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Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals: Providing business support,
legislative advocacy, and educational initiatives for qualified bodywork practitioners

Skin Care Professionals

Responding to Your Needs
A growing number of massage practitioners have also elected to train as skin care professionals. We give them the credit for asking us to insure their skin care activities as well as their massage work.

Responding to that request helped us understand that thousands of other skin care professionals had unmet needs ABMP could address. And we quickly learned that skin care, massage and bodywork co-exist quite naturally.



Membership and Fees
ABMP members include a diverse array of massage, bodywork, somatic and skin care professionals. While "massage therapist" is the title most commonly used by our members, others practice reflexology, neuromuscular and movement therapy, Shiatsu, Reiki, other energy work, or one or more of numerous other practice specialties.

Regardless of your area of specialization, ABMP offers membership choices to fit your personal circumstance. Choose what's right for you!

Skin Care Professional Membership ($229 annually)
Skin Care Professional Members receive ABMP's publications, including a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP's Successful Business Handbook, and the Touch Resource Guide. A certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification are included as well. Insurance coverage is $2 million per incident.

Eligibility Requirements
If you practice in a state that regulates esthetics or skin care:
* Valid current license from that state

If you practice in a state that does not regulate esthetics or skin care:
* Cosmetology license or certificate of skin care training

Certified Membership ($229 annually)
If you are a massage therapist and a skin care professional, our Certified Level will cover you for both types of work and provide you with the extra benefits of Certified Membership, including an enhanced listing on ABMP's MassageFinder referral service, a CD of photos and marketing materials for their own business uses, priority processing, a unique wall certificate, use of the ABMP Certified Therapist designation, and broad insurance coverage of $2 million per incident. Certified Members also receive ABMP's publications, including a subscription to Massage & Bodywork magazine, ABMP's Successful Business Handbook, and the Touch Resource Guide. A certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification are included as well.

Student and Supporting Memberships
Students, please contact ABMP or your school for separate information about ABMP's fantastic value Student Membership. And, for those of you temporarily suspending your practice, you might consider a Supporting Membership to keep informed about developments in the profession. Call us at 800-458-2267 for further details.



Liability Protection: Don't Put Your Career at Risk
You don't plan on having an auto accident on your way home today. Fact is, odds are that you won't. But you still have auto insurance, and consider it a small price to pay.

Have you considered how you would save your own skin if a lawsuit were filed against you? Suppose, for example, you treated a bride on her wedding day and a reaction caused her face to burn. You can bet a "ruined bride" would have the sympathies of a judge or jury. Do you have that kind of money? We hope you'll be fortunate and never get named in a damage claim. But in this age of lawsuit-happy, get-richquick opportunists, wise professionals acquire solid insurance protection. Still unsure? Ask yourself:

. Can you guarantee against disastrous product interactions?
. Can you be sure your equipment will never fail? Is your place of business accident-proof (e.g., from slips and falls, fire or water damage)?
. Do you ever provide treatments at your home or at a client's home?

Commercial liability protection not only covers you if you're found to be at fault, but also provides for your legal defense. Without it, you could be out tens of thousands of dollars, even if it's just to defend yourself against a frivolous or false claim.

Think You're Covered by the Salon Owners's Policy?
Think again! Many professionals mistakenly believe that because they work in a spa or a salon, the owner's insurance automatically covers them. Yet it's quite possible that if a client files a claim against you personally, as well as against the spa or salon, you may be liable for your own attorney fees, court costs and share of the settlement. Are you prepared to risk that?

You have absolutely no control over an owner's decisions regarding liability insurance coverage and premium payments. What if that owner lets the policy lapse, or pays late, or excludes your services without telling you? Guess who pays if a claim is made against you?

You should also know that if you provide treatments at your house or a client's home, any insurance coverage your employer might have wouldn't apply.



Equipment & Procedures

The following procedures are covered by the ABMP liability insurance policy. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have questions concerning a specific technique, please contact our headquarters at 800/458-2267.

Waxing: Warm wax is applied to the skin to remove hair. There is little discomfort as there is only momentary pain on the surface of the skin as the wax is pulled off. Continuous treatment may result in the complete cessation of hair growth (in the treated areas).

Electric pulverizer: Sprays a fine mist of plant extracts, herb teas, skin fresheners, and astringents, may be used warm or cool. Widely used in Europe.

Spray machine/atomizer: Used to flush out the pores. using two parts distilled water and one part astringent or skin lotion. May also have suction function which acts like a miniature vacuum cleaner for deep pore cleansing.

Brushing machine: Sloughs off dead cells, removes dirt and grime that clings to the surface of the skin.

Galvanic current: Provides a constant and direct current rectified to a safe, low-voltage level. Main function is to introduce water soluble products into the skin "iontophoresis."

Chemical Peel: A wide variety of treatments, creams are utilized in this process. The EMDA (Esthetics Manufacturers and Distributors Alliance) has stated "Manufacturers should not use the word "peel" or "peeling" in descriptions of AHA salon-use exfoliation products. It is the opinion of EMDA that the word "peel" implies removal of live tissue, and the word "exfoliation" implies the removal of dead surface skin cells. "Wrinkle reducing" chemical peels are one of the esthetic services most sought by clients. To date, we have no restrictions on chemical peels except for solutions using higher concentrations than 40% glycolic acid. There are no specifications regarding the pH of the chemicals used or the buffered / concentration percentage - these are important considerations and so, leaves the 40% glycolic acid restriction "up in the air." Currently, the EMDA has defined the limitations of salon-use professional products as those products that do not exceed 30% concentration of alphahydroxy acids (of which, glycolic is an alphahydroxy) nor should these products have a pH below 3.0. In this case the lower the pH, the stronger the chemical. We have not changed our exclusions to date. We also do not have any exclusions for any other chemical peel (i.e. Jessner's, Modified Jessner's or Salycilic Acid peels). Chemical peels are an exfoliation process and were originally designed to only remove dead skin cells. Some of the peels (salycilic, higher concentration of glycolic acid, Jessner's etc.) actually penetrate deeper and "peel" layers of skin underneath the dead skin, giving the face a "smoother" look. There is also a recovery process for deeper chemical peels - usually 7-14 days. Many women find these treatments a more affordable and preferable treatment to the surgical "face lift" process. Estheticians MUST BE trained in these processes before providing to clients. This training usually comes from the manufacturers of the products used.

Microdermabrasion: Another popular service is "microdermabrasion." This procedure utilizes a machine that exfoliates the uppermost layers of the skin's statum corneum. The machines work on the same basic principle: a closed-loop vacuum system that shoots corundum onto the skin and vacuums off the used crystals and exfoliated skin, depositing it into a separate waste jar. These machines are expensive, but may be coming down in price due to competition and popularity of the product. Hyperpigmentation and uneven surface texture are treated the most successfully with the microdermabrasion unit. Following the treatment, the client may only have a slight amount of redness in their skin. This allows the client to maintain their daily routine without the downtime many chemical peels require. Although some clients see visible results following one treatment, lasting and more significant results are obtained during a series of six or more treatments. Some states require that these machines (or specific models of these machines) be used only under the supervision of a physician or strictly by a physician. Check with your state to determine what laws govern the use of these machines.

The following procedures are NOT covered by the ABMP liability insurance policy. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have questions concerning a specific technique, please contact our headquarters.

Permanent cosmetics: the injection of dyes underneath skin (similar to tattooing) to assimilate cosmetics. Because it penetrates the skin with a needle, this procedure is excluded. (Have been cases where dyes change color - eyebrows turn green, etc.) Now using permanent cosmetics following surgical repairs, camouflaging scars/imperfections, re-creating nipple after mastectomy, etc. Some permanent cosmeticians are working directly with plastic surgeons.

Laser Resurfacing: invasive, abrasive use of laser to smooth not only dead skin surface but live layers of skin. Requires significant healing time. This machine may only be used by a licensed physician or under the strict supervision of a licensed physician.

Electrolysis: the removal of hair by penetrating skin barrier and "killing" the hair follicle with electrical current. (See previous definition of Electrologist)

Laser Hair Removal: the removal of hair by laser. The jury is still out whether this is a "permanent" hair removal procedure. Relatively new procedure so not clear if there is any danger.



Additional Benefits
Not yet convinced that the best way to maximize your professional potential is to join a professional association rather than just buy minimal insurance coverage? There's more. Practicing, insured ABMP members also may access these additional benefits:

Regulatory and networking support - ABMP has been involved in providing regulatory and legislative support to members since its inception in 1987. ABMP members are kept up-to-date on legislative issues affecting their right to practice. Members can also participate in local networking groups, along with our Web Community, where you can get free e-mail and create your own Web page.

Optional insurance programs - Our optional business personal property insurance can insure your table and other office possessions for just $95/year.

MassageFinder - ABMP receives more that 4,000 member referral requests per month from prospective clients through massagetherapy.com or abmp.com, seeking a qualified local therapist. It's another way to help build your client base!

Other benefits - Discounts on travel/lodging, a members-only credit card, ABMP member apparel, legal support program, and other extras just for belonging to ABMP.



Regulatory Information

This information is hosted on our partner website, www.massagetherapy.com. Click here to be directed to this information.



Skin Deep Newsletter

Created exclusively for ABMP skin care professional members, Skin Deep provides information on skin care technologies and modalities, business and marketing, education, legislation, nutrition, industry updates, Q&A with the experts, and more. The newsletter is published six times a year and mailed with Massage & Bodywork magazine.

Advertise in Skin Deep.







FAQs
I am a massage therapist and a certified member of ABMP. I am also doing facials. Does my insurance cover me for the facials?
As a certified level member of ABMP, you are covered for esthetician work from the date you have provided ABMP with a copy of your state license for esthetics, if a license is required by your state. Your full $9 million dollar combined aggregate will apply.

I am a massage therapist and a professional (or practitioner) level member of ABMP. I am also doing facials in the Spa in which I am working. Does my liability insurance cover me?
As of June 1, 1996, in order to have coverage for esthetician procedures, in addition to your massage/bodywork therapy, you must either a) be a member at the Certified level; or b) pay $50 additional for Esthetician coverage. In addition to your proof of education and/or licensing you provided to qualify as a professional/practitioner level massage therapist member, you must have a copy of your current state license, if required by your state, to practice as an esthetician on file with ABMP to validate your esthetician coverage.

I am a state licensed esthetician but have no massage/bodywork training. Can I become an ABMP member?
Yes, you may join ABMP at our Esthetician member Level. The cost for this level of membership is $229 for $9 million combined aggregate liability limits. Eligibility requires that you provide proof of your state licensure, if required by your state.

My state doesn't require licensure for estheticians. What are your eligibility requirements?
If you state doesn't require separate licensure for esthetics, you must provide a copy of your cosmetology license that is required to practice in those states. If a potential member provides documentation outlining their exclusion from state regulations, we will accept application with appropriate proof of training. If we discover there are any exclusions to current state regulations as we implement this program, these requirements may be adjusted.

What esthetician activities/procedures are covered?
See Commonly Used Equipment and Procedures"

I manufacture my own line of facial products/creams/lotions. Does my liability insurance cover any claims as a result of using these products?
No, your liability insurance does not cover ANY products manufactured/produced by you. This coverage is only for commercially manufactured products USED by you. You may use your own label on products not manufactured by you and combine/mix products, as directed by the manufacturer. If you invent your own product, even using other manufactured products, there would be no liability coverage.

I am a dermatologist and I also provide esthetician services. Can I be an ABMP member?
There is NO COVERAGE for any dermatology procedures -- only esthetician procedures. If you provide proof of insurance for your dermatology procedures, ABMP will process your membership at the Esthetician level.

I'm thinking of opening an Esthetician institutional program. Can I obtain my liability insurance for the institution through ABMP?
Yes, but only if your school provides only skin care instruction or skin care and massage instruction curriculums. Many programs are part of a Cosmetology program or also conduct cosmetology instruction programs and are not eligible for ABMP membership or for institutional liability insurance.

There are five (5) estheticians working at our spa. Can we get a corporate discount rate similar to the rate offered to our massage therapists?
Yes. You may also be entitled to a discount if you have a total of five ABMP members who are either skin care therapists, massage therapists or a combination of both. This discount is $50 per member off membership dues.

Are chemical peels covered?
Yes. To date, we have no limitation on peels used (including Jessner Peels).

How do I find a quality school in my area?
We recommend that you contact the Board of Cosmetology in your state and ask for a list of state-approved schools. Click here for a list of state board phone numbers. We also recommend that you call each school to request a school catalog and other promotional materials. Review these materials closely. Is the school recognized by the state in which it operates? Is the tuition clearly outlined? Are any additional expenses required? Are the instructors and their respective credentials listed? Has the school received accreditation from an accrediting body? Arrange a visit to the schools you are interested in and try to sit in on one of the classes. This enables you to get a feel for the culture of the school, visit with current students, and to meet the instructor(s).

Other things to consider when evaluating educational opportunities include:
. Accountability: Can the school provide references from graduates?

. Teaching philosophy: Is the class small and instruction personalized?

. Physical facility: Does it meet your personal needs and expectations?

. Faculty qualifications: Are faculty members qualified to instruct? What are their backgrounds?

. Teaching philosophy: Does the philosophy meet your personal study style?

. Credentials: Is the school approved by the state? Has it received accreditation from an accrediting agency?

. Techniques: Does the curriculum include instruction in the techniques in which you are interested?

. Intent: Are the school's expectations of its students clearly defined?



Join Now!
Apply for Membership Online or download our Application



New to Skin Care? Training & Career Options
Definitions and Careers

Esthetician: Estheticians specialize in skin care rather than hairstyling. As highly trained specialists, estheticians offer preventative care of the skin and give treatments to keep the skin healthy and attractive. Procedures include facial steaming through the use of a facial vaporizer which diffuses a lukewarm vapor mist on the skin's surface, application of creams, lotions, masks using clay or gels, etc., exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells), pore cleansing, epidermabrasion using treatment creams that have the ability to dissolve the dead cells on the surface of the skin.

The esthetician also performs facials, waxing, and bodycare services. These, too, are highly skilled specialties and require an esthetician license. Although the esthetician can also perform manicuring and other services if he or she has a cosmetology license, the field is so specialized that he or she should limit practice to esthetics services. Estheticians, typically, are trained to massage the face, neck and shoulder areas but, are not supposed to provide additional massage services without additional training. This is hard to enforce in states without statewide licensing for massage. Many estheticians provide body wraps, etc. But some states recognize any work done below the neck as services that should be provided by massage/bodywork professionals - not estheticians.

Esthetic practice specially excludes diagnosis, prescription or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice dermatology or any other profession or branch of medicine. Procedures for permanent cosmetics and those procedures that use greater than 40% glycolic acid are excluded. Also excluded are procedures defined by an individuals' state regulations as cosmetology treatments or modalities, except for defined esthetician procedures.

Estheticians also work in dermatologists' and plastic surgeon's offices, providing esthetic services. Unless an esthetician is also a licensed dermatologist, he or she does not prescribe medication nor give medical treatments. However, an esthetician is trained to detect skin problems that require medical attention and refer to a physician or dermatologist.

Estheticians and makeup artists sometimes work with the patients of plastic surgeons at the recommendation of the surgeon, teaching patients preventative and maintenance skin care, applying chemical peels (with higher concentration / pH of glycolics, etc.) and providing laser dermabrasion (under the doctor's supervision) and/or how to use makeup skillfully to conceal scars and imperfections.

Estheticians and makeup artists sometimes work as assistants to morticians and restorative art specialists (restore the facial features of the deceased). In some states, however, only a licensed mortician may work on the deceased.

Other Useful Definitions
Cosmetician: One who is professionally trained in the use of cosmetics and performs a variety of personal services in salons - including facials, applying makeup, skin care, applying eyelashes, beautifying the face, neck, arms, bust or upper part of the human body by the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams; massaging, cleaning or stimulating the face, neck, arms, bust, or upper part of the human body by means of hands, devices, apparatus, or appliances with the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams; removing superfluous hair from the body of any person by the use of depilatories or waxing or by the use of tweezers. Many estheticians are required to have a cosmetician or cosmetologist license to practice esthetics.

Cosmetologist: One skilled in the art of improving beauty including but not limited to: arranging, dressing, curling, waving, cleansing, cutting, singeing, bleaching, coloring, or similar work upon the hair of any person by any means; and with hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances or by the use of cosmetic or chemical preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, creams, or otherwise, massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising the scalp, face, neck, arms, hands, or shoulders or manicuring or pedicuring the nails of any person.

Dermatologist: A physician who specializes in dermatology, the branch of medical science that relates to the skin and its diseases. A dermatologist acquires the necessary qualifications to prescribe internal and external medications and to apply mechanical apparatus for the benefit of the skin. Dermatologists treat diseases of the skin, hair and nails while estheticians treat cosmetic disorders.

Electrologist: The Electrologist performs electrolysis services and is a specialist in the field. He or she must have specific training and, in most states, must hold an electrologist license. Like the esthetician or massage therapist, this position also requires a very high level of skill, training, and expertise. Electrolysis is performed by an electrologist (trained, licensed and certified) - not an esthetician.

Makeup Artists: Trained to embellish or beautify the facial features by the skillful application of cosmetics. Many makeup artists are also cosmetologists and/or estheticians. Makeup artists usually serve an apprenticeship under a master makeup artist - particularly in a theatrical setting.

Makeup Stylist: The makeup stylist applies and sells cosmetics. This is also a salon specialty that requires skill and training, though not at the same high skill level of other salon services. Although the makeup stylist may not be required to hold a license in some states, others may require that he or she hold a cosmetology license. He or she must be competent and have specific training in makeup application services. An esthetician may be able to fill this position in addition to his or her other duties

Manicurist: The manicurist performs the full range of manicure and pedicure services in the salon. This is a skill position and requires either a manicurist or cosmetologist license. Although the manicurist is an important part of the staff, the position does not require as high a skill level as the esthetician. The manicurist should be familiar with current practices and should be capable performing advanced techniques, such as nail tipping and nail painting.

Massage Therapist: (From "Estheticians Guide to Business Management"): If your salon offers such services, you might want to employ a massage therapist. Although the esthetician can perform most massage services, the function requires a high level of skill and training. The esthetician will require additional training to perform these services competently. In some states, the practitioner must hold a massage therapist license.

Skin Care Trends
Employment Trends
Estimating the number of practicing estheticians in the United States is a challenging endeavor because many skin care professionals are licensed in more than one state and many others keep their licenses current although they are not currently practicing. Sorting through these variables, our best estimate is about 60,000 currently active esthetic practitioners. By far the largest number of estheticians are located in Southern California. Other large concentrations are in Florida, New York, Texas, and Oregon.

The career outlook for estheticians has never been brighter. The manufacture and sale of skin care products has skyrocketed into a multi-million dollar industry. With so many products available, the consumer must seek professional advice. An esthetician in private practice is an excellent source of product information and can also provide many effective treatments. Most individual skin care programs require consistent care from a skin care professional to obtain the desired result. As a rule, skin conditions are not cured, but controlled by the specific products used and the treatments received. Once results have been achieved, successful maintenance requires regular care from a professional who understands the client's unique profile.

The large baby boom cohort has reshaped consumer demand patterns at each stage of its progress. Now that many boomers are passing age 50, they want to look and feel younger. Partly in response to this demographic reality, Day Spas and Destination Spas are mushrooming and spas need skilled, versatile employees. That demand has fueled new training interests: notable trends include medical personnel (mostly Registered Nurses) taking skin care courses for work in the clinical skin care setting (a plastic surgeon or dermatologist's office or in wellness centers) and many dual-licensed professionals (a massage therapist / esthetician combination being the most common) emerging in the spa setting.

The Spa and Day Spa industry explosion has motivated many massage therapists to also become licensed estheticians and vice versa. This dual approach offers them more versatility in the workplace. It also gives them respite from the physical demands of providing massage only or facials only all day. The combination of skills allows the professional to be more employable; spas prefer one person who can provide a multitude of services. Requests from ABMP massage and bodywork members to have us also insure esthetic work prompted ABMP to welcome estheticians into our membership.

Licensed professionals have seen enormous growth in the abundance of job opportunities linked to these trends. Even more lucrative esthetic jobs have evolved with the growth of the skin care industry. Examples include: product manufacturer sales representative or education director, cosmetic buyer for retail sales stores, and motion picture makeup artist, just to name a few.

Education Trends
One of the biggest challenges facing the profession is that too large a proportion of skin care therapists receive sub-standard core education. Combine that with antiquated state licensing requirements in some states and you have a potential quality assurance problem. Although most states require estheticians to be separately licensed, a number of states also allow cosmetologists to perform esthetic procedures. This is a problem in that most cosmetology curriculums devote very few hours to skin care. Because the sound practice of esthetics today involves complicated procedures, chemicals, compound solutions/interactions and precautions, the skin care professional must be properly educated. Most experts believe that, to obtain and keep a license, a skin therapist should have a core education of 600 hours, plus continuing education units. The typical esthetic curriculum in many states hovers around 250 - 300 hours, mirroring minimum state licensing requirements. A number of schools are trying to raise the bar with stellar core education and continuing education programs. Our best estimates place the number of quality schools with 600 hour or greater programs at 35 - 50 schools nationwide.

A concerning result of inadequate education is some skin care therapists providing services for which they have had no formal training or that are beyond their appropriate scope of practice. New procedures, equipment, and tools are introduced every day. Some of these require a physician's license to perform; all others require specific training. Inadequately trained skin care therapists are either ignorant or apathetic, providing these services without the proper instruction or licensing. This puts the client and the profession at risk.

Obviously, consumers are well advised to seek out a skin care professional with a thorough education. They can inquire directly, asking the esthetician about the school and program depth she or he completed. Or consumers can go through an organization like ABMP which has educational standards for membership. (Visit MassageFinder, specify that you are seeking to find an esthetician, or call 800-458-2267.)

Professional Support
No single organization has emerged to lead the esthetic profession. There are, however, a number of successful trade shows that are heavily backed by manufacturers. Manufacturers want estheticians to buy their products and use them in their salon / business. Most of the continuing education that estheticians receive is conducted at trade shows, by manufacturers who sell their products along with the "education."

ABMP began its involvement with the esthetic profession in 1997, initially focusing solely on filling a void - the need for professional liability insurance. We have chosen to concentrate our energies on building relationships with the 35-50 highest quality training programs in the country and with the graduates of those schools. We also are building alliances with individuals and associations working to encourage the provision of "unbiased" continuing education for estheticians. All ABMP esthetician members meet licensing requirements in the state in which they reside.



Schools and Training Programs

How do I find a quality school in my area?
We recommend that you contact the Board of Cosmetology in your state and ask for a list of state-approved schools. Click here for a list of state board phone numbers. We also recommend that you call each school to request a school catalog and other promotional materials. Review these materials closely. Is the school recognized by the state in which it operates? Is the tuition clearly outlined? Are any additional expenses required? Are the instructors and their respective credentials listed? Has the school received accreditation from an accrediting body? Arrange a visit to the schools you are interested in and try to sit in on one of the classes. This enables you to get a feel for the culture of the school, visit with current students, and to meet the instructor(s).

Other things to consider when evaluating educational opportunities include:
. Accountability: Can the school provide references from graduates?

. Teaching philosophy: Is the class small and instruction personalized?

. Physical facility: Does it meet your personal needs and expectations?

. Faculty qualifications: Are faculty members qualified to instruct? What are their backgrounds?

. Teaching philosophy: Does the philosophy meet your personal study style?

. Credentials: Is the school approved by the state? Has it received accreditation from an accrediting agency?

. Techniques: Does the curriculum include instruction in the techniques in which you are interested?

. Intent: Are the school's expectations of its students clearly defined?

Our list of schools and training programs is hosted on our partner website www.massagetherapy.com. Click here to be directed to this information.



Liability Information
What Every Esthetician Should know About Liability
(or, How to Save Your Skin in the Event of a Lawsuit)
By Katie Armitage
This article was originally published in the June 1998 issue fo Skin Inc. Magazine. All rights reserved. To view the Skin, Inc. web site, please click here (www.skininc.com).

It's an unfortunate but established fact: we live in an age of litigation. And no matter how remote the threat of a lawsuit may seem, it can and does happen to skin care professionals with alarming frequency. Yet with the safety net of an easily-obtained insurance plan, peace of mind can be a piece of cake.

But insurance, not surprisingly, is a mystery to most people -- the details of policies and liability are practically another language. Many skin care professionals take little time to understand what kind of coverage they need or why they need it. Many more rationalize away the exposure -- "How could I possibly hurt anyone with the treatments I use?" Others choose to roll the dice and take their chances -- or assume, often falsely, that they are covered by their employer. Many salons & booth rental spaces do not cover individual practitioner's liability.

Truth is, individual professional liability insurance is a necessity for anyone providing personal services to the public. The odds of any of the following situations happening to you may be slim, but in this age of common place litigation, a few dollars of prevention can offset many thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees should the "one in a hundred" be you.

1. Can you guarantee against disastrous product interactions?
The scope of products and treatment plans being introduced today require an esthetician to have a comprehensive knowledge of skin care chemistry, staying up-to-the-minute on the benefits and precautions of ingredient interactions. That's true without even considering the controversy surrounding the use of AHA's, glycolic acid, and other actives. What's more, products featuring "new and improved" ingredients emerge on the market daily.

Suppose, for example, you treated a bride on her wedding day and a reaction caused her face to burn. Let's face it, if a woman can be awarded millions of dollars for spilling her own coffee in her own lap, you can bet there is a good reason to think a "ruined bride" would have the sympathies of a judge or jury. Do you have that kind of money?

2. Can you be sure your equipment will never fail?
Who would pay for the legal and punitive fees for a claim resulting from your table or chair collapsing? Whether the accident was caused by faulty workmanship, poor design, or client obesity, you need to think about whether you can afford to defend yourself against a claimant who has undergone $35,000 worth of surgery or therapy, is unable to work, and has hired a personal injury attorney.

3. Is your place of business accident-proof?
What would you do for the client who fell and fractured her elbow on the icy sidewalk you were just about to clear? Or the client who gashed his forehead when he tripped over your electrical cord while getting out of your chair? Do you have $25,000 to pay your landlord for the water damage repairs caused by a faulty hose attached to the washer you use for linens? Or damages from the fire that started from the coffee pot you left plugged in overnight?

These examples, incidentally, are not fictional. Each happened during the past two years to professionals practicing skin care or soft tissue massage.

Think about it. You don't plan on having an auto accident on your way home today. Nor do you expect to arrive home to find that your house has burned to the ground. In fact, the odds are against it. However, if your number comes up, the cost of auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, and liability insurance covering your practice is a small price to pay compared to the possibility of losing everything you own - even your future earnings. In our society, the number of unscrupulous people looking for their "lottery jackpot" isn't likely to diminish anytime soon. This is one gamble that's just not worth the risk.

Many professionals mistakenly believe that because they work in a spa or salon, the business owner's insurance automatically covers any individual exposure they may encounter. This is not necessarily so. Most, but not all, such business owner policies cover regular employees of a salon. Some cover part-time employees. Few cover you if you are a booth renter or other independent contractor. It is quite possible that if a client files a claim against you personally, as well as against the spa or salon, you may be liable for your own attorney fees, court costs and share of the settlement or award. Without the necessary financial resources, you could lose everything.

What if the corporation or business owner refuses to have anything to do with a claim against you -- for fear of an increase in their insurance rates or fear of lost business?

You have no control over an owner's business decisions regarding liability insurance coverage and premium payments. What if the policy lapses or the owner decides to change the coverages to exclude your services, and neglects to tell you? Guess who pays if a claim is made against you and the owner discovers he or she forgot to make the premium payment?

Finally, even if you previously worked for a salon or spa, do you ever provide treatments on the side at your house or a client's home? That's right, any insurance coverage your employer might have wouldn't apply.

Clearly, it makes sense to carry your own professional liability insurance. Is going without worth the risk? What is peace of mind worth to you?

Assuming you agree that liability insurance is as important as any other tool or piece of equipment you use to provide treatments, here are a few tips on finding the right liability insurance coverage for you.

You can spend hours searching for and choosing the right insurance program answering questions, such as: How much coverage and which types of insurance should I have? How much should I expect to pay? Where do I find coverage?

Experts say you should obtain as much coverage as you can afford. Don't make the mistake of choosing the cheapest price and not comparing coverages, policy limits, deductibles (how much you must pay on a claim before insurance coverage kicks in), and exclusions. This could be a big mistake as a true bargain is defined as how much value you receive for what you pay, not by lowest price alone.

The availability of insurance specifically tailored for the esthetician is somewhat limited. You may find that your local agent will issue you a policy, but is unfamiliar with the industry and so may issue coverage that is not specific to your profession. A general insurance agent will probably also have to take into consideration the location of your business. An esthetician working in an office in New York City or another large metropolitan area can expect to pay more than someone in a rural area. This geographic differential may make their policies more cost prohibitive than other sources.

Check with your national trade association or request member benefit information from all related trade associations. Many times, these associations are able to offer insurance packages, either directly or through an approved supplier. These group insurance plans are able to spread the "risk" among many members in all 50 states and so, are able to offer the same low premium in all 50 states. If you meet the eligibility requirements of one of these organizations, you will be able to take advantage of the group's buying power. Many of these groups also offer other optional economical insurance plans, such as life insurance, disability insurance, and equipment replacement insurance. Taking advantage of an association's insurance program is comparable to buying "wholesale".

I hope you never have to use your liability insurance. Chances are, you won't. But, just one look at the evening news should assure you that, by purchasing liability insurance, you've made the right choice. If the unthinkable happens, you'll be prepared. A couple hundred dollars a year is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the protection of your family, your business, your home ... your future.

Katie Armitage is Executive Director of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). ABMP has been serving the massage profession since 1987 and currently provides over 40,000 esthetician and massage therapist members with professional liability insurance, publications, and legislative advocacy. She can be reached at 800-458-2267 or at expectmore@abmp.com.