important assets that propel employees to the next level. Employers taking on the responsibility of uplifting their staff members are more powerful than they realize - and being in compliance with payroll regulations is part of the real influence that makes a difference in the world. 

Once an account is established by an insured payroll vendor, esthetics entrepreneurs will want to collect a W4 form for each employee. Employees fill out a W-4 form to let employers know how much tax to withhold from their paycheck based on filing status, dependents, anticipated tax credits and deductions, etc. If employees don't fill it out correctly, they may end up owing taxes when the return is filed. 
There are more important aspects to having employees than simply issuing someone a paycheck. Spa owners with employees must provide direction, education, and expectations. To communicate the mission of a company, the employees within it must believe in the person behind the magic - you! As an employer, you will want to ensure proper communication at all times and think of the ‘big picture’ at every turn. Anticipating the needs of both employees and clients alike will be part of your routine - which can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling to everyone involved. Become a servant leader, seek internal guidance and enlightenment to develop yourself professionally, and always be a forever student of business and life. Great leaders do not merely issue paychecks, but provide an experience and a feeling. Strive to be a tremendous leader everyday! 

As a fair employer, ensure you are paying competitive wages and salaries - and offering avenues for growth. Compensation for employees must match the industry/area averages with possibilities for leveling up. Areas to grow your employees include providing annual wage increases of 1.3-2.0%, which is the national average. Look into providing group health insurance plans or provide monthly health insurance contributions. With the high cost of medical care in the United States, it’s no surprise that health insurance is one of the most highly sought-after benefits by employees. For small employers, benefit plans tend to be offered on a voluntary basis and are not legally required. For larger companies over fifty or more full-time employees, this is not the case and is required for 95% of their full time employees. Being fair and competitive in the provision of wages will set employers on the long-term scale of success and lower rates of employee turnover. 

Streamlining other areas of the HR department within your company are critical for maintaining longevity and organization. Align your approach to interviews and hiring by always being on the lookout and forming connections. Even when you’re not hiring, attend job fairs and create meaningful relationships with Esthetician groups and esthetics/cosmetology schools. Gain more opportunities for face time with potential hires. You never know where you may end up finding new talent! Ensure employee contracts are well thought out and are part of the business culture. By ensuring contracts are already pre-formatted with zero room for question, employees will take your business practices seriously. Create continuity within your brand by ensuring trusting relationships through trustworthy business practices. Maintain set expectations and regulations that are easy to follow. Employees do not have respect for companies that don’t have important items set up such as contracts and Employee Handbooks from the start. They will find a way to complain, second-guess, and undermine your leadership. Ensure that your Employee Handbooks are detailed and always evolving over time. Update them at least twice annually with a revision date - and send to all employees each time regarding changes and updates. 
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Finally, promise your employees an annual evaluation. Small businesses sadly don’t do this enough and it hurts the brand long-term. In my personal business, I provide monthly one-on-one meetings - along with annual evaluations. It’s important to acknowledge your team for their positive attributes and celebrate them. Annual reviews should truly be a celebratory moment that your employees won’t soon forget. The optional monthly one-on-one meetings are helpful for team members to discuss day-to-day items with you and also to discuss items that need to be addressed. You can document them and both sign at the end of the meeting. The monthly one-on-one’s are beneficial in supporting your annual evaluations and decisions on their annual wage increase and/or annual bonus. 
Being a beauty boss is extremely rewarding if you harness the qualities of organization, communication, and follow through. You will move forward in success if you can ride the waves of employee highs and lows with grace. Looking at the big picture always is your savior in the journey of HR success - and esthetics entrepreneurs can most certainly take this on with pride and integrity when organized well. The sky is truly the limit!
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The laws of success in 2020

1/5/2020

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Looking into the eyes of our students on Orientation Day, eager to gain an understanding of the industry that is changing lives all over the world, I smile in gratitude and excitement. As a visionary for the bigger picture, I look out from the stage platform in our Campus Extension lecture classroom over the sea of women (and men) encompassed within our walls. Their faces are filled with many emotions from fear and anxiety - to thrill, excitement, eagerness; and an unequivocal connection to a personal journey that is connected to each of us. My mind rises higher and fast forwards to their graduation day, their personal lives, their families, and their careers. I see the lives changed, the smiles created, and the life journeys defined by a passion that has fueled my heart for years. I know the struggle and I know the peace. I understand the unknowing and I know the understanding. In these inspirational moments, as I share our story, these individuals are exponentially changed. The journey begins.

There are many things in my life that help me define success. Success is not about the possessions you have, the ladders you can climb, or even the statuses you hold. Success is a level of peace you feel and personal processes you display in your daily life that helps you perform to your optimum level with ease. Success becomes a habit when you inherently practice consistency; and consistency is had when you are able to see the bigger picture. When you visualize the outcome, you want to perform. Your daily walk with your actions is connected to every other action; and you happily understand the secret that is held in hard work. Success is yours.

1. Rise Early. 
They key to 'doing it all wrong' lies in hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock. The 'Five Second Rule' is a well-known system practiced by many that ensures that you simply GET UP, and not focus on the inherent mindsets of pushback, obstacles, and negative outcomes that our brains are trained to create. Wake up early with gratitude, focus on the excitement and opportunity a brand new day creates, and enjoy the little things about a quiet start to the morning - inclusive of hot cups of coffee and planning out your day. These little steps and moments of calm are truly key components of an extraordinary life. 

2. Multitask. 
In watching people struggle through their workdays and ultimately not connecting or succeeding in jobs they want to master, the commonality of disconnection is their inability to multitask. Multitasking is another example of the mind expanding and being able to look at the bigger picture. It's almost as if you have a mental visualization of an aerial view of your company and all of the processes and people that make it work efficiently. What can you do within your realm of influence to create a better experience for your culture, your consumers, and your supervisors? Multitasking is a mental confidence that allows you to choose an hour of your workday and accomplish more within that moment than your competitors. This is a true key to success - and those that do not practice and uphold this mental connection will simply be, and always feel, behind. Not only will life be easier overall, but you will be the employee in your company that is irreplaceable.

3. Computer Skills Basics. 
In teaching individuals a skill set in the ever-evolving beauty industry, we focus on specific sciences and modalities that create change in the skin. However, a true understanding of these common computer programs will assist you in office organization, inventory and budget controls, design and marketing, and much more. Gain a thorough understanding of platforms such as Google Docs (for document sharing and PDF creation) and Microsoft Excel (for spreadsheets for every occasion). Having the capability to quickly and efficiently create documents and communicate digitally will set you a part from the competition and always connect you to your clients. Additionally, simple graphic design skills through platforms such as Canva, for example, are very critical regarding anything from resume design, to logo creation, to menu design. The future is yours! 

4. Communication. 
One of my personal favorite skills to teach and allow students to practice consistently is public speaking. Being able to formulate your thoughts internally with a beginning, a middle, and a closing remark are critical in story telling. Story telling is key to work-based activities such as client consultations, meetings with supervisors, or group discussions within your culture. Additionally, being able to communicate this same format digitally through emails to your clients and vendors, official company letters with your letterhead, and professional proposals to a government entity or new contractor to propel your company forward is absolutely important - and a very critical piece of the puzzle that sets successful people apart. Are you set apart? How well do you communicate? Evaluate your skill set and always level up - in order to set yourself up for a higher, and easier, way of doing business. 

5. Practice You.
My favorite quote of all time is: "No one is you and that is your power." Wow! My power? Absolutely! In a world where we grow up realizing that Super Woman is actually very much within us, I love this quote even more. Complete confidence in who you are is something no one can take away from you. No one holds the power to pull you down or make you feel less than. Absolutely no one. When the light bulb finally comes on, and you realize you have had the POWER all along, it is truly life-changing and mind-altering. You can hold your head up high, in true confidence, that everything is always going to be ok - simply because you say so. And today, I am choosing my power. There is nothing more powerful, or successful, than that. 
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public announcement - ownership of medical records in south carolina

7/27/2018

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Public Announcement
7.27.2018

Southeastern Esthetics Institute has been approved as an entity to own medical records as of July 20, 2018, by the South Carolina LLR Board of Medical Examiners.

​Southeastern Esthetics Institute takes great pride in providing exemplary service to clients, patients, and students alike; and continues to strive for excellence in all areas of ethics, rules, and regulations.
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Hormones & Skin Health

2/20/2017

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Hormonal Disorders & Skin Health
by Courtney Freeman, Licensed Esthetics Instructor

Introduction
Skin health, in its complexities, is tied to so many distinct and precise factors throughout the human body. Estheticians must understand the many avenues for which consultations must be based on, in order to assist their clients in today’s modern and scientific world. Like never before, clients yearn for their service providers to have a thorough education and deep understanding of many underlying causes. So much of a proper client consultation is rooted in complex, yet simple, education that a client can listen to and understand. A thorough understanding of the endocrine system and hormone balance is essential in today’s thriving esthetics market. 


The Endocrine System & Skin Health 
The endocrine system is a series of ductless glands that secrete hormones that communicate with many parts of the body. The endocrine system is exceptionally interesting - as so much of these glands truly affect not only our skin health, but our energy levels and the possibility of “male pattern characteristics” in females. It is important to send clients to the correct physicians that can assist these individuals with the regulation of hormone disorders, but also with an understanding that lifestyle and nutritional factors can provide very positive outcomes - given the individual and other health or genetic factors. The endocrine system is an information signal system, much like the nervous system - however, the endocrine system effects are slow to initiate and prolonged in their response. Additionally, when one endocrine gland is experiencing any unbalancing, there is a large possibility that another may follow suit. The connection of discussions between the endocrine glands is absolute - and Estheticians can assist their clients in understanding that hormonal health is a direct reflection of long-term anti-aging in females. 
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Pituitary Gland
​The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, secretes trophic hormones - which cause other glands to make hormones. The pituitary gland is the “command center”, so to speak, of the endocrine system. Several important trophic hormones are secreted from the pituitary gland and make their way to the ovaries in females, which are both extremely important for ovulation and childbirth. Follicle-stimulating hormone, also known as FSH, is secreted by the pituitary and essentially plants the “seeds” involved in ovulation during puberty and beyond. Luteinizing Hormone, also known as LH, is another very important trophic hormone that is needed to actually release the egg from the ovum in order to have children. Because the pituitary gland also secretes MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) from its intermediate lobe, it is exceptionally important for Estheticians to understand the connection with the possible loss or disconnection, rather, of any trophic hormones that actually need to occur in females. If any trophic hormones released by the pituitary are not functioning properly, or sometimes not at all due to genetic predispositions or health issues, the skin can be a target to over stimulation of melanocytes, or hyperpigmentation.


Thyroid Gland
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland help control growth and metabolism - which is the job of the thyroid gland, located in the neck and consisting of two lobes. The primary influence of the thyroid is the regulation of the body’s metabolic rate, or energy levels, along with the body’s capacity to synthesize protein. The thyroid must function at its most healthiest state, as it produces the hormone calcitonin, which plays a large role in calcium homostasis. Calcium regulation is important for bone health, among other roles. Interesting ways to keep the thyroid functioning properly are to watch the body’s iodine and tyrosine levels - as they play a direct role in the health of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), hormones secreted by the thyroid. It has been found that radioactive isotopes of iodine can actually be used to treat thyroid cancer. 

The diseases of the thyroid are often, and unfortunately, well-known - as many Estheticians discuss these imbalances with their clients that suffer with thyroid disorders. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess amounts of its hormones. Graves’ disease is a cause of hyperthyroidism - with symptoms including eye bulging, fast heartbeat, weight loss, poor tolerance of heat, irritability and moodiness, myxedema (darkened skin on the skins that become thick and red/brown with a bumpy texture), and sleeping problems. Hypothyroidism is most often caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, another autoimmune disease, in which the thyroid lacks sufficient amounts of its hormones and can cause nodules and/or cancer to develop. 

Pancreas
The pancreas is well-known as the glandular organ of the endocrine system to regulate insulin and assist with digestion of nutrients into the body. The pancreas must function correctly in order for the correct enzymes to effectively break down carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids - which is crucial for ridding the body of internal inflammation, which can actually be a source of hormonal imbalances all together. Of course, the most popular understanding of the pancreas has to do with its diseases - Type 1 & 2 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes occurs typically as a childhood-onset disease, in which the pancreas does not produce insulin all together as a birth defect. Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle alteration in which the individual throws their own insulin secretions into decline through poor eating habits. Diabetes is a glucose metabolism disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia - which means that there is excessive amounts of glucose circulating through the blood plasma. Pancreatic issues can be a factor in throwing off other endocrine glands, which can ultimately spiral into several different hormonal imbalances throughout the body. 

Adrenal Glands
The understanding of the adrenal glands is fascinating to the Esthetician for many reasons. The adrenal glands look like little “hats” that sit on top of the kidneys, and are made up of a medulla and a cortex. The adrenal cortex produces three types of steroid hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrogens. Mineralocorticoids help to regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. A type of glucocorticoid is the popular cortisol - which serves as our “stress” hormone. Understanding and regulating excessing stress is important for the regulation of the adrenal glands. The third steroid hormone, androgens, are the female’s only natural source of the male hormone, testosterone. This fact is important for many Estheticians, as high testosterone levels in female cause male pattern characteristics such as excessive hair growth on the chin and upper lip, hyperpigmentation, and cystic jawline acne. The regulation of adrenal gland levels are imperative for proper skin health - and can be a source of understanding for those treating acne or hormonal hyperpigmentation. The medulla of the adrenal glands produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, producing the “fight or flight” response in the body during intense situations.

Cushing’s Syndrome
Clients with Cushing’s Syndrome deal with many visual characteristics such as abnormal obesity but with thin arms and legs, reddish stretch marks, a round red face, weak muscles and bones, acne, and fragile skin that heals poorly. Individuals dealing with Cushing’s Syndrome will deal with high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, moodiness, and headaches. Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol-like medications such as prednisone or a tumor that produces excessive cortisol by the adrenal glands. In the case of a pituitary ademona, a tumor, it is then known as Cushing’s Disease. A firm understanding of this disorder by Estheticians is crucial in setting timelines for healing - from protocols for chemical peels or laser services. The understanding of how acne can be a factor in this disease will explain the timeline of expectations for Estheticians treating it. Because most cases can be treated and cured, Estheticians will want to follow the directions of the overseeing physician as well as follow the nutrition and lifestyle choices of the client for ultimate, long-term results. 

Addison’s Disease
Clients with Addison’s Disease are those in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones. Esthetics characteristics include darkening of the skin - especially in sites of friction, vermillion border of the lips, genital skin, and other areas. Muscles weakness, lightheadedness, sweating, changes in mood, and craving for salt due to low sodium are other symptoms. Because hyperpigmentation can be one of the most rewarding yet difficult skin conditions to treat, it is important for the Esthetician to take Addison’s Disease into account when treating skin darkening. Although difficult and time consuming, hyperpigmentation can be treated effectively through progressive chemical peels, laser treatments, and the use of ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, licorice root, abrutin, and ascorbic acid.

PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is characterized by hirsutism (excessive body and facial hair from hormonal fluctuations), acne, and hyperpigmentation. PCOS is rooted in the non-secretion or unbalanced secretions of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, which are crucial for the ovaries to properly function in females. When the ovaries are unable to ovulate properly, ovarian cysts can occur. Due to and in conjunction with cysts, an unnatural occurrence of androgens (male hormones) appear in the ovaries for females. High androgen levels are the source of the male pattern characteristics, such as excessive hair, acne, and darkened skin. According to many sources, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome cannot be cured, but can be treated with lifestyle changes such as nutrition and exercise - along with anti-androgen medications and birth control pills. When realizing a client has PCOS, the game plan and consultation for services such as laser hair removal are changed - as the course of treatment would either change with the additional usage of medications, or halt all together. If the signs of PCOS are not treated, one would not be able to effectively clear the client completely with electrolysis or laser hair removal, due to the androgenic hair growth as a source.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Natural hormone replacement therapy is an alternative to medicinal supplementation, which can have adverse reactions or negative side effects. HRT is any form of therapy using naturally occurring hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen for females, to supplement areas in which the individual is low. In the ovaries, a very specific level of estrogen and progesterone is needed for women, in order to prevent common symptoms associated with menopause, for example. The treatment is also thought to prolong life and reduce incidence of dementia. Natural estrogen or progesterone therapy can often be compounded locally at a pharmacy specializing in that specification. A physician or medical advisor from the compounding pharmacy or clinic would place the client on the set amount needed. 

Internal Inflammation & Lifestyle Cures
The inflammation cascade is an ever present topic of conversation for those intrigued by the mere thought of prolonging life. What is it to actually “reverse” aging? The science behind what internal inflammation does to our bodies is imminent. Through the obvious hormonal fluctuations and decline in proper functioning of necessary organs or glands, to the build-up of mucus and glucose molecules within our gut - it is no wonder our ratio of free-radical damage versus antioxidant support is off kilter. Balancing hormones and improving the overall health of the body lies primarily in the intake of organic, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are the key factor of internal anti-aging and ridding the body of toxins. When the lymphatic system can drain the body of unnatural toxic build-up at its optimum level, the hormones will balance out and improve exponentially. 

Estheticians can utilize amazing information to inform their clients of ways to balance their hormones naturally, which can reap the rewards of beautiful skin. Drinking as much water as possible throughout the day is part of equalizing the internal levels within our glands - and also is part of the three items cells need to survive and flourish. Nutrition, oxygen, and water are three parts of a simple life source for nourished cells. Skin cells, in particular, are easier to break down via chemical peels if the cells are somewhat healthy. Cells are primarily made up of protein structures through ribosome components and other organelles throughout the cytoplasm. What this means is that Estheticians can and should incorporate lifestyle education into their consultations, along with the proper suggestion of experts that can assist them in their journey. Cellular health is directly connected with the health of hormone balancing, which reflects a multitude of skin disorders. 

Conclusion
The endocrine system is vast and complex, yet extremely interconnected with areas of the body that are vital for living a full life. The Esthetician can learn and appreciate the endocrine glands in simple and effectives ways, in order to educate their clients on the direct connection between hormone imbalances and skin intolerances. Thus, the skin is a direct reflection of what is going on internally within the body. Being able to pinpoint the root of a problem, with the help of an overseeing physician, can assist consumers in balancing the correct procedures and lifestyle changes that can affect the outcome of esthetics protocols.
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PHysicians & the esthetician

8/23/2016

5 Comments

 
Physicians & The Esthetician
by Courtney G. Freeman, Licensed Esthetics Instructor 
PUBLISHED IN DERMASCOPE MAGAZINE

In today’s modern and ever-changing world of cosmetic technology, Estheticians are required to understand skin from a cellular and scientific perspective. Estheticians and consumers alike understand the advanced changes that can be made within a medical setting - and physicians are realizing the supportive role that Estheticians can bring to their practices. There are many serious laws and regulations that must be taken into account when combining medical procedures with esthetics services, along with many specific protocols and processes that must take place in order to treat patients in a methodical manner. Estheticians are required to enlist specific personal and professional skill sets to work underneath physicians. Respect for the physician and the regulations of a medical practice are critical, while also understanding the Esthetician’s scope of practice. Working in a medical setting as an Esthetician can be both rewarding and beneficial for both yourself and your clients alike. Understanding the nature of advanced esthetics and the branches of knowledge needed are paramount to success in the evolving and popular medical spa arena. 
The skill set required of an Esthetician within a medical practice is multi-faceted and complex. The level of education and the mindset required to work alongside physicians and nurse practitioners is exceptionally important - with a clear focus on cellular change, anatomy, hormones, and scientific methods being a critical need of the individual. The firm understanding that Estheticians are unable to title themselves as “Medical Estheticians” is an important focal point, as it does not have any legal value and misrepresent’s the license originally obtained. Estheticians must understand their place in a medical setting - which is to provide esthetics services directly underneath the physician. With esthetics technology such as microneedling, dermaplaning, and cosmetic laser skin rejuvenation being at the forefront of esthetics services in 2016, Estheticians are required to understand the knowledge and skills required for the competitive advantage of assisting their clients with changes at a dermal level. With the supervision of a skilled, board certified physician, Estheticians can assess and perform the services necessary to assist clients in achieving real change. Respecting the skill set and scope of practice for the supervisory staff and physicians, along with performing only what is contractually within the job description of the Esthetician position is exceptionally important. Esthetics practitioners within any advanced setting should obtain certifications underneath their license for each individual advanced procedure. Specific courses for cosmetic lasers, for example, are crucial to add to the esthetics portfolio, in order to showcase added training beyond that of the esthetics fundamentals course. Estheticians looking to gain a competitive edge will not only obtain as much outside education as possible, these individuals will also build their skill set of public speaking, professional development, HIPAA compliance, OSHA regulations, and much more. Having a thorough understanding of the dermatology and plastic surgery procedures, in addition to all new and modern cosmetic procedures on the market, is critical in assisting your clients in answering questions. Constant continuing education and training on advanced techniques is paramount to the success of any Esthetician within a medical setting.
A thorough understanding of state laws and regulations, through constant monitoring of any changes with state board regulatory agencies, is a critical tool that must be taken seriously as an Esthetician in today’s market. Each state possesses specific requirements for Estheticians within their own board as well as laws under the state medical and nursing boards. Overall, Estheticians must always assume that the physician is the lead authority in any protocols for patients that are requiring an advanced procedure. Estheticians must obtain written permission and treatment plans through the physician overseeing the practice, with monitoring by the physician of all notations within patient charts, products and modalities used, and any other thought process made throughout the duration of treatment. Proper communication is exceptionally important between the physician and support staff when treating patients in a medical setting. Having daily and weekly communication when dealing with patients receiving treatment is critical. Thorough organization of charting systems, patient and employee safety and sanitation practices, and consistent monitoring by supervisory staff is the key to medical spa success. 
Estheticians must understand and uphold a high skill level in documentation and notation skills. Through the initial consultation with clients, the understanding of medications listed, immune system dysfunctions, stress levels, ingredients in products used, and past procedures performed on the client are important to assess. The Esthetician must also obtain the skills and knowledge needed to piece together proper Patient Care Plans within a medical setting that consist of combinations of needed procedures such as: chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, cosmetic lasers, and more. The physician overseeing the practice must sign off on and give permission to the Esthetician performing the procedures. The correct use of medical terminology is especially important when it comes to medical charting. Dependent upon the medical charting system of the practice, the Esthetician must frame his or her language in the most objective terms possible, steering clear of any biased phrases that could be misinterpreted. Diligence and accuracy in record keeping is essential, and should be a very important part of the day-to-day activities of an Esthetician. In addition to daily charting, supervisory and management staff must check behind all service providers daily and/or weekly to make certain charting is being performed to the level needed for the practice. The charts must then pass through the physician overseeing the practice, in order to obtain the correct signatures, documentations, and authorization needed to move forward in treatment. Patient and client follow-up after procedures should be documented within the charting systems as well - and must be approved in terms of communication methods with the patient and documentation of the interaction. 
A complete understanding of liability insurance is exceptionally important to an Esthetician in this setting - as the supervisory physician must include these individuals within the malpractice insurance. A separate liability insurance policy on the practice as a whole, with policies on each individual practitioner, is also an added protection umbrella. All service providers within a practice should obtain copies of insurance policies that pertain to their performance for their own understanding. Seeking insurance providers that specialize in medical spa businesses and procedures is an absolute must. The option for these insurance providers is more prevalent today than recent years, as many individual procedures such as microneedling, permanent makeup, or cosmetic lasers are added to policies specifically. All persons approved by the physician for the performance of such procedures must be listed by name. At any moment that a new service provider is added, the insurance policies must be updated. Viewing these policies quarterly, not only yearly, is important for all supervisory staff to oversee. Maintaining complete compliance with both national and state regulatory agencies is an important factor. If there were every a setting that insurance was most important, it is that of a medical spa. Liability insurance not only covers the facility but each practitioner on the policies, with a specific focus on individual procedures within the practice. When adding a new medical esthetic procedure, it must be additionally added to the policy. Both the general liability coverage of the practice, in addition to the malpractice insurance of the physician overseeing the clinic must be updated to match all standards. All records in accordance with liability insurance standards of a medical spa office must be held at a high level of importance, as it is the basis of administration and authority within the safety parameters of the patients within its care. 
The office culture in a medical esthetics setting can be significantly different from any other business or spa environment, for the purposes of being OSHA and HIPAA compliant. From the front desk receptionists to any supporting staff member, all employees within a medical spa practice must be in tune with state regulations and compliance. A complete system must be in place per office, for the role of every action within the practice. From the time a patient walks into the office, to the manner in which they are spoken to at the front desk, to the escorting staff taking them into the treatment room, to the physician consultations, to the procedure itself, and to the conclusion and follow-up methods - all processes must be systematic in nature, in order to create a specific and defined flow that meets all requirements. The understanding and respect for organizational hierarchy exists in any office, but no more than that of a medical office. When independent thinking is encouraged in many salons or spas, the medical practice often adheres to a strict top-down human resource methodology. The understanding that an Esthetician cannot “over step their boundaries” is crucial. The freedom of customization and changing of protocols can be somewhat limited, which is an important factor to take into consideration when assessing goals for esthetics careers. Regardless of these processes, many individuals find the advanced setting of a medical practice more to speed with their own goals. Harnessing the qualities needed to advance in this setting are pieces of a puzzle that can take many years to perfect or obtain. Estheticians truly should seek out employment in a spa setting immediately after graduation, to obtain several years of experience treating the skin before implementing the idea that a medical setting is their ultimate goal. Job experience, additional education, and life experiences make a medical spa position that much more fulfilling and successful for both the practitioner and the business itself. 
To be competitive in the current esthetics market, practitioners must obtain consistent continuing education in advanced esthetics. The relationship between a physician and a supporting staff member such as that of an Esthetician must be respected from every angle. The level of professionalism of all team members of a medical spa practice must be held to the highest of standards, along with excellence in areas such as sanitation and medical charting. Compliance in the realm of liability and malpractice insurance is exceptionally important - and should be in the top priority list at the beginning of any medical spa business. The esthetics industry is exceptionally rewarding - assisting clients with not only their physical care but their emotional health and personal confidence as well. By changing the lives of our clients, we ultimately change our own. Living and breathing the spa industry is an experience only the select few are lucky enough to embody. Treating your career as an art, and ultimately respecting the laws and regulations which encompass that craft, are an important aspect of any endeavor in the advanced esthetics field. 
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    Author

    Courtney Sykes, Chief Administrative Officer of Southeastern Esthetics Institute, not only loves educating students in the classroom setting - but travels to esthetics trade shows and teaches amazing lectures to hundreds of licensed professionals around the country - and writes amazing articles for national trade magazines in esthetics. Her passion is expansive for the industry & she is exceptionally passionate about assisting you with your career goals!

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