Former flight attendant soars into new skincare career

Following a successful 32-year career as a flight attendant, Gardnerville Ranchos resident Judi Cohee-Coleman is applying her well-honed hospitality and service skills in a more land-based setting; she now works as a medical aesthetician at Alpine Medical Associates in the Minden Plaza.

Judi developed an interest in skincare at an early age. However, life led her to a career in the airline industry and she took great joy in traveling all over the world. She recalls that while on layovers in exotic locales such as Paris, Brazil and Japan, "everyone else was out shopping and I was getting facials."

Judi was a regular client and got to be on a friendly basis with many of these aestheticians. They encouraged her to follow her dream and pursue skincare as a career.

When her father passed away several years ago, he left Judi enough money to retire from the airline and set about becoming an aesthetician.

"I loved flying, but now I get to make a difference in people's lives. It's something I've always wanted to do. I want people to be excited about their skin," said Judi.

After earning her certification in January of this year, Judi spent the next several months in pursuit of additional training to further her knowledge and expertise.

"I've been doing a lot of research to find cutting edge products and procedures that will make a big difference," said Judi. "I try every single product on myself or on another staff member (from Alpine Medical) before I offer it to my clients."

A confessed former sun worshipper, Judi says that sun exposure is the main cause of skin damage.

"I used to lie out with Crisco or baby oil," she says, shaking her head. "Staying out of the sun is the No. 1 thing you can do to preserve your skin."

She also notes that the dry northern Nevada climate can be harsh for many complexions.

Since she works in a medical setting, Judi can offer medical-grade products to her clients. According to Judi, these products carry a higher concentration and better quality of ingredients than over-the-counter skin preparations. She strives to obtain the best products from U.S. and worldwide-based medical lines.

The products and treatments Judi offers focus on age intervention and redefining skin issues such as acne, rosacea, hyper-pigmentation, fine lines and overall texture. Hand treatments are also available.

She is especially excited about offering the new "Silk Peel Dermal Infusion" treatment. This procedure combines a "wet abrasion" exfoliation process with a simultaneous infusion of topical skin products specific to each client's needs. It is the only facial of this type offered in the immediate area.

n Amy Roby can be reached by e-mail at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com