Repêchage Hosts 20th Annual International Conference

May 11th, 2018

Repêchage founder and CEO Lydia Sarfati welcomed over 150 spa professionals from over 20 countries and the Repêchage 20th Annual International Conference for Salon & Spa Professionals. Beauty professionals attended presentations from industry experts and celebrated the launch of the brand’s new professional express facials and retail sheet masks, as well as the expansion and repackaging of the Repêchage Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation.

This year’s Conference was led by beauty and wellness expert Shiri Sarfati and commenced with the Parade of Nations, representing guests who traveled to attend, including Bonaire, Canada, China, Croatia, Curacao, Dominican Republic, India, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Romania, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, the U.K. and the U.S.

Winn Claybaugh, founder and co-owner of Paul Mitchell Schools kicked off the event with a positive message for the crowd with “Be Nice (Or Else!) In the Workplace.” Claybaugh reminded the crowd of the importance of how spa owners and staff act at work: Changing your attitude and choosing a job you love will both grow a business and grow your career. Have fun, show gratitude, be approachable, be energized, be social and don’t be too serious, he advised.

Angela Noviello, director of the esthetics division at Milano Estetica Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, and Italian director and national coordinator for Oncology Training International (OTI) Oncology Esthetics presented “Oncology Esthetics,” in which she described the process of oncology esthetics: working with a psychologist, beauty lessons for patients, face and body treatments, and fashion for patients. Noviello shared some of the benefits of oncology esthetics, including:
• Improves compliance with therapies
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Promotes relaxation
• Promotes hydration and protection of the skin
• Stimulates or relaxes the nervous system
• Reduces side effects like nausea and loss of appetite

Leon Alexander, PhD, behavioral psychologist and founder of Eurisko Design, presented “A Window into the Consumer Mind.” He highlighted how consumers have changed as a result of our digital world, and how this will affect the future of the beauty industry: mobile devices that provide consumer entertainment, education, product knowledge videos and promotions; digital displays and touch screens that offer retail items and other services like wine or coffee; and Radio Frequency Information Device (RFID)—a chip in front windows that will enable consumers to shop 24 hours a day for products and gifts. “Consumer values and perceptions are changing. It’s not just about high quality, it’s about speed and convenience—and spas must adapt,” said Alexander.

Sharon Blinkoff, counsel at Locke Lord LLP and secretary general counsel of ICMAD presented her keynote speech, “Navigating the Legal and Business Challenges Facing the Skin Care Industry,” providing in-depth information on cosmetics regulation in the U.S. and discussing how the FDA regulates cosmetics, drugs, dietary supplements, foods and medical devices. She explained that the FDA has the authority to ban unsafe ingredients, object to misleading claims and take enforcement action like product seizures, injunctions and criminal sanctions.

For her presentation, “Beauty Between the Sheets,” Sarfati highlighted the growth of the face mask market—including sheet masks—and how the brand’s newest launches help spas capitalize on the booming trend. To conclude the day, she presented the annual Repêchage President’s Awards, given in various categories to an establishment or person who demonstrates esthetic excellence as well as dedication to the elevation of the industry.

Following the event, attendees gathered for a two-day Master Class at the Lydia Sarfati Post Graduate Skin Care Academy at the brand’s headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey.

About Repêchage

Since 1980, Repêchage has created a full range of seaweed-based skincare products featured at spas and salons globally. Repêchage researchers seek out specific seaweeds beneficial for a range of skincare concerns, and the company’s seaweed is sustainably harvested from the coast of Maine and processed at the Repêchage headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey to deliver the benefits from the sea to the skin.

–by Laura Waldon