Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1191176
64 ascp skin deep january/february 2020 SGM guests who have acne may be at higher risk for mental health issues including depression and thoughts of suicide.8 Hair removal with waxing, electrolysis, or laser hair reduction has grown in recent years among men in general. While hair removal is nothing new to women, this may present a particular challenge for a man who is transitioning, undergoing hormonal affirmation therapy, or simply wishing to present a more feminine appearance. Intimate waxing can be a popular service if this is within your scope of practice and comfort level. Given the higher rates of both skin and other types of cancer, offering oncology esthetics to this target market may be a highly requested and needed service. Specialty training is widely available if this is a service area you wish to expand as part of your offerings. RETAIL MATTERS As with all skin care services, home care regimens for maintaining and improving skin health and wellness are an area of opportunity. At the same time that gender-specific products have grown (with tremendous growth in male-targeted products), there has been growth in gender-neutral products.9 In addition to skin care products, there is a surge of new products related to intimate health. If you opt to carry gender-specific or gender- neutral products, training is important to understand the proper use of the products with this group. Sunscreens and products containing UV-blocking chemicals are of particular importance for this group given the higher rates of skin cancer. FACILITY ACCOMMODATIONS If you are a skin care studio where guests change in the treatment room and use a gender-neutral restroom, you will have few accommodations to make for any SGM guests. If you are currently working in a larger spa or wellness center, the current trend is to provide and mark gender-neutral restrooms. Accommodating all guests in locker rooms and other amenities is a challenge for which larger facilities are currently developing nondiscriminatory policies and practices. Private changing rooms and coed relaxation and amenities are becoming more common as a way of providing a comfortable environment for all guests. Regardless of the size of your business, it is best practice to be familiar with the applicable laws and guidelines in your city and state regarding access to public services and protection against discrimination, not only for guests but for employees as well.