Today’s skin care market offers something for everyone as products are becoming increasingly customized to meet individual needs. Whether young or old, everyone these days is interested in maintaining beautiful skin. With this in mind, our fourth issue is devoted to the skin care business that is growing as a result of strong consumer insights coupled with superior functionality and science-based technologies. Mary Leber, founder of MJL Associates, a sales and marketing consulting group for cosmetic brand development and distribution, brings to our pages over 20 years of experience in the cosmetic industry. In SKIN CARE FOR TODAY’S CONSUMER, Mary shares information, insight, and predictions for this fast-paced age. Also, we spotlight Dermagenetics and Suracell, two companies that are taking customization to an entirely new level. In addition, we have again looked to our panel of spa experts—a popular segment among our readers—to hand pick their favorite skin care products.

In each issue of The Healing Arts Guide, we feature inspirational stories that highlight the motivating and compelling experiences of entrepreneurs. Often times, these personal accounts go unnoticed. However, we feel that the challenging and adventurous beginnings of these healing arts heavyweights are just as interesting as their well-deserved achievements.

Grembo Organics
Grembo sleep bags are based on European heritage of offering practicality and ease of wearable blankets for babies. Offering the same sensibility plus a commitment to ecological responsibility, Grembo is dedicated to using only certified organic cotton. Protecting babies from harmful or abrasive substances is a birthright that enhances well being.

The Healing Arts Guide asked top
Spa Directors/Managers to share their
favorite picks for most beneficial, interesting,
and innovative skin care products.
Here are a few of their recommendations.

Skin care is the fastest growing segment within the category of cosmetics today. And yet, just ten years ago, if you asked a customer what skin care products she was using, the reply would include which shade of lipstick she had on and maybe the brand or shade of foundation. The same question today would probably evoke some confusion because there is a very good chance that today’s consumer has a variety of “treatment” products she is using to improve her skin. She has evolved from just covering up to consciously “treating” the condition. During the last decade, spas have proliferated and flourished, dermatology and plastic surgery has become available to everyone, not just the rich and famous, and stores dedicated to cosmetics, such as Sephora have ecome a way of life. All of these venues, as well as the traditional department store cosmetic departments are selling skin care in a significant way.

Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together. —Anais Nin
Music has touched the human soul across all boundaries of time and space. Indeed, the healing power of music has been documented for thousands of years. An account involving two of the legendary kings of Israel is thought to have been written during the reign of Solomon. “And whenever the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” Saul’s experience is echoed in our daily lives, leading William Congreve to observe, “Music has charms to soothe a savage breast.” At one point or another, everyone has turned to music to set a mood, raise the spirits, or sooth the mind. Whether you crank the car stereo to your favorite station to ready yourself for the rush hour traffic or strap on your Walkman or iPod before you set out for your morning run, or lull yourself to sleep at night as you relax with a mellow CD, one thing is clear: Music is not only entertainment, music is medicine for the body and soul.