Spring seems like just the right time to talk about growing green. It doesn’t really matter where you are in the process, there are always more ways we can improve our carbon footprint. In the salon environment, there are laws that govern the disinfection processes for various implements and equipment and, of course, chemicals must be utilized to effectively maintain health and safety standards. Beyond compliance, however, there are many things that we can do at Abundance to strive for the green.
To kick off this month’s conversation, I am excited that Diana Zamudio, an interior designer and owner of Green Intention Design, will speak at Abundance at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1. Diana is a wealth of information about designing and building with green practices and materials. If you haven’t yet been to Green Intention Design, you’re missing out … it’s a beautiful showroom in downtown Half Moon Bay, filled with eco-friendly art and accessories for feathering your nest. One of my favorite products is the Fire and Ice dinnerware made from recycled glass. You really must see it to believe it. Hope you will join us for Diana’s presentation.
Since we opened in November 2004, we specialize in leading edge “clean” skin care lines, but only those that eliminate the parabens traditionally used for preservative. Likewise, to avoid chemicals on the skin (did you know that the average person’s skin weighs about 7 pounds?), I prefer to use Epicuren’s Zinc Oxide sunscreen, which is mineral-based and contains none of the toxic chemicals currently used to neutralize UV.
Beyond products, Abundance has made a commitment to avoid burning paraffin-based candles. Instead we use soy candles, also from Epicuren, famous for its purity. We use purified water and organic teas in our refreshments. When we host events, we serve a whole-foods based menu, supporting local farmers and including our favorite, local La Nebbia champagne, which is the official salon sip.
Our housekeeping staff uses earth-friendly cleaning products throughout, and we have converted to recycled paper products in the restroom. Although State regulations require that we use paper towels for hand-drying hygiene, where possible, we use energy-saving light bulbs and grow our own flowers for use in the salon. We recently replaced the laundry equipment with more efficient appliances.
Recent “green” accomplishments were completed just in time for the newsletter … we eliminated the salon printer and now email receipts at the client’s request (thanks to Mike Alifano for that fabulous suggestion!). Many of our clients opt to bring in their own shopping totes to avoid the use of a paper shopping bag. And last, but not least, last week we replaced the company vehicle, an SUV, for a more earth-friendly and spunky Subaru sedan.
So wherever you are, begin there and day by day, we will all do a little more to show respect our valuable resources and preserve this beautiful planet for the future.
Best wishes for a spectacular month of April,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Owner, Esthetician
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Strategies for Smart Skin Care
In light of recent changes in our economy, many people have inquired about how business is going, expecting, I think, a grim reply that we’re doing fewer facials and product sales are plummeting. On the contrary, we are very busy at Abundance, doing what we do best, which is customizing skin care programs based on the unique and changing needs of our clients. Since each client’s skin is different, his or her program is designed to reflect the current skin condition and individual skin care goals. Often the routine must change because the skin has changed … we’ve corrected and balanced the skin, so perhaps fewer facials are necessary and different products might be required. Mission accomplished! And sometimes, the protocols will change because one or more elements of the client’s goals, life style, or schedule has changed. We continually evaluate progress against the client’s goals and make appropriate adjustments.
At Abundance, budget has always been a factor in designing an effective home care program. All skin care products we recommend must add value and deliver results. We carry five skin care lines, each with its own properties, benefits and price points, which assure that we are able to meet a wide variety of needs. When it’s time to change products, we are conscientious about keeping track of what products the client is using, and making those transitions when bottles are empty to minimize waste. Each product on your bathroom counter should have a specific purpose and add value to your anti-aging program.
We continually educate our clients on the proper use of professional products. In most cases, professional formulations are different than those of over-the-counter products and far less product is required. Anti-aging serums have a smaller molecular structure in order to penetrate more readily, so less product is required. Re-training clients to use products properly is an ongoing part of client education.
Making judicious recommendations is important. Generally, we won’t send a client home with an anti-aging serum that can’t penetrate because the epidermis is too thick. Instead we prep the skin with the appropriate exfoliator to increase absorption before introducing an expensive serum.
The current economy hasn’t changed the way we approach skin care at Abundance ~ ~ we always have and always will design and evaluate our skin care programs to factor in the ongoing needs of each client.
All the best for a beautiful, blustery March 2009,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Esthetician, Owner
At Abundance, budget has always been a factor in designing an effective home care program. All skin care products we recommend must add value and deliver results. We carry five skin care lines, each with its own properties, benefits and price points, which assure that we are able to meet a wide variety of needs. When it’s time to change products, we are conscientious about keeping track of what products the client is using, and making those transitions when bottles are empty to minimize waste. Each product on your bathroom counter should have a specific purpose and add value to your anti-aging program.
We continually educate our clients on the proper use of professional products. In most cases, professional formulations are different than those of over-the-counter products and far less product is required. Anti-aging serums have a smaller molecular structure in order to penetrate more readily, so less product is required. Re-training clients to use products properly is an ongoing part of client education.
Making judicious recommendations is important. Generally, we won’t send a client home with an anti-aging serum that can’t penetrate because the epidermis is too thick. Instead we prep the skin with the appropriate exfoliator to increase absorption before introducing an expensive serum.
The current economy hasn’t changed the way we approach skin care at Abundance ~ ~ we always have and always will design and evaluate our skin care programs to factor in the ongoing needs of each client.
All the best for a beautiful, blustery March 2009,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Esthetician, Owner
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