Purpose
Since 2000, the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) has been defining and conveying standards of practice, while educating the industry and the public. In May 2007, the National NCEA Certification Program was launched to recognize the professional credential of NCEA Certified awarded to a skin care professional that has met the competency standards as set-forth by the NCEA's 1200 hour Esthetician Job Task Analysis. It represents the highest skin care credential available in the United States, and adherence to the code of ethics of the profession. NCEA Continuing Education (CEs) is required to be maintained by NCEA Certified professionals and some state regulatory boards may also require CEs for relicensure.

Goals
o Provide educational activities that will increase the skin care professional's knowledge, skills and competency.
o Provide local, regional, national and international accredited educational activities, and learning opportunities.
o Raise the standard of educational delivery methods and utilize faculty disclosure(s) to improve quality of educational activities.
o To meet or exceed state regulatory board's continuing education requirements for relicensure.
o Provide state regulatory boards a quality commission on accreditation for skin care professionals.
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Cosmetic Surgery Procedures to Exceed 55 Million in 2015, ASPS Study Predicts
from PCI Journal
The Journal of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has predicted that cosmetic procedures in 2015 will exceed more than 55 million. The study stated that procedures will have quadrupled when compared to what was performed in 2005. ASPS President Richard D’Amico, M.D. was positive that even with today’s economic slow down in plastic surgery procedures, the specialty will survive as it has during past declines. More

For additional PCI Journal articles or to purchase a back issue click here.

Product Showcase: RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum Yes, it really works! RapidLash promotes the appearance of natural lash and brow growth in just 4-6 weeks! For women...for men..for all adults! Completely safe. Compares to $160 product. Our Price...$49.99 retail. More info

Putting Wrinke-fighting LEDs to the Test
from WKOW
There's a new kind of gadget that's supposed to help make women look younger. We put five of handheld LED devices to the test. They're handheld light therapy devices are scaled down versions of ones you see in dermatologists' office or a spa. You direct their red or infrared light to your skin and the light is supposed to smooth lines and improve skin texture and tone. More

An Expression of Doubt About Facials
from The New York Times
Aestheticians and spas have long promoted routine facials as required maintenance for radiant skin. But dermatologists don’t necessarily agree. Today’s bloated and breathless spa menus promise more than a mere facial can deliver, dermatologists say, and have people thinking that monthly facials can be their first line of defense against wrinkles. More

On Pins and Needles Waiting for Reloxin
from RealSelf.com
Everyone is on pins and needles (pun intended) waiting for Reloxin, especially Allergan, the maker of Botox Cosmetic. The Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery published a new study evaluating the long-term safety of Reloxin for repeated use in moderate to severe glabellar lines (forehead wrinkles) over thirteen months. More

Botox: Does It Make You Happy or Sad?
from Allure
A new study from Holland is getting tons of hype. It suggests that Botox may lead to depression—not because there's something wrong with the substance, but because freezing the expressive muscles on your face can cause you to internalize too many emotions. In the study, 30 people were shown gruesome images. Half were asked to keep their faces neutral, the others were instructed to show their feelings. The ones who stayed expressionless had more negative, depressive outlooks. One thing worth mentioning: no Botox was used in the study. It's just conjecture. More

Silicone Ear Looks Just Like the Real Thing
from Science Daily
To look at Matthew Houdek, you could never tell he was born with virtually no left ear. A surgery at Loyola University Health System made it possible for Houdek to be fitted with a prosthetic ear that looks just like the real thing. More

Bad Hair Day or Bigger Problem?
from The Sudbury Star
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair will regrow spontaneously in some forms of hair loss. See a dermatologist if, over time, you have documented your hair loss (where on your head? Approximately how many per day?) and any medical, drug or lifestyle changes you've experienced (become a vegetarian, say or started a new contraceptive pill.) In the meantime, check out the following facts on normal hair growth in this article. More

Hydrotherapy for Health and Wellness: Theory Programs & Treatments By Susanna Schmaling The skin care industry is constantly expanding with newer equipment and technology. A Comprehensive Guide to Equipment, part of Milady's Aesthetician Series, addresses the ever-increasing questions about technology information and how to apply and use it in everyday practice as a professional beauty consultant. Order today!