The Greening of Personal Care: Eco-Estheticians Lead the Way
Using natural ingredients for skin care is not a new concept. Many of the radiant complexions out there are the product of plain old soap and water, with a little added moisturizer for a healthy glow. There are many remedies made from natural, home-grown products (such as witch hazel, aloe vera, or shea butter) that are used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Even early Egyptians invented many holistic regimens originating from earthen ingredients.
Thanks to the greening of personal care, holistic skin care has come full circle and is here indefinitely. Natural and organic cosmetics are commanding the top spot as the nation's fastest-rising cosmetics and toiletry market, so it's "only natural" that estheticians are also dabbling in this increasing interest in eco-cosmetics. The new interest in health-and-wellness has brought the spa lifestyle to everyone, not just the elite set. This all adds up to an increased need for licensed beauty professionals who understand natural or alternative treatments and who are high skilled in such treatments as aromatherapy, body wraps, salt glows, reflexology, etc.
Interest in renewable beauty and fashion has helped encourage the development of the new eco-spa resorts — these are retreats where the coddling doesn't make you feel guilty about the environment. Guests can invigorate and revitalize the mind, body, and psyche in a healing refuge that celebrates nature and invites soothing luxuries, like sea salt scrubs, or hot stone therapy. Other spas are following the example by converting to eco-friendly practices, from introducing conservation principles such as the installation of water conserving showerheads, bamboo flooring, or using efficient cotton linens, towels, and robes. This new appreciation for being stewards of the environment and engaging in more humane and responsible practices has translated into more spas seeking understanding estheticians who will encourage their customers and build client relationships.
Located at 3016 J Street, in Sacramento, California, AJF Salon is managed by Adam Federico who is a third generation member of the Federico family; the salon sells the Davines hair care products, which are known for being eco-friendly. Davines is a leader in the manufacture of products that uphold the highest standards of quality, but which still demonstrate respect for the environment by utilizing only natural ingredients that are of the highest grade available. A true pioneer, Bioelements has been eco-friendly since its inception in 1991, using recyclable glass, and earth-friendly inks and paper. AJF's clientele especially like the Bioelements' paraben-free product line, which includes Urban Detox, Equalizer, Stress Solution and VitaMineral Power Pen.
Eco-friendly issues have been vital to Gary Federico, who is the President of Federico Beauty Institute, as well as Adam's father. At the beginning of this year, Gary Federico was honored with a clean air business award by Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails for his eco-friendly practices.
According to Gary Federico, a green business policy is something that goes beyond hair or skin care; it's about giving back. So Gary built a photovoltaic carport system, switched the lights to energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's) and installed occupancy sensors, so that lights and air conditioning are turned off automatically when rooms are vacant. Just by using solar power, the school is annually lowering its CO2 emissions by 165,643 pounds, which is equal to taking 14 passenger cars off the road.
