LNE & SPA February 2026

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Managing Editor Samantha Garcia samantha@lneonline.com

Advertising Danni Boucher danni@lneonline.com

February volume 42 number 2

Featured Articles

6 Beyond the Blueprint

52 Editor’s Pick of the Month

Feature

Holistic Meets Clinical

Aurora Solis

Samantha Garcia

Tasha Fields

FROM THE EDITOR

February reminds us that the beauty industry is built on both passion and purpose. In this month’s issue we explore the evolving identity of the modern esthetician and the practitioner who approaches skin through the lens of science, empathy, artistry, and intention. From the rise of barrierfirst esthetics and the growing sensitivity epidemic to the emotional nuance of menopausal skin and the deeper “why” that draws us into the treatment room, these conversations reflect a field in motion.

Esthetics is no longer just about topical change, but about transformation that begins within the practitioner as much as within the client.

This month we also celebrate the winners of the LNE & Spa Best Awards. This recognition honors the brands, devices, and formulas that continue to push our industry forward. Each of this year’s winners embodies innovation, integrity, and a commitment to esthetic excellence. Their contributions allow estheticians to serve with confidence, creativity, and care.

As the industry evolves, one thing remains constant: our shared devotion to the client experience. May this issue inspire you to lead with alignment, invest in your craft, and continue elevating the profession we love.

SAMANTHA GARCIA Managing Editor samantha@lneonline.com

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PASSION IN ESTHETICS &PURPOSE

Attracting aligned clients and staying inspired

by Samantha Garcia

Esthetics sits at the intersection of beauty, science, and service. For many practitioners, what begins as an interest in skincare becomes a deeper journey of transformation and meaning. The work requires presence, intention, and emotional intelligence alongside technical skill. At the center of it all is passion—the internal spark that fuels learning, creativity, and evolution.

Finding Your “Why”

Passion often begins with an esthetician’s personal “why.” Sometimes it comes from personal struggles with the skin, or from the desire to help others feel confident in theirs. For others, it starts with a fascination for cellular biology, the nervous system, product formulation, fascia, or the transformative nature of touch. Understanding this “why” becomes a compass. It shapes the treatments an esthetician gravitates toward, the education they pursue, the environment they create, and ultimately the clientele they attract. Purpose gives depth to the work and turns technique into craft.

Niching With Intention

As esthetics continues to evolve, specialization has become one of the most powerful ways to build a fulfilling and sustainable career. Clients today want depth and expertise. They are no longer seeking generalists, but practitioners who understand their unique concerns from multiple angles. Niching allows an esthetician to develop mastery, confidence, and identity. It may look like specializing in acne, multicultural skin, corrective pigmentation,

sensitive or health-challenged skin, microneedling, sculptural techniques, or integrating holistic modalities such as nervous system regulation, breathwork, fascia massage, or functional beauty approaches. When passion informs the niche, clarity follows—and with clarity, the right clients appear.

Aligned Clientele and Magnetic Attraction

Aligned clients value the esthetician’s philosophy and process. They respect long-term treatment plans, invest in home care, and understand that results require consistency. The relationship becomes less transactional and more collaborative. This natural alignment forms when an esthetician communi -

cates their purpose clearly and confidently through branding, language, education, and treatment style. Clients then arrive not only for the results, but for the transformation—physical, emotional, or energetic—that the practitioner provides.

When Passion Fades

Even the most devoted estheticians can experience periods of fatigue, disconnection, or burnout. The treatment room holds vulnerability, and the emotional labor of esthetics is real. Passion may waver when hours become long, clients feel misaligned, or when an esthetician believes there is only one path in the industry. Losing interest

does not mean they chose the wrong career; it often means something within the career needs to shift. This is where curiosity becomes essential.

Reinventing Your Place in the Industry

The esthetics world is incredibly diverse and full of opportunity. An esthetician who no longer feels inspired by daily client work may rediscover excitement through education, brand partnerships, content creation, editorial writing, product development, consulting, business strategy, facials that focus on emotional beauty, or more clinical and corrective approaches. Others find passion in leadership, community building, teaching, or advancing into integrative beauty fields that explore hormones, gut health, nervous system science, or longevity. The profession

is not linear; it is adaptable, creative, and richly layered. Reinvention is not only possible, but it is often what restores purpose. Inspiration grows when estheticians invest in curiosity and personal development. Continuing education, tradeshows, mentorship, collaboration, and artistic exploration all spark new ideas. Just as clients evolve in their skin journeys, practitioners evolve in their professional identities. What once fueled passion may change, and that evolution is part of the beauty of the industry.

The Future of Esthetics is Purpose-Driven

The modern esthetics landscape is dissolving the old divide between “holistic” and “clinical.” The most exciting work being done today lives in the in -

tegration of both—combining science with soul, physiology with empathy, and results with regulation. Clients are seeking more than surface-level beauty; they are seeking safety, confidence, connection, and regulation. This requires estheticians who lead with purpose and who understand that beauty is not simply seen, but experienced.

Passion may bring an esthetician into the field, but purpose is what sustains them. Together, they create a career that is not only successful, but fulfilling. There is no single blueprint for being an esthetician. The industry holds space for reinvention, specialization, creativity, and evolution. The path is uniquely personal, and there are countless ways to make an impact.

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The Algorithm vs. The Expert

Reclaiming Ingredient

Authority in the Age of Apps

by Kaelin Jutras

It is a scenario that has become all too familiar in the treatment room. You have just finished a transformative service, your client is glowing, and you are curating their home care skin rituals. Then, they pull out their phone. They scan the barcode of the clinical-grade serum you just recommended, and an app flashes a bright orange “poor” or “average” rating.

Suddenly, your years of education, your hands-on experience, and your investment in professional product knowledge appear to be overruled by an algorithm.

As estheticians, we are facing a significant knowledge gap that brings opportunity. This gap isn't only between the professional and the client—where we have the power to empower through education—but between the complex reality of cosmetic chemistry and the simplified, often context-free data provided by consumer apps like Yuka.

These apps are well-intentioned, but they often lack the nuance to distinguish between a raw ingredient in isolation and a sophisticated, balanced formulation. To serve our clients best,

we must be ready to bridge this gap, debunk the myths and old science with new scientific data, and reclaim our position as the true skin experts.

It is important to note that Yuka's rating system is based on its own specific criteria, which often flags ingredients generally considered safe by cosmetic chemists, estheticians, and dermatologists (such as a reliable preservative, phenoxyethanol) as "moderate" or "high risk," leading to artificially low scores. Many professionals advise using these apps with caution, focusing on one's own skin needs and expert advice rather than relying solely on an algorithm. While they can be useful for flagging truly harmful or sensitizing ingredients—such as fragrance and animal-derived ingredients one may want to avoid—they are rarely the final word on product safety.

The Context Gap: Why Apps Get It Wrong

The primary flaw in ingredient-scanning apps is that they analyze ingredients in a vacuum. They do not account for the integrity of the complete formula—how emulsifiers, preservatives, active ingredients like chemical exfoliants and texture enhancers work in synergy to create a safe, effective product.

In the world of toxicology, the phrase "the dose makes the poison" is law. Yet, AI-driven apps often flag ingredients as "toxic" based on studies involving massive oral ingestion or extreme exposure. This data has no relevance to the small, controlled percentages used topically in skincare.

Demystifying the "Scary" Ingredients

To empower our clients, we must be able to explain the "why" behind the ingredients these apps often vilify.

1. The PEG Paradox

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) are frequently flagged by apps, yet they are some of the most versatile and beneficial ingredients in a formulator’s toolkit. PEGs are compatible with a broad range of ingredients, allowing us to create gentle cleansers, elegant moisturizers, and stable serums. The fear surrounding PEGs stems from outdated concerns about manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane. While this was a valid concern decades ago, reputable cosmetic ingredient suppliers have long since eliminated these impurities from the finished ingredient.

Modern studies have shown various forms of PEGs to be non-irritating to the skin and eyes. Furthermore, because their molecular size prevents them from penetrating intact skin, they are widely considered non-toxic for topical use. When an app flags a PEG, it is often citing data based on testing that was done by feeding large

THE FUTURE OF ESTHETICS

IS NON-INJECTABLE

ADVANCED SKIN SIGNALING • PRECISION NUTRITION • TOPICAL

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Beyond aggressive acids

Beyond invasive procedures.

Beyond forcing the skin into change.

Our Approach Activates Skin From Within

Targeted, bioavailable skin nutrition

Advanced cellular signaling technology

Nano Infusion with topical fillers

Progressive peel programming (Boot Camp Series)

Formulated to Train the Skin

✔ Water-loving molecules (hyaluronic complexes)

✔ Fat-loving resins to support lipid function

✔ Bioavailable energy signaling that activates fibroblasts

This is precision skin intelligence,designed to work with skin biology.

amounts to animals or applying massive doses to compromised mouse skin—scenarios that do not reflect the reality of applying a moisturizer intended for human skin.

2. The Fear of Alcohols Another common red flag on apps is "Alcohol." Clients see this word and immediately think of drying rubbing alcohol. However, ingredients like Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol are actually fatty alcohols. Derived from purified plants, these are solids that condition the skin and help stabilize creams. Far from drying, they are nourishing and play an essential role in creating a luxurious product feel.

3. The Necessity of Preservatives

Perhaps the most dangerous trend perpetuated by "clean beauty" apps is the demonization of preservatives. A water-based product without a robust preservation system is not "pure"— it is a petri dish. Preservatives like Phenoxyethanol are essential guard -

ians, preventing the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria that can cause serious skin infections. A well-formulated, well-preserved, and shelf-stable product is a safe product.

4. Silicones: Physics Over FearMongering This is a crucial topic to clarify because it is one of the most common scares in "clean beauty," yet the science is overwhelmingly on the side of safety. The most powerful defense of silicones is simple physics: Size.

Consider the "Beach Ball" Analogy:

Silicones like Dimethicone consist of large, complex molecules. Think of the skin barrier as a chain-link fence. Most active ingredients (like Retinal or Glycolic Acid) are small, like marbles— they can slip through the fence to work deep down. Silicones are like beach balls. They are simply too large physically to pass through the "fence" of the skin barrier. They do not have the chemical structure required to mimic

estrogen or testosterone, and they cannot bind to hormone receptors in the body.

The source of silicones being linked to endocrine disruption comes from studies done on older types of silicones (specifically D4) or extremely high concentrations of D5 (Cyclopentasiloxane) in rats. In these studies, researchers didn't just apply a primer; they often fed the silicones to the rats or exposed them to high levels of inhalation vapor for prolonged periods. At these massive, internal doses, some hormonal changes were observed in the rodents.

The Human Reality: most apps still operate on "Hazard Identification" (could this theoretically cause harm?), not "Risk Assessment" (will it cause harm in this product at this specific dosage with this specific intended use?).

The Scientific Consensus: The Scientific Committee on Consumer

Safety (SCCS)—the strictest regulatory body in the world (European Union)— has reviewed Cyclopentasiloxane repeatedly. Their verdict? It is safe for use in cosmetics. Why? Because dermal absorption is negligible. Even if you slathered your whole body in silicone primer, the amount entering your bloodstream is virtually zero.

Talking Points for Your Clients: Here is how to phrase this so it sounds educational, not defensive: "Why does the app say my SPF may be an endocrine disruptor?" "That is a classic case of AI missing the context. The app is citing studies where animals were fed massive amounts of pure silicone. But in human skincare, physics protects you. Silicones are 'large molecules'—think of them like a breathable mesh that sits on top of your skin to smooth texture and lock in moisture. They are physically too big to penetrate your skin barrier and are not capable of binding to hormone receptors."

5. Butylene Glycol This ingredient is a humectant (holds water) and solvent (helps ingredients dissolve). Ingredient scanning apps may negatively review products with this ingredient because it can be derived from petroleum (though most are now plant-based). In reality, it is incredibly safe, non-irritating, and essential for making the texture feel light rather than sticky.

6. Retinaldehyde When an app rates Retinal poorly, it is almost entirely because of the pregnancy warning and the potential sensitizing effect. Keep in mind, the app does not take the overall, complete formula into account to see other anti-inflammatory ingredients—like the chamazulene from Blue Tansy—that can counteract Retinal’s sensitizing effects.

Retinoids work by speeding up cell turnover. If used too aggressively, this

causes redness, flaking, and peeling (Retinoid Dermatitis). That is all the app sees, so it flags the ingredient as a known "Irritant."

However, those side effects are not the reality for all formulations. A professional-grade Retinal sleeping mask is designed to mitigate these issues. The app judges the raw ingredient, ignoring the soothing formulation around it. Furthermore, because Retinal is a powerful, medical-grade ingredient, it isn't safe for pregnant women. The app flags that risk for everyone. But for anyone who isn't pregnant, that "risk" is its power. It is the gold standard for aging gracefully and clarifying acne because it changes the skin on a cellular level. The "poor rating" is simply the app acknowledging how potent it is.

The Esthetician’s Advantage: The Whole Picture

When we rely on trustworthy, professionally formulated lines that we know

are safe, we free up our mental energy to focus on the true root causes of skin issues. If you are working with a line that you trust and has proven to be acne-safe, barrier-supportive, and free of pore-cloggers, you protect your energy. You can then pivot your consultation to the lifestyle factors that an app can never detect:

• Supplements: Is your client taking "Greens Powders"? Many are high in spirulina, iodides, and Biotin, which can trigger acne.

• Hormonal Triggers: Is a hormonal IUD contributing to that stubborn jawline and chin breakout?

• Diet: Is their "healthy" diet actually a high-glycemic trigger? Consuming more than 9 grams of added sugar in a sitting can spike insulin, leading to systemic inflammation, puffiness, and acne.

Closing the Gap

An app pulls data. An esthetician pulls from experience, education, and intuition.

We must encourage our clients to view these apps as tools, not bibles. Remind them that an app cannot feel their skin, understand their health history and lifestyle, or see the context of a formula.

How to Use This Info The inconsistencies within these apps are a powerful teaching tool. You can offer your clients examples like this:"If you scan my Mineral Primer, an app might tell you it's rated poorly or average not excellent, because of the high molecular weight silicones that make it silky and smooth. But if you scan my Neroli Nirvana Oil, it might say 'excellent.' Yet, both were formulated with the same high quality and safety stan -

dards. The difference is that the app is programmed to flag specific ingredients, and those ingredients may be necessary to create a specific texture experience or protect the stability of a certain product."

Encourage your clients to bring their questions to you. Remind them that you invest a great deal of time, energy, and resources into learning product knowledge from professional brands. That investment makes you the expert. Trusting a professional over a generic algorithm is the safest, most effective way to achieve their skin goals. To my fellow estheticians, you do not have to navigate these complex chemistry questions alone. When you are unsure how to answer a client's concern, reach out to the professional skincare brands you partner with. Lean on their insight, reclaim your authority, and close the gap—one conversation at a time.

Kaelin Jutras-Zuniga is a Licensed Esthetician, educator, and the visionary founder behind Herbal Skin Solutions and The Esthetics Academy. She has spent her career bridging the worlds of holistic wellness and clinical science through every facet of the industry—from the intimacy of the treatment room to the precision of the laboratory.

Recognizing a need for professional-grade products that honor both the skin’s intelligence and the earth’s resources, Kaelin works side-by-side with a team of seasoned cosmetic chemists in her California lab. There, she develops high-performance formulas and resources designed to support the success of practicing estheticians, bridging the gap between botanical wisdom and clinical efficacy.

At her core, Kaelin believes that beauty is a conduit for connection—connecting people to plants, to the planet, and to one another. She is proud to use her brand as a force for good, ensuring Herbal Skin Solutions operates with a philanthropic heart. Through direct support of nonprofits that replenish the earth’s resources and uplift marginalized communities, Kaelin and her team are proving that the skincare industry can be a powerful vehicle for positive global change.

By the moment you step inside AMA Day Spa South Miami, there is an immediate sense of exhale. The atmosphere is calm, refined, and welcoming, the kind of space that invites you to slow down before a single treatment even begins. According to Spa Director Alex Vizcaino, that feeling is intentional.

“We wanted AMA to feel serene, elevated, and restorative from the moment a guest walks in,” Vizcaino shares. “This isn’t about rushing from service to service. It’s about creating an experience that truly allows people to reset.”

Launched in November 2025, AMA Day Spa is a family-led wellness destination rooted in decades of esthetics expertise and elevated by luxury hospitality standards. With eight treatment rooms and a comprehensive menu that includes advanced skincare, bodywork, and nail services, AMA blends neighborhood warmth with five-star execution.

A Full-Body Reset: AMA’s Most Coveted Ritual

AMA’s most popular offering, the Dead Sea Minerals Detox Body Polish paired with a 90-Minute Deep Tissue Massage, embodies the spa’s philosophy of combining results with ritual.“This treatment is our most requested because it delivers instant skin transformation and deep muscular relief in one experience,” Vizcaino explains. “Guests don’t have to choose between relaxation and results. They get both.”

The ritual begins with a consultation and calming foot soak, allowing the therapist to customize pressure and focus areas while the guest immediately decompresses. Before massage work begins, the body is exfoliated with a mineral-rich blend of Dead Sea salts, caviar, argan oil, ginseng, and lemon extract. Applied using slow, rhythmic movements, the polish stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow while softening and energizing the skin.

Following removal with warm towels, the skin is treated with a deeply hydrating Remodelling Body Milk infused with caviar oil and hyaluronic

acid.“The exfoliation prepares the muscles for deeper work,” Vizcaino notes. “It enhances circulation and allows the massage to be even more effective.”

The 90-minute deep tissue massage that follows focuses on therapeutic release using slow, sustained pressure. Performed with a nourishing blend of avocado, argan, jojoba, and meadowfoam oils, shea butter, and vitamins A, E, and F, enhanced with ginseng, lavender, and orange essential oils, the massage transitions gradually into grounding strokes that allow the nervous system to settle.

“Clients tell us they feel lighter, looser, and more open, not just physically, but mentally,” says Vizcaino. “It’s why many describe it as a full-body reset.” The combined 120 to 130 minute ritual is priced at $300 and remains a cornerstone of AMA’s body offerings.

My Experience: The Collagen with Myoxinol Contour Facial

During my visit, I experienced the Collagen with Myoxinol Contour Facial, a 90-minute treatment designed to deliver visible lifting alongside complete skin renewal. From the initial consultation, it was clear that customization is central to AMA’s approach.

“We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to skin,” Vizcaino explains. “Every facial is adjusted based on what the client’s skin truly needs that day.” The treatment began with a thorough cleanse, followed by a tailored exfoliating renewal to refine texture and enhance absorption. Gentle steam and extractions were performed only where needed, supporting clarity without compromising the skin barrier.

The highlight was the sculpting facial massage, expertly executed to relieve facial tension, stimulate circulation, and visibly contour the face. “This massage work is

about more than relaxation,” Vizcaino shares. “It improves tone, supports lymphatic flow, and helps the skin function better overall.”

The signature lifting phase featured the Biomatrice Myo-Lift (Remodel) Mask, infused with freeze-dried collagen and Myoxinol™, a natural complex known for its botulinum-like smoothing effects. Covering the face, eyes, and lips, the mask delivered intense hydration and noticeable firming.

“We love this facial because it gives clients that immediate ‘wow’ moment,” says Vizcaino. “Many describe it as a mini facelift effect, especially before events.” The treatment concluded with firming hydration and SPF, leaving my skin visibly smoother, brighter, and sculpted. Priced at $245, it offers both instant results and long-term skin benefits.

Results-Driven Glow: The Deluxe HydraFacial

AMA’s Deluxe HydraFacial is another client favorite, particularly for those seeking immediate glow with zero downtime. This 50-minute, medical-grade treatment priced at $275 deeply cleanses, resurfaces, extracts, and hydrates using advanced vortex technology.

“Clients love the instant gratification,” Vizcaino says. “Their skin feels deeply clean, plump, and balanced without redness or irritation.”Customized boosters, painless extractions, LED therapy, and barrier-protective finishing products ensure results that are both visible and lasting.

Thoughtful Growth, Rooted in Community

AMA’s growth strategy mirrors its service philosophy: intentional, refined, and trust-driven. New clients primarily arrive through word of mouth, select ClassPass offerings, and internal crosspromotion between operators.“Our strongest marketing comes from the

clients already walking through our doors,” Vizcaino explains. “When someone has a great experience, they naturally want to explore more.”

Digitally, the spa invests in optimized Google Ads, SEO, Yelp Ads, and consistent branding across platforms, while social media builds local awareness through engaging Instagram and Facebook content.

Training, Collaboration, and Team Culture

With 14 operators on staff, AMA prioritizes communication and continued education. Frequent one-on-one check-ins address concerns in real time, while ongoing peer-to-peer learning fosters trust. “We want our team to grow together,” Vizcaino says. “That collaborative environment directly impacts the guest experience.” An internal incentive program rewards operators with 10 percent of service revenue when they refer clients to other providers, encouraging cross-booking and deeper guest relationships. Retail With Intention

Retail at AMA is curated with purpose. “Every product we carry must align with our values, our treatments, and our story,” Vizcaino shares.The spa features France Laure as its core sk-

incare line, a brand deeply connected to AMA’s heritage. Lead esthetician Amparo Vizcaino has worked with France Laure for more than 40 years, reflecting its professional integrity and consistency.

Therapia by Aroma enhances body and nail services with pure essential oils, while FarmHouse Fresh brings farm-inspired formulas and a missiondriven brand story that supports animal rescue.

A Spa Built on Trust, Not Trends

Owned by Armin Akhtarekhavari, Marc Hotte Vizcaino, and Alex Vizcaino, AMA Day Spa blends family-led esthetics tradition with Alex’s background in luxury hospitality, including experience at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Vizcaino’s response captures AMA’s philosophy perfectly. “Don’t chase trends. Build trust and master the fundamentals.” At AMA Day Spa South Miami, that commitment is felt in every detail, from expertly performed treatments to the warmth of the guest experience. It is more than a spa visit. It is a place clients return to because they trust the hands, the care, and the intention behind every service.

What to Expect in 2026

Follow & Like

Tradeshow Buzz for Philadelphia ICES 2026

Philadelphia ICES Show 2026 is officially the start of show season and in many ways, it sets the tone for the year ahead. What I love most about this show is that it brings our industry back to its roots: hands-on education, technique, and connection in the treatment room. It’s where estheticians get to learn directly from the educators shaping modern esthetics, try new modalities, test out formulations, and meet the brands they’ll be bringing back home to their clients.

This year, Esthetician Edit will be on the floor and exhibiting for the first time in Philly — and I couldn’t be more excited to connect with our community in person, support advertisers, interview educators, and showcase the innovative brands moving esthetics forward. If you’ve followed us online, you know our mission is to elevate the esthetician worldview, helping you grow through education, business strategy, and professional community. The booth is where it all comes together.

What I’m Looking Forward To in the Classroom

Education is what makes ICES so special, and this year’s lineup blends technique-forward classes with mindset, physiology, and science — a combination that mirrors how esthetics is evolving.

A few sessions I’m personally excited for:

• Sculptural + Intraoral Massage (Jill Colon)

A class that dives into facial anatomy, tension patterns, fascia, and nervous system mechanics — plus a live demo for better muscle mapping. Techniquedriven education like this is in high demand, especially as estheticians expand into sculptural work and corrective facial massage.

• Decoding Menopausal Skin (Sash Moreaux)

Hormonal skincare is no longer a niche — it’s quickly becoming foundational knowledge in the treatment room.

I love that Sash approaches menopause as a biochemical shift rather than decline, and gives estheticians real frameworks for barrier, collagen, and inflammation support.

• Lifecycle of Lymph (Cecily Braden) Lymph has officially transcended trend status. Between fascia work, de-puffing treatments, sculptural massage, and post-inflammation protocols, understanding lymph structure and function is now essential for results-driven esthetics.

On the show floor, I’m seeing three major themes emerge for 2026:

• Fascia + Sculptural Work

• Hormonal & Menopausal Skin

• Holistic-Clinical Integration

What Estheticians Can Expect From Exhibitors

The exhibitor floor is where transformation happens—both for your service menu and your retail shelves. This year, brands are leaning into protocol-

driven education, with a noticeable shift from simply selling products to teaching results and treatment philosophies. Inside-out skin health is also getting its moment, with the microbiome, lymphatic function, gut-skin connection, stress, and supplementation taking up real space in the professional conversation.

Barrier-first skincare remains a driving force as inflammation, over-exfoliation, and sensitivity continue to reshape how estheticians approach the skin. Devices and modality integration are gaining momentum too—nano, LED, cryo, slimming, and microneedling alternatives are quickly becoming revenue drivers in the treatment room. And finally, luxury rituals and sensory experience are rising as true differentiators; touch, tempo, and presence are what make services feel elevated and unforgettable. Expect show deals, demos, starter kits, and packages that help estheticians test, learn, and build profitability before bringing anything home.

Three Workshops I’m Really Looking Forward To

1. Korean Professional Skin & Hair Care — Dermafirm USA

K-Beauty continues to influence both consumer and professional skincare, but what’s exciting here is how the session bridges advanced clinical ingredients (peptides, PDRN, exosomes) with barrier repair and scalp health — two categories estheticians are rapidly expanding into. Scalp care and regenerative treatments are trending globally, and Dermafirm presents it with science, protocols, and real-world application for the treatment room.

2. Discover the Cutting-Edge of Nano with Topical Fillers — Skin Fitness

This workshop taps into one of the most interesting crossovers we’re seeing: filler-like results without injectables. The Nano Lip Plumping Treatment and topical filler approach speaks directly to a growing aesthetic category — enhancing structures and contours in a non-invasive way that still drives revenue and visible change.

3. Microbiologist Explained: The Complete Approach to Resilient Skin — SIV Care

If 2025 was the year of barrier repair, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of skin resilience and microbiome intelligence. This class links topicals to gut health and discusses restoring balance from the inside out — a model that aligns beautifully with the direction holistic-clinical integration is going.

Esthetician

Edit Will Be There

We’ll be on the floor talking shop, supporting advertisers, featuring innovators, hosting conversations, and highlighting the best of modern esthetics. If you’re attending Philadelphia, come say hi — tell us what you’re excited about, what gaps you’re seeing in the industry, and what you need more support on in your business or treatment room. Esthetician Edit exists to serve estheticians, and these shows give us

rare face-to-face moments with the community we love. Philadelphia is just the beginning — and if this year’s lineup tells us anything, it’s that esthetics is entering a new era: more educated, more intentional, and more holistic than ever before.

Celebrating 25 Years with Circadia

My experience at Circadia Connect

Attending Circadia Connect to celebrate 25 years of Circadia was such a meaningful experience for me, both personally and professionally. It reinforced something I have always felt about this brand. Circadia is not just skincare. It is a community, a legacy, and a family.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear how deep the relationships run. I met so many professionals who have been with the brand for 10 years or more, people who have grown alongside Circadia and helped shape what it is today. There is something incredibly

special about that kind of loyalty. You could feel the pride in the room. And very quickly, it became clear that this community also knows how to celebrate together.

The first day was filled with education, connection, and a few really thoughtful surprises. Speakers covered topics that feel especially important right now, from enhancing the client experience and strengthening retail sales to understanding the current demands and shifts happening in our industry. The education felt grounded, relevant, and genuinely supportive of where estheticians are today.

Circadia also unveiled their new packaging, and it is absolutely beautiful. It feels elevated, modern, and refined while still staying true to the heart of the brand.

Another major highlight was the launch of the Circadia+ Business Accelerator Program, which feels like a true evolution of how brands can support professionals. One of the standout benefits is inclusion on Circadia’s Retail Locator, which is supported by nationwide advertising campaigns run directly through Circadia’s marketing team. This means Circadia is actively investing in driving awareness and traffic to

help clients find professional partners, rather than placing the full burden of visibility on the provider alone.

The program also includes a dropship retail model with no inventory required, advanced education and certifications through Circadia University, ongoing business and strategy support, exclusive promotions, free shipping incentives, and additional perks designed to support long-term growth. It feels intentional, supportive, and aligned with what estheticians truly need to build sustainable businesses.

What stood out most is how deeply Circadia listens to their professionals, from updating packaging and adding pumps estheticians have asked for, to expanding Circadia University with new, highly requested courses that support both confidence in the treatment room and growth beyond it. Sunday night’s Spirit Night was such a fun and memorable experience. The energy was high, the creativity was flowing, and the room was filled with laughter, dancing, and connection. It

was a perfect reflection of Circadia’s culture. Yes, they are science-driven and education-focused, but they also know how to have fun and bring people together in a way that feels genuine and joyful.

The gala the following evening was deeply moving. Watching estheticians be honored and celebrated for their dedication and impact was incredibly special. One of the most meaningful moments of the entire event was hearing Michael Pugliese share his story and honor his grandfather, whose vision and passion laid the foundation for Circadia. Seeing that legacy acknowledged and celebrated reminded everyone in the room that this brand is built on family, integrity, and a deep respect for the professionals it serves. It was emotional, inspiring, and grounding all at once.

If you are a licensed esthetician who is passionate about education, credibility, community, and business growth, Circadia is an ideal partner. Their programs support professionals at every stage, whether you are newer and building confidence or seasoned and looking to expand your services and influence. Circadia’s science-based protocols, extensive learning resources, business accelerator support, and national marketing efforts empower estheticians to build profitable, trusted practices with confidence. For professionals who want more than a product line — for those who crave community, education, celebration, and real business support — Circadia offers a partnership that feels both grounded in expertise and elevating for the future. As the Editor of LNE & Spa Magazine, being invited to witness this 25-year milestone was a true honor. Circadia Connect wasn’t just an event. It was a full-heart experience that reminded me why community matters so deeply in our industry.

Epidemic The Over-Exfoliation

How retail culture, trending acids, and skincare misinformation dismantled the barrier

by Aurora Solis

Walk into any treatment room today and one trend becomes immediately clear: clients are more reactive than ever. Sensitivity, redness, inflammation, stinging, and delayed healing have quietly become the new baseline. It is not that skin has suddenly changed, but rather that the culture around skincare has. In the age of social media, instant gratification, and trending actives, exfoliation became synonymous with “results,” and the barrier became collateral damage.

When Exfoliation Became a Lifestyle

For decades, exfoliation was a tool. In recent years, it became a lifestyle. Retail marketing glamorized acids as modern-day beauty essentials, pushing daily AHAs, BHAs, enzymes, scrubs, polishing cleansers, and resurfacing masks into consumer routines without context or restraint. Layering became normalized. Strength became synonymous with sophistication. And the idea that “more is better” quietly replaced the foundational truth that healthy skin must first be intact. As a result, the average client now enters the treatment room with a compromised barrier long before any corrective work even begins.

The Misinformation Machine

The over-exfoliation epidemic did not arise from a lack of options, but from a lack of education. Social media

platforms turned dermatological language into aesthetic entertainment. Influencers began recommending acid concentrations with no understanding of skin histology, pH balance, or barrier function. Viral content rewarded extremes: glass skin, poreless skin, shiny skin, peeled skin — anything that looked dramatic and immediate. But what looks smooth in a video often presents as sensitized, stripped, and dehydrated weeks later. The long-term consequences rarely go viral.

Barrier Breakdown Has Consequences

When exfoliation eclipses lipid replenishment and microbiome support, the skin’s defense systems begin to collapse. Lipid depletion disrupts ceramide formation and compromises the moisture barrier. Natural moisturizing factors become insufficient. Water loss increases. The microbiome becomes destabilized, weakening im-

mune resilience. Inflammation rises, pigmentation lingers, acne becomes more unpredictable, and clients enter a cycle of chasing symptoms they unknowingly created.Many of the conditions estheticians now manage — rosacea-like presentations, adult acne flares, pigment dysregulation, and chronic dehydration — are not inherent disorders, but consequences of cumulative barrier impairment.

A Trust Problem for Professionals

Over-exfoliation did not just damage the skin; it damaged trust. Clients who have been conditioned to believe that exfoliation equals results often view gentle approaches as ineffective or slow. The esthetician, therefore, becomes not only a practitioner but a translator — tasked with teaching the value of repair, rest, and restraint to a population primed for instant wins and aggressive resurfacing.Rebuilding

trust requires reframing the narrative: results do not come from stripping the skin, but from strengthening it.

Rehabilitation Before Correction

The modern treatment plan often begins with rehabilitation rather than correction. Replenishing lipids, restoring microbiome balance, and supporting barrier function create the foundation upon which safe stimulation can occur. Without stability, modalities like microneedling, peels, and LED cannot perform to their potential. Barrier-first esthetics is not a trend; it is a prerequisite for meaningful long-term results.

The future of esthetics is moving away from aggressive “quick fixes” and toward an approach that honors both physiology and longevity. When estheticians guide clients through periods of restoration — and when clients realize their skin feels calmer, more hydrated, more resilient, and more predictable — they begin to understand that true results require partnership, not punishment.The industry is learning that the glow everyone is seeking does not come from stripping the skin, but from supporting it.

A Movement Toward Integration

The over-exfoliation epidemic has forced a reckoning within the beauty space. It has highlighted the importance of education, the necessity of professional oversight, and the limitations of retail trends detached from biology. More importantly, it has opened the door to an integrated model of care that blends science, restraint, and respect for the skin’s natural intelligence. As the pendulum swings, estheticians hold the power to redefine what “good skin” means — not just smooth or bright, but resilient, regulated, and capable of healing itself.

What began as a search for radiance became a pattern of depletion. But depletion is not the end of the story. With thoughtful repair, intelligent sequencing, and barrier-focused treatment plans, estheticians can guide clients out of the over-exfoliation cycle and into a new era of healthy, enduring beauty.

Low Consumable Cost!

Can be used for:

Face - can improve skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, and overall radiance

Body - can improve stretch marks, crepey skin, and scars

Hair - Supports hair growth by improving follicle health and circulation

Unique triangle tip to enhance precision, coverage, and accessibility during treatments.

Recommended Sessions: a minimum of 4-6 for skin, 5-7 for hair will yield best results

Understanding

Menopause arrives differently for every woman. Some feel subtle changes, while others experience more noticeable shifts in how their skin looks and behaves. Clients often walk into the treatment room unsure of why their skin feels dry, reactive, or simply “not the same.” As estheticians, understanding the physiology behind these changes allows us to support our clients with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

Menopause is marked by a significant reduction in estrogen, a hormone closely linked to the structure and function of the skin. When estrogen levels decline, the effects appear both beneath the surface and on it. By understanding this progression, we can better guide women through a phase that is often confusing and emotionally charged.

What Happens Beneath the Surface

Estrogen influences several essential aspects of skin health. It supports collagen production, maintains elasticity, contributes to ceramide formation, and helps regulate the skin’s natural moisturizing factors. As estrogen levels fall, these systems slow down.

Collagen and Elastin Production

- One of the most noticeable results is a decrease in collagen and elastin. With fewer supportive fibers in the dermis, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. Clients may mention feeling that their skin does not “bounce back” the way it used to or that they see new laxity around the cheeks and jawline.

Lipid Barrier

- Moisture retention also becomes more challenging. As ceramide production declines, the barrier struggles to maintain hydration. This leads to structural dryness, not just surface dehydration. Many clients describe a tight or rough sensation even when they are applying moisturizer regularly.

Melanocyte Activity -

Melanocyte behavior also shifts during menopause. For some women, pigmentation becomes more pronounced due to increased reactivity to inflammation, heat, and UV exposure. For others, conditions like melasma may soften as hormonal stimulation decreases. These

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differences highlight the importance of understanding each client’s unique hormonal pattern.

Cellular

Repair - Finally, the skin’s natural repair processes slow down. Estrogen’s protective effects on mitochondrial DNA support healthy ATP production. Reduced estrogen levels weaken this protection, allowing oxidative stress to rise and cellular repair to slow Reduced cell turnover and delayed wound healing can make the skin more vulnerable to irritation and redness, especially after professional procedures.

How Clients Experience These Changes

Menopausal clients typically notice dryness, sensitivity, uneven tone, and a loss of firmness. These concerns often appear together, creating a sense of sudden transformation. Some women

feel emotional or discouraged when their products no longer seem effective or when their skin reacts unpredictably. This is where education becomes essential.Sensitivity becomes more common as the barrier weakens. Products that were once comfortable may begin to sting or create temporary redness. Pigmentation can appear darker or more stubborn. Firmness declines as collagen becomes less abundant. Recovery after treatments require more time and a gentler approach.Understanding these experiences allows estheticians to validate what clients are feeling while offering a clear explanation of why it is happening.

How Estheticians Can Support the Skin

The first and most important priority is barrier repair. Replenishing lipids through ceramides, fatty acids, and

cholesterol strengthens the skin’s defenses and restores comfort. Once the barrier is steady, hydration becomes more effective and long term improvements become possible.

Choosing low inflammation treatments is essential. Menopausal skin responds well to gentle approaches such as enzymes, mild lactic acid, hydrating facials, oxygen based treatments, microcurrent, and red light therapy. These options respect the skin’s reduced resilience while still encouraging renewal.

Supporting collagen integrity can be done through peptides, vitamin C, and controlled exfoliation. When the

barrier is stable and the client is prepared, treatments like microneedling may be considered using a careful and individualized approach.

Pigmentation requires patience and a measured touch. Rather than relying on strong resurfacing or aggressive exfoliation, estheticians can focus on reducing inflammation, supporting the barrier, and using gentle tyrosinase focused strategies. Consistency and protection from heat and UV exposure become key elements of success.

Beyond technique, communication is one of the most powerful tools in the treatment room. When clients understand what is happening within their skin, they feel more in control and less anxious. Clear guidance helps them commit to a long term plan that respects the skin’s evolving needs.

Building a Long Term Treatment Approach

Menopausal skin responds best to steady, thoughtful care rather than fast or aggressive interventions. Treatment

plans should evolve over time, offering gradual improvement that aligns with the skin’s capacity to recover.A strong foundation includes barrier support, hydration, selective stimulation, and controlled exfoliation. Gentle, layered treatments often outperform intense approaches because they keep inflammation low and protect long term skin health.

Encouraging realistic expectations helps clients stay motivated. When women feel understood and supported, they are more likely to trust the process and remain consistent with at home care and in clinic visits.

Menopause is a natural and meaningful transition that brings changes not only to the body but also to the skin. With a deeper understanding of the physiology behind these shifts, estheticians

can offer compassionate and effective support. By educating clients and tailoring treatments to their evolving needs, we help them feel at ease in their own skin and confident through every stage of life.

Claudia Zalega is a licensed esthetician with over 25 years of experience and the founder of Kēp Esthetics in Montréal. She specializes in corrective skincare, pigmentation, barrier repair, and age-related skin changes, with a strong focus on empowering women through education. Known for blending science and compassion, Claudia provides personalized treatments rooted in skin physiology. She is dedicated to elevating client understanding and supporting estheticians in their professional growth.

May 17 & 18, 2026

Hilton Anatole Dallas

The only all-inclusive educational experience for skin care and spa professionals. #ICESDallas2026 is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your career and services with fresh inspiration and insight from the best practitioners in the industry!

1. Skin Sculpt • Omni Elixir Serum • https://skinskulpt.com/

2. Solar Suncare • Fortune Teller Tinted Brightening Serum • https://solarasuncare.com/

3. Earth & Halo • Blue Crystalline Face Serum • https://earthhaloskincare.com/

4. Environ • Hydro-Lipidic 3DSynerge Filler Creme • https://www.environskincare.com/ Environ • Tri Biotanical Revival Masque • https://www.environskincare.com/

1. Eminence • Tulsi & Snow Mushroom Cleansing Milk • https://eminenceorganics.com/us/ 2. Herbal Skin Solutions • Petal Jelly Stem Cell Mask • https://herbalskinsolutions.com/

3. Skin Script • Agave Enzyme • https://skinscriptrx.com/ Skin Script • Olive Leaf Nourishing Mask • https://skinscriptrx.com/

4. Meaux Co. • Green Goji Peel • https://www.meauxcopro.com/

5. DermAware • White Out Peel • https://dermaware.com/dermaware/default.asp

6. Leslie Morand • Aroma Night Balm • https://le-vie-skincare.square.site/

7. Circadia • Phito-pep 1.6 • https://circadia.com/ Circadia • MeriStem Serum • https://circadia.com/

8. Skin Script • Renew Sensory Mist • https://skinscriptrx.com/

1. KeraFactor • Lashes by KeraFactor • https://shop.mykerafactor.com/ KeraFactor • Borws by KeraFactor • https://shop.mykerafactor.com/

2. Defenage new skin • 8-IN-1 BIOSERUM • https://defenage.com/

3. Bella Schneider Beauty • Retinol-Peptide Intensive Renewal • https://www.bellaschneiderbeauty.com/

4. Lucrece Skincare • Exosome Moisturizing Cream with Copper Peptides • https://shoplucrece.com/

5. Dermesse • Dermesse Vitamin C 20% Serum with B, E, Ferulic • https://dermessestore.com/

6. Knesko Skin • Face Mask Pearl Renew • https://knesko.com

7. Light Stim • Recovery Loop • https://lightstim.com/

Skin Script — Raspberry Refining Cleanser

A foaming exfoliating cleanser with glycolic and salicylic acids that helps refine texture, clear congestion, and support brighter, clearer skin.

https://skinscriptrx.com

FarmHouse Fresh Crow Catcher Eye Serum

A peptide-powered eye serum clinically shown to reduce crow’s feet depth while firming, brightening, and revitalizing the entire eye area.

https://farmhousefreshgoods.com

Celluma — CONTOUR PLUS

An FDA-cleared, multi-panel LED light therapy system offering advanced treatment modes for aging skin, acne, pain relief, body contouring, and hair growth.

https://www.celluma.com

Raya Spa — Skin Recovery

Masque (600)

A nutrient-rich, antioxidant mask formulated with sea buckthorn, carrot oil, and mango butter to enhance micro-circulation, restore hydration, and improve skin vitality.

https://rayaspa.com