1. Make it Broad-Spectrum
Theoretically, a sunscreen can have an SPF of 50 but still have zero Ultraviolet A (UVA) protection. In other words, a person could spend two hours in the sun and show no signs of sunburn. Meanwhile, the longer UVA rays are attacking her skin, leading to cell DNA damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and, in ever-increasing numbers, skin cancer.
For years, the FDA has only required sunscreen manufacturers to test the Ultraviolet B (UVB) protection that gives a sunscreen its SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. But that number only indicates the amount of time a UVB sunscreen will prevent the skin from reddening when exposed to ultraviolet light.
For a sunscreen to be truly effective, it needs to afford broad-spectrum protection by covering a significant percentage of the UVA range, 320-400 nanometers, as well as the Ultraviolet B (UVB) range, 290-320 nanometers.
Earlier this year, the FDA revised its sunscreen monograph to implement new standards that establish a broad-spectrum test for determining a sunscreen’s UVA protection level proportionate to its UVB protection.
Look for a mix of UV filters that, when used in combination, will give your sunscreen both UVA and UVB protection:

UVA filters (320-400 nm)
Zinc Oxide
Titanium Dioxide
Avobenzone
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone)
Dioxybenzone
Ecamsule

UVB filters (290-320 nm)
Zinc Oxide
Titanium Dioxide
Trolamine Salicylate
Homosalate
Octinoxate
Octocrylene
Dioxybenzone
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Cinoxate

2. Set Your SPF Goals High… But Not Too High
Sunscreens can range from 2 to 50+. The FDA’s newly revised monograph grants products with an SPF 15 or higher certain privileges that lower-rated products do not have. For instance, only products of SPF 15 or greater that pass the broad-spectrum test will be able to state that they are “broad spectrum” on the front label and feature certain label claims attesting to their ability to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed.
On the other hand, products that are either not broad-spectrum or are broad-spectrum but have SPFs lower than 15 will need to carry a skin cancer/skin aging warning statement. “The objective is to encourage manufacturers to produce products that screen both UVA and UVB rays at a sufficient level to guard against skin cancer and the premature signs of aging,” says Gogi Sangha, CEO and president of G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, a Bay Area-based, FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant custom contract manufacturer of facial, body and OTC skincare products, including sunscreens.
While some sunscreen products on the market advertise SPFs of 80, 90 or even 100, the FDA has proposed a new rule capping SPF claims at “50+” or less. The percentage differences between SPF 15 and 30 and particularly between SPF 30 and 50 are negligible. According to the FDA, no sufficient studies to date have demonstrated that SPF values greater than 50 confer any significant extra protection.

3. Add Antioxidants and Other Skin Protectants
The sun assaults the skin daily with a high dose of free radicals that can damage DNA and age the skin faster than any other single factor. Some evidence suggests that even certain ingredients in sunscreens might produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) when ultraviolet light reacts with ingredients that have penetrated the skin. One solution is to continue reapplying sunscreen to prevent UV light from reaching the UV filters that have penetrated the skin.
Certain antioxidants and other ingredients can also help to counteract the damaging effects. Red algae contains natural UV-screening compound known as mycosporine-like amino acids that actually absorb UVA light. Studies have shown that this natural material:
 Boosts SPF
 Reduces UV-induced DNA damage in human fibroblasts (the source of our collagen which gives our skin its firmness)
 Prevents loss of firmness
 Increases skin smoothness
 Decreases wrinkles depth
In addition, some published peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Vitamins C and E work synergistically with sunscreen to offer more protection than sunscreen alone.

4. Select a Proven OTC Manufacturer
Sunscreens making SPF claims fall within the over-the-counter (OTC) category of skincare products. Because the FDA regulates this class of product, sunscreens must be registered as OTC products and contain a label following the accepted Drug Facts format. A contract manufacturer of sunscreens must be FDA-registered, cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-compliant.
In addition, broad-spectrum products must undergo the new FDA SPF testing requirements, which subject each sunscreen to a 10-subject UVB in vivo test and a UVA in vitro test.
Make sure your contract manufacturer has the experience to successfully formulate a SPF product that will pass these rigorous tests, contain your desired ingredients and comply with the FDA’s guidelines.

5. Make Sure Your Product is Covered
Many manufacturers were caught off guard when the FDA announced it would no longer allow companies that market towelettes, wipes, powders, body washes and shampoos to continue making SPF claims.
The agency also prohibited the use of claims referring to products as “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Rather, these products may bear a “water-resistant” claim and must specify effectiveness against sweating or swimming based on specified testing methods. Sunscreens that are not water-resistant must advise use of a water-resistant sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
Make sure you stay informed with the latest FDA developments and partner with an experienced sunscreen contract manufacturer who can help you navigate the many changes affecting this critical product category.

What Type of Sunscreens Are Affected?
The new regulatory documents affect all currently manufactured and future sunscreen products claiming to offer SPF protection. The products affected will include all sunscreens, including facial moisturizers with SPF claims.
Under the new rule, towelettes, wipes, powders, body washes and shampoos may not make SPF claims. The FDA has called for more data and feedback regarding spray sunscreen products, though properly labeled spray products will be permitted pending further action. According to the FDA, current data and information about spray sunscreens is not comparable to that for sunscreen oils, creams and lotions. The manner of application also differs significantly, thus the regulatory agency is requesting additional data to address these questions.

How Do the New Standards Differ from Previous Rules?
Whereas in the past, FDA rulings dealt mainly with sunburn protection caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, the FDA’s recent rulings focus on ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, the main contributor to skin cancer and early skin aging. In an effort to present a higher standard of safety and effectiveness, these new standards establish a “broad spectrum” test for determining a sunscreen’s UVA protection and whether the product provides UVA protection proportionate to its UVB protection. Therefore, under the new rule, a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 will indicate a higher level of protection from UVA radiation as well as UVB radiation than a SPF 15.

How Will The New Rule Affect a Product’s Label Claims?
Broad-Spectrum Claims. Under the new rule, claims, warnings and indications must be stated on the label, depending on the results of the broad spectrum and SPF tests. Companies with products of SPF 15 or greater that have passed the broad spectrum test will now be able to claim “broad spectrum” with the SPF value on the front label and be able to make claims regarding skin cancer and early skin aging, using specific phrases authorized by the FDA’s new rule. Sunscreens passing the test as both broad spectrum and SPF 15 (or higher) may now state “If used as directed with other sun protection measures, this product reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, as well as helps prevent sunburn.”

“Other sun protection measures” include:
• Limiting time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wearing clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun
• Using a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating
• Reapplying sunscreen, even if it is labeled as water resistant, at least every 2 hours
Products that pass the test as broad spectrum but have an SPF between 2 and 14 may be labeled “broad spectrum” but will be required to have the following warning statement that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging: “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.” Products that are not broad spectrum will be required to carry the same warning statement.

Water-Resistance vs. Waterproof. In addition, sunscreens may not be labeled “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” or as a “sunblock.” Products labeled as “water-resistant” on the front label must specify the effectiveness against sweating or swimming based on specified testing methods. For instance, sunscreens labeled “water-resistant” will need to state whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.
Products that are not water-resistant must advise use of a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
Longevity of Efficacy. Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication, nor can they purport to provide protection immediately after application.
SPF Claims Capped at 50. The FDA has also proposed a new rule limiting SPF claims to “50+” or less. The rationale is that no sufficient data exists to demonstrate that products with SPF values greater than 50 afford any greater protection. This proposed regulation is available for public comment at www.regulations.gov until September 15, 2011.
Drug Facts Format. Lastly, all sunscreens must include the standard “Drug Facts” panel on the back and/or side of the container.

The Changing Phases of Melanoma
Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment cells, melanoma results in three-quarters of all skin cancer deaths. Incredibly, between 40% and 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once in their life time, according to the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD. Melanomas can evolve from seemingly insignificant moles to potentially fatal growths if left unchecked.

Melanoma goes through four stages:
Stage 0 (in situ): Melanoma is confined to the epidermis.
Stage 1-II: Melanoma is still confined to the skin but is increasing in thickness.
Stage III: Melanoma spreads to one or more nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Melanoma spreads to an internal organ.

A biopsy report can provide an exact diagnosis of melanoma and may also determine its current stage. A dermatologist must assess how deeply the melanoma has traveled and whether it’s spread to other parts of the body. Then, treatment may involve excision to surgically extract the melanoma and cut the skin around it. More serious cases may require Mohs surgery, which is conducted by a specialist with a microscope to remove the growth layer by layer until only healthy tissue remains.

Who’s At Risk?
The first step in prevention is to recognize the risk factors.
Genetic predisposition. A family history of skin cancer, a fair complexion and light eyes are all factors that characterize a genetic predisposition toward melanoma. Specifically, redheads and blondes and blue or green eyes characterize the skin cancer profile. Any immune system deficiency or a previous cancer history can also heighten your risk.
Unusual Moles. Almost everyone has some moles on their body, but if you have more than 50 you may be at substantially increased risk of developing melanoma. A suspicious mole often has irregular borders and color. One half of the mole typically does not match the other half.
An easy way to screen suspicious moles is to use the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry: If you were to fold the two sides of the mole together, they would not match.
Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are jagged or blurred.
Color: There is a non-uniform color to the mole, which may be tan, brown, black or even white, red or blue in color.
Diameter: Melanomas usually exceed 6 mm in size (about the size of an eraser on a pencil).
Evolving: Any mole that is changing in size, shape or color should be presented to a physician for review.

How to Prevent Melanoma from Forming
Avoid Excess UV Exposure. By far, the greatest step you can take to prevent melanoma is to avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Those who live closest to the equator, where the sunlight is most intense, are at further risk.
Check Your Birthday Suit On Your Birthday. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone perform regular skin self-examinations, even checking your scalp, palms, soles, toenails and between your toes. A seemingly innocent bruise that fades and then reappears or a brown to black streak under a nail can both be signs of melanoma. If you fall into a high-risk group or have a suspicious melanoma, it’s advisable to get a full-body exam at least annually.
Always Wear a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen. Get in the habit of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily, even on cloudy, rainy and snowy days. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will filter both UVB (think “B” for burning rays) and UVA rays (think “A” for aging rays). Apply the sunscreen on all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours while outdoors.
While most sunscreens with a SPF 15 and 30 are capable of preventing you from burning, they may not be affording you the protection against UVA you need to prevent premature signs of aging. Studies show that UVA can penetrate glass, so even those with office jobs who sit by a window all day are not safe from the dangers of UVA rays.
According to Gogi Sangha, CEO and President of G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc., a FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant custom contract manufacturer in Livermore, CA, a good broad-spectrum sunscreen will contain either mineral UV filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, or chemical filters, including avobenzone, a FDA-approved UVA-filtering agent.
For best results, choose a sunscreen that is photostable, meaning it won’t break down upon exposure, and is stable under normal conditions as well. At G.S. Cosmeceutical, sunscreens undergo stability testing over 2 to 3 years with accelerated tests for up to 6 months.
Avoid Tanning Beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature aging. In fact, research shows that indoor tanning can increase a person’s melanoma risk by 75%. If you crave a deeper skin tone, it’s better to use a sunless self-tanner, like a DHT formula that works with the skin’s natural melanin content, says Sangha. Just be aware that a sunless tan does not afford any UV protection. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen is still highly recommended.
Wear Protective Clothing. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and UV-protectant sunglasses will help to protect your skin for extended times outdoors.
Take Cover in the Shade. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek cover indoors or at least in a shaded spot during those hours when the UV index is at its most intense.
Boost Immunity Through Diet. Lastly, you can increase your natural defenses against skin cancer through diet. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, tangerines and grapefruits, for instance, have been linked to a lowered incidence of skin cancer. Foods high in beta carotene, including sweet potatoes and carrots; cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower; garlic; and green tea are all great immune boosters.
By practicing good prevention and diagnostic measures, you can protect yourself against skin cancer and be among the other half living life skin cancer-free.

August 24, 2010 - As a skincare company preparing to launch a new product, the selection of a contract manufacturer can present one of the most daunting tasks in the product development process. .All choices may look good on paper, but the results can vary widely — sometimes at great risk and expense to the unsuspecting startup.

Whereas a good contract manufacturer will help ensure the timely launch of a quality product formulated with cutting-edge ingredients, the wrong decision can result in a product line lacking consumer appeal or, worse, one that is unstable and contaminated.

To be sure your product launch runs smoothly and exceeds expectations, look for these characteristics in a skincare contract manufacturer:

FDA-Registered, cGMP-Compliant. The recent introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 will present new challenges to some skincare contract manufacturers who are not prepared to weather the changes. This critical new legislation proposes full ingredient disclosure, data sharing and, most importantly, closer FDA control over the cosmetics industry.

To be sure you’re in capable hands, look for an FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant contract manufacturer. Only these facilities are required to ascribe to federally regulated “Good Manufacturing Practices” as set forth by the FDA. The “c” before the GMP symbolizes “current,” meaning cGMP-compliant contract manufacturers stay abreast of the latest changes in manufacturing and quality processes and must pass the most current, stringent FDA audits to remain compliant.

GMP facilities are required to keep detailed logs of all raw materials and packaging components used during the manufacturing process. Under this process, manufacturers must quarantine and test incoming materials and packaging components for quality; abide by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistency; and staff each procedure with two employees to attain the highest level of accuracy when weighing materials and conducting other important tasks.

In addition, GMP facilities write detailed step-by-step procedures; follow written procedures to prevent contamination; document work for compliance and traceability; and protect products against contamination by making cleanliness a daily ritual in the manufacturing plant.

Stays Current on Emerging Technologies. If your contract manufacturer is still pushing AHAs as the latest, greatest anti-aging technology, then you’re most likely experiencing a disconnect between the trends of today’s skincare market and what your R&D department is stirring up in the lab. A good contract manufacturer will maintain constant communication with suppliers and industry organizations to stay on top of the latest developments in raw materials and treatment of skin conditions.

Most importantly, the contract manufacturer must be willing to share this information with its current and prospective clients to allow brand developers the opportunity to seize the most current technology and bring it to market. G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc., of Livermore, CA, for instance, shares the latest data on brighteners, wrinkle relaxers, peptides and anti-aging topicals with a wide array of clientele, ranging from spa startups and physicians to pharmaceutical corporations looking to roll out a new OTC line.

Financially Stable. A good contract manufacturer is financially stable and willing to expand based on client requirements. The manufacturer should have a growth plan in place and sustain growth by providing the latest equipment, space and training as needed.

Won’t Compete with Your Product Line. Many contract manufacturers sport a private label division in addition to their custom contract manufacturing operation. While the manufacturer may purport to keep these two divisions separate, many custom clients, unfortunately, find their concepts ending up as a private label product — even after they signed a confidentiality disclosure agreement. To be sure, look for a contract manufacturer who only formulates custom products for its clients — not its catalog — and maintains a track record for the highest level of client retention and integrity.

Provides Marketing Support. Most contract manufacturers stick to the science of product formulation and manufacturing, leaving the marketing of the product to the brand. While traditional marketing tasks, such as advertising and press releases, are indeed typically handled by the brand, a well-rounded contract manufacturer will help you develop your marketing “story” by tailoring ingredients to your individual concept. Some contract manufacturers, such as G.S. Cosmeceutical, will even help finesse your label copy, source packaging and provide other marketing tasks as a comprehensive service.

In today’s competitive skincare market, the selection of a contract manufacturer is more important than ever. Learn all of your options and take the time to develop a relationship with the chemists and support staff members who will help guide your product along its journey to success.

About G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc.
G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc. is a privately-owned contract manufacturing company. Headquartered in Livermore, California, the company is a leader in providing R&D, manufacturing and warehousing services to physicians, cosmetic entrepreneurs, corporate manufacturers, beauty start-ups and leading professionals in the spa and beauty industry. The company formulates across a broad range of categories, including anti-aging skincare, body care and hair care, organic- and natural-based products, paraben-free cosmetics and over-the-counter (OTC) cosmeceutical products.
For additional information on the release, please contact Andrea Sercu, Marketing Manager, at G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc. at andrea@gscos.com or by calling 925-583-1426.

G.S. Cosmeceutical Explains the Proposed Regulations and What They Mean to Manufacturers

Livermore, CA, April 30, 2010 — The dangers of outdoor UV exposure have been well-documented for years. But did you know that for the past 70 years, melanoma has been steadily on the rise among fair-skinned, indoor workers?

While the hazards of outdoor solar exposure have long been blamed for skin cancer and premature signs of aging, an FDA study may have us now taking cover in our homes and workplaces as new light is shed on the dangers of indoor UVA exposure.

In their research, Dianne Godar and colleagues from the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health noted that although indoor workers with lighter skin types typically receive 3 to 9 times less solar UV exposure than their outdoor counterparts, only the indoor group demonstrated an increased incidence of malignant skin cancer. As a result, the scientists theorize that the UVA light penetrating building windows may lead to mutations and a breakdown in Vitamin D(3), which would otherwise help protect the skin against melanoma.

“For years, we’ve known that UVB promotes sunburns, and we now know that UVA light is the ultraviolet wavelength responsible for the deeper skin damage that promotes premature signs of aging,” says Gogi Sangha, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, a San Francisco Bay Area-based contract manufacturer of anti-aging cosmeceuticals, broad-spectrum sunscreens, and bath and body products. “This new research only serves to further emphasize the importance of broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB light.”

Still, only about one in five all-day moisturizers that advertise SPF protection actually guard against UVA rays, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit environmental watchdog organization.

That could change, however, with an impending new set of FDA-proposed sunscreen guidelines, which, for the first time in history, will require manufacturers to disclose their products’ UVA protection levels.

The FDA 4-Star Rating System
Among the more significant changes the FDA plans to implement include a four-star rating system for UVA protection that would be based on both in vitro and in vivo tests and incorporate a measurement of photostability.

Manufacturers would be required to include the four-star rating on their sunscreen labels and would face new restrictions in what they can and cannot say on labels. For instance, the proposed guidelines would prohibit claims such as “chemical-free,” “waterproof,” “helps prevent skin damage,” or any SPF designation greater than 50.

SPF would no longer stand for “Sun Protection Factor” but, rather, “Sunburn Protection Factor” to clarify its use as a measurement of only UVB, the rays responsible for sunburns but not the premature signs of aging or skin cancer, which is mostly attributed to UVA.

According to Sangha, more cutting-edge ingredients are becoming available, enabling the development of true broad-spectrum sunscreens that go beyond UV protection to afford real anti-aging benefits. For instance, G.S. Cosmeceutical, a FDA-registered, cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-compliant contract manufacturer authorized to produce OTC sunscreens, formulates with good-for-you skin ingredients like phytomelanin, a plant-based, antioxidant-rich melanin source derived from the date palm; HelioGuard™ from the red algae Porphyra umbilicalis; and photosomes with encapsulated DNA repair enzymes derived from plankton.

Because certain sea life, including the aforementioned plankton and algae, must adapt to a harsh environment of constant UV exposure, they possess a natural photoprotection that has real human applications. Photosomes, for example, have demonstrated an ability to improve sun-damaged skin in clinical research.

Vitamins C and E can also provide a natural boost to the photoprotection, Sangha says. Researchers from Duke University found a combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 1% α-tocopherol exhibited excellent protection against erythema and sunburn cell formation. While each vitamin demonstrated photoprotection independently, a combination demonstrated superior performance.

Covering the Sunscreen Spectrum
For the highest level of protection, choose a sunscreen that covers a wide range across the UVB (290-320 nanometers) and UVA (320-400 nm) wavelength spectrum. You’ll also want to make sure the formula is photostable, meaning it won’t break down readily upon exposure, and stable under normal conditions. At G.S. Cosmeceutical, sunscreens are tested via standardized accelerated tests for 2-3 months and verified over 1 1/2 to 3 years.
A good sunscreen will offer anti-aging protection as well. Following are a few commonly used sunscreen ingredients and their protective range in nanometers:

Avobenzone 340-375 nm
Mexoryl 290-400 nm
Octinoxate 280-320 nm
Oxybenzone 288-326 nm
Titanium Dioxide 290-340 nm
Zinc Oxide 290-380 nm

____________________________
How Sunscreen Savvy Are You?
Many misconceptions persist in sunscreen labeling today. Test your sunscreen savvy with this true/false quiz:

True or False: The higher the SPF, the more likely the sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
False! Many consumers today unwittingly purchase SPF 30 products, believing they’re receiving “broad-spectrum” UVA and UVB sun protection when they’re often receiving inadequate, if any, protection against UVA rays. That’s because the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only measures UVB rays, a short-wave radiation that causes sunburn with wavelengths of 290-320 nanometers on the UV spectrum, whereas the longer UVA rays cause most premature skin aging and skin cancer. To get a true broad-spectrum sunscreen, look for a product with ingredients that specifically protect against UVA rays, such as avobenzone, zinc oxide and, to some extent, titanium dioxide.

True or False: A SPF 50 sunscreen will provide significantly more protection than an SPF 30.
False! A sunscreen rating higher than SPF 30 does not necessarily equate to significant higher protection. A SPF 30 confers about 97% protection against UVB rays, whereas a SPF 50 only nets you about 1 to 2 additional percentage points.

True or False: Only “waterproof” sunscreens will truly last all day and need no reapplication.
False! All sunscreens need to be reapplied. The simple acts of sweating and chafing of skin make reapplication of between 20 minutes and every two hours necessary.

True or False: Micronized and nano-scale zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer strong UVA protection and do not pose a health hazard.
True! According to the EWG, repeated studies have found that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin when applied topically. Micronized and non-scale minerals enable formulators to create sunscreens with comprehensive protection and a less white topical appearance.

For the highest level of protection, consumers need to always complement sunscreen use with protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, and limited exposure.

By VP of Global Sales and Marketing, G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc.

Can you recall that simple catch phrase…the one about “working smarter, not harder”?While you may not have heard this folksy truism much during Med School, your MBA program or your tenure at the Esthetics’s Academy, this phrase has taken on new meaning for many financially savvy health care professionals, spa owners and aesthetic service providers, eager to become cash positive in today’s recessed economic environment of managed health care and third-party reimbursement.

In fact, astute Physicians, Spa Owners and Estheticians have discovered a way to work smarter and grow faster, by dispensing their own proprietary cosmeceuticals and OTC products, on-site.

Statistics indicate that the availability of high-end, nicely packaged cosmeceuticals complementing aesthetic or dermatologic treatments offered at a spa or medical facility can produce significant increases in profits, as well as unexpected boost to the business’s financial immune system.

Extend your professional services and profits by sending your patients home with custom formulated skincare products.

And, if these upscale skincare products are priced correctly, marketed aggressively, explained clearly and recommended consistently by you and your staff, they may truly prove to be the real ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the rainbow! Indeed, the magnetic allure of a well-branded skincare (or OTC product line) that is known to have been conceived and developed by you, can be capable of attracting a considerable amount of new foot traffic, successful in providing those already loyal to you a compelling reason to return more often…. and highly persuasive in providing a reason for your fans to spend more (than before) during each visit.

Now if you are an intuitive retailer at heart, you’ll appreciate the enormous value of head count acquisition, average ticket size and frequency of return-rate. And…let’s not allow semantics to get in the way. Whether you call the object-of-your-care a “patient”, “client”, “guest” or “customer”, you know that the key to your medical practice or spa remaining financially healthy is based on your ability to attract new folks and retain the fans you have in your client base.. By offering your very own line of products… exclusive, elegant, innovative, efficacious products… you’ll do just that! In fact, the benefits and financial rewards that your own exclusive product line can provide will grow exponentially over time! Once you and your staff become true believers and product evangelists… you’ll experience incremental revenue streams and profits that were once unimaginable. And remember, the best part of this whole scenario is that “retail is, and always will be, a cash-based business!”

In fact, tens of thousands of medical and aesthetic professionals understand the economic potential that comes with the sales and distribution of products on-site, on-line or through third party distribution channels, and have already gone about setting up their own thriving skin care, baby care, hair care or pet care businesses. Some have turned to Private Label Manufacturers to provide them with stock (in-house) formulations and packaging, in an effort to save on time, as well as formulation, packaging and manufacturing costs.

But for just a bit more of an investment in time, money and effort, you can have your products made and formulated from scratch, to meet your own exact standards, preferences and expectations. Perhaps that is why more physicians and skincare entrepreneurs are now hiring “custom” contract manufacturers to develop truly unique and proprietary products for them. One such custom, contract manufacturer is G.S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc., a moderately-sized, FDA-certified GMP Manufacturer of cosmeceuticals and OTC’s (Over-The-Counter Drug Products) which was founded by Organic Chemist and Cosmetic Researcher, Gogi Sangha.

Gogi Sangha, CEO and Owner of G. S. Cosmeceutical USA, Inc.

“GSC” is known for providing Dermatologists, Physicians, Estheticians, Cosmetic Entrepreneurs and Spa Proprietors a means by which to manifest their skin care and sun care dreams.

G.S. Cosmeceutical Headquarters in Livermore, California

Located in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, the GSC Formulation Team begins each project, (figuratively) with a clean slate. They first seek to understand the client’s specific and unique product vision. With the end in mind, the team then cooks up a recipe of carefully selected raw materials, merged with innovative technologies and precisely chosen botanicals and actives, to meet the client’s proprietary specs. The results deliver one-of-a-kind custom skin care, sun care, hair care or baby care formulas which are fresh and utterly distinct.

Which takes us back full circle to that simple, but brilliant concept that we started with: “Working Smarter, Not Harder”— in an effort to forge ahead financially now and in years to come. But, “working smarter” is a strategy that will require hard work! It will demand that you have the mental fortitude, strength, courage and willingness to take new steps and engage in actions that will move you off of the proverbial practice plateau or out from under the business depression/regression mind-set, into a stage of innovation. You’ll need to try something new, in order to garner new results. So, what are you waiting for? Join the gold rush; infuse cash back into your spa business or practice by giving your “fans” the products they are already clamoring for. For, if not YOU, then WHO will give them what they really want?

Hit your revenue goals by dispensing your own custom line of skincare, OTC's, or spa products at your business or practice!