Grow Green with Dermagrafix

Dermagrafix, Bucks County's premier permanent cosmetic studio, has a green outlook

Written by Erin McNelis

A Green Beginning

It started with an animal-free diet but has now blossomed into a sustainable revolution for Valerie Weber, owner of the acclaimed Doylestown permanent cosmetics studio, Dermagrafix. Her recently expanded studio, tucked into a historic 200-year-old building in Bucks County, has been upgraded with new fixtures, lights, flooring and even furniture that has all been selected for sustainability and vegan-friendliness.

A Revolution Begins

Weber knows her clients feel great about their looks after treating themselves to permanent cosmetics. But knowing that their choice is now eco-friendly will add an even brighter glow.

The upgrades were fueled in part by her own personal life choices. “I changed to an animal-free diet and implemented these changes into my personal hygiene products,” says Weber. Her choices were driven both by a commitment to the environment and a commitment to her health. Once she felt the positive effects personally, she knew she had to lead the way for her clientele. “We are really excited for the positive changes.”

As the team planned for a large expansion, green choices were part of the conversation at every step.

Sustainable Fixtures

The floor was refinished with a recycled, waterproof floor that has a 100-year commercial guarantee and meets high safety standards for tattooing and durability. Weber also chose recycled or eco-friendly furnishings for waiting areas and vegan fabrics when possible. One of the biggest upgrades was replacing a multitude of outdated lighting with energy-efficient LEDs.

A post shared by Valerie Weber (@dermagrafix) on Apr 20, 2018 at 3:52pm PDT

Green Products

Then the team turned their attention to how to improve their green standards when it came to actual products and services. When researching the pigments, anesthetics, aftercare products, and procedural supplies, Valerie happily found that her studio was already vegan and cruelty-free. The only exception is a product that helps with bleeding that is not vegan. “If clients prefer not to have it, they can request that,” Valerie said. “We can offer a completely vegan-friendly tattoo process that is better for our environment and truly reduces our carbon footprint.”

Even the products on the shelf have leveled up, as Dermagrafix is implementing new deals that will allow them to carry only products that come in recyclable or sustainable packaging. Paper in every area is now consciously being kept to a minimum, even in the office. Weber set a goal of a 90% reduction in paper consumption which is fueled by digital changes. For example, clients will check in on user-friendly tablets, receive e-copies of forms and personal records and use an e-signature system.

No Item is too small

Weber even got creative when it came to biohazard items, like needles. Many other companies put sharps into containers which find their way into landfills after sterilization. Dermagrafix sends their sharps to a company that sterilizes and incinerates them, turning them into reusable energy. Weber is proud that her company is not contributing to that sort of waste. “There are better options for businesses like mine. We have been able to do all of this without reducing the quality or safety of our procedures in any way.”

Valerie pointed out that by nature her business is already a sustainable choice. “Permanent cosmetics reduce the production of cosmetics, reduces the use of animal byproducts, and reduces greenhouse gases and landfill waste.” ♦

Dermagrafix Permanent Cosmetic Studio is a globally-recognized leader in the permanent cosmetic space. Services include permanent cosmetics, hair loss solutions, paramedical micro-pigmentation, microneedling and tattoo removal.