The businesses are advertised as "med spas" that offer a number of anti-aging treatments including injections of Botox, blood or other substances to cut down on wrinkles and strengthen skin tone.
The problem is you need a medical license to do this in New Jersey. And some providers have none.
On Wednesday, authorities announced the latest in a crackdown of these businesses. The owner of a Passaic County spa agreed to pay a $10,000 fine and accept a 10-year ban on operating a skin care specialty spa in New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.
Rasha Abdul Basuf, owner of the now-defunct Skyn Spa in Clifton, provided services that require either a cosmetology license or can only be performed by licensed medical professionals, authorities said. This includes Botox and dermal filler injections, body contouring, laser hair removal, teeth whitening, permanent makeup, microblading and microneedling.
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They also performed "vampire facials" where blood is extracted from a customer, platelets are isolated and it is then injected back into the customer, often in their face.
“No matter how elegant or professionally staffed a ‘med-spa’ may appear, without proper supervision and guidance from licensed, authorized medical personnel, consumers may be exposed to dangerous treatments that could have serious long-term consequences,” Platkin said in a statement.
Microblading and microneedling
Basuf, who could not be immediately reached for comment, told state investigators last year that microblading and microneedling services were performed by a nurse named “Lenora,” but couldn't produce contact information or qualifications when pressed. Investigators said they saw pharmaceuticals and medical supplies inside the spa including disposable syringes.
The spa eventually closed in February. It is one of several in New Jersey that has come under the scrutiny of investigators. Among them:
- Carolina Nunez Skincare in Union agreed to pay $22,500 in civil penalties in October to resolve allegations of performing services without a license.
- Marysol’s Beauty Works in Union Township was fined $17,650 in June 2023 for practicing without licenses.
- Katica Body Contour salon in Elizabeth agreed to pay $20,000 assessed by the state Cosmetology Board, the Medical Board, and the Massage Board to resolve allegations that it was offered services that exceeded the scope of its professional licenses.
"As the med-spa industry continues to grow and evolve, we will continue to investigate and hold accountable individuals providing aesthetic services they are neither licensed nor qualified to perform," Platkin said.
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