Edina Skin Care Specialists is celebrating its 25th anniversary in May. The owner, Cathleen Olson, is excited to celebrate the occasion with new and long-time clients.
A licensed aesthetician since 1989, Cathleen has been treating some of the same clients for over 30 years. “What we have going for us is experience, and we always take pride in our customer service,” she says. “We have very loyal clients. The bulk of our business is repeat clients and that’s wonderful because they have grown with us and with the changes in skin care over the years.”
Advances in technology have completely turned the skin care industry upside down, she explains. It really used to be fluff and buff and now with state-of-the-art delivery systems and the discovery of effective ingredients, people can really see a change in their skin.
Along with SkinPen, the only FDA-approved micro-needling device, the clinic also offers different types of laser treatments, depending on the issue. “We are the first in the state to offer the Opus Plasma , the latest technology from Alma Lasers. The results from the Opus have been amazing. It actually lifts and tones the skin with little or no downtime. Our clients have been very happy with this treatment .”
The clinic also offers a variety of peels, HydraFacial, Diamond Glow, Lash Lift (like a perm for the lashes), lash and brow tinting and brow waxing.
Edina Skin Care is also one of the most experienced Cool Sculpting clinics in the area, with over 2000 treatments. “Everyone always asks if it works,” she says. “We have a great book of before and after shots and the results are incredible.”
Cathleen is a charter member, board member and past president of the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists, a national organization for professionals seeking further education and the development of safe, quality skin care. About five years ago, she started taking classes in oncology skin care. “This is my passion,” she says. “It’s not something you have any training for in a traditonal esthetic school, so it was all new to me after all these years of being in the skin care industry. I took advanced training to more fully understand the changes and challenges of these patients.”
She mentions that people going through chemo or radiation have a host of problems, such as dry skin and rashes. “Dry to the point where it cracks and that compromises the skin’s barrier. Any time you do that it leaves you open to getting things like eczema or rashes and just makes the problem so much worse. It’s the last thing people need who are going through cancer treatment.
“We spend a lot of time studying ingredients because some might have estrogen receptors and most breast cancers are estrogen based. The part that is really frustrating for me is that this isn’t taught in school, so cancer patients are going to salons and having things done that can be very dangerous for them.
When her son was diagnosed with lymphoma last year, he had some skin issues and she gave him these select products to use. They helped him tremendously.
“I’m really passionate about helping these people. When they come in, we do a really relaxing, soothing and gentle facial. They get poked and prodded all the time and they love this treatment. Plus, the women are so inspirational because they are happy and grateful for absolutely everything. They’re the most positive people I’ve seen in my 32 year career. It’s amazing. I just love it.”
Edina Skin Care is associated with MMK Plastic Surgery and is located within their office, where one of the surgeons focuses exclusively on breast reconstruction. Many of these patients rely on Cathleen’s expertise.
She also enjoys helping them choose products to use at home. “I have inexpensive products for them that work well. Because that’s another thing; there are usually financial concerns going through treatment. I also ask companies for travel sizes that I can give them.”
There are plenty of products for other clients to choose from for continued skin care at home. “There are a lot of antiaging, preventative and corrective products that have great results,” says Cathleen. “Our primary brand is SkinMedica, and they’re so innovative with their ingredients. We’ve been with them for 20 years.”
Since consumers are much more educated now and like to research, the clinic also offers free consultations, either in person or virtually, for any service.
Some of the treatments take some time to show results, says Cathleen, so this is the time to get ready for your summer self. “It’s really rewarding to see the difference in clients’ skin. When you do regular skin care, you don’t have to do aggressive treatments. Take care of your skin all the time and it pays off.”
With great specials and promotions to celebrate the anniversary, such as their 25 days of savings and 25 giveaways, it’s the perfect time to indulge yourself.
For more information on Edina Skin Care Specialists and its services, go to https://edinaskincare.com/.
