Consumers appear to be investing in skincare and cosmetic procedures more than ever. Yet Marcia Mehrali, founder of Beneath The Surface Spa, observes that many people still have only a general understanding of how collagen production and skin regeneration contribute to long-term skin health. She believes informed decisions begin with knowledge, creating opportunities for more meaningful conversations between clients and skincare professionals.
“Better outcomes often begin with education before treatment,” says Mehrali. “If people understand why a recommendation is made, they can become more confident in the decisions they make for their skin.”
This perspective seems to be relevant as the skincare market continues to expand. The United States generated nearly $24 billion in skincare revenue in 2023, while the global skincare market is projected to exceed $210 billion by 2028. As consumer interest continues to grow, Mehrali believes education has an equally important role alongside innovation.
Her work at Beneath The Surface Spa, a boutique day spa in Madison, New Jersey that offers customized facials, massage therapy, and a range of advanced aesthetic treatments, has been shaped around this idea. She explains that the spa was built to prioritize individualized care and thoughtful guidance, creating an environment where clients can explore options with clarity rather than feeling pressured by trends.
Much of the confusion, Mehrali explains, stems from the growing volume of skincare advice shared across social media and digital platforms. She notes that consumers are regularly introduced to trending products, ingredient combinations, and highly publicized treatments, making it increasingly challenging to distinguish broad recommendations from solutions that suit their own skin. “Every person brings a different story to the treatment room. Understanding your own skin creates a stronger foundation than following someone else’s routine,” she says.
That philosophy leads to a broader discussion about skin biology. According to Mehrali, long-term skin health depends on many interconnected factors, including collagen production, hydration, lifestyle, environmental exposure, and consistent care. A systematic review examining type I collagen and skin aging found that collagen synthesis typically declines over time, contributing to changes in elasticity, hydration, and overall skin quality, while selected clinical studies suggest that targeted collagen interventions may support these natural processes.
Mehrali references these findings during consultations at Beneath The Surface Spa, not to make promises about outcomes, but to help clients understand the biological reasoning behind certain recommendations. She believes this context encourages more grounded, informed decision-making.
This educational focus also reflects an emerging direction within aesthetics. A literature review on regenerative aesthetic medicine describes a growing interest in supporting the skin’s natural biological functions through therapies designed to encourage tissue renewal and fibroblast activity, while also noting that research continues to evolve as evidence and clinical standards develop.
Mehrali sees this shift reflected in the types of services clients inquire about at Beneath The Surface Spa, which include options such as microchanneling, LED light therapy, and other treatments intended to work with the skin’s natural processes. She emphasizes that these services are typically discussed within the framework of individual needs, realistic expectations, and ongoing scientific developments.
That personalized perspective remains especially important because Mehrali believes skin responds differently from person to person. “Age, lifestyle, environment, daily habits, and existing skincare routines all contribute to how skin changes over time,” she states.
The founder adds that successful skincare often begins with understanding the individual before discussing products or procedures. Conversations about expectations, home care, and long-term goals help establish recommendations that align with each client’s circumstances instead of relying on popular trends. “Education transforms consultations into conversations,” she says. “People gain confidence when they understand the purpose behind every recommendation.”
This philosophy also extends beyond the treatment room. Mehrali’s educational initiative, Beauty Beyond Botox, was created to help consumers better understand skin regeneration, collagen, and evidence-informed skincare principles through accessible learning. The goal is to encourage informed decision-making while helping people explore skincare with greater confidence and realistic expectations. She notes that this initiative mirrors the values present at Beneath The Surface Spa, where the team focuses on guiding clients through options rather than presenting one-size-fits-all solutions.
Consumer priorities also appear to be evolving alongside scientific developments. There is growing interest in preventative skincare, regenerative science, and products designed to support skin function over time while emphasizing the importance of continuing clinical research as this category develops. Mehrali believes this growing curiosity presents an opportunity for practitioners to provide transparent guidance supported by education, thoughtful communication, and personalized recommendations.
As interest in skincare continues to expand, Mehrali encourages consumers to seek professionals who invest time in explaining recommendations, discussing long-term skin health, and tailoring care to individual needs. She says, “Healthy skin is a lifelong conversation. Knowledge gives people the confidence to participate in that conversation with purpose.”
