IECSC returned to the equally dusty and dazzling Las Vegas, where estheticians and spa owners could convene to swap the latest practices, techniques and products. There were several industry topics that shaped the expo floor’s landscape this year. Class I devices to allow estheticians to elevate their offerings without straying outside of the current tumultuous regulatory guidelines in place were a major draw. Brands like Skin Moderne offered competitive alternatives to traditional microneedling devices in an era where well-aging dominates treatment demands, especially in affluent areas. Zaq is another brand focusing on devices and provides quality, budget-friendly alternatives that are especially appealing to newer estheticians.
Natural beauty is another area, walking in stride with consumer demands for clean and short labels. Repêchage returned with their line of glossy, seaweed-based products, as perfect for the practitioner with a fully stocked wet room as it is for those without, and stocked with gift sets perfect for the busy spa owners prepping for the holidays. Phytomer is another brand, originating from France and harnessing the power of the ocean—their lines are well-suited for back bars and boutiques, and perfect for all skin types. In keeping the big blue on our minds (not to be mistaken for the Blue Mind Theory, your editor notes), Cellagenix is another brand rapidly making a name for itself in esthetics for its ocean-based clean formulations. Household favorite Sorella Apothecary returns with their usual moxie and botanically-based products.
With personalized solutions being a must, Zemits brought its new Verstand HD Pro, a machine with versatile functionality that stores protocols and product substitution recommendations according to client needs. Solutions that cater to specific skin types and needs are another branch that runs in tandem with the customizable skin care trends. Brands like Apex, hone in on feminine wellness as more nuanced conversations surrounding skin and wellness beg for the dissipation of formerly prevalent stigmatization.
Meanwhile, the product fatigue weighing down the market has driven the demand for clinically effective, science-based products—a demand answered by the presence of Dermaquest and Hale Cosmeceuticals.
It was another jam-packed IECSC, and if those with real estate in the expo hall are any tea leaves to go by, it’s going to be an exciting year to come.
