CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT MIX What drives sunscreen selection? Across the board, spa leaders pointed to mineral formulations, environmental sustainability( such as reef-safe certifications) and aesthetic appeal— texture, tint and scent— as top considerations. Brand reputation is also paramount; as Tracy Harper advised,“ Buy a brand your clients know.”
Ella Kent of Sea Island added,“ Find a brand that works with your current facial products,” reinforcing the importance of consistency across treatments and retail offerings.
Price point remains a sensitive topic, with directors seeking the sweet spot between luxury and accessibility. Packaging and size also matter— especially at destination resorts where guests want TSA-friendly options.
EDUCATION AND TEAM TRAINING Training staff to be confident when recommending SPF is critical. Most directors reported using in-house education sessions, vendor-led product training and scripts with key talking points. Nine mentioned the value of sampling
programs in helping guests and staff alike experience products firsthand.
ADVICE FOR SPA LEADERS When asked for one piece of advice for peers, the respondents echoed several key themes: l CHOOSE WISELY. Irene Campana of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas stressed,“ Search for quality, know the ingredients, look for a reef-friendly brand.” l PRIORITIZE EDUCATION. Michelle Frye advised:“ Make sure you choose a brand partner that is reputable and willing to invest in educating your team.” l BE STRATEGIC WITH AMENITIES. LaChell Talley urged spa leaders to“ be thoughtful about placing complimentary sunscreen in your areas as it does impact retail sales.” l FOCUS ON THE GUEST EXPERIENCE. From sampling to pairing sunscreen with other skin care, creating a cohesive, personalized sun care experience builds trust and loyalty— and keeps guests coming back. n
Resource Partners Share Expert Guidance on Sun Care Products in the Spa Setting
SPA LEADERS WANT MORE than sun protection— they’ re seeking products that align with their spa’ s values and elevate the guest experience. Pulse asked two industry resource partners to share their insights.
Sarah Miller, CEO of EthoSun, notes that spa professionals are looking for sunscreens that are mineralbased, clean and skin-compatible.“ Spa professionals typically look for sunscreen products that align with their brand values, client needs and retail goals,” she says.“ They want formulas that blend well, suit posttreatment skin and tell a story of safety, sustainability and luxury.”
Arielle Moody, co-founder of Mama Sol, agrees.“ Spa buyers want formulas that don’ t leave a white cast, leave the skin glowing, have pretty packaging and smell good,” she explains.
Both experts emphasize the growing trend toward sunscreen as skincare.“ In spa settings, there’ s a clear shift toward formulations that do more than just protect— they’ re becoming an extension of skincare,” says Miller. Tinted, mineral-based options with antioxidant or hydrating benefits are especially popular.
Their advice? Make SPF a core part of your philosophy.
“ Prioritize sunscreen as a core part of your spa’ s skincare philosophy— not just a retail item,” Miller advises.
Moody adds,“ Focus on sunscreen as a year-round wellness essential. When your team believes in the benefits of daily SPF, it shifts sunscreen from an afterthought to a hero product.”
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