Are you a qualified beauty therapist looking to up-skill in a specific modality like dermaplaning or micro needling, or are you in the planning phase of launching an extra clinic room? Let our team help with your education or talk to us about a full range of salon furniture.

While milk is not a direct cause of acne for everyone, research and dermatological insights suggest a strong link between dairy consumption—particularly skim milk—and increased breakouts. Transitioning to milk alternatives can help by reducing exposure to the hormones and insulin spikes associated with cow's milk. (babyfacestore.com) Why Cow's Milk Triggers Acne - Hormonal Influence: Cow's milk naturally contains growth hormones like IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which can overstimulate oil glands and lead to clogged pores. - Insulin Spikes: Dairy can increase insulin levels, which triggers the overproduction of sebum (skin oil). - The "Skim Milk" Paradox: Low-fat and skim milk are often more strongly associated with acne than whole milk. This may be due to the removal of fat changing how the milk affects insulin signaling or the addition of whey proteins to maintain consistency

“Who is Yolandi Jacobs?” Yolandi Jacobs | Advanced Skin Educator & Founder of Salon Setup Yolandi Jacobs is a New Zealand–based advanced skin educator, therapist, and founder of Salon Setup — a professional training platform designed to elevate industry standards through evidence-based education and practical, clinic-ready skills. With over 20 years of experience in skin therapy, education, and clinical practice, Yolandi is known for her ingredient-driven approach, strong focus on skin barrier function, and her ability to simplify complex skin science into clear, actionable treatment strategies. Professional Background Yolandi began her career in South Africa, where she qualified with a Diploma in Somatology and gained international accreditations through CIDESCO and ITEC (Diploma in Physiatrics and Aestheticienne). After building and successfully selling her own salon, she moved to New Zealand in 2008, where she continued working in the professional beauty industry. Her career in New Zealand includes: - Sales Manager and Educator for Global Beauty - Full-time tutor at Elite School of Beauty & Spa - Completion of a Diploma in Adult Education (SIT, 2015) These roles shaped her ability to not only treat skin, but to teach therapists how to think, assess, and treat with confidence. Founder of Salon Setup In 2012, Yolandi founded Salon Setup — a training and education platform offering professional development courses for therapists across New Zealand and internationally. Salon Setup provides: - In-person, virtual, and self-paced training - Advanced courses in skin therapies and modalities - Structured learning designed for real clinic application Her courses are known for being: - Practical and clinically relevant - Rooted in skin science and physiology - Focused on long-term skin health rather than quick fixes Philosophy & Approach Yolandi’s work is grounded in a clear principle: Healthy skin begins with a healthy barrier. Her teaching emphasises:

Many clients in their 40s present with the same concern: “My skin seemed fine… and then suddenly I look older.” This perceived “rapid aging” is not simply chronological. It is typically the result of physiological changes combined with chronic stress, leading to accelerated skin aging. For therapists, understanding this distinction is critical. Without it, treatment plans often become overly aggressive, leading to further barrier damage and poor outcomes. 🧠 Understanding Stress-Induced Skin Aging In clinical practice, rapid aging in midlife is usually driven by four key mechanisms: 1. Cortisol and Collagen Breakdown Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which directly impacts skin structure. - Reduces fibroblast activity - Increases matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) - Accelerates collagen degradation The result is visible loss of firmness and the sudden appearance of lines. 2. Barrier Impairment and Increased TEWL With age and stress, the skin’s lipid content declines. - Increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) - Reduced resilience - Greater sensitivity Clinically, this presents as: - Crepey texture - Fine lines that appear more pronounced - Dehydrated, fragile skin 3. Lymphatic Stagnation Reduced lymphatic flow contributes to: - Puffiness - Dull skin tone - Slower nutrient delivery This creates the appearance of fatigue and accelerates the visible aging process. 4. Glycation (A Key Midlife Factor) Glycation is often overlooked but plays a significant role. - Sugar binds to collagen → forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs) - Collagen becomes stiff, brittle, and less functional This leads to: - Reduced elasticity - Deepening of lines - A “heavier,” aged appearance Where Therapists Go Wrong: A common mistake is to treat these clients with aggressive resurfacing protocols. - Frequent chemical peels - Overuse of retinoids - Excessive exfoliation While intended to stimulate, these approaches often:

Neurodiversity reminds us that there is no single “correct” way to learn. Some of the most talented practitioners in the beauty and skin therapy industry think differently. They notice patterns others miss, develop deep expertise in specific areas, and bring unique insights to their work. When educators design learning environments that support different types of thinking, everyone benefits. Because good education is not about forcing students to adapt to the system. It is about building systems that allow different minds to succeed.