posted on: August 24, 2026
Explore the science, technology, and client expectations behind the trends making an impact in the industry. Trend Watch takes you beyond the buzz to understand what these developments mean for your work and your clients.
Join us October 19, 2026, at the ASCP Skin Care Education Summit for a closer look at the trends defining esthetics today and leave informed, inspired, and equipped with the knowledge that matters to you.
Featured Sessions
Acne and Aging: Supporting Clear Skin at Every Stage
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Alex Hernández, Senior Manager of Education Innovation, Face Reality
Alex Hernández is a licensed esthetician and Certified Acne Expert with over a decade of experience in the esthetics industry. She joined Face Reality in 2018 as a clinic esthetician and became the company’s first in-house educator, launching the formal education department in 2021. As Senior Manager of Education Innovation, Hernández leads the evolution of curriculum strategy, clinic protocol innovation, and the education go-to-market strategy for new product and program launches. Hernández is passionate about creating spaces where Acne Experts feel confident, supported, and equipped to succeed—and remains committed to raising the bar for education that truly meets their needs.
Kelsey Duque, Senior Manager of Trade Education and Partnerships, Face Reality
Kelsey Duque is a licensed esthetician with over a decade of experience and has been a Certified Acne Expert since 2017. Trained by Face Realit co-founder Laura Cooksey herself, Duque began her journey treating clients in the Face Reality® Acne Clinic and quickly became instrumental in shaping professional education for the brand. She has led the development of training materials, treatment protocols, and national classes for the Acne Professional Program. As Senior Manager of Trade Education and Partnerships, Duque oversees education strategy, trade initiatives, and brand collaborations. She is a trusted authority in acne education and educates both professionals and clients on the proven, personalized protocols of the Face Reality Clear Skin Method. Duque is deeply passionate about empowering skincare professionals through transformative education and industry partnerships.
Adaptogens, Neurocosmetics, and the New Wave of Botanical Ingredients
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Michael Q. Pugliese, CEO and Founder, Circadia
Michael Q. Pugliese is a third-generation CEO, educator, and award-winning innovator who has become one of the most respected voices in professional skin care. As the grandson of legendary skin physiologist Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, Michael carries forward a legacy of scientific rigor and education while infusing the brand with modern innovation and a strategic global vision. Under his leadership, Circadia has expanded its footprint across six continents, establishing a strong presence in international markets and becoming one of the most trusted professional skin care brands worldwide.
Intimate Brightening Revolutionizing skincare for intimate areas
Bela Cancel, Educator, Dermastart Brands
Bela Cancel is a dedicated and passionate aesthetician with seven years of experience in the beauty and skincare industry. A lifelong passion for aesthetics has driven her to continuously expand her knowledge and refine her skills, ensuring she stays at the forefront of the latest technologies and trends.
Preventative Aging: Bioactive Peptide Rejuvenation & Cellular Communication
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Mark Viktoria, CEO, Head Chemist, Director of Research & Development, Viktoria DeAnn
Bio coming soon!
Demo Sessions
BeeDazzle Revitalize: The Ultimate Fall Skin Reset
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Brandon E. Bramwell, Licensed Esthetician and Esthetic Instructor, Hale & Hush
Brandon is a licensed esthetician and licensed esthetician instructor in the state of Illinois. While Brandon loves to teach, he considers himself a lifelong learner. He is always taking new classes to grow his knowledge and skillset. With over five combined years of teaching and spa experience, Brandon has used many different product lines, but Hale & Hush is his favorite. He doesn’t only love the products, but he loves the transparency of Hale & Hush.
Beyond the Wax: Building an In-Between Routine
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Jamie Conner, Senior Field Trainer, European Wax Center
Jamie Conner, a seasoned beauty professional, has a 15+ year career as a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician. Her expertise extends beyond the realm of beauty, delving into driving business revenue, retail sales training, performance coaching, and comprehensive management and team development.
Skin Script Desert Collection #4: Sonoran Oat and Silver Sage Facial
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Michael Shuey, Director of Education, Skin Script
Michael Shuey, Director of Education of Skin Script Skin Care, believes that education is the key to unlocking a successful career in the skin care industry. As a practicing esthetician, instructor, massage therapist and clinical hypnotherapist, Michael lives his passion by providing quality education and empowering aestheticians with knowledge and confidence.
Stacy Best-Nervis, Brand Educator, Skin Script
Stacy Best-Nervis, Brand Educator for Skin Script Skin Care, is a licensed esthetician and owner of Brownstone Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Stacy was inspired to create a welcoming space for people with melanin-rich skin tones, addressing the gap in education and representation Stacy witnessed as both a student and consumer in the field. Stacy takes a holistic approach to educating clients and estheticians on the health of their skin and provides treatments where relaxation meets results.
The Double Peel Method
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Louis Chabert, Co-founder, Mr. Lulu Skincare
Bio coming soon!
Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift Facial
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Lydia Sarfati, founder, Repêchage
Lydia Sarfati is a world-renowned master esthetician, spa innovator, and the visionary founder and CEO of Repêchage®. With over 46 years of industry leadership, she has revolutionized professional skincare through groundbreaking product innovation and advanced global education.
Named one of the 2023 Most Influential Spa Leaders by American Spa Magazine, Lydia continues to shape the future of the beauty and wellness industry worldwide. A passionate educator and accomplished author, her works include Success at Your Fingertips, The Repêchage Book of Skincare Science & Protocols, and contributions to Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals (12th edition) and Oncology Esthetics—cementing her legacy as one of the most influential and respected voices in global esthetics.
Sun Protection: The First Line of Defense Against Photoaging
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Dr. Harry Fallick, Founder, TiZO
Dr. Harry Fallick is a plastic surgeon who worked for many years repairing sun-related skin damage. He founded TiZO Skincare based on the belief that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays shouldn’t be a compromise. It is his mission to enhance the skin’s health and beauty through science-driven innovation that is both highly effective and aesthetically elegant.
Ana Christina Peña, TiZO
Ana Christina Peña is International Business Development Manager for TiZO Skincare. She has twelve years of experience in the wellness and beauty industry, educating medical and skincare professionals worldwide, collaborating with both renowned global skincare brands and medical devices. Ana Christina is on a mission to indoctrinate her two kids on daily sunscreen usage, hoping that one day they’ll thank her.
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