Maria Crosby knows how to indulge her clients. She’s been working in the skincare and spa industry for nearly two decades and spent a great deal of that time in the high-end spa of the Hotel Hershey. But at her own practice, Beyond Beauty Skin Therapy, in Camp Hill, she wants her clients to understand that skin care is about far more than just looking good.

“Although spa treatments can be luxurious, pampering experiences, there’s also a much bigger importance to taking care of the skin on a regular basis,” Crosby says. “I wanted to start my own practice to be able to offer that; the same treatments and the same quality products, but at much more affordable prices and in a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easier for people to develop a regular skincare regimen.”

At Beyond Beauty Skin Therapy, she feels it’s important to help people understand that skincare is healthcare. “We all have anti-aging concerns, and sure, we want to look beautiful,” she says. “But also, the skin is our largest organ. It protects us and it’s important to take care of it and protect it.”

Crosby considers herself a skin coach; she places an emphasis on education and helps her clients understand their skin type and the at-home regimen that will most benefit their skin. “I don’t want to create a place where I’m making someone dependent on me,” she says. “The idea is to help someone understand their skin and the daily maintenance it needs.”

Crosby will soon receive certification as a wellness coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and plans to begin seeing clients in that area of her practice in the spring. “One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to skincare or overall wellness and health,” says Crosby. “When it comes to beauty, I feel like it’s not about vanity. To me, beauty is confidence, so when our skin is healthy, that’s the ideal. We just want healthy skin that will protect us. When we’re healthy and we feel confidence…that’s beauty. A healthy person is a beautiful person.”

Beyond Beauty Skin Therapy is located at 1924 Market St., Ste. 1, in Camp Hill. For appointments, call 717-695-6583. For more information, visit BeyondBeautySkinTherapy.com.

Kate Morgan is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.