Natural skin care is nothing new. Many a peaches-and-crème complexion
owes its glow to pure soap and water--with a touch of moisturizer for
extra radiance. Homegrown remedies using witch hazel, aloe vera, or
shea butter have long treated a variety of conditions, from oily to
sensitive skin. And even the ancient Egyptians developed many holistic
treatments derived from earthen ingredients.
And now, thanks to the greening of personal care, natural skin care has
come full circle--and is here to stay. With natural and organic
skincare products leading the way as the country's fastest growing
cosmetics and toiletry market, it's "only natural" that estheticians
are also plugging into this booming interest in eco-cosmetics. The
trend toward health-and-wellness has brought the spa lifestyle to all
and not just a select few. This all equates to a greater demand for
highly skilled, licensed beauty professionals who are trained in
natural or alternative treatments, such as aromatherapy, body wraps,
salt glows, reflexology, and more.
Interest in sustainable beauty and fashion has also led to the growth
of new eco-spa resorts--environmentally sensitive retreats where
pampering comes with a clean conscience. Guests can rejuvenate and
purify mind, body, and soul in a soothing sanctuary that celebrates
nature and offer healing indulgences, like sea salt scrubs or hot stone
therapy. And other spas are doing their part to go green, from
incorporating conservation principles such as the use of low-flow
showerheads, bamboo flooring, or energy efficient lighting, to offering
organic cotton linens, towels, and robes. This new stewardship toward
humane and responsible practices means that more and more spas are
looking for perceptive, responsive estheticians who can encourage their
customers and build relationships.
AJF Salon,
located at 3016 J Street, Sacramento, CA and managed by Adam Federico,
a third generation Federico, carries eco-friendly Davines hair care
products. Davines is a leading manufacturer of high quality products
created to respect the environment by using high grade natural
ingredients. Ahead of its time, Bioelements has been using recyclable
glass jars and earth-friendly ink and paper since the company was
founded in 1991. Especially popular with AJF's clientele are
Bioelements' paraben-free product line, which includes Urban Detox,
Equalizer, Stress Solution and VitaMineral Power Pen.
To Gary Federico, President of the Federico Beauty Institute, and
Adam's father, eco-friendly issues have been a top priority. Earlier
this year, Gary Federico was awarded a clean air business award by
Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails for his
environmentally sound practices.
"It's not just about hair or skin care, but also about giving back,"
says Gary Federico, who has installed a photovoltaic carport system,
changed lighting to energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's)
and installed occupancy sensors which automatically shut down unused
air conditioning and lights. In the use of solar power alone, the
school is annually reducing CO2 emissions by 165,643 pounds, or the
equivalent of 14 passenger cars from the roadways.
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ABOUT FEDERICO BEAUTY INSTITUTE
Federico Beauty Institute is a third-generation, family-owned
and operated beauty school that continues its 60-year commitment to
educating cosmetology and esthetics students. Their mission is to hold
the highest standards to produce future leaders of the beauty industry.
