Salicylic Acid: 8 Reasons why the best acne products have it

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SALICYLIC ACID

In the fight against acne, Salicylic acid is a major contender. This powerful ingredient attacks acne in multiple ways and even enhances the effectiveness of other acne-fighting ingredients. So, if you struggle with breakouts, especially ones that manifest in whiteheads and blackheads, check out the 8 reasons why Salicylic acid is a main ingredient in the most effective skincare products used to get rid of acne.

8. Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid – perfect for penetrating clogged pores

The molecular structure of Salicylic acid is small and lipophilic, or oil soluble, which makes it especially good at penetrating the skin and getting deep down into pores clogged with oil and skin debris.

7. Salicylic acid exfoliates

Salicylic acid is a great exfoliator. First, Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine, which breaks up keratin (the protein that structures the skin) and desmosomes (the “glue” that attaches the outer layer of skin cells together.) This effectively softens and sloughs away the thick, outer layer of skin that is old, dull, or scaly and prone to clog pores which leads to acne breakouts.

6. Salicylic acid offers a deep cleanse for your skin cells.

Once salicylic acid penetrates clogged pores, the mild acid can dissolve the skin debris that clogs pores and leads to breakouts. It does this by releasing a gentle acid that dissolves inter-cellular glue, breaking up the cells that line the skin inside the pore, effectively unclogging the pore and allowing for a deep cleaning of the skin.

Related article: Professional Acne Treatment for Body Acne

5. Salicylic Acid targets acne caused by inflammation

Salicylic acid is a widely recognized for treating inflammation. In fact, a form of salicylic acid is found in aspirin, providing the pain killer with its anti-inflammatory mechanism. These anti-inflammatory properties further equip salicylic acid to get rid of acne by reducing inflammation that leads to pimples and breakouts.

4. Salicylic acid is ideal for getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads

Acne can result from many causes, including overproduction of sebum (the oil that lubricates the skin but often gets trapped in pores,) dead skin cells that clog pores, and bacteria that causes acne. Acne from clogged pores usually manifests with whiteheads or black heads, and it is this type of acne Salicylic acid is especially good at treating. Salicylic acid helps get rid of whiteheads and blackheads by dissolving dead skin cells and clearing the skin of debris that often clogs pores. While Salicylic acid can also improve cystic acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is most effective at getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads.

3. Salicylic acid triggers cellular turnover

When salicylic acid unclogs pores and exfoliates dead skin cells, your body goes to work to replace those skin cells with a new, revitalized, healthy layer of skin. Not only does your body create new skin cells, it also triggers the production of collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its strength, flexibility, and tautness. The end result is a fresh, revitalized complexion that makes your skin look younger, healthier and more radiant. This also explains why professional facials, like a chemical peel, often use a salicylic formula.

2. Salicylic acid helps diminish redness caused by acne

Even when a pimple is gone, it is not always gone due to the inflamed, red mark that lingers in its place. Salicylic acid can help get rid of this redness. Salicylic acid is an effective anti-inflammatory. It also cleanses the pores and exfoliates the skin, triggering cellular turnover. All of these things help get rid of redness and restore an even skin tone.

1. Salicylic acid enhances the effects of other acne medications

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient found in skincare products for treating acne, especially when used in combination with other acne fighting medications. Salicylic acid makes other ingredients more effective by exfoliating dead skin cells that keep other ingredients from penetrating deep into the skin.


Getting started with Salicylic Acid

Here’s a great tip when using salicylic acid (or any new skincare medication.) Start slow. Eventually you can tap into the full acne-fighting potential of salicylic acid through daily application, but when first trying it, limit your use to every few days, just to ensure your skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction.

When not to use salicylic acid for acne?

As with other acne fighting medications, like Accutane or Retinol, Salicylic acid should not be used in certain conditions. Steer clear of salicylic acid if you have an allergy to aspirin. Also, doctors recomend women who are pregnant or breast feeding avoid using salicylic acid. As with any medication keep it away from children, unless under the direction of a physician.

Lastly, because salicylic acid is so good at drying up sebum, people with chronically dry skin should not use salicylic acid.


For a great skincare product that targets acne and exfoliates skin using salicylic acid and other proven ingredients, check out SKINNEY Medspa’s Chemical Peel in a Bottle

CHEMICAL PEEL IN A BOTTLE

chemical peel in a bottle

Click Now to Save 10% on Chemical Peel in a Bottle >

GLYCOLIC AND SALICYLIC ACID PROVIDE DEEP EXFOLIATION TO DESTROY THE CAUSES OF ACNE, IMPROVE COMPLEXION & SKIN TEXTURE, AND RESTORE EVEN SKIN TONE.

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Francell Rankins

Aesthetician

Francell Rankins

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Sydney Cumberbatch

Account Exec

Sydney Cumberbatch

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Elizabeth Saviou

Aesthetician

Elizabeth Saviou

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Margaret Stanton

PA

Margaret Stanton

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Angelica Becerra

Front Desk Manager

Angelica Becerra

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Natasha Martinez

Esthetician

Natasha Martinez

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Paula Ramierz

Beauty Director

Paula Ramierz

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

CEO, Skinney Medspa

Ryan Bloch

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time.

In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

Sarah Bonner

Sales Director

Sarah Bonner

Sarah Bonner is the Beauty Director at SKINNEY Medspa, helping clients create and discuss customized treatment plans based on their needs and desires. A Texas native, Sarah graduated with a degree in Business and Marketing and has experience working in the medical and health & wellness industries. She is passionate about working with people to find the most customized treatment plan to make them feel their best from the inside out.

Patricia Giles

Sales Director, L.E.

Patricia Giles, LE

Patricia graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.

Shortly after, she attended Xenon International Academy of Esthetics to pursue her dream of guiding others on their journey to skin health and wellness. Patricia believes that aesthetic upkeep builds self-confidence—it is not just about the way you look, but rather an outward reflection of how you feel inside. Patricia is passionate about connecting and forming relationships with others. She ensures that all our clients feel comfortable during the consulting process and works to achieve optimal results by creating individual treatment plans based on their unique aesthetic goals.

In her earlier years, Patricia was engaged in both the dance and modeling industries. She has been featured in the Omaha World Herald, Omaha Fashion Week, Good Morning America, and UK Vogue, and is recognized in primetime and show-biz dance competition academy

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Licensed Esthetician

Megan Mackey, LE

Megan is a New York licensed esthetician and certified technician of CoolSculpting, chemical peels, microneedling, and Morpheus 8 laser skin resurfacing. Megan has been passionate about esthetics her whole life, beginning with the countless facials she gave as a little girl to her mom. Pursuing her dream to career in medical aesthetics, Megan graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and joined the team at SKINNEY Medspa. Megan loves supporting SKINNEY clients at the Flatiron location in their esthetic goals by providing the most effective treatments with the utmost of care.

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Licensed Medical Esthetician

Shamrin Virani

Shamrin Virani is a licensed Medical Esthetician. She specializes in skincare treatments, body contouring, and laser services.

Shamrin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University. Soon after, she graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics. She is certified in Coolsculpting, Laser, Chemical Peels, Hydrafacial, Microneedling and Microdermabrasion. Shamrin is passionate about educating her clients about skincare and helping them reach their aesthetic goals.

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Licensed Medical Esthetician

Amanda Dorfman

Amanda Dorfman is a New York State licensed Medical Esthetician, certified Laser Technician and Body Contouring specialist.

With over 15 years in the industry, Amanda’s meticulous and thorough approach to skincare and body contouring has gained her an extensive clientele. Beginning her career as a holistic skincare expert, Amanda is able to uniquely integrate technology into her customized treatment plans giving her clients a natural, enhanced result. After graduating from The Hudson Valley School of Advanced Aesthetics in 2007, she opened a private skin studio inside of the Pierre Hotel in New York City, having the pleasure of working on some of the world’s most prestigious faces.

Amanda joined the SKINNEY team in 2021, specializing in IPL, microneedling, radio frequency, CoolSculpting, Fraxel and more. Her passion for skin enhancement and education led her to enroll in a nursing program where she will earn her degree to become an RN, with a goal to combine injectables into her current practice.

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Licensed Esthetician

Christine Anderson, LME

Christine studied esthetics at the prestigious Atelier Esthetique Institute  under industry pioneer Annette Hanson and became an esthetics trainer at both Atelier and LASER Studio Plus. Christine is a licensed laser technician, specializing in cosmetic laser technologies including Laser Hair Removal NYC, laser skin resurfacing using IPL fractional lasers such as Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel, chemical peel, and more.

Christine first joined the SKINNEY Medspa team at their Upper East Side Spa location and is thrilled to be a part of the SKINNEY Med Spa Flatiron location with internationally renowned NYC hair and beauty salon Warren-Tricomi.

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Licensed Esthetician

Ashley Palmer

Ashley is a licensed esthetician specializing in medical-grade skin treatments and laser services. She received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in design and photography and studied skincare at the National Institute of Medical Aesthetics. She began her career in the beauty industry in 2011 as a makeup artist. She is very excited to bring her knowledge and passion for health and skincare to Skinney Medspa. She looks forward to giving each of her clients a wonderful experience and furthermore, amazing results.

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Licensed Esthetician

Alison Cohen

Alison is a SKINNEY Medspa Licensed Esthetician who specializes in non-invasive laser treatments, anti-aging services, and body contouring. She is a certified technician of CoolSculpting, Alma lasers, ablative skin restoration microneedling, and radiofrequency. Alison earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics. Alison cares deeply for her clients and is passionate about creating individualized treatment plans to suit each client’s specific needs and goals. She has a bubbly and warm personality and demonstrates a deep breadth of knowledge of both products and treatments. Alison is always in the know on the latest and greatest advancements in medical esthetics and is excited to share her expertise.

Gina Martinelli

Beauty Concierge

Gina Martinelli

Gina Martinelli is the front desk coordinator at SKINNEY Medspa. Pursuing her love for all things skin and beauty.

Gina intends to obtain her esthetics license from Christine Valmy. She is born and raised in New York City and enjoys writing, watching documentaries, and keeping up on the latest beauty trends.

Denise Galbreath

Spa Director

Denise Galbreath

With a background in Hospitality and a passion for the beauty industry, Denise’s priority is ensuring all guests have a memorable experience. As our Front Desk Manager at our W 57th + Saks NYC locations, she loves getting to meet clients and help guide them through their Skinney journey! When Denise isn’t charming guests with her southern hospitality, you can find her outside enjoying nature.

Thalia Valdes

Front Desk Manager

Thalia Valdes

Thalia Valdes is the manager at our Bal Harbour location.

Passionate about aesthetics and all things beauty she is the point of contact for Miami and is comitted to working with clients, creating a stress-free & rewarding experience.

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Director of Education, L.E.

Parminder Singh, LME

Parminder is licensed esthetician and certified laser technician, specializing in laser skin resurfacing and Clear + Brilliant. She has received advanced training in CoolSculpting as well as skin tightening treatments such as Ultherapy and Thermage. She received her makeup artist license from Lia Schorr Institute, which she put to use working in the bridal, fashion, and special effects industries. She then attended the Dermalogica Academy where she received her laser and esthetician license. Her passion for skin care is coupled with her desire to provide clients of SKINNEY Medspa with the most modern, most effective treatments for restoring and maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin. Parminder was born in Mainz, Germany and moved to the United States at 7 years old. Her favorite hobbies include cooking, traveling the world and staying on top of the latest beauty trends.

Skinney Medspa Treatments

Aesthetic Trainer, LE

Josie Holmes

Josie Holmes is a Licensed Esthetician and specializes in non-invasive body contouring. She is the SKINNEY MedSpa National Aesthetic Trainer. She also holds a position with Allergan Aesthetics as an Allergan Medical Instructor faculty member. Josie possesses a sharp eye for detail which she uses to her advantage in all of her medical aesthetic treatments. With strong interpersonal and leadership skills, she is a pioneer for our education team.

Gloria Reyes

Spa Director

Gloria Reyes

Gloria is extremely passionate about ensuring the SKINNEY experience is of utmost luxury. As the spa director her goal is to ensure all clients are met with quality service and care throughout our spas.

Nurse Practitioner

Ellie Markey

Ellie is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to her experience in aesthetics, Ellie cared for postoperative inpatients following plastic surgery in San Francisco and most recently managed corporate wellness here in Manhattan. Currently, Ellie’s focus is helping her patients make personal improvements with each visit. She understands that mind and body wellness can take many forms – whether it’s adding volume to the cheeks, reducing fine wrinkles, gently contouring the abdomen, or removing unwanted blemishes. Whatever the concern or procedure, Ellie knows that making small and natural appearing improvements can have a profound effect on her clients.

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Nurse Practitioner

Angel Socha

Angel Socha is a Nurse Practitioner licensed in NYC, NJ, + PA. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science in BioBehavioral Health from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University graduating with the highest distinction. Angel’s clinical experience at Penn Medicine includes Emergency Room medicine, cardiology, women’s health, and dermatology. Angel specializes in botox and filler injections and has completed training with industry leading practitioners. Angel’s unique patient centered approach allows her to provide her clients unparalleled results while delivering an aesthetic plan that suits their long-term beauty and wellness goals. Angel is trained in advanced lasers that help with anti-aging, pigmentation, acne scarring, hair removal, brown spots, and overall skin complexion. Angel is an avid learner and continues to educate herself on the latest techniques in beauty and wellness.

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Aesthetic Director

Dasha Varshavski

Dasha is a board-certified Physician Associate (PA) specializing in beauty and wellness. Her first experiences in medicine included plastic/reconstructive surgery, and dermatology where she picked up corrective and enhancement beauty practices that she now implements in her treatments at SKINNEY. Having a strong background in medicine coupled with her own business ventures, Dasha joins SKINNEY’s team as an expert in anti-aging treatments, nutrition, wellness, and utilizing cutting-edge technology. She is passionate about helping her patients look and feel their absolute best.

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Medical Director

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez

Dr. Rodriguez is a highly regarded NYC primary care physician with board-certification in internal medicine. He completed his residency at Cornell University and the Lincoln Medical Center. Dr. Rodriguez’s expertise extends beyond primary care. He’s also a master injector and national trainer for Revance Therapeutics, specializing in RHA fillers and the innovative Daxxify treatment for frown lines. His commitment to medical advancement is evident as he trains extensively on these treatments.

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Board Certified Physician

Dr. Joseph Mattingly

Dr. Joseph Mattingly attended undergraduate school at Aquinas College in Michigan, where he was part of the prestigious TriBeta national honor society. Prior to attending the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, he was a graduate assistant at Western Michigan University’s Physician Assistant school teaching regional anatomy, where he completed his MBA. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine in North Jersey, where he served as chief resident in his final year.

Skinney Medspa Treatments

Medical Director, Miami

Dr. Shaker Hamadiya

Dr. Shaker Hamadiya has grown to be one of Miami’s most in-demand cosmetic practitioners and an expert in cosmetic injections.

As Skinney’s Medical Director, Dr. Hamadiya is a Board Certified Physician, specializing in Preventive Medicine and Esthetics. He received his Medical Degree from the top-5 Baylor College of Medicine and has worked under some of the world’s most renowned surgeons.

He uses his unique vision for the aesthetic and attempts to, not only provide patients with their desired enhancement but, ensure they can maintain the most natural appearance while alleviating the visual signs of aging.

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Operations Manager

Revana Rahman

Revana is the Operations Manager at SKINNEY Medspa as she manages day-to-day business development while assisting the director of operations in the responsibilities of brand partnerships, e-comerce, and vendor relationships. Revana has been a part of the developing beauty and aesthetics industry for 5+ years in metropolitan New York City, where she was also born and raised. Alongside fueling her passion for beauty and aesthetics, SKINNEY Medspa has also inspired Revana to complete medical school in hopes of becoming a fabulous physician one day (soon) specializing in women’s health.

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Chief Operating Officer

Lindsay Malachowski

Lindsay Malachowski is the Chief Operating Officer at SKINNEY Medspa where she oversees the operations of their national team with locations in New York, Miami & Houston. Under her leadership SKINNEY Medspa has spearheaded partnerships with Saks 5th Avenue and Biologique Recherche and grown from 2 locations locally, to 5 locations nationally, SKINNEY Medspa is the #1 provider of Coolsculpting in the country, and the #1 provider of Emsculpt in the world and positioned for continued expansion.
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