This month, we’re thinking about change. Our Country is embarking on a new, exciting era – as is your businesses.  We’ll do our best to keep you up to date on the latest market, industry and product trends so you can have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009. 

You’ve probably heard that Endermologie is the ‘first FDA cleared technology for cellulite and body contour,’ but do you really understand what that means? This issue explains FDA clearance, why it’s important and how the FDA can be used to differentiate and promote your business services.   

Lately, there’s been a lot of hype about peptide based anti-aging solutions - so we’re launching one that’ll help you roll out wrinkles and roll in profits.  It’s a godsend.  And speaking of, should there be a separation of church and spa? Some spas say no…

If the New Year means new employees – read our tips on getting them trained quickly and efficiently.  Don’t forget our spotlight section, because Dr. Chrisanne Gordon comments on the clinical data supporting Endermologie’s treatment of Fibromyalgia…  You asked for it, you get it!

If you have a question about something that concerns your business – let us know – we’ll research and write about it for you, Email us at editorial@techno-derm.com. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Techno-Derm news and articles? Subscribe to our RSS feed today.

Anti-aging is a $30 billion dollar market.  So to roll out wrinkles and roll in profits, you need to have a thorough knowledge of the best age-fighting skincare out there.  
           
Ever heard of peptides? It’s basically a chain of amino acids that are strung together to form protein molecules – and it’s the next best thing for fighting lines and wrinkles.  Perhaps you’ve heard some of the (very complex sounding) chemical or cosmeceutical names?  They’re often preceded by di, tri, tetra, penta – because this distinguishes the number of amino acids bonded together.  In most cases, the more amino acids, the higher the potency.

So how do these peptides work?  Well, unlike Botox (which shuts nerve receptors down completely), peptides stimulate nerve receptors to revitalize skin cells. And since peptide proteins occur naturally in the body, they’re absorbed into deep skin layers when applied topically. 

Another perk is that peptides mix well with vitamins, hydrators and antioxidants.  So while peptides fight lines and wrinkles, other ingredients can nourish and condition skin.  We didn’t have that in the 80’s.  Besides stretchy pants and bad hairdos, that generation had only skin burning retinoids for aging skin.  Come to think of it, the AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids) of the 90’s weren’t a whole lot better.  Fortunately, today’s peptide based anti-aging products are non-irritating and free of allergens, so they can be used everywhere (even on delicate eye skin) and on all skin types.

Clayton Shagal’s Hyprocel protein-based products are a big name in the cosmeceutical anti-aging market.  They’re composed of proteoglycans, powerful protein molecules that recalibrate cellular function.  Reinforcing natural lipidic barriers to lock-in moisture, Hyprocel nourishes and protects dehydrated skin – and by upping collagen and elastin production, it stimulates cell regeneration for a youthful, uplifted appearance – free of lines and wrinkles.  

Clayton Shagal product works very well with Facial Fitness anti-aging facial treatments.  Want more info? Call (888) 892-4588 for a FREE start-up package. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration carefully monitors medical devices, so you know what’s safe for your clients - and what’s not.

If you’re thinking of investing in skin care equipment, it’s crucial that you find out how the product stands with the FDA. 

As explained in the July 2008 issue of Skin Inc., you want to make sure that “your new asset falls in line with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is backed by scientific research and documentation – not just marketing hype.”

With today’s economy and competitive landscape, you’ll need a point of difference, and if you choose wisely, the right device can distinguish your business for you.  To find out if your interest is the real deal or a ‘cheap knock-off look-alike machine,’ you’ll need to do your homework. 

According to Skin Inc., “there are thousands of skin machines currently on the market not registered with the FDA, and yet they are marketed as ‘regulated’ by the organization, piggybacking on the credibility of trustworthy and honorable companies that have gone to the expense of following regulations and abiding by the law.”  Do LPG Treatments and Technologies have that FDA credibility? 

Yes.  Immediately after the official US debut, LPG underwent the long, difficult process of getting FDA market clearance.  But it paid off.  The Vanderbilt and UCLA clinical studies resulted in LPG’s getting the first-ever FDA clearance for cellulite and inch loss (that was in 1997-98).  Today, more than 85 clinical investigations have scientifically validated the reliability, efficacy, and safety of LPG Endermologie Technology. 

That’s why Endermologie is still #1 in the world for cellulite and body contouring.  It simply can’t be beat.  As the Skin Inc. article suggests, you need to promote your Endermologie machine this way – it makes you much more competitive in today’s dynamic marketplace. 

For more on this article and to see the FDA claims for LPG Endermologie Technology, click here...

For more study info, visit www.cosire-lpg.com.   

To order the LPG Studies and Publications brochure, call us at 888-892-4588.   

The Marketplace: Separation of Church and Spa?

You’ve probably heard about the growing popularity of the ‘Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability’ (L.O.H.A.S.) market segment, right? Well here’s something new – now religion is involved (among other things).

This market segment prefers health, wellness and fitness solutions that are 100% natural – and especially those using environmentally friendly products, practices and services.  But now there’s more.

Enter social justice, spirituality and personal development.  Besides organic botanicals and wholly non-invasive treatments like Endermologie, LOHAS consumers are praying…

Some spas feature Christian reading rooms with Bibles and Bible literature – while others incorporate Buddhist religious philosophies or sacred tribal rituals from Africa, the South Pacific and South America.  Foreign Thai or Asian massage, ayurveda and Tui Na are becoming popular – and a few spas even have tarot card readings. 

Should you do it?  Well, according to the president of the International Spa Association (ISPA), “the spa and LOHAS markets are booming… Of the US adults who have been to a spa, 30% are classified as LOHAS consumers.” 

With Endermologie Facial Fitness and Lipomassage – you can rest assured that you’re offering LOHAS-friendly, 100% non-invasive treatments. And LPG Technologies are ‘green,’ using very little energy and leaving no waste behind.  Prayer time at your spa?  That’s up to you to decide. 

The first day on the job for the new gal or guy… How do you get them ready as fast as possible without overwhelming them?  Here are some tips.

1. Reading – Give them the necessary reading materials so they’ll get up to speed. Encourage them to make a cheat sheet so they can remember key points.  If you’re feeling especially munificent, you can make it for them. (Another employee can benefit too.)
2. Demonstrations - Walk through procedures, explaining as you go.  Encourage questions.  As soon as possible, have them try it.  Besides hands-on experience, you can kindly correct errors.  They’ll really remember what you’re telling them this way.  
3. Reasoning - If your employees understand why you’re doing something, they’ll be more apt to remember to do it.
4. Mentoring - Give them a buddy to help transition them. Not only will it make them work better with colleagues, it’ll free your time up for more important stuff.
5. Praise – Praise efforts because if employees feel appreciated, they’ll keep up the good work and keep trying to please you.