Repêchage will host a one-day conference titled “Science and Nonsense: Hear from the Experts and Get the Facts about the Beauty Industry.” The presentation will be held July 29, 2013 at 3 West Club in New York City and will feature keynote speakers, presentations, demos, President’s Award luncheon, new product introductions and a gift bag.

Lydia Sarfati, CEO and founder of Repêchage, will headline the keynote presentations with her discussion:  “Think Differently and See Success Forever… the 10 Most Important Trends for Spas and Salons.”  Sarfati is an expert and pioneer in the skin care industry and has more than 30 years of experience as a spa owner, esthetician, product manufacturer and creator of the Four Layer Facial.

Sarfati will be joined by Dr. Joe Schwarcz who will discuss how cosmetic ingredients are presented by the industry and media as well as consumer perceptions of these ingredients in a talk titled “Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?”

Dr. Schwarcz is director of the Office for Science and Society at McGill University in Montreal and will explain the truth behind cosmetic ingredients and chemicals and debunk common consumer concerns. He is the author of several books and the recipient of Canada’s premier award in the field of chemistry, The Montreal Medal.

Dr. Jeffrey Ahn, director of both Sleep Disorder Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Columbia University, will present “The Truth about Stem Cells and Dermal Healing.” Dr. Ahn is involved in research into the use of stem cells for connective tissue engineering in head and neck reconstruction.

In addition to the keynote speakers, the event will include a panel discussion on leading salon and spa industry topics. The panel will include Leah Chavie, owner of Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique in Chicago; Margarita Vizcarra, owner of Red Square Spa in Chicago; Yolanda Amador, owner of Wow! Facial Bar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Christie Citsay, spa director of Vito Massa Salon and Sap in Woodbridge, New Jersey.  Visit repechage.com.