Educational Takeaways from the International Beauty Show NYC
- Ms. Hood
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Attending the International Beauty Show (IBS) in New York City was an inspiring and eye-opening experience. As an esthetics educator, I am always looking to expand my knowledge and skills. The opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals was invaluable. Here are some highlights and key takeaways from the classes I attended.
Exploring Melanin Rich Skin with top Educators:
One of the most impactful sessions was led by Nichelle Mosley, a holistic esthetician who has spent the last decade studying ethnic skin. Her deep understanding of melanin-rich skin (MRS) and dedication to inclusive education truly resonated with me. I attended several of her classes and explored her resources, including barrier boosting treatments for MRS.
MRS serves as a natural defense against UV rays but still needs targeted care. Melanin-rich skin can have:
40% fewer lipids and ceramides compared to non-MRS skin.
Higher sebum levels and a lower pH, providing antimicrobial protection.
Increased risk of hyperpigmentation and sensitivity.
Effective treatments include barrier-boosting protocols, pH balancing cleansers, ceramide-rich moisturizers, and broad-spectrum serums with iron oxide.
Insights from CR Cooper
"From inclusivity to integration," was one of many quote worthy insights describing this phase of the skincare industry's need for incorporation of MRS to our beauty standards. This lecture was personally inspiring, as my esthetics program, was built off of this very concept, to fill the gap of esthetics education, where more curriculums are lacking.
One of the standout sessions was led by Charmaine Cooper, who focused on the importance of properly consulting clients with a culturally intelligent approach. I found Charmaine Cooper’s perspective refreshing, emphasizing industry growth, for the professionals, students and system institutions.
Insights from Barbie Patel
Another influential speaker was Barbie Patel, whose session focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion within the makeup and bridal industry. She shared practical strategies for building a culturally sensitive business, emphasizing that inclusivity should be woven into every aspect of beauty education and client service. Barbie’s approach to creating a diverse and welcoming space is crucial for beauty professionals who want to serve a wide range of clients with authenticity and respect. Her tips on diverse team building, product representation, and fostering inclusive training practices were invaluable.
Exploring the Esse Skincare Line
After learning more about the importance of the skin barrier from the sessions, I was naturally drawn to the Esse skincare line on the show floor. Esse prioritizes the skin microbiome, which immediately caught my attention given the day's focus on microbiome health and barrier function. The dots were absolutely connecting that day!
I had the opportunity to be part of a facial demonstration and experienced what they call a 'factory reset' for the skin. Their facial system left my skin feeling renewed and balanced, reinforcing the power of microbiome-centered skincare. Now, I am testing their Sensitive line for the next 30 days to see the lasting benefits firsthand.
Final Thoughts
Being a lifelong learner is key to staying at the forefront of the beauty industry. The International Beauty Show / International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference (IECSC) NYC provided invaluable insights and hands-on knowledge that I can bring back to my students and clients. It’s essential to invest in your own growth to continue leading and inspiring others.
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