The Greening of Beauty Care Treatments and Products: Eco-Estheticians Take a Leadership Role

There is nothing new or unusual about using natural skin care products. A lot of people have attributed their beautiful peaches-and-cream complexions to a simple cleaning regimen of soap and water -- with a little bit of lotion for extra radiance. Home treatments, like witch hazel, aloe vera, or shea butter, have been successful at treating skin conditions, like dry or oily patches, for many years. Even early civilizations like the ancient Egyptians understood the benefits of natural skin care and incorporating organic ingredients into their personal care products.

And because personal care product manufacturers have become more eco-friendly, skin care products made from all-natural ingredients have regained their popularity -- and are likely to remain popular for years to come. With natural and organic skin care products gaining a tremendous -- and growing -- share of the personal care products market, it makes sense that beauty professionals are jumping in and incorporating eco-cosmetics into their treatment regimens. As the public interest continues to progress towards health and well being, the spa lifestyle is now reaching a much larger audience. This has resulted in a growing need for licensed, well-trained estheticians who can provide a variety of natural and holistic services, like aromatherapy, body wraps, salt glows, reflexology, and other such treatments.

The public's desire for sustainable personal care products and clothing has also sparked the growth of spa resorts that are committed to eco-friendly operations -- havens of rest and relaxation where conscientious people can be pampered in an environmentally sensitive location. Guests can indulge themselves in a variety of treatments that renew energy, and cleanse the mind, body, and soul in a relaxing haven that respects nature and provides luxurious healing therapies like sea salt scrubs or hot stone massages. Other spas are following suit, doing what they can to become more eco-friendly, including converting to water-saving shower heads, bamboo flooring, and more efficient types of lighting, as well as providing their clients with bedding, towels, and robes made out of organic fabrics. The commitment to engaging in safe and responsible practices has resulted in a high demand for intuitive, compassionate beauty professionals who can inspire their clients and form lasting relationships with them.

Adam Federico, a member of the third generation of the Federico family, operates the AJF Salon in Sacramento, California, at 3016 J Street, where he carries a full line of eco-friendly hair care products manufactured by Davines. A manufacturer of quality products that contain all-natural ingredients, Davines is dedicated to the protection of the environment. With an eye on the future, Bioelements already began using recyclable glass jars and ecologically-sound ink and paper in 1991, when it first started doing business. Bioelements' paraben-free products, including Urban Detox, Equalizer, Stress Solution and VitaMineral Power Pen are particular favorites of AJF's clients.

Adam's dad, Gary Federico, is President of Federico Beauty Institute, where he has prioritized the need for environmentally friendly beauty treatments and products. This year, Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails presented Gary Federico with an award for operating an organization that helps to promote cleaner air and eco-friendly business practices and products.

"It's not just about hair and skin care, it's also about giving back," states Gary Federico, who demonstrated his commitment to the environment by installing a photovoltaic carport, converting all of his lighting to more efficient Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's), and also installing electronic sensors that can detect when there is no one in a particular space, and will automatically turn off the air conditioning and lights. Federico's use of solar power has helped the school to reduce its yearly CO2 emissions by more than 165,000 pounds -- this is like taking fourteen automobiles off the road every year!

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