Sensitive Skin Cosmetic Skin

Skin Care Guide: Skin Care: Sensitive Skin Skin Care Guide .com Medical Guide Written by Internationally Recognized Dermatologists. Skin Care Guide About Us Skin Care Glossary Skin Care Guide Network Skin Care/Dermatology Articles Site Map Skin Care - Physicians Skin Care - Basic Facts Skin/Face Cleansers Skin Moisturizers Skin/Face Cosmetics Sunscreens/Sunblocks Skin Conditions Sun Damage Lupus Erythematosus Lice Bacterial Skin Infections Warts Treatment Sensitive Skin Cosmetic Skin Treatments Botox Cosmetic Laser Hair Removal Tattoo Removal Skin Care Medical Guides Acne Eczema Fungal Infections Herpes Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis Rosacea Skin Cancer Sensitive Skin Different signs and symptoms: Tingling, tightening, cutaneous discomfort without visible signs. Easily reacts to products Overreaction to external factors: shaving, stress, aesthetic procedures, Diffuse redness, drying, recurrent irritation of the skin What are the statistics? 56% of Canadian women suffer from sensitive skin 24% report having had a reaction to cosmetics products 46.4% of women with sensitive skin also have dry skin 46.3% of women with sensitive skin have consulted a dermatologist Sensitive skin is often a marker for other skin conditions. Here are 3 profiles of intolerant or sensitive skin: Skin altered temporarily due to aesthetic or dermatological procedures Mechanical procedures: shaving, waxing, medications (accutane, retin-a type creams) Environment: heat, cold, wind, pollution,... Aesthetic procedures: laser, chemical peels, dermabrasion Dermatological solution: - Avoid irritants, occlusive ointments Allergic skin or atopic skin Contact dermatitis: Sudden appearance of erythema and edema (redness and swelling), accompanied by itchiness. Atopic Ezema- a very common cause Dermatological solution: - Prevent dryness/moisturise - Topical corticosteroids - Topiocal immunomodulators - Antihistamines - Avoidance of the allergen Rosacea skin Diffuse redness, small visible blood vessels, skin dryness Dermatological solution: - Medical therapy - Laser for redness - Changes in the patients lifestyle Diffuse Redness: A specific concern for women aged 25-35 years marked by a physical discomfort. These women define themselves as being skin sensitive, and more precisely as having fine, fragile and reactive skins. Overreacting to everything (emotions, temperatures changes, food), they distinguish themselves by feeling uncomfortable socially and physically. Almost 50 % of women aged 18-64 experience redness Age Percent of Women Whose Skin is Sensitive to Certain Factors 14-14 40% 18-24 49% 25-34 50% 35-44 44% 45-54 49% 55-64 46% 65+ 34% Source: LOral Usage and Attitude Study , January 2003. N = 2689 At the dermatologists office: Have already consulted a dermatologist : Prone to redness 35.8 % Acne-prone 39.9 % Couperose 23.3 % Rosacea 13.3 % Have already consulted a pharmacist: Prone to redness 34.3 % Acne-prone 44.2 % Couperose 16.2 % Rosacea 8.4 % Source: LOral Canada study- January 2003 Usage and attitude all ages The Redness Evolves: From redness to inflammatory rosacea 25+ years: Fine and reactive skin, prone to redness25-35 years: Flushes40+ years: Permanent redness (erythro-coupoerose), visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)50+ tears: Inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) At the Dermatologists: Rosacea Stage 1: Flushes and reactive skin Redness appears very quickly, lasts a few minutes than disappears. It is embarassing sometimes because it reveals feelings you would rather hide Starts as early as the teenage years. Dermatological Advice: Avoid hot liquids or food, cafeine, spices Avoid intense physical exercise. Avoid extreme temperatures (hot and cold) like saunas, jacuzzis Always use sun protection. Use rinse-free cleansers and perfume-free cosmetics. Recommend the use of green-tinted concealers. Avoid stressful situations Stage 2: Erythro-couperose The redness becomes permanent Patients continue to experience flushing or blushing Small veins become visible Dermatological Treatment and Advice: Medical Therapy: Laser treatments, electro-coagulation Camouflage: make-up Sun protection Stage 3: Inflammatory rosacea Dermatological Treatment: Cyclines Metronidazole Stage 4: Advanced rosacea Dermatological Treatment Dermabrasion Surgery The origin of redness : A Vicious Circle The time around the age of 25 years old can be the pivotal period for the onset of a vicious circle responsible for the development of redness: Repeated stress Inflammatory reaction Aggravation of vessel fragility The risk Redness takes hold and no longer disappears. Delicate, reactive skin - Erythrosis - Rosacea Recommendations for a Higher Quality of Life: Diminish alcohol intake, spicy foods and caffeine Avoid excessive variations in temperature Use appropriate cleansers, moisturisers and cosmetics Wear a concealer (in a green shade) to mask redness Control and manage stress as much as possible Always wear UVA/UVB protection. 2005 SkinCareGuide.com Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sponsor List | Editorial and Advertising Policy | Feedback We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify Here

skin treatment, it's important

Skin Management, Surface Repair Treatments About ASPS | Contact Us Home : Learn About Procedures : Procedures Print This Page Cosmetic Procedures: Botox® Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Browlift Camouflage Cosmetics Chemical Peel Chin Surgery Computer Imaging Cosmetic Surgery at a Glance Dermabrasion Ear Surgery Endoscopic Plastic Surgery Eyelids Face Lift Facial Implants Hair Replacement Indications for Men Injectable Fillers Laser Skin Resurfacing Lipoplasty or Liposuction Microdermabrasion Nose Surgery Permanent Eyeliner Spider Veins Tumescent Technique Tummy Tuck Upper Arm Lift Managing healthy skin From early on, we learn that having a smooth, clear complexion is an attribute of physical attractiveness. However, as we age, maintaining that healthy glow becomes more difficult. The face is the most exposed part of the body, vulnerable to the harsh rays of the sun. The face is also subject to acne, rashes, allergic reactions, and injuries that may leave permanent scars. This brochure will give you a basic understanding of commonly used treatments for managing skin-when they can help, what they involve, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Ask your doctor anything you don't understand about the treatment you're considering. A number of non-surgical "refinishing" treatments are available for individuals who want to eliminate or soften imperfections on their facial skin and achieve a clearer, fresher look. These treatments include glycolic acids (sometimes called "fruity acids"), which are natural fruit substances blended into facial preparations and are used to eliminate rough or dried surface skin, and Retin-A®, a vitamin A-enriched cream that changes the cellular metabolism of the skin's surface and is used to combat fine facial wrinkles and blotches from sun damage. Each of these treatments can be used alone, or are frequently prescribed in conjunction with an aesthetic surgery procedure, such as a facelift or a chemical peel. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SKIN-SURFACE TREATMENTS "Surface-repair" treatments can enhance your appearance and give your skin a smoother, fresher look, but they won't remove deep scars and flaws or prevent aging. These treatments should not be thought of as mini-facelifts. Generally speaking, Retin-A® and glycolic acid treatments offer less dramatic results than surgical approaches like dermaplaning, dermabrasion, or chemical peel. Before you decide to have a skin-rejuvenating treatment of any type, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your plastic surgeon. PLANNING FOR TREATMENT Whether you're planning a surgical or nonsurgical skin treatment, it's important that you find a doctor who has training and experience with a variety of skin-management techniques. You'll want a doctor who can give you the best possible single treatment or treatment combination. Look elsewhere if your doctor tells you that he or she has perfected a single technique that promises unbelievable results. The choice is yours, but be certain your doctor is qualified to prescribe such treatments. After all, these treatments involve the most visible part of your body - your face. In your initial consultation, be open in discussing your treatment goals with your doctor and don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Your surgeon should be equally open with you and explain the factors that could influence your choice of treatment options such as age, skin condition, and previous plastic surgeries. The surgeon will ask about your medical history and conduct a routine examination. If you're having a surgical procedure in conjunction with your skin treatment, your doctor should explain the process in detail, including the risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. Insurance usually doesn't cover aesthetic procedures. WHERE YOUR TREATMENT WILL BE PERFORMED It is unlikely that you'll have to spend time in the hospital for your skin treatment unless the treatment is performed in conjunction with a facelift or some other more complex procedure. Your initial application of Retin-A® or glycolic acid will probably be performed in a doctor's office or an outpatient facility. THE TREATMENTS Retin-A® Best candidates. In general, Retin-A® is most effective in older patients who have some fine facial wrinkles, or blotchy pigmented areas caused by sun damage. However, Retin-A® is often prescribed to younger, active individuals who want to combat the aging effects of sun exposure. Patients who are planning to have a chemical peel treatment are often instructed by their doctors to use Retin-A® as a preparation treatment; Retin-A® thins the skin's outer layer, allowing the acid solution used in a peel treatment to penetrate more deeply and evenly. Retin-A® is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers, because its effects on the fetus and nursing infant are still being studied. Reactions/side-effects. Although no serious medical problems have been associated with Retin-A®, it's possible that its use could result in temporary skin irritation and redness. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a milder formulation. As late as 1993, Retin-A® had not received approval for use as an anti-aging treatment from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has received FDA approval as an acne treatment, and doctors have been safely using it for this purpose for more than two decades. However, the full scope of Retin-A®'s effects and potential benefits continues to investigated. Beginning treatment. Your initial application of Retin-A® will include a lesson on how to continue your skin-care routine at home. After your face has been washed thoroughly, a small amount of Retin-A®, in either cream or gel form, is rubbed over your face and nose. It's likely that a very gentle formula will be used at the beginning - especially if you are younger or have a fair complexion. You may be switched to a stronger formula after your skin becomes accustomed to treatment. Only a very small amount of Retin-A® - a pea-sized dab - is needed to cover the entire face. You will be instructed to apply Retin-A® every night before you go to bed. Because Retin-A® is drying to the skin, your doctor may also recommend that you apply a moisturizer once or twice a day. This routine is usually continued for about eight months to a year, after which you'll be switched to a less-frequent schedule of maintenance, with Retin-A® applications only two or three times per week. At periodic follow-up visits, your doctor may adjust the strength of your prescription or its frequency of use. To maintain the benefits of Retin-A®, its use must be continued for a lifetime. After treatment. It's normal to experience some redness, irritation, itching, stinging, or skin dryness once you begin to use Retin-A®. However, you can expect these symptoms to gradually disappear as the skin becomes acclimated to the treatment. Caring for your new skin. Because Retin-A® thins out the skin's outer layer, you will need to consistently use a sun-block to protect yourself from ultraviolet light, and you may have to discontinue using certain products or cosmetics on your face. Though the degree of change varies from person to person, with continued use of Retin-A®, you will begin to see subtle improvements in the texture and tone of your skin. Retin-A® users notice a rosy glow during the beginning months of use, followed by the disappearance of fine lines and the shrinking of large pores. After about six months, many Retin-A® users report that wrinkles are barely visible and that age spots have faded. Glycolic acid treatments Best candidates. Glycolic or "fruity acid" treatments can offer smoother skin to people of all ages. This type of treatment seems to work best on patients who have rough, sun-damaged skin. Glycolic acids are sometimes formulated with bleaching chemicals to correct areas of uneven pigmentation. Reactions/side-effects. It's important to remember that side-effects may occur even with non-surgical treatments. No serious medical problems have been associated with glycolic acids, but their use may cause temporary skin irritation and redness. Switching to a milder formula may remedy the problem. Beginning treatment. Your initial application of glycolic acid cream will include a lesson on how to continue your skin-care routine at home. The way in which glycolic acid is applied to the face depends upon what form it's in. Two common forms are cream or facial wash. Both forms contain about 12 percent glycolic acid, which helps slough away dry, sun-damaged skin on the face's surface. Each also contains a special moisturizer and, if needed, a bleaching agent. In most cases, the acid is applied to the face twice daily, either by smoothing on the cream or using the facial wash. Your doctor may adjust the strength of the acid formulation or the frequency of its use after evaluating your skin's condition in follow-up visits. After treatment . It's normal to experience some redness, irritation, itching, stinging, or skin dryness once you begin to use glycolic acid. However, you can expect these symptoms to gradually disappear as the skin adjusts to the treatment. Caring for your new skin . Because glycolic acid thins the skin's outer layer, you will need to consistently use a sun-block to protect yourself from ultraviolet light, and you may have to discontinue using certain products or cosmetics on you face. Though the degree of change varies from person to person, with continued use of glycolic acid preparations, you will begin to see subtle improvements in the texture and tone of your skin. In most cases, glycolic acid users notice an overall freshness and smoothness. After a while, pigmented blotches fade or disappear as the bleaching effect begins to work. The time necessary for visible results depends on the degree of pigmentation and individual circumstances. Some patients see results in as little as six weeks. YOUR NEW ROUTINE Most people find that maintaining their new look is easier than expected. Using the cream or facial wash will become a natural part of your morning or evening routine - and the difference you'll see will be worth the extra effort. To find a plastic surgeon who performs this procedure, visit the online referral service of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS physician members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Index What to expect from skin-surface treatments Planning for treatment Where your treatment will be performed The Treatments Your new routine The appearance of fine facial wrinkles can be improved with Retin-A® treatment. Glycolic acid treatment can smoothe rough, sun-damaged skin and fade age spots. Contact Us | Privacy | Disclaimer Surgeon Referral Service 1.888.4 PLASTIC All Materials 2005 ASPS/PSEF

Body Butter Lotions Creams

The Body Shop: Coconut Body Butter, body butter, coconut, body, butter, moisturizer, flavor, cream, lotion | | My Account | Login | Favorites | View Cart Body Butter Lotions Creams Other Moisturizers Hand Care Foot Care Massage Spa Scrubs Sun Care Accessories Gift Ideas Strawberry Bath Shower Soap Scrubs Accessories Gift Ideas Cleansers Toners Moisturizers Scrubs and Masks Treatments Lips Eye Care Make-up Removers Sun Care Accessories Palettes Lips Eyes Face Make-Up Tools Oils Aroma Jars Candles & Accessories Gift Ideas Eau de Toilette Perfume Oils Body Sprays Lotions Shower Bath Lifestyle Fragrances Invent Your Scent Gift Ideas Scent-Me Collection Shampoo Conditioner Treatment Styling Products Brushes Essential Oils Massage Lotions Bath & Shower Home Fragrance Bergamot Lavender Ylang-Ylang Mandarin Gift Ideas Shaving & Face Hair & Body Fragrance Accessories Massage Gift Ideas Bath Hair Brushes Hand & Foot Massage Skin Accessories Make-Up Tools Bags & Cases Support a Cause Books Gift Ideas Sign up to receive discounts and special offers. Coconut Body Butter Once you get over the indulgent tropical scent, slick this on and be transported all over again. Rich enough to tame the driest skins. View Larger See More Details 6.9 fl. oz. Coconut Body Butter 63648 Add to My Favorites List $16.00 Quantity 1.7 oz.Mini Coconut Body Butter 74846 Add to My Favorites List $7.50 Quantity We also recommend... Coconut Lip Butter More Details Key Ingredients All Ingredients Instructions Tip Zone Cocoa Butter Is an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth. Enables the development of community projects such as schools and village wells, in addition to providing small scale farmers with income to support their families. Coconut oil Helps to condition the skin. Moisturizes and helps to condition the hair. Shea butter Moisturizes and helps soften the skin. Also provides a rural community of women with regular work and income. Caprylic Is derived from coconut oil. Softens the skin. Community Trade Information For centuries the women of Ghana have used cocoa butter to moisturize and cool their skin in the African heat. Since 1995, The Body Shop has been buying cocoa beans from the Kuapa Kokoo company in Ghana, a fair trade co-operative with over 30,000 small-scale farmers. The money made by the co-operative enables the development of community projects such as schools and village wells in addition to providing the farmers with income to support their families. View More Shea butter is one of nature's great moisturizers. Ghanaian women have used it for centuries to protect their skin from the dry Saharan winds. So who better to buy ours from than the Tungteiya Shea Butter Association, Northern Ghana. An association of around 400 women from 10 villages, we ensure a fair price for their product. Since trading with The Body Shop the women have been able to dramatically change their lives with water pipes and wells saving hours of water collecting, better housing, medical care, food, and self esteem. Importantly, they are also able to give their children, particularly their daughters, the chance to go to school. View More Corporate Site | News | Employment Opportunities | The Body Shop Canada | The Body Shop UK | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us Affiliate Program | Store Locator | Site Map | Help | Contact Us Gifts for Teens | Mini Body Butters & Scrubs | Coconut | Gifts Under $20 | Body Butter & Body Scrubs | Stocking Stuffers | Creams | Body Butter © 2005 The Body Shop International plc. All Rights Reserved.

skin treatments using the

Photorejuvenation Skin Care, Reduce Wrinkles and Lines Photorejuvenation Skin Care Photorejuvenation skin care offers a solution that treats the entire face. The signs of aging cannot be fully avoided, but can be dramatically reduced. The key is to do it as gently as possible. As far as the skin is concerned there are two types of aging intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging involves the inevitable; as we grow older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and drier. Diminished amounts of collagen makes the skin less elastic. What used to bounce back begins to sag. Static, deep wrinkles may begin appearing. The rate of these events is genetically determined for each person; the process first becomes noticeable between the ages of 30 and 35. Extrinsic aging results from exposure to the environment. Extrinsic aging is the critical element in determining who looks older or younger than their biological age. Exposure to sunlight is a key contributor to extrinsic aging. Photoaging occurs when elastin and a collagen breakdown are not replaced, causing fine lines and wrinkles to intensify. Photoaging also causes pigment changes with development of age spots (sun-induced freckles) and uneven skin tone. Spider veins and dilated capillaries are another sign of photoaged skin. Photorejuvenation Treatments Lifestyle choices also have an impact on extrinsic aging. Cigarette smoking contributes to the breakdown of elastin and collagen and impairs the body's healing capacity. The simplest way to see the contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic aging is to compare skin commonly exposed to the sun (face, hands, and neck) and skin not exposed to the sun (usually on the breasts, inner arms or buttocks). Photorejuvenation solutions and Intense Pulsed Light treatments from the experts at Skin and Health. acne adult female | acne treatments for teenagers | acne vulgaris images | adult acne treatments | age spots on skin | best acne cures | best acne treatments | broken capillaries on face | broken facial capillaries | cosmetic laser skin resurfacing | hair removal laser equipment | hair removal laser purchase | information on microdermabrasion | intense pulsed light | intense pulsed light treatment | ipl therapy | laser hair removal equipment | latest laser hair removal | lightsheer diode laser | lightsheer laser | photorejuvenation | photorejuvenation skin care | phototherapy for psoriasis | pictures of psoriasis after uvb treatment | procedures to reduce acne facial scarring | psoriasis alternative treatment | psoriasis scalp treatment | psoriasis treatments | vitiligo treatment | vitiligo treatments Intense Pulsed Light addresses the redness and rough textures in scars as well as the diffused redness of the skin caused by broken capillaries. Physicians often create combined treatment programs of IPL and BOTOX, giving patients near term, tangible results. Intense Pulsed Light TM (IPL) skin treatments using the photorejuvenation process represent a breakthrough in age-defying skin care. This new technique treats skin damage non-invasively — there is no disruption of the skin's epidermal surface. IPL treatments address the effects of photoaging and sun damage with low risk of complications and no recovery time. IPL is the gold standard for photorejuvenation. This FDA-cleared, patented technology provides dramatic results for a variety of benign conditions, including age spots, sun-induced freckles, symptoms of rosacea, birthmarks, unsightly veins, acne scarring and other blemishes — even unwanted hair. Why choose IPL over other treatment options? Laser resurfacing and deep chemical peels often send patients into hiding, as they wait for redness and swelling to subside. Microdermabrasion addresses skin irregularities, but is not effective against all complexion problems including redness, flushing and broken capillaries. Face lifts and other surgical procedures are far too invasive for younger patients and "baby boomers" who simply want to revitalize their appearance without recovery downtime. Continue to: How does skin age? Treatment for: Age Spots & Sun Damage How does skin age? Typical Treatments Before & After Photos FAQ Testimonials Email to a friend Print this page Home If you would like to receive email updates, please enter your email address here. © 2003 Lumenis TM , All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement

Skin Care Professionals Responding

ABMP Skin Care Professional Membership Benefits Massage & Bodywork Professionals Massage & Bodywork Students Massage Schools Skin Care Professionals Responding to Your Needs Membership and Fees Liability Protection:Why Put Your Career at Risk Equipment & Procedures: What's Covered, What's Not Additional Benefits Regulatory Information Skin Deep Newsletter FAQs Join Now! New to Skin Care? Training & Career Options En Español Skin Care Professionals Responding to Your Needs A growing number of massage practitioners have also elected to train as skin care professionals. We give them the credit for asking us to insure their skin care activities as well as their massage work. Responding to that request helped us understand that thousands of other skin care professionals had unmet needs ABMP could address. And we quickly learned that skin care, massage and bodywork co-exist quite naturally. Membership and Fees ABMP members include a diverse array of massage, bodywork, somatic and skin care professionals. While "massage therapist" is the title most commonly used by our members, others practice reflexology, neuromuscular and movement therapy, Shiatsu, Reiki, other energy work, or one or more of numerous other practice specialties. Regardless of your area of specialization, ABMP offers membership choices to fit your personal circumstance. Choose what's right for you! Skin Care Professional Membership ($229 annually) Skin Care Professional Members receive ABMP's publications, including a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP's Successful Business Handbook , and the Touch Resource Guide . A certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification are included as well. Insurance coverage is $2 million per incident. Eligibility Requirements If you practice in a state that regulates esthetics or skin care: * Valid current license from that state If you practice in a state that does not regulate esthetics or skin care: * Cosmetology license or certificate of skin care training Certified Membership ($229 annually) If you are a massage therapist and a skin care professional, our Certified Level will cover you for both types of work and provide you with the extra benefits of Certified Membership, including an enhanced listing on ABMP's MassageFinder referral service, a CD of photos and marketing materials for their own business uses, priority processing, a unique wall certificate, use of the ABMP Certified Therapist designation, and broad insurance coverage of $2 million per incident. Certified Members also receive ABMP's publications, including a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP's Successful Business Handbook , and the Touch Resource Guide . A certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification are included as well. Student and Supporting Memberships Students, please contact ABMP or your school for separate information about ABMP's fantastic value Student Membership. And, for those of you temporarily suspending your practice, you might consider a Supporting Membership to keep informed about developments in the profession. Call us at 800-458-2267 for further details. Liability Protection: Don't Put Your Career at Risk You don't plan on having an auto accident on your way home today. Fact is, odds are that you won't. But you still have auto insurance, and consider it a small price to pay. Have you considered how you would save your own skin if a lawsuit were filed against you? Suppose, for example, you treated a bride on her wedding day and a reaction caused her face to burn. You can bet a "ruined bride" would have the sympathies of a judge or jury. Do you have that kind of money? We hope you'll be fortunate and never get named in a damage claim. But in this age of lawsuit-happy, get-richquick opportunists, wise professionals acquire solid insurance protection. Still unsure? Ask yourself: . Can you guarantee against disastrous product interactions? . Can you be sure your equipment will never fail? Is your place of business accident-proof (e.g., from slips and falls, fire or water damage)? . Do you ever provide treatments at your home or at a client's home? Commercial liability protection not only covers you if you're found to be at fault, but also provides for your legal defense. Without it, you could be out tens of thousands of dollars, even if it's just to defend yourself against a frivolous or false claim. Think You're Covered by the Salon Owner's Policy? Think again! Many professionals mistakenly believe that because they work in a spa or a salon, the owner's insurance automatically covers them. Yet it's quite possible that if a client files a claim against you personally, as well as against the spa or salon, you may be liable for your own attorney fees, court costs and share of the settlement. Are you prepared to risk that? You have absolutely no control over an owner's decisions regarding liability insurance coverage and premium payments. What if that owner lets the policy lapse, or pays late, or excludes your services without telling you? Guess who pays if a claim is made against you? You should also know that if you provide treatments at your house or a client's home, any insurance coverage your employer might have wouldn't apply. Equipment & Procedures The following procedures are covered by the ABMP liability insurance policy. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have questions concerning a specific technique, please contact our headquarters at 800/458-2267. Waxing: Warm wax is applied to the skin to remove hair. There is little discomfort as there is only momentary pain on the surface of the skin as the wax is pulled off. Continuous treatment may result in the complete cessation of hair growth (in the treated areas). Electric pulverizer: Sprays a fine mist of plant extracts, herb teas, skin fresheners, and astringents, may be used warm or cool. Widely used in Europe. Spray machine/atomizer: Used to flush out the pores. using two parts distilled water and one part astringent or skin lotion. May also have suction function which acts like a miniature vacuum cleaner for deep pore cleansing. Brushing machine: Sloughs off dead cells, removes dirt and grime that clings to the surface of the skin. Galvanic current: Provides a constant and direct current rectified to a safe, low-voltage level. Main function is to introduce water soluble products into the skin "iontophoresis." Chemical Peel: A wide variety of treatments, creams are utilized in this process. The EMDA (Esthetics Manufacturers and Distributors Alliance) has stated "Manufacturers should not use the word "peel" or "peeling" in descriptions of AHA salon-use exfoliation products. It is the opinion of EMDA that the word "peel" implies removal of live tissue, and the word "exfoliation" implies the removal of dead surface skin cells. "Wrinkle reducing" chemical peels are one of the esthetic services most sought by clients. To date, we have no restrictions on chemical peels except for solutions using higher concentrations than 40% glycolic acid. There are no specifications regarding the pH of the chemicals used or the buffered / concentration percentage - these are important considerations and so, leaves the 40% glycolic acid restriction "up in the air." Currently, the EMDA has defined the limitations of salon-use professional products as those products that do not exceed 30% concentration of alphahydroxy acids (of which, glycolic is an alphahydroxy) nor should these products have a pH below 3.0. In this case the lower the pH, the stronger the chemical. We have not changed our exclusions to date. We also do not have any exclusions for any other chemical peel (i.e. Jessner's, Modified Jessner's or Salycilic Acid peels). Chemical peels are an exfoliation process and were originally designed to only remove dead skin cells. Some of the peels (salycilic, higher concentration of glycolic acid, Jessner's etc.) actually penetrate deeper and "peel" layers of skin underneath the dead skin, giving the face a "smoother" look. There is also a recovery process for deeper chemical peels - usually 7-14 days. Many women find these treatments a more affordable and preferable treatment to the surgical "face lift" process. Estheticians MUST BE trained in these processes before providing to clients. This training usually comes from the manufacturers of the products used. Microdermabrasion: Another popular service is "microdermabrasion." This procedure utilizes a machine that exfoliates the uppermost layers of the skin's statum corneum. The machines work on the same basic principle: a closed-loop vacuum system that shoots corundum onto the skin and vacuums off the used crystals and exfoliated skin, depositing it into a separate waste jar. These machines are expensive, but may be coming down in price due to competition and popularity of the product. Hyperpigmentation and uneven surface texture are treated the most successfully with the microdermabrasion unit. Following the treatment, the client may only have a slight amount of redness in their skin. This allows the client to maintain their daily routine without the downtime many chemical peels require. Although some clients see visible results following one treatment, lasting and more significant results are obtained during a series of six or more treatments. Some states require that these machines (or specific models of these machines) be used only under the supervision of a physician or strictly by a physician. Check with your state to determine what laws govern the use of these machines. The following procedures are NOT covered by the ABMP liability insurance policy. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have questions concerning a specific technique, please contact our headquarters. Permanent cosmetics: the injection of dyes underneath skin (similar to tattooing) to assimilate cosmetics. Because it penetrates the skin with a needle, this procedure is excluded. (Have been cases where dyes change color - eyebrows turn green, etc.) Now using permanent cosmetics following surgical repairs, camouflaging scars/imperfections, re-creating nipple after mastectomy, etc. Some permanent cosmeticians are working directly with plastic surgeons. Laser Resurfacing: invasive, abrasive use of laser to smooth not only dead skin surface but live layers of skin. Requires significant healing time. This machine may only be used by a licensed physician or under the strict supervision of a licensed physician. Electrolysis: the removal of hair by penetrating skin barrier and "killing" the hair follicle with electrical current. (See previous definition of Electrologist) Laser Hair Removal: the removal of hair by laser. The jury is still out whether this is a "permanent" hair removal procedure. Relatively new procedure so not clear if there is any danger. Additional Benefits Not yet convinced that the best way to maximize your professional potential is to join a professional association rather than just buy minimal insurance coverage? There's more. Practicing, insured ABMP members also may access these additional benefits: Regulatory and networking support - ABMP has been involved in providing regulatory and legislative support to members since its inception in 1987. ABMP members are kept up-to-date on legislative issues affecting their right to practice. Members can also participate in local networking groups, along with our Web Community, where you can get free e-mail and create your own Web page. Optional insurance programs - Our optional business personal property insurance can insure your table and other office possessions for just $95/year. MassageFinder - ABMP receives more that 4,000 member referral requests per month from prospective clients through massagetherapy.com or abmp.com, seeking a qualified local therapist. It's another way to help build your client base! Other benefits - Discounts on travel/lodging, a members-only credit card, ABMP member apparel, legal support program, and other extras just for belonging to ABMP. Regulatory Information This information is hosted on our partner website, www.massagetherapy.com. Click here to be directed to this information. Skin Deep Created exclusively for ABMP skin care professional members, Skin Deep provides information on skin care technologies and modalities, business and marketing, education, legislation, nutrition, industry updates, Q&A with the experts, and more. The newsletter is published six times a year and mailed with Massage & Bodywork magazine. Advertise in Skin Deep . FAQs I am a massage therapist and a certified member of ABMP. I am also doing facials. Does my insurance cover me for the facials? As a certified level member of ABMP, you are covered for esthetician work from the date you have provided ABMP with a copy of your state license for esthetics, if a license is required by your state. Your full $9 million dollar combined aggregate will apply. I am a massage therapist and a professional (or practitioner) level member of ABMP. I am also doing facials in the Spa in which I am working. Does my liability insurance cover me? As of June 1, 1996, in order to have coverage for esthetician procedures, in addition to your massage/bodywork therapy, you must either a) be a member at the Certified level; or b) pay $50 additional for Esthetician coverage. In addition to your proof of education and/or licensing you provided to qualify as a professional/practitioner level massage therapist member, you must have a copy of your current state license, if required by your state, to practice as an esthetician on file with ABMP to validate your esthetician coverage. I am a state licensed esthetician but have no massage/bodywork training. Can I become an ABMP member? Yes, you may join ABMP at our Esthetician member Level. The cost for this level of membership is $229 for $9 million combined aggregate liability limits. Eligibility requires that you provide proof of your state licensure, if required by your state. My state doesn't require licensure for estheticians. What are your eligibility requirements? If you state doesn't require separate licensure for esthetics, you must provide a copy of your cosmetology license that is required to practice in those states. If a potential member provides documentation outlining their exclusion from state regulations, we will accept application with appropriate proof of training. If we discover there are any exclusions to current state regulations as we implement this program, these requirements may be adjusted. What esthetician activities/procedures are covered? See Commonly Used Equipment and Procedures" I manufacture my own line of facial products/creams/lotions. Does my liability insurance cover any claims as a result of using these products? No, your liability insurance does not cover ANY products manufactured/produced by you. This coverage is only for commercially manufactured products USED by you. You may use your own label on products not manufactured by you and combine/mix products, as directed by the manufacturer. If you invent your own product, even using other manufactured products, there would be no liability coverage. I am a dermatologist and I also provide esthetician services. Can I be an ABMP member? There is NO COVERAGE for any dermatology procedures -- only esthetician procedures. If you provide proof of insurance for your dermatology procedures, ABMP will process your membership at the Esthetician level. I'm thinking of opening an Esthetician institutional program. Can I obtain my liability insurance for the institution through ABMP? Yes, but only if your school provides only skin care instruction or skin care and massage instruction curriculums. Many programs are part of a Cosmetology program or also conduct cosmetology instruction programs and are not eligible for ABMP membership or for institutional liability insurance. There are five (5) estheticians working at our spa. Can we get a corporate discount rate similar to the rate offered to our massage therapists? Yes. You may also be entitled to a discount if you have a total of five ABMP members who are either skin care therapists, massage therapists or a combination of both. This discount is $50 per member off membership dues. Are chemical peels covered? Yes. To date, we have no limitation on peels used (including Jessner Peels). How do I find a quality school in my area? We recommend that you contact the Board of Cosmetology in your state and ask for a list of state-approved schools. Click here for a list of state board phone numbers. We also recommend that you call each school to request a school catalog and other promotional materials. Review these materials closely. Is the school recognized by the state in which it operates? Is the tuition clearly outlined? Are any additional expenses required? Are the instructors and their respective credentials listed? Has the school received accreditation from an accrediting body? Arrange a visit to the schools you are interested in and try to sit in on one of the classes. This enables you to get a feel for the culture of the school, visit with current students, and to meet the instructor(s). Other things to consider when evaluating educational opportunities include: . Accountability: Can the school provide references from graduates? . Teaching philosophy: Is the class small and instruction personalized? . Physical facility: Does it meet your personal needs and expectations? . Faculty qualifications: Are faculty members qualified to instruct? What are their backgrounds? . Teaching philosophy: Does the philosophy meet your personal study style? . Credentials: Is the school approved by the state? Has it received accreditation from an accrediting agency? . Techniques: Does the curriculum include instruction in the techniques in which you are interested? . Intent: Are the school's expectations of its students clearly defined? Join Now! Apply for Membership Online or download our Application New to Skin Care? Training & Career Options Definitions and Careers Esthetician: Estheticians specialize in skin care rather than hairstyling. As highly trained specialists, estheticians offer preventative care of the skin and give treatments to keep the skin healthy and attractive. Procedures include facial steaming through the use of a facial vaporizer which diffuses a lukewarm vapor mist on the skin's surface, application of creams, lotions, masks using clay or gels, etc., exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells), pore cleansing, epidermabrasion using treatment creams that have the ability to dissolve the dead cells on the surface of the skin. The esthetician also performs facials, waxing, and bodycare services. These, too, are highly skilled specialties and require an esthetician license. Although the esthetician can also perform manicuring and other services if he or she has a cosmetology license, the field is so specialized that he or she should limit practice to esthetics services. Estheticians, typically, are trained to massage the face, neck and shoulder areas but, are not supposed to provide additional massage services without additional training. This is hard to enforce in states without statewide licensing for massage. Many estheticians provide body wraps, etc. But some states recognize any work done below the neck as services that should be provided by massage/bodywork professionals - not estheticians. Esthetic practice specially excludes diagnosis, prescription or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice dermatology or any other profession or branch of medicine. Procedures for permanent cosmetics and those procedures that use greater than 40% glycolic acid are excluded. Also excluded are procedures defined by an individuals' state regulations as cosmetology treatments or modalities, except for defined esthetician procedures. Estheticians also work in dermatologists' and plastic surgeon's offices, providing esthetic services. Unless an esthetician is also a licensed dermatologist, he or she does not prescribe medication nor give medical treatments. However, an esthetician is trained to detect skin problems that require medical attention and refer to a physician or dermatologist. Estheticians and makeup artists sometimes work with the patients of plastic surgeons at the recommendation of the surgeon, teaching patients preventative and maintenance skin care, applying chemical peels (with higher concentration / pH of glycolics, etc.) and providing laser dermabrasion (under the doctor's supervision) and/or how to use makeup skillfully to conceal scars and imperfections. Estheticians and makeup artists sometimes work as assistants to morticians and restorative art specialists (restore the facial features of the deceased). In some states, however, only a licensed mortician may work on the deceased. Other Useful Definitions Cosmetician: One who is professionally trained in the use of cosmetics and performs a variety of personal services in salons - including facials, applying makeup, skin care, applying eyelashes, beautifying the face, neck, arms, bust or upper part of the human body by the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams; massaging, cleaning or stimulating the face, neck, arms, bust, or upper part of the human body by means of hands, devices, apparatus, or appliances with the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams; removing superfluous hair from the body of any person by the use of depilatories or waxing or by the use of tweezers. Many estheticians are required to have a cosmetician or cosmetologist license to practice esthetics. Cosmetologist: One skilled in the art of improving beauty including but not limited to: arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work upon the hair of any person by any means; and with hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances or by the use of cosmetic or chemical preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or otherwise, massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising the scalp, face, neck, arms, hands, or shoulders or manicuring or pedicuring the nails of any person. Dermatologist: A physician who specializes in dermatology, the branch of medical science that relates to the skin and its diseases. A dermatologist acquires the necessary qualifications to prescribe internal and external medications and to apply mechanical apparatus for the benefit of the skin. Dermatologists treat diseases of the skin, hair and nails while estheticians treat cosmetic disorders. Electrologist: The Electrologist performs electrolysis services and is a specialist in the field. He or she must have specific training and, in most states, must hold an electrologist license. Like the esthetician or massage therapist, this position also requires a very high level of skill, training, and expertise. Electrolysis is performed by an electrologist (trained, licensed and certified) - not an esthetician . Makeup Artists: Trained to embellish or beautify the facial features by the skillful application of cosmetics. Many makeup artists are also cosmetologists and/or estheticians. Makeup artists usually serve an apprenticeship under a master makeup artist - particularly in a theatrical setting. Makeup Stylist: The makeup stylist applies and sells cosmetics. This is also a salon specialty that requires skill and training, though not at the same high skill level of other salon services. Although the makeup stylist may not be required to hold a license in some states, others may require that he or she hold a cosmetology license. He or she must be competent and have specific training in makeup application services. An esthetician may be able to fill this position in addition to his or her other duties Manicurist: The manicurist performs the full range of manicure and pedicure services in the salon. This is a skill position and requires either a manicurist or cosmetologist license. Although the manicurist is an important part of the staff, the position does not require as high a skill level as the esthetician. The manicurist should be familiar with current practices and should be capable performing advanced techniques, such as nail tipping and nail painting. Massage Therapist: (From "Estheticians Guide to Business Management"): If your salon offers such services, you might want to employ a massage therapist. Although the esthetician can perform most massage services, the function requires a high level of skill and training. The esthetician will require additional training to perform these services competently. In some states, the practitioner must hold a massage therapist license. Skin Care Trends Employment Trends Estimating the number of practicing estheticians in the United States is a challenging endeavor because many skin care professionals are licensed in more than one state and many others keep their licenses current although they are not currently practicing. Sorting through these variables, our best estimate is about 60,000 currently active esthetic practitioners. By far the largest number of estheticians are located in Southern California. Other large concentrations are in Florida, New York, Texas, and Oregon. The career outlook for estheticians has never been brighter. The manufacture and sale of skin care products has skyrocketed into a multi-million dollar industry. With so many products available, the consumer must seek professional advice. An esthetician in private practice is an excellent source of product information and can also provide many effective treatments. Most individual skin care programs require consistent care from a skin care professional to obtain the desired result. As a rule, skin conditions are not cured, but controlled by the specific products used and the treatments received. Once results have been achieved, successful maintenance requires regular care from a professional who understands the client's unique profile. The large baby boom cohort has reshaped consumer demand patterns at each stage of its progress. Now that many boomers are passing age 50, they want to look and feel younger. Partly in response to this demographic reality, Day Spas and Destination Spas are mushrooming and spas need skilled, versatile employees. That demand has fueled new training interests: notable trends include medical personnel (mostly Registered Nurses) taking skin care courses for work in the clinical skin care setting (a plastic surgeon or dermatologist's office or in wellness centers) and many dual-licensed professionals (a massage therapist / esthetician combination being the most common) emerging in the spa setting. The Spa and Day Spa industry explosion has motivated many massage therapists to also become licensed estheticians and vice versa. This dual approach offers them more versatility in the workplace. It also gives them respite from the physical demands of providing massage only orfacials only all day. The combination of skills allows the professional to be more employable; spas prefer one person who can provide a multitude of services. Requests from ABMP massage and bodywork members to have us also insure esthetic work prompted ABMP to welcome estheticians into our membership. Licensed professionals have seen enormous growth in the abundance of job opportunities linked to these trends. Even more lucrative esthetic jobs have evolved with the growth of the skin care industry. Examples include: product manufacturer sales representative or education director, cosmetic buyer for retail sales stores, and motion picture makeup artist, just to name a few. Education Trends One of the biggest challenges facing the profession is that too large a proportion of skin care therapists receive sub-standard core education. Combine that with antiquated state licensing requirements in some states and you have a potential quality assurance problem. Although most states require estheticians to be separately licensed, a number of states also allow cosmetologists to perform esthetic procedures. This is a problem in that most cosmetology curriculums devote very few hours to skin care. Because the sound practice of esthetics today involves complicated procedures, chemicals, compound solutions/interactions and precautions, the skin care professional must be properly educated. Most experts believe that, to obtain and keep a license, a skin therapist should have a core education of 600 hours, plus continuing education units. The typical esthetic curriculum in many states hovers around 250 - 300 hours, mirroring minimum state licensing requirements. A number of schools are trying to raise the bar with stellar core education and continuing education programs. Our best estimates place the number of quality schools with 600 hour or greater programs at 35 - 50 schools nationwide. A concerning result of inadequate education is some skin care therapists providing services for which they have had no formal training or that are beyond their appropriate scope of practice. New procedures, equipment, and tools are introduced every day. Some of these require a physician's license to perform; all others require specific training. Inadequately trained skin care therapists are either ignorant or apathetic, providing these services without the proper instruction or licensing. This puts the client and the profession at risk. Obviously, consumers are well advised to seek out a skin care professional with a thorough education. They can inquire directly, asking the esthetician about the school and program depth she or he completed. Or consumers can go through an organization like ABMP which has educational standards for membership. (Visit MassageFinder , specify that you are seeking to find an esthetician, or call 800-458-2267.) Professional Support No single organization has emerged to lead the esthetic profession. There are, however, a number of successful trade shows that are heavily backed by manufacturers. Manufacturers want estheticians to buy their products and use them in their salon / business. Most of the continuing education that estheticians receive is conducted at trade shows, by manufacturers who sell their products along with the "education." ABMP began its involvement with the esthetic profession in 1997, initially focusing solely on filling a void - the need for professional liability insurance. We have chosen to concentrate our energies on building relationships with the 35-50 highest quality training programs in the country and with the graduates of those schools. We also are building alliances with individuals and associations working to encourage the provision of "unbiased" continuing education for estheticians. All ABMP esthetician members meet licensing requirements in the state in which they reside. Schools and Training Programs How do I find a quality school in my area? We recommend that you contact the Board of Cosmetology in your state and ask for a list of state-approved schools. Click here for a list of state board phone numbers. We also recommend that you call each school to request a school catalog and other promotional materials. Review these materials closely. Is the school recognized by the state in which it operates? Is the tuition clearly outlined? Are any additional expenses required? Are the instructors and their respective credentials listed? Has the school received accreditation from an accrediting body? Arrange a visit to the schools you are interested in and try to sit in on one of the classes. This enables you to get a feel for the culture of the school, visit with current students, and to meet the instructor(s). Other things to consider when evaluating educational opportunities include: . Accountability: Can the school provide references from graduates? . Teaching philosophy: Is the class small and instruction personalized? . Physical facility: Does it meet your personal needs and expectations? . Faculty qualifications: Are faculty members qualified to instruct? What are their backgrounds? . Teaching philosophy: Does the philosophy meet your personal study style? . Credentials: Is the school approved by the state? Has it received accreditation from an accrediting agency? . Techniques: Does the curriculum include instruction in the techniques in which you are interested? . Intent: Are the school's expectations of its students clearly defined? Our list of schools and training programs is hosted on our partner website www.massagetherapy.com. Click here to be directed to this information. Liability Information What Every Esthetician Should know About Liability (or, How to Save Your Skin in the Event of a Lawsuit) By Katie Armitage This article was originally published in the June 1998 issue fo Skin Inc. Magazine. All rights reserved. To view the Skin, Inc. web site, please click here (www.skininc.com) . It's an unfortunate but established fact: we live in an age of litigation. And no matter how remote the threat of a lawsuit may seem, it can and does happen to skin care professionals with alarming frequency. Yet with the safety net of an easily-obtained insurance plan, peace of mind can be a piece of cake. But insurance, not surprisingly, is a mystery to most people -- the details of policies andliability are practically another language. Many skin care professionals take little time to understand what kind of coverage they need or why they need it. Many more rationalize away the exposure -- "How could I possibly hurt anyone with the treatments I use?" Others choose to roll the dice and take their chances -- or assume, often falsely, that they are covered by their employer. Many salons & booth rental spaces do not cover individual practitioner's liability. Truth is, individual professional liability insurance is a necessity for anyone providing personal services to the public. The odds of any of the following situations happening to you may be slim, but in this age of common place litigation, a few dollars of prevention can offset many thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees should the "one in a hundred" be you. 1. Can you guarantee against disastrous product interactions? The scope of products and treatment plans being introduced today require an esthetician to have a comprehensive knowledge of skin care chemistry, staying up-to-the-minute on the benefits and precautions of ingredient interactions. That's true without even considering the controversy surrounding the use of AHA's, glycolic acid, and other actives. What's more, products featuring "new and improved" ingredients emerge on the market daily. Suppose, for example, you treated a bride on her wedding day and a reaction caused her face to burn. Let's face it, if a woman can be awarded millions of dollars for spilling her own coffee in her own lap, you can bet there is a good reason to think a "ruined bride" would have the sympathies of a judge or jury. Do you have that kind of money? 2. Can you be sure your equipment will never fail? Who would pay for the legal and punitive fees for a claim resulting from your table or chair collapsing? Whether the accident was caused by faulty workmanship, poor design, or client obesity, you need to think about whether you can afford to defend yourself against a claimant who has undergone $35,000 worth of surgery or therapy, is unable to work, and has hired a personal injury attorney. 3. Is your place of business accident-proof? What would you do for the client who fell and fractured her elbow on the icy sidewalk you were just about to clear? Or the client who gashed his forehead when he tripped over your electrical cord while getting out of your chair? Do you have $25,000 to pay your landlord for the water damage repairs caused by a faulty hose attached to the washer you use for linens? Or damages from the fire that started from the coffee pot you left plugged in overnight? These examples, incidentally, are not fictional. Each happened during the past two years to professionals practicing skin care or soft tissue massage. Think about it. You don't plan on having an auto accident on your way home today. Nor do you expect to arrive home to find that your house has burned to the ground. In fact, the odds are against it. However, if your number comes up, the cost of auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, and liability insurance covering your practice is a small price to pay compared to the possibility of losing everything you own - even your future earnings. In our society, the number of unscrupulous people looking for their "lottery jackpot" isn't likely to diminish anytime soon. This is one gamble that's just not worth the risk. Many professionals mistakenly believe that because they work in a spa or salon, the business owner's insurance automatically covers any individual exposure they may encounter. This is not necessarily so. Most, but not all, such business owner policies cover regular employees of a salon. Some cover part-time employees. Few cover you if you are a booth renter or other independent contractor. It is quite possible that if a client files a claim against you personally, as well as against the spa or salon, you may be liable for your own attorney fees, court costs and share of the settlement or award. Without the necessary financial resources, you could lose everything. What if the corporation or business owner refuses to have anything to do with a claim against you -- for fear of an increase in their insurance rates or fear of lost business? You have no control over an owner's business decisions regarding liability insurance coverage and premium payments. What if the policy lapses or the owner decides to change the coverages to exclude your services, and neglects to tell you? Guess who pays if a claim is made against you and the owner discovers he or she forgot to make the premium payment? Finally, even if you previously worked for a salon or spa, do you ever provide treatments on the side at your house or a client's home? That's right, any insurance coverage your employer might have wouldn't apply. Clearly, it makes sense to carry your own professional liability insurance. Is going without worth the risk? What is peace of mind worth to you? Assuming you agree that liability insurance is as important as any other tool or piece of equipment you use to provide treatments, here are a few tips on finding the right liability insurance coverage for you. You can spend hours searching for and choosing the right insurance program answering questions, such as: How much coverage and which types of insurance should I have? How much should I expect to pay? Where do I find coverage? Experts say you should obtain as much coverage as you can afford. Don't make the mistake of choosing the cheapest price and not comparing coverages, policy limits, deductibles (how much you must pay on a claim before insurance coverage kicks in), and exclusions. This could be a big mistake as a true bargain is defined as how much value you receive for what you pay, not by lowest price alone. The availability of insurance specifically tailored for the esthetician is somewhat limited. You may find that your local agent will issue you a policy, but is unfamiliar with the industry and so may issue coverage that is not specific to your profession. A general insurance agent will probably also have to take into consideration the location of your business. An esthetician working in an office in New York City or another large metropolitan area can expect to pay more than someone in a rural area. This geographic differential may make their policies more cost prohibitive than other sources. Check with your national trade association or request member benefit information from all related trade associations. Many times, these associations are able to offer insurance packages,either directly or through an approved supplier. These group insurance plans are able to spread the "risk" among many members in all 50 states and so, are able to offer the same low premium in all 50 states. If you meet the eligibility requirements of one of these organizations, you will be able to take advantage of the group's buying power. Many of these groups also offer other optional economical insurance plans, such as life insurance, disability insurance, and equipment replacement insurance. Taking advantage of an association's insurance program is comparable to buying "wholesale". I hope you never have to use your liability insurance. Chances are, you won't. But, just one look at the evening news should assure you that, by purchasing liability insurance, you've made the right choice. If the unthinkable happens, you'll be prepared. A couple hundred dollars a year is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the protection of your family, your business, your home ... your future. Katie Armitage is Executive Director of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). ABMP has been serving the massage profession since 1987 and currently provides over 40,000 esthetician and massage therapist members with professional liability insurance, publications, and legislative advocacy. She can be reached at 800-458-2267 or at expectmore@abmp.com .