The Aesthetic Report
The perfect podcast for skin care professionals who want to learn more about how to make it in the industry, hear from industry leaders, get one-on-one interviews from your favorite skin care brand creators with the latest dish of news in the industry, and so much more! With a new topic every episode, this podcast has it all for skin care pros who want to go skin deep!
Seeing Skin Differently: Aliesh Pierce's Take on Treating Pigmentation Without Guessing
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Aliesh Pierce’s four decades in beauty, from celebrity makeup artist to textbook author and educator, give her a distinctive view of how skin should be read and treated. Her makeup background trained her eye to notice how skin behaves under different conditions, and she credits it with shaping the physiology-driven, equitable approach she now teaches. She breaks down why pigmentation that looks the same on the surface can have very different causes, and which common treatment mistakes aestheticians keep making as a result. She also shares where aesthetics education still falls sh...
Airline Spas, Beauty Innovation, & Reddit’s People’s Beauty Index with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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Beauty, travel, and trust collide in this episode of The Aesthetic Report. At 35,000 feet, Etihad’s new wellbeing program, which stocks business class with LANEIGE sleeping masks and gives first class ESPA skin care, begs the question of whether in-flight spa touches change how travelers feel or are just wellness theater. Back on the ground, Fenty Skin, Glow Recipe, and Huda Beauty launched near-identical sliced hydrogel eye patches within days of each other. Is innovation in beauty a thing of the past? Finally, as consumers tired of sameness turn to Reddit, where pe...
Off Script: Natalie Anchondo on Thinking Beyond the Protocol
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Skin isn't a protocol, and today's guest is here to prove it. Natalie Anchondo, licensed aesthetician and founder of Lux & Lav Aesthetics, has trained more than 6,000 professionals to close that gap. Today we're digging into the idea that your treatment isn't your expertise, your judgment is, and what that means when you're deciding which rules to question and which to respect. We'll get into microneedling, why acne changes the equation, and how to read tissue response and adjust your protocol to the client instead of the other way around. Don't forget to...
Community Over Competition: Inside Sorella Apothecary's Partner-First Philosophy with Danielle Munley & Emily Sindlinger
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This week, Sorella Apothecary co-founders Danielle Munley and Emily Sindlinger return to the show — Danielle bringing her entertainment-industry marketing background from E! and NBC, and Emily bringing nearly two decades of spa expertise from building Lime Spa into a five-room operation. In this follow-up to their origin-story episode, they dig into how Sorella has grown a partner base that acts more like a community than a customer list, and why putting partners first through education, connection, and a "community over competition" mindset has shaped every decision they've made. They also look ahead to...
How the Industry Has Changed Over the Last 30 Years with Elizabeth Brasher, Lonice Stoker, & Renée Rouleau
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This week, our DERMASCOPE in-house aesthetician team sits down with renowned celebrity aesthetician and owner of Renée Rouleau Skin Care, Renée Rouleau herself! Hear all about how the industry has evolved over the last 30 years, including how social media and the educated client have changed professional aesthetics and how Renée's brand has developed over time, as well as personal anecdotes from Renée's nearly four decades long career. Don't forget to follow this podcast and drop a comment for a chance to be featured in the magazine!
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Get Connected: Tiphany Hall On What Aesthetic Record & Aesthetic Next Can Do For You
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Medical aesthetics has never been more technologically advanced, yet many practices are still struggling with disconnected systems, inefficient workflows, and technology that creates more complexity than clarity. In this episode Dr. Tiphany Hall, Chief Growth Officer of Aesthetic Record, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Aesthetic Next, and a leading voice in medical aesthetics business strategy, breaks down the hidden costs of a fragmented tech stack and why the future of practice management may depend on bringing everything together. From the launch of AR ONE at Aesthetic Next 8.0 and the philosophy behind a “On...
From Ingredients to Innovation: What Michael Q. Pugliese Knows About Modern Skin Care
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The future of skin care is being shaped by ingredients that promise everything from cellular repair to regenerative results, but which ones are truly worth the hype? This week we welcome Michael Q. Pugliese, third-generation CEO of Circadia, accomplished skin care formulator, and award-winning educator, to break down the emerging ingredients and technologies redefining professional aesthetics. From PDRN, exosomes, NAD+, and 5-ALA to the growing focus on skin resilience, recovery, and circadian biology, Michael separates science from speculation while sharing the trends every professional should have on their radar before they become...
The Melanoma Vaccine, Longevity As A Lifestyle, & Bridal Prep with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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In this episode, the DERMASCOPE in-house aesthetician team explores the growing culture of prevention, longevity, and beauty optimization, including a promising personalized mRNA vaccine for melanoma recurrence and what it could signal for the future of skin cancer prevention, the booming longevity movement, and the role aesthetics plays in proactive wellness. Plus, they unpack the rising cost of pre-wedding beauty prep, questioning why so many are willing to spend thousands – and sometimes go into debt – to look their best for one day. Be sure to follow us on social media and your favo...
Rooted in Results: Brian Goodwin's Perspective on Organic Skin Care
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What does "organic skin care" really mean in today's professional aesthetics industry? This week on The Aesthetic Report, we sit down with Brian Goodwin, International Educator for Eminence Organic Skin Care, to explore how organic skin care has evolved beyond marketing buzzwords into a results-driven professional category. From balancing botanical ingredients with clinical performance to creating memorable treatment experiences, Brian shares why education remains an skin professional's greatest asset, how professionals can stand out in today's trend-driven landscape, and where the future of professional skin care is headed.
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Sephora Kids, Baby Spa Days, and Office Air with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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In this episode, the DERMASCOPE in-house aesthetician team explores how beauty culture is increasingly shaping, and being shaped by, age, environment, and everyday life. From the controversy around “Sephora Kids” and the rise of baby spa treatments to how modern work environments may be quietly impacting skin health, these trends reveal a growing focus on managing skin across every stage of life and every environment. Be sure to follow us on social media and your favorite podcast listening platforms for the inside scoop on the current events affecting the aesthetics industry!
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The Language of Success: How Sheila Bella Built Her Beauty Empire
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Join us on this episode of The Aesthetic Report as we sit down with Shelia Bella, one of the most influential voices in the aesthetics industry. With more than a decade of experience as a content strategist, business educator, and the founder of a 35-woman, female-led company with a combined audience of over one million followers, Bella has built a global following by helping beauty professionals master both their craft and their business. In this candid conversation, she shares her journey from immigrant entrepreneur to industry powerhouse, the mindset shifts that separate...
Sephora's Chat GPT App & Looksmaxxing with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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Sit down with DERMASCOPE's in-house aesthetician team for a discussion on DERMASCOPE's Aestheticians' Choice Awards, including the Best of the Best products on the cover, Sephora's new ChatGPT app integration and what the future of AI means for skin professionals plus the looksmaxxing phenomenon and how it is affecting self-image in young men. Be sure to follow us on social media and your favorite podcast listening platforms for the inside scoop on the current events affecting the aesthetics industry!
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Student to Standout: Michael Razzano's Journey to His Award-Winning Acne Career
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This week Michelle D'Allaird Brenner sits down with acne specialist and The Skin Games' 2026 Aesthetician of the Year winner Michael Razzano to discuss the journey from struggling with acne to becoming one of the industry’s rising voices. The two dive into post-grad growing pains, advanced acne education, and the realities of building a career through social media plus balancing humor with authority online and what it takes to stand out in today’s aesthetics industry.
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Erewhon Injections, Ozempic Face, & the Idaho State Board with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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Catch up with DERMASCOPE's in-house aesthetician team to dish on the latest news in the industry, including the Erewhon x Ject partnership and the Ozempic Face products hitting the market plus the Idaho State Board's recent debate on reducing the hours needed to receive a cosmetology license. Listen in here or check out the visual podcast on YouTube!
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100,000 Facials Later: What Nerida Joy Knows About Skin
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Season six of The Aesthetic Report is officially here with this exclusive interview between industry veteran and AIA president Michelle D'Allaird Brenner and renowned expert aesthetician Nerida Joy. Tune in as the pair discuss how vital skin analysis is, treating the root cause of skin issues instead of just the symptoms, creating facials with purpose and intention, and more. Don't miss this stellar introduction to another great season, and welcome back, dermies!
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Season Five Finale: Growth, Grit, And Next Steps with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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We close season five by getting honest about 2025’s challenges, giving updates on what is next for our in-house team, including new Instagram story columns for 2025, Elizabeth going solo, and Lonice launching an aesthetics school, and mindset tools that actually work—journaling to organize decisions, visual clarity before committing to big moves, and building a support circle that speaks boldness when your confidence dips. If you felt stretched thin this year, you’re not alone. Consider this your permission to pivot with purpose, invest in your systems, and choose timing that fits your l...
Industry Insights with Jeremy Soine & Amanda Strunk
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The noise in skin care is louder than ever — viral hacks, shifting channels, AI chatbots, and brands drifting into retail. At Face Reality’s Acne Summit in Austin, Texas, CEO of Face Reality, Jeremy Soine, sat down with DERMASCOPE's CEO and publisher, Amanda Strunk, to get clear on what actually moves the needle for professionals: evolving with intention, protecting trust, and keeping the clients at the center. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, grow with integrity, and deliver results clients can feel and see, this conversation is a reset. Subscribe for mo...
Cover to Care with SkyLee Edmiston
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What happens when compassion collides with clinical skill and a stubborn belief that “anything is possible”? We sat down with aesthetician and educator SkyLee Edmiston — Dermascope’s 2025 cover contest winner — to trace her path from beauty-obsessed student to oncology-trained practitioner and nonprofit founder. SkyLee takes us inside oncology aesthetics with clear, practical insight, shares the soft skills that matter as much as protocols, and unpacks the DERMASCOPE cover journey and what it teaches about career growth. If you’ve wondered how to build a meaningful skin care career, one rooted in skill, empathy, and...
December Overview (Minisode)
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It's finally here -- the end of the year -- and with it comes a stacked calendar for DERMASCOPE. Check out the December issue for the 2025 cover contest winner reveal and other educational goodies, register for "Peeling Explained: Chemical, Enzyme, Physical & Biological Approaches", a webinar presented by Dr. Schrammek USA, and help us close out our anniversary year and season five of the podcast. Thanks for celebrating with us, and don't forget to take advantage of all December has to offer!
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Keeping It In the Family with Pat Strunk
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Sit down with industry veteran and former DERMASCOPE associate editor, Patricia “Pat” Strunk, whose path runs from a small Dermacare clinic in West Texas to the bustling trade show floors and the editorial heartbeat of DERMASCOPE. We unpack the habits that still work after decades, dive into the early days — when massage was misunderstood and waxing paid the bills, and extract the timeless techniques that turn one service into a lifelong relationship. Additionally, hear Pat share candid “oops” moments that double as field-tested safety tips.
If you want real-world guidance on selling...
Inside Coperni's Skin Care-Infused Clothing with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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Paris lit up with a bold promise: clothes that treat your skin while you wear them. This episode, our in-house aesthetician's dig into Coperni’s C+ “skin-infused” line and ask the questions that matter—what’s in the fabric, how do the actives deliver, where’s the clinical data, and does the value add up once the 40-wash limit hits? With decades of combined experience across professional skin care, we look past the glossy campaign film to assess materials, microbiome claims, and the real-world risks of heat, sweat, and occlusion on sensitive skin. If you...
Five Decades of Excellence with Amanda Strunk & Dorian Reyes
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Fifty years in professional skin care isn’t an accident; it’s the result of community, clear standards, and the courage to evolve without losing the human element. Today's episode features DERMASCOPE’s publisher and CEO, Amanda Strunk, and managing editor and podcast producer, Dorian Reyes, to share the story behind our golden year—how a pandemic-era 45th reset set the stage for a black-tie Golden Gala in Las Vegas, why the November anniversary issue felt like a love letter to aestheticians who built this field, and how a simple “globe” lesson reshaped our...
November Overview (Minisode)
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Big things are happening across professional skin care, and we packed this short update with everything you need to stay ahead. From Aestheticians’ Choice Awards voting (your chance to elevate the products, treatment protocols, and professionals you trust most) to celebrating the milestone of Dermascope’s 50th with our anniversary issue to the soon-to-be reveal of the cover contest winner, you do not want to be out of the loop.
If you enjoyed this update, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help other skin pros...
Science Meets Skin with Dr. Jennifer Linder
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Bring the science and the human touch together with this episode's guest, board-certified dermatologist and product innovator, Dr. Jennifer Linder, who shares how to design treatments that are powerful, precise, and comfortable—without pushing skin into unnecessary inflammation. She unpacks the rise of senescent “zombie” cells and why they accelerate visible aging, the difference between senolytics and senomorphics, the sweet spot approach to peels, multi-tasking formulas, and how to apply these concept at the treatment table. If this conversation sparks new ideas for your room, subscribe for more episodes and leave a quick rev...
The ChatGPT Aesthetician with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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When clients upload selfies to chatbots for “diagnoses,” we see how fast advice can outrun assessment, and why real results still come from trained eyes and hands. In this episode, our in-house aestheticians unpack the rise of ChatGPT use for skin care advice, including what it gets right, where its blind spots are, and the potential detriment to skin when using Chat GPT-recommended routines. Sit down with the team as we walk through the industry’s shift towards AI-inclusion, the hidden water cost of server farms, and comparing virtual consults to bots. Ready...
Back to the Basics with Gina Marie McGuire
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Feeling overwhelmed by “poreless,” “glass,” and “flawless” promises? We go straight to the heart of what actually moves the needle for skin professionals: mastering physiology, going back the basics, and building real communication habits that win trust and retention. Our guest, Gina Marie McGuire—licensed aesthetician, educator, and CEO of GINAMARIE Skincare and GM Revolution—shares three decades of hard-won insight on how to ditch noise, simplify your backbar, and make smarter, safer decisions in the treatment room and beyond. In addition, hear about the industry's biggest gaps, the pressures of social media, and Gina...
October Overview (Minisode)
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Sit down with our managing editor to get the dish on this DERMASCOPE's October. Hear about the "Working Together to Fight Skin Cancer: Education, Prevention, & Early Detection" webinar on October 20, the October issue with a beautiful cover featuring Face Reality Skincare, and an exclusive giveaway on DERMASCOPE's Instagram! As always, check the links below to learn more about anything you heard in this episode!
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Camera Ready with Paul Heslop
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What does it take to stand out in today’s content-saturated beauty industry? This week, we sit down with Paul Heslop—serial entrepreneur, former skin care CEO, and the creative force behind Creative Juicey Studios, where he’s produced more than 3,000 videos for top spa and wellness brands. Paul shares his journey from building and selling an award-winning international skin care line to redefining how aestheticians and global brands market themselves through video, storytelling, and AI-driven strategies. From practical beginner tips to the biggest mistakes aestheticians make in marketing, this conver...
The Wild West of Modern Beauty Marketing with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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From minimalist transparency to celebrity-backed controversies, beauty marketing is everywhere—and it’s getting bolder by the day. In this episode, Elizabeth and Lonice unpack the latest campaigns making headlines: The Ordinary’s stripped-down Instagram post calling out the industry’s obsession with celebrity endorsements, SKIMS’ $48 face-slimming wrap that’s sparked equal parts curiosity and criticism, and the rise of OnlyFans collaborations with brands like Urban Decay and TA3. Tune in for a discussion that dissects tone, timing, and brand identity in modern beauty campaigns—and what these trends might signal for the future of...
Throwback Thursday with Dr. Mark Lees
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In this season one throwback, creator of Mark Lees Skin Care, Dr. Mark Lees talks with Michelle to recap his illustrious career as one of the country's most noted skin care specialists, an award-winning speaker, product developer, and celebrated author. In this episode, Michelle and Dr. Lees discuss getting involved in the industry's mover and shaker circuit, what drew Dr. Lees to the aesthetics profession and how he built his spa, and getting into product development, plus all about combining luxury spa experiences with results-driven skin care, corrective complexion care, and giving c...
September Overview (Minisode)
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Summer is almost over, but that doesn't mean the DERMASCOPE calendar is slowing down. Listen in to this week's minisode to hear all about our September offerings, including the "The Luxury of Wellness Technology: Where Innovation Meets Care" webinar on September 29, the September issue featuring Pevonia on the front cover, and a few products our Managing Editor is loving! And, as always, check the links below to learn more about anything you heard in this episode!
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Being the Disruptor with Janel Luu
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This week on The Aesthetic Report, we’re joined by “The Disruptor” herself — Janel Luu, Founder and CEO of Le Mieux Cosmetics, PurErb, and Kizo Lab. With more than 40 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and formulator, Janel shares how Korean aesthetics are influencing the professional treatment room, why pros should move beyond inflammation-driven results, and how hands-on sculpting methods can help create a niche in today’s quick-fix beauty culture. Along the way, Janel offers insights into ingredient innovation, delivery systems, and the skills professionals need most to thrive in a competit...
What's the Deal with Male Aesthetics? with Elizabeth, Lauren, & Lonice
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John Travolta’s recent appearance at a Grease singalong sparked buzz not just for the nostalgia, but for how incredible he looked at 71. His transformation points to a larger trend: more men are embracing aesthetic treatments, from skin care to injectables, to maintain a youthful edge. In this episode, we dig into why men are investing in these procedures, the stigma that still surrounds them, and how shifting ideas of masculinity are reshaping the conversation around beauty and aging. From celebrity influence to men’s most sought after treatments, we’ll break down w...
Science, Soul, & Strategy with Charmaine Cooper a.k.a. The Skin Theologian
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Charmaine Cooper, The Skin Theologian, is a globally recognized educator, award-winning author, and force for cultural and clinical transformation in aesthetics. With over 28 years in the skin profession, she blends science, soul, and strategy to elevate care for melanin-rich skin worldwide. From her bestselling No Compromise Black Skin Care Guide series to her upcoming Modular Online Melanin-Rich Workshop, she shares insights on understanding melanocytes, developing cultural intelligence in client care, and rebuilding trust with historically underserved clients. Packed with stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on inclusive skin care, this episode...
August Overview (Minisode)
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It's everyone's favorite time of year! Tune in to learn about how to shine a spotlight on the brands and professionals you love by nominating them for the 2026 Aestheticians' Choice Awards. Nominations are open from August 15 to August 31. Plus, get the low down on the pigmentation and discoloration issue, featuring this month's sponsor, Hale & Hush, on its gorgeous front cover. And, as always, check the links below to learn more about anything you heard in this episode!
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Repair, Refine, Reframe with Dr. Ducu Botoaca
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ducu Botoaca, award-winning aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr. Ducu Clinics in London, to talk about how to reframe unrealistic requests, how to help patients regain confidence after complications, the rise of corrective treatments, and what happens during a gluteal HA repair procedure, as well as why Dr. Ducu believes the future of aesthetic medicine lies in subtlety, safety, and repair. From his patented techniques to his globally recognized work in non-surgical gluteal correction, Dr. Ducu has earned a reputation for artistry, innovation, and c...
Is Beauty In Its Flop Era? with Elizabeth Brasher & Lonice Stoker
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Rhode Cosmetics may have sold for $1 billion, but sales from major beauty players like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, Coty, and Shiseido are declining. With layoffs looming and consumer habits shifting, we ask the big question: Is the beauty industry in decline, or are we just watching a post-boom recalibration? From the "lipstick effect" to consumer fatigue, rising prices, and the growing importance of perceived value over price tag, we explore how pros can retain trust, stay resilient, and continue to offer emotional and educational value at the point of sale. Is th...
The Art of Standing Out with Lexie Choate-Bewley
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What does it really take to build a standout brand as a solo professional? In this episode, we’re diving into how defining your niche, being clear about who you aren’t for, and figuring out your own unique way to make content can set you apart in a saturated industry. Join Michelle and Lexie Choate-Bewley of Skin by Lexie to hear about how Lexie found her voice, built an authentic online presence, and grew a loyal client base by staying true to her strengths. From camera confidence tips to behind-the-scenes realities and...
July Overview (Minisode)
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Summer is heating up, and so is DERMASCOPE’s calendar! In this month’s episode, Dorian breaks down what's happening in July — from everything in the lifestyle and wellness issue and an exciting upcoming event to a special way to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary! Tune in to hear all about it and check the links below to learn more about anything in the episode.
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The Future of Aesthetics with Val Neicu
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Customization is the cornerstone for any quality skin care routine with clients seeking individualized solutions more and more as the years pass. But what if there was a way to not only customize to skin type and condition(s), but also to an individual themself? Enter Val Neicu, the entrepreneur and skin care junkie behind SmartSKN. With a strong foundation in e-commerce, product development, and brand building, her mission is to bring smarter, more personalized solutions to the forefront of the beauty industry, with a growing focus on longevity and science-backed self-care...
