the story behind starting the Skin + Health Co.™

It all started….actually, its more of a ‘last straw’ type of story. A number of years ago, I started my own business, offering services to companies in need of change management and business assistance. An interesting thing happened- I would attend meetings with my clients (this was well before COVID) and after the official portion of the meeting was over, they would ask me about my skin. Specifically, something along the lines of “your skin is lovely, what do you do?” or “you look great, what are you using on your skin?"

I would inevitably end up spending just as much time talking about skin + health strategy as was spent discussing company business matters! This started to occur very regularly. As a 20+ year accredited Scientist, health educator and former nursing student, I have seriously researched and taken coursework centered on skin science + health matters; I daydreamed about starting a business that focused on skin and overall health, but that’s as far as it went.

A few years in, a Chiropractor friend shared with me an experience one of his patients had during a disappointing dermatologist visit. There it was- the defining moment when I made the decision to start a health coaching company.

The Chiropractor’s patient was an 18 year old girl dealing with stubborn acne. After years of struggling with her skin, low self confidence, and acne that wasn’t clearing, she had gone to see a dermatologist. While waiting for the doctor at her first appointment, a nurse entered the room and announced their clinic was having a ‘preventative Botox sale,’ and told this patient she needed it (Botox) in order to ‘stop the wrinkles before they start.’

troubling advice

Several things about this incident were troubling to me. Whether or not Botox prevents wrinkles aside, I think many would agree medical professionals should not be suggesting an 18 year old needs Botox. Additionally, it’s not used to treat acne, the primary reason she was there for an appointment. My personal feeling is that Botox isn’t an ‘absolute necessity’ in order to age well and feel good about your skin. There are other fantastic, proven approaches to try (starting with a good sunscreen!) that benefit your collagen, elastin, and overall skin health. Botox is a ‘nice to have’ option if you want to explore that route…but it’s not a necessity.

As a woman in my late 40’s I have not had Botox or fillers, and do not think they should be considered a ‘requirement’ in promoting the long term health or appearance of the skin. I also have the experience to know that a serum or cleanser (or Botox) is not going to get anyone the glow they are looking for- great skin + health requires a number of components, including quality sleep, nutrition, stress management, mindset, a healthy environment, good skin care and more.

sales, marketing and advertising

Decisions around what products to use (and procedures if one is considering them) are not always clear when companies can spend millions on marketing and advertising. No one should randomly add something to their routine and ‘hope for the best’ simply because a commercial, advertisement, or health professional makes them feel flawed or deficient.

After hearing about this young person’s experience, I wondered what it would be like if my children, currently in elementary school, grew up with incorrect or sales-driven information. (Thankfully they have me around!) I asked myself what engaged and encouraging role models exist today?

credible, science-based coaching

As a scientist, skin + health educator, and change planning professional, I started the Skin + Health Co.™ to serve as a resource for people to turn to for credible, functional, science-based information and guidance on their health and wellness journey. If you are struggling with acne, aging, fine lines, fatigue, redness or more, and you’re interested in transforming your health + wellbeing, connect with me at elan@skinhealthcoach.ca or book a complimentary call through the ‘Scheduling’ link.

I would love to learn about you and your situation!