Q&A with Pamela R. Springer, LE, LI, CLT, SME

Q. How did you discover your love for skin care?

A. It was during the 1993 recession in California. I was conducting workshops and fashion shows for major stores, such as Nordstrom, Dillards, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. During that year, these major stores went into bankruptcy. The bankruptcy court wouldn’t allow the hiring of independent contractors.

After about six months of trying to secure work, I was offered a position as the national training director for one of the first black-owned skin care companies. At the time, I knew nothing about skin—especially the needs of ethnic skin. The training was rigorous, but a passion was born. Within six months, I had recruited and trained more than 600 consultants. 

In 1995, I enrolled in an esthetics program. Though there was little reference to skin of color in my initial training, I was introduced to a board-certified dermatologist who was also a professor teaching ethno-dermatology to medical students. She gave me the missing link to a successful career—a nine-month preceptorship that included professional treatments for higher Fitzpatricks. 

Q. What was the genesis of Global Skin Solutions?

A. After opening The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona in 2000, a course was implemented for the different skin types and conditions with a focus on melanin-rich skin.

It was important for me to train students in the complexity and nuances of skins of color since I knew firsthand there was a lack of information on this subject matter. 

The institute had three product lines, but none addressed the skin care needs of the black and brown population. This population was not concerned with antiaging products. Their concerns were dark spots, dark patches, discolorations, uneven tones, lackluster skin, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. Although there were over-the-counter ethnic skin care products, there were no exclusive treatment products for this growing market. 

Global Skin Solutions was conceived to address these concerns of melanin-rich skin. Both the retail and professional lines have been tested and recommended by a board-certified dermatologist. 

Q. Tell us about your new Treatment in a Box.

A. Our Treatment in a Box takes the guesswork out of the products to use for a skin type or condition. Each box contains all the backbar products needed to perform a treatment on higher Fitzpatricks. A protocol sheet is downloaded, and three retail home-care kits are included. These kits help boost skin health and expedite the client’s skin care goals.

Q. How can estheticians learn more about treating skin of color?

A. We have many platforms that address the training needs of skin care professionals on ethnic skin. Purchase my recent book, Don’t Be Left in the Dark: Learn How to Master Chemical Peels & More . . . for a world of diverse skin tones. Join our Facebook group, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. Check out the online courses at pamelaspringer.teachable.com. Contact us for one-to-one coaching sessions. Join us on Clubhouse.

Q. What are the characteristics of an effective leader?

A. An effective leader takes action to lead, influence, or inspire individuals, communities, or organizations for the betterment of a circumstance.