Skincare company F.C. Sturtevant has named spa industry veteran Melanie Edwards director of its professional and spa products division.

Edwards will be leveraging her 25 years of industry experience to launch F.C. Sturtevant’s new probiotic skincare line, Columbia Probiotics, in the spa and medical markets.

The Professional Products Division includes the Columbia Probiotic Skin Care line, which is a probiotic complex for topical use, as well as proprietary moisturisers and creams.

Spa Business identified the skin microbiome – and probiotic treatments to keep it in balance – as an emerging trend in our annual Spa Foresight section of the newly released 2017-2018 Spa Business Handbook.

“I am very excited to be leading the Columbia Skincare Division of F.C. Sturtevant Company,” said Edwards. “The emphasis on quality product development and commitment to comprehensive brand support and product training is best in class. Columbia Probiotics’ patent-pending technology is the world’s first strain-specific probiotics created for topical usage.”

Edwards’ experience includes executive management, sales and marketing, training and education, brand development, strategic planning and retail strategies. A licensed aesthetician with experience in product and menu development, she is currently developing treatment protocols for Columbia Probiotics’ signature facials.

Edwards’ former positions include national director of spa for Equinox, senior VP of spa development for Puig Prestige Beauty, VP of spa development for Decleor USA & Carita USA and board member of the International Spa Association.

“Having the opportunity to bring in such an experienced leader allows us to maintain our position as a global leader in product development while introducing unique and innovative skin care products,” said Gunnar Wilmot, the company’s chief marketing officer.

“With an emphasis on the introduction of new technologies and ingredients, we look to continue to expand our position in the spa and wellness marketplace. With Melanie’s guidance, we will be introducing several new products in the next eight months.”