Using Your Website to Sell Microdermabrasion and Skincare
Like every part of your business you should be reviewing your website on a regular basis. I don’t mean everyday, but certainly you should be looking at it at least once every six months and probably quarterly.
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This isn’t just about updating some of your content but a real review of your site. If you are like most small businesses, you don’t have too many pages to review so it shouldn’t take too much time, but can yield big payoffs in increased traffic to your site and visits to your spa. Your website is one of the first introductions to your company. In real-estate lingo it creates “curbside appeal”. As you are reviewing your site, here are the four essential pages that you should be focused on: |
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Homepage – Your homepage is the first page someone sees when they visit your site. You should be able to convey, very quickly, who you are and what you do. The user shouldn’t be confused. If you have been using advertising or direct mail campaigns to drive users to your website, make sure that your brand is consistent with what you have been sending out. Also make sure that the logo that you are using on your advertising shows clearly on your website. This is not the place to be wordy. Keep it short, concise and try to have some offer on the site that will entice them to come to your location.
Services – This is your menu of services. It is a good place to spend a good deal of your time. You should make sure that this section is carefully written. This is the place where you are using flowery words to describe the benefits of your services and why each service is valuable. You also need to make some decisions as to whether or not you would like to include your pricing on the website. If you include the pricing, you maybe provide your competition with a lot of information about you. However some prospective customers really want to understand price and they don’t want to pick up the phone.
On your menu it is good to have some of the services listed by benefit. For example you can list Microdermabrasion treatment. There are many people that know what that is and they are looking for that kind of treatment. You should also consider listing some of the benefits as separate treatments. For example you could have “Backne – a treatment to reduce the acne on your back. This treatment is a combination of microdermabrasion and topical skincare used to quickly reduce the bacteria that causes acne and smooth the skin.”
The clearer it is for end users to understand the benefits, the easier it is to sell them on having multiple procedures.
This is also a good place to advertise any coupons or gift certificate programs that you offer.
About Us – This is where you tell visitors about you. It is a great place to have pictures and show you and your staff. You want people to understand how your business got started, what your philosophies are and any other way that they can begin to relate to you. Your business is a personal and the goal here is for your client to connect with you.
Contact Us – An important page, and it doesn’t just have to be one page, the contact information can be at the bottom of every page. The key is helping people get in touch with you. If you have an email account and you are going to put it on the site, be sure that you are actually answering that email. If you aren’t answering email quickly then don’t include an email address on the site. It is better to have people call you than for you to not respond in a timely manner. Also, if you are not always available to answer your phone, I would recommend an answering service. Once again this is a personal business. You want people to feel comfortable. And if you are sending people to voice mail, that doesn’t feel personal.
Once you make all of the changes to your website, have an outsider look at it. Don’t have a good friend who is just going to give you complements. Find a person who is going to be really critical of the site. You want to ask them to do certain things:
- Can you find a particular service that you have listed?
- Can you easily enter you contact information?
- Do you understand our business?
- Do you know where we are located?
If you find the site isn’t doing what you need. Find a professional to help. Your website is important, it shouldn’t look like a DIY job.
Good Luck
Mark
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May 1st 2013 → 1 Comment
May is Lupus Awareness Month
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Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, especially the skin, joints and organs. Since the disease is so difficult to diagnose, the exact figures on how many Americans suffer with Lupus is sketchy. Around 16,000 new cases are officially reported each year however, people with Lupus will tell you that it typically takes several years of frustrating doctor visits before receiving a positive diagnosis. Anyone can get Lupus, but it certainly favors women. Approximately 9 out of 10 adults with Lupus are women ages 15 to 45. African-American women are three times more likely to get Lupus than white women. Lupus is also more common in Latina, Asian, and Native American women.1 |
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Since Lupus is an autoimmune disease, it means that for some reason the body decides to attack and break down its own tissue. While there is no one cause, it is believed that genetics, environmental toxins and hormones are all contributing factors. Lupus has different forms: Cutaneous (skin) Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Drug-induced Erythematosus and Neonatal Lupus. Although the complaints vary by individual, the most common symptoms are extreme fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes and sensitivity. Two thirds of people with Lupus have some form of skin complaint. The sun is very damaging and stimulating to symptoms in someone with Lupus, so they must take extra precautions to protect themselves from the sun, as it can cause a “flare” of the disease and aggravate the skin. 2
As a person who has suffered with autoimmune disease for the past 14 years, I can sincerely relate to the challenges of finding skincare products that nourish and protect my skin, without causing inflammation and uncomfortable rashes or irritation. This was my personal inspiration for the work that I do with DermaMed Solutions and is why I am so passionate about it. Our mission is not to “make you as pretty as you can be”, but rather it is to “uncover the brilliance that comes from comfort in your own skin”. This brilliance can come from the physical glow of healthy skin, or even more importantly — the emotional glow that comes when you are confident and comfortable in your own skin.
The dmSkincare natural skincare products are great for people with Lupus and other diseases that cause skin discomfort because they contain botanical ingredients that reduce inflammation, without harsh chemicals which can inflame the skin. A person with a Lupus skin rash or lesion is dealing with a state of inflammation in the skin and likely systemically. The last thing they need is to stimulate the auto-antibody process with UVA and UVB light and/or add toxins for their body to detoxify. Two things are critical: reducing inflammation and protecting the skin from sun and environmental toxins.
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Sun protection is a must for people with Lupus! Many times the chemicals used in sunscreens, like oxybenzone, cause even more inflammation than the sun exposure. We can control our exposure to the sun fairly easily, but toxins are everywhere. For that reason, a chemical-free, mineral sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection is the best choice. With this type of product you create a barrier to the sun and toxins, so they can’t penetrate the skin or allow burning, or the stimulation of auto-antibodies which can lead to disease flares for Lupus sufferers. dmSkincare’s daily eclipse™ mineral sunscreen with SPF 30, contains titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, zinc oxide and other soothing ingredients that provide both comfort and antioxidant support, like aloe, allontoin, and watermelon extract. When you add a layer of mineral makeup, you safely protect the skin, while looking fabulous. Every person should wear SPF protection every day on their face, ears and neck. Every person with Lupus must. |
So, how can you get involved to help people with Lupus? The Lupus Foundation currently has a petition you can sign which urges Congress to fund more research on Lupus treatment. On Friday, May 17th, you can wear purple to show your support for the cause. Visit the Lupus Foundation website for more information and for daily tips and facts on the disease.3 Lastly, try to offer support to someone with Lupus. A common issue for people with Lupus is that they are told they “look too good to be sick” and therefore people do not believe they are ill. Many times a kind word of support or a simple, “How are you?”, can be very meaningful to a person living with Lupus.
Ginger
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Apr 25th 2013 → Leave a comment
List Your Microdermabrasion Services Locally
| It is hard to believe but more than 70% of all Americans use the Internet. It has become a fantastic resource for getting information. Typically, I use the Internet to find all of my information. But yesterday, I found myself pulling out the Yellow Pages. I needed a plumber. I had searched on the Internet first, but I didn’t get the information I wanted because many local vendors are not advertising on the web. |  |
The first lesson here is that you should still continue advertising in the yellow pages. People still use it. It might not be their first source, but it is still a good source of information. In particular it is good for providing information on local businesses. That is why people still use it, to find a local business. While you don’t need to have the biggest advertisement, I would suggest that you do more than a single line ad. You should list some of your top services right on the yellow page advertisement. Make sure your key messaging is clear.
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To maximize your exposure, you also need to make sure you get yourself listed in the local online directories. If more of the local businesses had been listed, I would not have pulled out the yellow pages in the first place. One of the most popular and free listing services is Google Places. Using Google Places will enable your business to show up on the Google map. You can choose categories like spa, medical spa, dermatologist and many other categories. This will help people find you, if they choose to search online. |
Google isn’t the only directory being used. There are many other directory services as well. There’s Bing, Yahoo, Switchboard, Hotfrog and many others that offer either free or pay for listings.
It is worth taking the time to get your business listed. In many cases you can do this on your own. It just takes some time and patience, and perhaps the help of a teenager. If you don’t have that available you can use a service like Directory Maximizer, who will help list your business. There are also companies like Yodle and REACHLOCAL. These companies offer services to help you maximize your local exposure.
Every directory that you submit to is another chance to be found online. It’s important to make sure you’re listed in the popular directories and also in any local directories that might be available to you.
Good luck!
Mark
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Mar 5th 2013 → Leave a comment
Reduce Spots and Brighten Without Hydroquinone
| For years, the go-to ingredient for lightening was hydroquinone. This is still used by many dermatologists but there’s growing concern over its safety. In fact, the FDA has restricted the use of hydroquinone in over-the-counter products and even in physician only formulas , and is currently conducting research on hydroquinone as a cancer-causing and skin disfiguring agent. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to keep me from using it! At dmSkincare, we prefer to steer away from harmful chemicals in our formulations, even when the research is just beginning to build. For our skincare products, we utilize botanicals whenever possible and have developed a highly effective combination for skin lightening! |  |
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So, there it is – a powerful lightening serum, which is botanically-based and safe when used as directed. clari-tone serum™ can be used alone or as part of a holistic lightening protocol to really boost the results. In fact, we highly recommend that clari-tone serum be used as a layer under our AHA salicylic solution. The AHA really drives the serum into the deeper layers of the skin. If you incorporate this at-home treatment product with IPL or microdermabrasion treatments for pigment, you will see dramatic results – even on the most stubborn sun damage and liver spots! A critical final step in reducing unwanted pigment and sun spots is to protect the skin from further damage. Please, protect your skin with SPF protection every day! Safe and effective coverage can be achieved with our daily eclipse SPF 30 mineral sunscreen and mineral makeup. SPF is essential when applying any type of AHAs or retinols to the skin and going out into the sunlight, so don’t skip this very important last step in your routine. |
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Feb 11th 2013 → Leave a comment
Sugar, Not Always So Sweet
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Chocolates and flowers are the traditional tokens of love exchanged on Valentine’s Day. We all enjoy receiving something sweet from our sweetheart, but did you know that sugar plays a significant role in skin aging? |
The culprit is a natural process that is known as glycation, in which the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful new molecules called Advanced Glycation End products, appropriately called AGEs for short. As AGEs accumulate, they damage nearby proteins, like those that make up our skin. Collagen and elastin, the protein-based components of skin that keep it elastic, are highly susceptible to this type of damage — with the end result of sagging, wrinkled skin. In addition, the AGEs deactivate your body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage, which is the top cause of premature skin aging.
So, what to do? It is easy to say, but often times hard to do… limit sugar intake in the diet. An occasional treat is fine, especially if you choose dark chocolate which contains compounds that actually benefit the skin. Also, be aware that sugar, like the kind you put in your coffee or drink in a soda, is not the only damaging type. Sugars are also found in refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastas, cakes, and other white starches.
Although eating antioxidant-rich foods like dark chocolate, green tea, and berries will not prevent glycation, it will provide your body with the building blocks required to support new skin cell formation. Another key to building healthy skin is by ingesting omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in DermaMed Solutions Omega-3 supplement. It is great for managing inflammation, acne and psoriasis, in addition to supporting brain function. Omega-3s are amazing multi-taskers and the 80/60 EPA to DHA ratio in our supplement is ideal for all of these conditions.
| This Valentine’s Day, skip the sugar, opt for different kind of sweet treat like a heart-felt poem, a collection of romantic songs, or do a kind favor for your loved one.
Or, check out our daily eclipse duo™ mineral sunscreen! The daily eclipse duo contains our SPF 30 mineral, oil-free sunscreen, a mineral make-up and application brush. You will look radiant while being safely and naturally protected from damaging UVA/UVB rays!
Sugar is sweet but healthy skin and good health is even sweeter! |
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Jan 22nd 2013 → Leave a comment
Natural Relief for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes red scaly patches on the skin which are painful and itchy. There’s no cure for psoriasis, but the symptoms can be managed. In keeping with our mission at DermaMed Solutions to “uncover the brilliance that comes from comfort in your own skin”, dmSkincare has created an affordable, natural solution to offer relief to those with psoriasis. The new Psoriasis Kit contains 3 products: argan boost serum™, repair bar and our Omega-3 dietary supplement.
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dmSkincare’s argan boost serum™ is a versatile serum which offers light, non-greasy lipid barrier replacement in a water miscible form. It incorporates natural and organic ingredients, including argan oil, squalene, jojoba and vitamin D, specially chosen for ultra-sensitive skin types such as those with Psoriasis. Argan oil has been shown to have regenerative and anti-microbial properties, supporting healthy tissue growth. In this formula, Vitamin D acts as a cell signaling hormone, promoting cell immunity and research suggests that topical vitamin D is beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. This water-soluble barrier replacement works to balance out the skin’s natural moisture levels by sealing in the body’s natural oils, and offering the hydration that is much needed in psoriasis-plagued skin. Relief from pain and itchiness is often seen immediately after applying the argan boost serum™ to the skin. |
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dmSkincare’s repair bar is a cleansing bar that treats psoriatic plaques. Pumpkin seed oil donates vitamin A, while fumaric acid has been used topically to treat psoriasis and has been proven to be an effective therapy. Salicylic acid and resorcinol contribute anti-microbial properties in addition to being keratolytic. Fumaric acid is a key ingredient because of its ability to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. A number of studies—both old and new—confirm its benefits in psoriasis patients. One study of 100 psoriasis patients indicated that fumaric acid derivatives significantly control psoriasis.1 Another multicenter study of 70 psoriasis patients investigated the efficacy of fumaric acid therapy for four months. Fumaric acid was highly effective, with the patients showing an overall 80 percent decrease in the amount and severity of psoriasis.2 |
These two products can be used once or twice daily. For severe cases, many use the repair bar as a mask, by working up a lather and leaving the product on the skin overnight.
Given the inflammatory nature of psoriasis, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and preservatives that can further inflame the skin.
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Numerous clinical studies confirm the benefits of omega-3 supplementation for reducing inflammation that accompanies autoimmune disease. By competing with arachidonic acid, which triggers bad inflammation, omega 3s help you reduce inflammation and damage in your skin and elsewhere in the body. Inflammation is one of the main mechanisms in psoriasis. DermaMed’s Omega-3 supplement is 100% PCB & mercury free, molecularly distilled, third party tested pharmaceutical grade fish oil. It’s highly concentrated at 800 mg. EPA & 600 mg. DHA per Serving. Two grams per day is recommended for best results. |
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As with many inflammatory skin conditions, managing stress and practicing good nutrition are also critical components to keeping the disease under control. This trio is in keeping with the company philosophy around treating a person holistically (from the inside out and outside in) for best results.
The Psoriasis Kit is available for purchase from DermaMed Solutions at www.dmSkincare.com or by calling 610-358-4447.
References:
1. Altmeyer P.J., Matthes U., Pawlak F., Hoffmann K., Frosch P.J., Ruppert P., Wassilew S.W., et al. Antipsoriatic effect of fumaric acid derivatives. Results of a multicenter double-blind study in 100 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994; 30(6):977-81.
2. Mrowietz U., Christophers E., Altmeyer P. Treatment of psoriasis with fumaric acid esters: results of a prospective multicenter study. German Multicenter Study. Br J Dermatol 1998; 138(3):456-60.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases. Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD, FACN www.jacn.org
4. Study on the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a therapeutic supplement in treatment of psoriasis. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2011:4 73–77
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Jan 2nd 2013 → Leave a comment
New Beginnings
I’m not sure why we decide to begin anew with the start of a new year as opposed to any other time of the year, but I think no matter when you choose to get started, re-evaluating your habits and setting some new goals for yourself is a great idea.
Healthy skin is not something we think about every day. In fact, many of us don’t think of our skin at all until it starts to give us some discomfort or begins to sag and wrinkle. In my training as a nutritionist, I was taught to look at the skin as an outward reflection of the health of the gut and reflection of overall inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of most chronic lifestyle disease and can lead to skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, rashes, not to mention sagging and wrinkled skin. So, if I were to recommend a few “resolutions” to help you manage your inflammation and improve the health of your skin, the top ones I would suggest are –
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1. Take a high quality omega-3 supplement every day. Omega-3’s have been clinically proven to reduce inflammation, as well as support the structure of healthy skin cells. DermaMed’s Omega-3 supplement is molecularly distilled for purity, will not give you nasty fish burps, and is in the correct ratio to support the research for its heart health benefits. This is an easy one! |
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2. Make sleep a priority. You may think that burning the midnight oil makes you more productive, but really, a well-rested person is much more productive. Lack of sleep increases your cortisol, which leads to collagen breakdown. Don’t let lack of sleep accelerate your aging process. |
| 3. Wear a chemical-free, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every day. The suns rays are damaging your skin every day, not just on sunny August afternoons. Be sure to take your vitamin D supplements since you will be blocking the skin from producing vitamin D with your sunscreen. Ask your doctor to test your 25-hydroxy-D3 level with your next set of routine labs to be sure you are getting enough vitamin D. Our daily eclipse™ SPF 30 broad spectrum mineral sunscreen is oil-free, light and a great choice for your daily face and neck protection. |  |
| 4. Zap stress! Stress also increases your cortisol and lessens your collagen. It also raises inflammation which can cause autoimmune flare ups. Anyone with rosacea, Lupus or psoriasis can attest to that. Make time for you. Focus on what you can do, and not what you can’t and rather than taking your worries to bed, write them on a pad before you go to sleep at night and then plan to handle them in the morning, rather than letting worries overwhelm you. |
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5. Hydrate! Drink several cups (6-8) of clean, filtered tap or mineral water every day. Your body needs the water to deliver nutrients to the skin cells and to take away toxins. Without it, even a person eating a healthy diet will not receive the benefits of the nutrition. |
My list could go on and on. I have not talked about eating plenty of plant-based food, healthy fats and probiotic rich foods, or about the detriments of sugar. However, I feel that it is important not to try to tackle too much at once. My suggestion is to look at the list above and choose one small thing to change or implement each week. Make a public declaration about it – post a note on your fridge; tell a friend; post it on Facebook… whatever works for you. Then, do it! There’s no time like the present to begin making small changes towards building a healthier lifestyle.
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Even the tallest, strongest tree began with a small seed, some sunlight and clean water. Picture yourself as that tree and nourish your health so you can become the best version of you in 2013. |
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Happy New Year to you and your family from all of us here at DermaMed Solutions.
We look forward to sharing new and exciting products and skin health advancements with you in 2013!
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Dec 31st 2012 → Leave a comment
2013 New Year’s Resolutions
Tomorrow is the first day of 2013, and that makes it time to think about New Year’s Resolutions! Sometimes sharing your resolutions helps and gives you a little more accountability, which is why here at DermaMed Solutions we are letting you know our resolutions:
Resolution: a course of action determined or decided on ; the state or quality of being resolute; firm determination. With the ringing in of the year 2013, my resolution is to live better by making healthier choices, enjoy life more by spending more time with family & friends, increase customer development by educating others how DermaMed Solutions’ products can enhance their business and provide only the best to their clients, and to take a moment every day to smell the roses and appreciate all of the blessings we are given.
- Cheryl
My new year’s resolution: To improve my health & body by eating more raw fruits & vegetables and working out more, to donate everything I don’t need any more to homeless shelters, to start my photography and web design websites, to learn more, and to travel more!
- Veronica
Acid Reflux is something that I have been battling with for as long as I can remember. 2012 was filled with some of the worst cases of acid reflux I have ever experienced. I can’t just blame my tummy, what I eat is directly related to how I feel afterward. In 2013 my goal is to take control of my acid reflux by following an acid reflux friendly diet (which eliminates many of my favorite foods L) and by exercising to decrease my BMI (The higher your BMI the more likely you are to experience acid reflux).
- Kelly
This year my resolution involves pre-planning dinners, not just for nutritional reasons, but to make it easier to feed my family (and have fewer “I have nothing to make for dinner” moments). As a working mother, I usually get home and still have to manage to get dinner on the table in a timely manner. If I don’t pre-plan dinner, it stresses me out trying figure out what to serve, which then stresses my family out. With a little organization and planning, I hope to be able to have dinner ready to go, allowing me to come home and enjoy the time left in the day with my kids stress-free. If anyone has any recipes that they would like to share with me, I would love to hear them (especially anything I can put in a slow cooker!).
- Adriana
Last year, I created one New Year’s resolution and it was to run a 5k at least once. I ended up running three in total. Perhaps one of my resolutions should have been to run each one faster than the prior one…but in any case I finished each race. I must say that it was with the encouragement of multiple people at work and a friend pestering me at home (thanks Choty!)
This year I have already committed to Choty that I would do a 13 mile run. This may take me until the end of the year to feel like I am in shape enough to even start that run. But it is one of my new year’s resolutions. I have two more:
1. To actually become an organ donor. Well I mean sign up for it.
I don’t plan on donating too soon - Donate Life, Pennsylvania
2. To work on reducing my families carbon emission and offset
some as well – Carbon Fund
I don’t plan on hugging any trees this year, but I might plant a few.
- Mark
I actually don’t believe in resolutions. For me, it’s about making the quality of your life better and how you treat people and how you allow them to treat you. Also, to help kids and animals who can’t help themselves.
- Jim
During 2012 I let stress get the best of me. It affected my mental and physical health. This year I plan to manage stress better by changing my mindset about some things. I plan to try my very best to:
1. Be present and enjoy my time with family, friends and co-workers, rather than always worrying about what I have to do next.
2. Worry less about what other people think of what I am doing and worry more about what I think.
3. Take more time away from work and chores to completely disconnect. I hope to do this by enjoying the outdoors more. I’d like hike some of the beautiful trails right here where I live.
4. Write down three things that I am thankful for every day.
5. Love me as I am, not as I would like to see myself (10 lbs thinner and 10 yrs younger).
I am putting this out there – so feel free to remind me when I go off track.
- Ginger
We would all like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You!” to all of our customers and colleagues for a great year!
We look forward to an even better 2013!
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Dec 12th 2012 → Leave a comment
argan boost™, an amazing multi-tasker!
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It has almost been an entire year since we re-launched and repackaged the dmSkincare line. Although our products were fabulous to begin with, we felt it was time to look at our products and ingredients and freshen things up a little. With the re-launch, we introduced several new products to the line and added professional facial protocols. One new product that has shown to be a shining star of the re-launch has been argan boost serum™. Anyone who has had the opportunity to try the argan boost serum™ agrees that it is an amazing product! With only 4 simple and natural ingredients, we call it our “safety product” because even our most sensitive skinned clients can use it. Squalene, jojoba, argan oil and vitamin D – that’s the entire ingredient list. Short, simple, yet so effective. Here are just a few ways our customers are using this product: |
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- As a first layer under our collagen renewal C’reme or green tea vitE moisturizer for dry skin.
- Mixed with our mineral makeup and then applied under the eyes for a glowing moisturizing makeup in this sensitive area.
- Under our daily eclipse SPF 30 mineral sunscreen before skiing to prevent windburn and chafing.
- As a soothing post-Intense Pulsed Light, laser or microdermabrasion skin soother/healer.
- To remove excess wax after waxing and to facilitate healing.
- For a super hydrating at-home treatment: apply a thin layer over the face then lay a hot, damp washcloth over the face for 5 minutes. Pure bliss!
- For ultra-sensitive skin like rosacea, use this as a daily moisturizer. Can be mixed with a small amount of water for a lighter application.
- To soothe and heal psoriasis as part our holistic Psoriasis Protocol kit.
- To remove dead skin and promote healing as part of our holistic Dermaplaning Protocol.
- Two weeks post-surgery of any kind to reduce scarring and facilitate healing.
- A gentle moisturizer and healing agent for Lupus sufferers and those undergoing radiation treatments
- Etc…
Can you share some of your own ideas? We would love to hear them.
We are bursting with excitement over some new products we will launch early in 2013! Stay tuned to learn all about them and some fabulous new facial protocols we will announce.
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Nov 30th 2012 → Leave a comment
The Gift of Life
For about 7 years a friend of mine needed a kidney transplant. During the year before he finally received a transplant, he spent three days a week 4 to 6 hours a day in the hospital going through dialysis. It was a very tough way to live. He never had any energy, he wasn’t very active and really wasn’t able to participate in life.
At the end of 2010 he was able to successfully receive a new kidney from a donor. This has substantially changed his life. He has returned to being able to walk, run, kayak, and anything else he wishes to do.
A few weekends ago he held a seminar about his experience waiting to receive a kidney. I wasn’t aware of all of the pain or process that he went through. He was asking the others in the room to consider becoming a donor should they meet an early demise. He brought in other speakers who told their stories about donorship.
Two parents came in to talk about how their daughter had an accident. They came to the hospital to see her and when they arrived the doctor informed them that their daughter was brain-dead, would they please consider donating her organs. As you can imagine they described how devastated they were and how hard it was to make the decision. Ultimately, they went to their daughter’s drivers license. In Pennsylvania you have an option on your license to check whether or not you wish to donate organs. Their daughter had checked that she did wish to donate organs.
You would think that this simple thing would have made it easier for the parents. And it did in some small way. But when you check off that you are willing to donate organs you do not check off what organs you are willing to donate. The family still has to decide that. So someone from the hospital came to speak with them and slowly went through the list of items that they could donate. They donated many things, but as they were going through this list they started to feel like they were just cutting up and parting out their daughter. So they donated less then the full amount that they could.
Their daughter saved 5 other lives.
She also helped many others, because you don’t just have to donate organs you can donate tissue such as skin, ligaments and other tissue and that is what they did.
Now several years later they realized that they would have donated everything that they could have. A donor can give organs including the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, pancreas, stomach and intestines. You can also donate tissue such corneas, the middle ear, skin, heart valves, bone, veins, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Of course because of the business we are in I thought of the skin. Donated skin can be used for grafts for burn victims, abdominal wall repair, breast reconstruction after mastectomy and rotator cuff repair.
It is also important to note that organs cannot be stored and must be used within hours of removing them from the donor’s body. Most donated organs are from people who have died, but a living individual can donate a kidney, part of the pancreas, part of a lung, part of the liver, or part of the intestine. However tissue can be stored in tissue banks so it doesn’t need to have a match right away.
As a society we learn about many things. This was the first time that I learned about donation. I knew about it for years, and every time I renew my license I am asked about it. But this was the first time there was a face to the donor program.
I still have not checked it off on my license, but I have told my wife to donate everything. Consider learning a bit more to see how you can help.
Philadelphia Donor Program National Organ Donation Network
Mark
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Oct 4th 2012 → Leave a comment
Thoughtful Exfoliation
Mark razzes me all the time for what he considers my overuse of the term “thoughtful”. I need to thoughtfully consider another word to use in its place, but for me it just fits many times, so I’m using it here to introduce a discussion of exfoliation choices. Exfoliation is an essential component of a well-rounded skincare routine. This important step is included to remove dead skin cells from the face and to promote cell renewal. Not only will exfoliation leave you with a healthy glow, but it will also allow serums and other topical skincare products to penetrate more deeply for better results.
dmSkincare’s retinyl enzyme treatment is an enzymatic, vs. a mechanical exfoliator. So, what’s the difference? With mechanical exfoliation an abrasive material is used to slough off the top layer of the skin. At DermaMed we achieve this type of exfoliation in an even, controlled manner via the use of a microdermabrasion machine. Both the system design and skill of the practitioner assure an even exfoliation process. Diamond tip microdermabrasion machines are not considered true microdermabrasion and the results are variable depending on the pressure applied by the operator. When skin is examined under a microscope post-diamond tip treatment, tiny tears and damage to the skin can be seen. This is important, as well as the “icky” factor associated with the inability to completely clean and sterilize the tip between clients… but we’ll save that for a future blog.
Another inexpensive exfoliation method is by the use of at-home scrubs. Typically crushed nut shells or pits are used as the scraping agent. Unfortunately, this method does not provide even exfoliation and can even cause micro-tears in the skin, similar to diamond tip microderm treatments. We don’t recommend this type of exfoliation. For at-home exfoliation, we recommend utilizing botanical enzymes to break down the top layer of the skin. dmSkincare’ s retinyl enzyme treatment with green tea is an enzymatic exfoliator plus skin tightening and rejuvenating vitamin A complex. The skin is made of protein. Protein is denatured (broken down) by enzymes. Gentle AHA’s are added to the formula to further the exfoliation process and intensify the exfoliation. This product also contains a vitamin A complex which leaves skin smooth, firm and glowing.
Our retinyl enzyme treatment with green tea smells amazing! In our office we often joke that we
feel like eating this stuff. Although our products are clean in composition, we do not recommend eating them, no matter how tantalizing they may smell. The scent of the retinyl enzyme treatment is fresh and fruity and derived naturally, not with chemicals. At home exfoliation, along with monthly microdermabrasion treatments will help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Call or email us for your local retail spa or salon so you can purchase and experience thorough, yet
non-damaging essential exfoliation with dmSkincare’s retinyl enzyme treatment and
MegaPeel microdermabrasion treatments. In the upcoming weeks we will be launching our new
online retail store for those of you who do not live near a retail outlet. Stay tuned!
Ginger
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Aug 29th 2012 → Leave a comment
Microdermabrasion Treatments Get a Boost
Microdermabrasion has been a staple in the industry for quite some time now.
We have seen a number of companies that have tried to develop something
new perhaps by using water instead of crystals, or by adding LEDs onto the
microdermabrasion equipment. While these new inventions are interesting and fun,
there isn’t any evidence that they work better than traditional microdermabrasion.
What we have found is that you can combine microdermabrasion with other
procedures to boost the anti-aging results that the customer is trying to achieve. The
recent acquisition of ExcellaDerm has brought several new products to DermaMed
that we are very excited about. During the upcoming weeks we will introduce these
products to you so you can offer new treatment options to your clients – ones that
yield results!
One of the first items that we are excited to share is our new medical grade
silicone mask. It can be used immediately after microdermabrasion to enhance the
absorption of skincare products deep into the skin, while detoxifying the skin as well.
Over the years we have continued to perfect our microdermabrasion equipment,
making it easier for you to deliver treatments to your customers and provide consistent results.
We are now spending a considerable amount of Research and Development time working
on protocols that can be combined with microdermabrsaion to magnify the results
of a treatment. Good skin care treatments don’t need to have a lot of bells and
whistles. The key is figuring out a way to deliver the right nutrients to the layers of
the skin where they will be most effective. This is where we feel we stand above the
rest.
ExcellaDerm has brought a lot of new ideas and products to our shelves. We
believe that the combination of ExcellaDerm and DermaMed Solutions will give
a tremendous boost to the industry, and is going to provide clients with new
opportunities to use non-invasive methods of anti-aging practices to look and feel their best.
Mark
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Aug 17th 2012 → 2 Comments
DermaMed Solutions Grows its Anti-aging Efforts with the Acquisition of ExcellaDerm
LENNI, PA,-August 16, 2012– DermaMed Solutions, LLC, a global leader in microdermabrasion and aesthetic care, today announced that it has acquired the assets of ExcellaDerm Corporation, also a recognized leader in microdermabrasion and ultrasound and electrical stimulation technologies. The transaction significantly enhances DermaMed’s presence in the aesthetics market as a provider of high quality equipment, topical skincare and services to the market.
ExcellaDerm brings its base of more than 1,000 clients plus its Régenique system, with supporting studies demonstrating that 87% per cent of patients using this medical skin procedure reduced wrinkles, scarring, blemishes and acne while improving the health of their skin.
Régenique uses a three-step process, which includes microdermabrasion, and enables anyone with a microdermabrasion system, including DermaMed and ExcellaDerm’s customers, to offer this science-based procedure for tone improvement, dramatic wrinkle reduction, renewed texture and an overall enhanced appearance.
“We are excited to bring Régenique to our customers and help them bring amazing results to their clients,” stated Mark Pinsley, President of DermaMed Solutions, LLC. “ExcellaDerm is an ideal fit to continue our growth. Both companies have similar philosophies. We both believe in treating people holistically, considering all aspects of the inputs to healthy skin, while recognizing individuality.
“We expect this acquisition to continue to expand our ability to serve our customers with the highest quality solutions to meet their aesthetic needs,” Pinsley said.
About DermaMed Solutions, LLC
Founded in 1998, DermaMed Solutions provides professional skin care equipment, wellness solutions and a clean clinical skincare line to spa owners, dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other skincare and medical professionals.
About Excelladerm Corporation
Founded in 1998, ExcellaDerm provides best-in-class products and services and exceptional relationships with business partners and customers, which include: ExcellaDerm Microdermabrasion Systems; ExcellaWave, ultrasound and electrical stimulation; and ExcellaPure, a cosmetic skin care division.
For more information call 610.358.4447 or visit our website at www.DermaMedSolutions.com
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Aug 16th 2012 → Leave a comment
UVA Rays and Photoaging
Although summer is coming to an end, it is still important to remember to wear sunscreen every day.
UVA and UVB rays cause damage to the skin year-round, even when you are driving. UVB rays cause sun burn, while UVA rays cause photoaging, since they penetrate more deeply and effect the skin’s elasticity and collagen. Micronized titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and zirconium dioxide are proven to effectively block both UVA and UVB rays.
Our daily eclipse™ and daily eclipse duo™ contain these all-natural ingredients, plus other botanicals providing you with a pleasant smelling, oil and chemical-free SPF 30 sunscreen.
Want to see proof of what the sun can do to your skin? Check out this shocking photo and article of the long term effects of sun exposure on the unprotected skin of a long-time truck driver.
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Jul 27th 2012 → Leave a comment
Stressed?
Stress leads to physical and mental difficulties in daily life, and can even make skin break-out due to increased cortisol levels.
Here is a nice article on how you can make simple changes in your perceptions and actions for a more peaceful and healthy life.
Stressed? 10 De-Stress Yoga Tips
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Jul 16th 2012 → Leave a comment
All About Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
dmSkincare’s collagen renewal C’reme™ contains an active ingredient called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Epidermal Growth Factor is a naturally occurring protein used in anti-aging skincare formulations, which provides fabulous results!
As we age, our body’s cellular activity slows down, which is why we have cuts that don’t heal as quickly and fine lines that develop over time. This is caused by two main factors: intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process of our bodies caused by the decline of collagen and elastin production. Extrinsic aging is caused by external factors such as UV exposure, irritants, and pollutants – which lead to skin dryness, deep wrinkles, discoloration, and larger pores.
Cellular activators, like EGF, stimulate cell regeneration. This “miracle molecule” assists the natural healing process of the cells, promotes increased circulation, encourages the development of collagen, and helps prevent damage from UV exposure, irritants and pollution. The effects of intrinsic and extrinsic aging, such as fine lines, pigmentation, and roughness, can all be reduced with the help of EGF.
Our collagen renewal C’reme™ is a luxurious blend of Epidermal Growth Factor, Vitamin C, and Lactic Acid – to provide you with a moisturizer that has skin renewal properties. Teprenone (Renovage™), Glucosamine, and Fructose are also combined to enhance skin hydration and plumping, strengthen the skin’s immune system, and improve tissue quality by optimizing cell interactions and maintaining healthy DNA function.
The awesome benefits of Epidermal Growth Factor were highlighted in this recent article, Protein Powerhouse from American Spa magazine. They recommend some products with EGF, but I bet none compare to our collagen renewal C’reme which achieves clinical results, without the addition of harmful chemicals. With no minimum order size, why not call today to try a jar and experience for yourself the effectiveness of this product. 601.358.4447.
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Jul 9th 2012 → Leave a comment
Oh how times flies!
On July 11, we will celebrate our one year Anniversary with DermaMed Solutions. What a year it’s been! Mark and I came from the wellness space, with a nice collection of experience in various areas between the two of us. Although neither of us had any experience working in aesthetics, we felt that there was a natural connection between wellness and skin and so we ventured together to acquire DermaMed. As our first year comes to a close, we have accomplished much and learned A LOT.
My takeaways:
Our customers have the answers. It’s interesting, in my training as a wellness coach we were told over and over again that the “client holds the answers” and that we were just there to offer support along the way. The same is true with serving the aesthetic market. Our customers know what they want and need and listening to our customers will lead us in the right direction. Our success lies with helping to make our customers successful!
Dedicated employees are critical to success. We inherited our employees from the previous owner. We were told that they were great, but we did not know for sure until we started working with the team. What I have learned is that dedication to the company and to serving our customers is the critical quality required for success. It’s not necessarily about experience, education or anything material. Attitude, dedication and personal work ethic are the attributes in a team that make a company great. We are very fortunate and thankful to have inherited a team full of these qualities!
Wellness and skin do go together! This has proven to be very true! I’ve spent some time getting to know our customers, traveling around giving lectures on nutrition for healthy skin. I also attended the Global Spa and Wellness Summit, a meeting of leaders in the spa industry. Ironically, the conference was renamed just this year to include the word “wellness” in the title. Our market research tells us that spas and wellness do fit together and we have a fabulous opportunity to offer some new and exciting wellness products and services to our existing and new customers. Good things are coming soon.
Our accomplishments this year were many – we rebranded, creating a whole new logo, look and feel to our products and advertising; we attended several tradeshows and began advertising again; we hosted local educational seminars in FL, NY, NV, and AZ; we introduced our first nutritional supplements, and we reformulated, repackaged, and re-launched the dmSkincare line with several fabulous new products and protocols. The new dmSkincare has been very well-received and we are happy to report huge growth in this area of our business.
Exciting new products and announcements are coming in the upcoming months. I don’t want to give too much away … but I am thrilled with the work we have done this year and am even more inspired by the direction we heading. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve this business to best meet the needs of our customers, while maintaining our core values and mission. Thank you for your support over the past year and keep communicating your needs and desires to us as we move full speed ahead into year two with an open mind and a desire to serve our customers with the best products and services on the market!
Ginger
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May 10th 2012 → Leave a comment
Sunscreen or no sunscreen… what’s the best choice?
No matter what the time of year, it is imperative that we protect our skin from sun damage. This goes beyond vanity. Skin cancer is a very real and prevalent threat. Last summer, the FDA announced some big changes to the regulations for ingredients and claims for sunscreens. The new regulations did provide consumers with some protection from overinflated SPF claims, which is good. What the regulations failed to address is the issue of safety of commonly used chemicals in sunscreens. Folks like me have been aware of the dangers of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients for many years, but the general public, may not know the facts.
Among other things, ingredients like oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3) and octylmethoxycinnamate have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity (i.e. hormones!) I don’t know about you, but right now I’m having enough trouble managing my hormones as it is – I certainly don’t need my sun protection to further complicate things. In the United States oxybenzone is detected in 96 percent of the population. A recent European study detected four common sunscreen chemicals in mothers’ milk, indicating potential for ongoing exposure to the developing fetus and newborn. So, what’s a person to do? We want to prevent photo-aging by protecting our skin, yet we don’t want to cause harm in other areas.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives to chemical sunscreens. These mineral ingredients create a barrier to the sun penetrating to damage the skin. They are also ideal for people with sensitive skin or those with Lupus or other skin disorders. When you use a product like dmSkincare’s daily eclipse™ under a mineral makeup, you can get significant protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The daily eclipse lotion provides an SPF of 30. When you add the layer of mineral makeup, such as in the daily eclipse duo™, you further enhance this effect. In addition to using a mineral-based sun protection product, wearing a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing are always a safe way to protect your skin from the sun.
At DermaMed Solutions, LLC, a critical step in our microdermabrasion, IPL, and photo facial rejuvenation protocols includes the application of daily eclipse immediately post procedure. Daily eclipse is a mineral barrier sun protection lotion that can be worn alone or layered over your favorite dmSkincare moisturizer or serum. It’s light, oil-free and leaves the skin smooth without feeling greesy. It smells great too because of the watermelon extract in the formula.
To answer the question, sunscreen or no sunscreen … the choice is up to you. My advice is to do your homework and really understand what the possible consequences effects of smearing harmful chemicals on your skin day in and day out. For me, natural is best and I’ll choose to use a mineral formulation.
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May 7th 2012 → Leave a comment
D2O is cool… really
We recently added a product called D2O Solution to our professional back bar product line. The key ingredient in D2O Solution is deuterium oxide: “heavy water”. When I first learned about this ingredient I was ingtrigued. I thought that I remembered hearing something about deuterium oxide being used in nuclear power plants. Turns out I was right. It is used to cool the nuclear reactors. Don’t let that turn you off though. This is a compound that is naturally occurring at the bottom of lakes and is not manufactured, but is extracted from this water in a separation process. The resulting compound has a “wetter than water” hydration activity. Additional ingredients like cucumber and myrrha oil intensity moisture and oxygen, giving the skin an ideal environment to heal and repair.
Not only will it hydrate and plump tissues, but it fights against proliferation of certain acne bacteria as well. It evaporates more slowly than regular water and provides necessary hydration and natural moisture to the skin. Because of its ability to cool and resist evaporation it is a great product to use to treat thermal damage to the skin from UV, chemical, or laser induced sources.
We use D2O as a key ingredient in our Hydra Bright Facial protocol, but I bet you can use it in many other ways as well. Feel free to post your ideas here and call us if you would like a free sample to experiment with. I hope you will find D2O to be a cool new ingredient as well as a great way to cool and soothe your clients post treatment, so they leave feeling fabulous.
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May 3rd 2012 → Leave a comment
We have Raspberry Ketones!
DermaMed Solutions is excited to announce the arrival of our new supplement line. We would like to introduce the first wellness product:
Raspberry Ketones Weight Management Dietary Supplement!
Health food stores around the country can’t keep these on the shelves ever since Dr. Oz endorsed them on his show, but we have them!
How Do Raspberry Ketones Work?
Raspberry ketone is the natural phenolic compound that creates the sweet smell of raspberries, and has been publically heralded as a potent fat burner. It has been shown to increase the expression and secretion of adiponectin, a protein hormone, and modulates a number of metabolic processes. Some of these metabolic processes include glucose regulation and fatty acid catabolism. Other adiponectin research has shown an inverse correlation between adiponectin levels and body fat percentage.
Higher Adiponectin = Lower Levels of Body Fat!
Higher adiponectin has also been shown to control the metabolic derangements that may result in Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.
The Raspberry Ketone Formula
DermaMed’s Raspberry Ketone formula combines the potency of raspberry ketone with other ingredients to support beneficial weight management, healthy skin and overall wellness, including:
• African Mango – Derived from the seeds of a rare mango from Africa, this super fruit extract helps to increase metabolism.
• Acai, Green Tea Extract & Resveratrol – Strong anti- oxidant support with the added benefit of UV protection for skin.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Powerful weight loss aid because of its effect on blood sugar; great for skin due to its detoxifying properties.
• Kelp, Grapefruit, & Caffeine – Multiple ingredients that encourage appetite suppression. Kelp and grapefruit both contain phytonutrients that support healthy skin.
Call us to order a supply for your salon!
610.358.4447
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