Preserving youth or enhancing beauty—each person has their own choice and perception. We all want to know what suits us best. Today’s consumers are eager to learn about new technologies and better understand all the available options.
I fully agree with Dali’s desire to inform the public because it’s easy to get lost in the flood of information and advertisements. I also particularly appreciate the idea that we will simultaneously help to elevate the profession of estheticians and showcase their expertise.
Dali worked diligently on writing her book. She offers a critical perspective on beauty in 2016. Techniques and technologies have modernized, and we are increasingly offered beauty and youth promises. In her recent book published by Éditions LaPresse, she provides a comprehensive overview of these issues.
I had the pleasure of having a short interview with her recently.
Hello Dali,
First of all, why did you decide to write about this topic and turn it into a book?
I was initially more interested in holistic care. However, people around me were asking a lot of questions about the new services offered in beauty salons and aesthetic clinics. Sometimes I had the answer, but I wanted to know more and have a clearer understanding of the different practices and their results. I noticed that most people often confused different technologies and knew very little about them. They were interested in these services but couldn’t make informed decisions. The beauty world has become vast and complex.
Aesthetics is undergoing major changes. How do you see the role of estheticians in the midst of all these new technologies?
I taught aesthetics at La Cité College in Ottawa. The young women in my program were mainly interested in manual techniques, traditional aesthetics, and makeup. They showed little interest in new technologies. They viewed these devices as something very complicated, far removed from their interests.
The esthetician who enjoys the more hands-on side of the profession will always have a place. I believe that those who persist and continue in this practice will stand out as professionals, especially those who provide the best client care.
However, there is a risk when offering services with devices. Traditional aesthetics presents almost no risk and offers an alternative that still serves many clients. Traditional treatments still produce great results. Both practices can coexist perfectly well.
In your opinion, when it comes to skin rejuvenation, based on your research, do you think new technologies generally deliver on their promises?
Yes. New technologies offer very interesting results overall.
Dali, if you had $1,000 to spend on your face, what would you choose?
Great question! When you want quick and visible changes, dermal fillers are the first thing that comes to mind. I think I would opt for an injection on each side of the corners of my mouth, just below. However, I also believe there are many services we can try before resorting to injections.
Now, if you had $5,000 to spend on improving your body, what would you choose?
I would definitely start with a week at Spa Eastman. They offer a fantastic introductory program. A week of exercise, workshops—a program that works on all aspects necessary for body improvement.
After that, I would go for LPG sessions, Thermage, or similar technologies, along with body massages using specific drainage and stimulation techniques. Perhaps I’d also add cryotherapy to finish it all off. Oh, and there’s UltraShape as well—a little help with body firming. Their slogan is quite honest: “A helping hand to firm your silhouette.”
But truly, I would start with the week at Spa Eastman. There’s no point in trying many techniques if the basics of better physical health are not in place.
There are so many good treatments—intense pulsed light for pigmentation spots, peels as well. Everything is good in its own way; it’s just a matter of choosing what suits us according to our needs and expectations.
Thank you, Dali, for this lovely conversation.
A great way to understand and make your choices is by reading Beauté sans chirurgie (Beauty Without Surgery).
Or, plan a visit to a professional and well-trained esthetician. They have extensive knowledge of the skin and can answer many of your questions. They are often excellent advisors.
Taking care of ourselves every day contributes to our overall well-being and boosts our self-esteem. Learning to love ourselves and seeing beauty as a whole—that is also what beauty without surgery is all about.
Martine Bisaillon
