Company name: Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare
Owner and CEO: Michael Q. Pugliese, BS, LE
Medical Director: Peter T. Pugliese, M.D.
Year established: 2002
Business type: Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing and Education
Located: Bethel, Pennsylvania
No. of employees: Eight
Distributors: Seven (U.S.)
Mission Statement: Circadia is committed to bringing skin care professionals the latest technology in skin science through education and innovative product development.
Circadia is unique because of Dr. Peter T. Pugliese (Dr. Pugliese), our founder and one of the most recognized educators in the industry. Even before aesthetics was recognized as a profession in the U.S., Dr. Pugliese’s long history as a consultant and researcher in skin physiology established him as one of the cosmetics industry’s most influential forces. In 2006, Michael Q. Pugliese (Pugliese) became the CEO of Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc. In five short years under Pugliese’s leadership, the Circadia brand has grown to achieve international recognition and distribution. He is a licensed aesthetician and a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, always staying on the cutting edge of new product development. Upon assuming the responsibility of directing the next phase of the company growth, Pugliese has positioned the company to serve both the industry and the consumers who trust us in the treatment rooms.
Here is what Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare’s owner and CEO, Michael Q. Pugliese, BS, LE, had to say during a recent interview.
Q: What is the strength behind Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare?
A. Above all else, the people we work with, who are committed to the Circadia concept, bring strength to our company and to our message. We carefully evaluate everyone who approaches us to work in any and every aspect of the business. Every person matters, from our customers to our wholesale accounts to our employees and vendors. Without them, our business would not run. Circadia began as a family company with Dr. Pugliese and his own children; today that same sense of close community continues to be embodied by our distributors. We are proud that our vision for the future is built upon, and influenced by, the respect and appreciation for all that has gone before to bring us here today.
Q: What sets you apart from other manufacturers?
A: Circadia serves to rapidly respond to the newest scientific discoveries with a timely rollout of new products. Furthermore, Circadia then has the distinction of educating the skin care industry on the technologies that initiated those products. Dr. Pugliese was there from the early days of the aesthetic practice of soothing and beautifying, through to today’s incorporation of medical technologies in the application of everyday skin care routines.
Q: Are there any new products in development?
A: Circadia exists in a constant state of new product development. Through our inside access to specialty raw materials and suppliers, and invention that is always based on the physiological compatibility of our finished formulations we approach all new products with a balance of what to incorporate and what to leave behind. It is comparable to the difference between an all-you-can-eat buffet and one perfect serving of an exquisitely prepared entree. One leaves you stuffed and uncomfortable, while the other nourishes and satisfies. Dr. Pugliese has always said that too many functional ingredients in one product unnecessarily drive up both the cost and the irritation potential.
We utilize, and when appropriate exceed, the supplier’s effective dose concentrations of actives. We blend safe, proven vehicles to deliver those actives so they do what they are supposed to do on the skin. The proven performance of our existing core products is always considered along with the opportunity to improve them as we learn of ground-breaking new ingredients. We manufacture in-house, to protect the integrity of each component in the customer’s skin care routine, as well as provide a rapid entry into the marketplace with truly breakthrough new products.
Q: What do you think about the future of Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare?
A: “The future’s so bright we gotta wear shades”… and sunscreen! Circadia has seen immense growth in the last 24 months through shows and classes, publishing and teaching, and building relationships with our people. Our vision for the future continues to emphasize new products, education of the American aesthetician and the growth of new relationships throughout the industry.
Q: How many reps do you have and what territories do they represent?
A. Currently, Circadia is distributed through our partnerships in seven strategic territories, each of whom employs up to 10 field reps. Our goal is to serve the practitioners we meet at tradeshows and through referrals from the many school owners who attend our classes and are now bringing Circadia into their advanced level courses.
Q: What education and customer service support do you offer clients; both initially and long-term?
A. Dr. Pugliese’s own textbook, Advanced Professional Skin Care, Medical Edition has brought the education standard for practitioners to a level of excellence independent of the politics of licensing in the U.S. Since its publication in 2005, over eight thousand copies of this book have been purchased by individual aestheticians, without being required by any curriculum. The book provides an accurate and ongoing reference for all phases of practice where a thorough knowledge of the science of skin is required. Pugliese has continued his grandfather’s tradition of providing product-neutral lectures within our manufacturer’s classrooms at every major trade event throughout the year. It is not unusual to see owners and educators of other skin care brands at these lectures, and many attendee referrals come from these companies. It is a distinction, and a bow of respect to Dr. Pugliese’s contributions, that means a great deal to us.
Q: What are your goals for Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare and how do you partner with your clients to achieve them?
A. Circadia continues to build both the company and the brand by the daily focus of strengthening personal relationships that characterize the very nature of aesthetics. We touch people. We aspire to improve our presentation methods and materials to facilitate the duplication of our lectures to qualified educators who strive for excellence. We direct the feedback we receive from our wholesale accounts to the various departments within the company – is our website providing enough information? Does our manual clearly explain the procedure for our treatments? Is our packaging competitive at the retail level? The feedback from our distributor partners truly drives the direction of our company; we have long-term relationships with key industry figures and educators themselves who provide their insight. Our overall goal is to raise the skin care practitioner’s level of confidence in selecting effective products to serve their clients. We want to instill in each of them the importance of understanding what an effective product is and how it performs on the skin. And we believe we have done this and will continue to do so for this and the next generation of aestheticians.
Q: Does Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare support any particular causes or charitable organizations?
A. Dr. Pugliese’s generosity is well known, and he has always self-funded his own research. As many of our industry family is aware, Dr. Pugliese lost his dear and beloved wife, Joanne, a year ago. A memorial fund has been established in her name to provide funding for research into the devastating neurological disease, ALS.
In closing, Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Inc., Advanced Professional Skincare began and remains, in philosophy and practice, a family company. At any industry event you will see me lecturing; my mother, Patti, hugging old friends and encouraging new students; my aunt Susan, demonstrating The Pillowcase; and my grandfather, Dr. Pugliese, signing the book that was his gift to this industry. Our legacy is proud and we know that we stand “On the shoulders of giants.” Our people are our friends and our commitment to this industry never wavers. We are here to help, and if you are willing to do the work, we will be there when you need us.
To learn more about Circadia by Dr. Pugliese please visit their website: www.circadia.com
