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[ ] A Tale of Telomeres CLIENT SOLUTIONS How should you tell your clients about telomeres—and the products that claim to help lengthen them? First, says Woynarowski, know whether any human studies have been done with the product in question. Second, become familiar with supplements and their effects. TA-65 is an expensive supplement that has been studied on humans, but he also recommends N-acetyl cysteine, a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, more commonly used to address lung and bronchial-related conditions, and high levels (six grams or more) of omega-3 fatty acids, as found in fish oils. "The main thing spa owners should know is that the percentage of short ECHO2 Plus The Oxygen Treatment OXYCEUTICALS™ Oxygen Acne Treatment System Toll free (800) 592-3246 or visit us on the web at www.echo2plus.com Distributors worldwide dayspamagazine.com/freeinfo • Use FreeInfo #32 74 DAYSPA | JANUARY 2013 telomeres a person has is key to driving aging," Woynarowski concludes. "Research is upcoming as far as whether telomerase extends life span (it has been shown to slow and reverse aging and increase life span in mice), but studies say that stress reduction, exercise and diet can also help." Cawthon also warns that telomeres are not the be-all and endall in the fight against aging. "They're not the only cause of aging; other biochemical pathways are crucial," he notes. "Damage accumulates in mitochondrial DNA with aging, and a lot of cells (such as nerve and cardiac muscle cells) don't divide, so their telomeres aren't getting shorter. With cells that divide, cell damage in mitochondrial DNA leads to loss of function in nondividing cells, so other processes need to be targeted." Ultimately, arming yourself with information and providing practical tips will go a long way toward helping your clients sort out the science-speak—and help make your business an authority on overall wellness. "Spa professionals should educate themselves and tell clients that cells can't do what they need to do if they're unhealthy," says Anderson. "That's why we hydrate skin, keep healthy with proper nutrition and incorporate exercise." With telomere-focused products, as with all cosmeceuticals, look for those that have scientific research behind them, "which will distinguish you from your peers and put you at the forefront of spas," assures Anderson. The good news is that with people living longer and wanting to stave off the aging process well into their later decades of life, spas' services will continue to be in high demand. "The facial and spa business is going to be strong for the next 40 to 50 years," he predicts, "because there are going to be healthy 70-, 80- and 90-year-olds running around who still want these services!" Tracy Morin is a freelance writer based in Oxford, Mississippi.