Employers are now covering Botox, beauty products and facials

Introduction to Employer-Covered Beauty Benefits

Let’s face it: For many of us, the hardest part of skincare isn’t the routine — it’s the bill. Now, some employers are stepping in with a first-of-its-kind benefit that aims to make preventive skin health and wellness services more accessible. From skin cancer screenings and acne treatments to Botox, facials and medical-grade beauty products, employees who sign up can get it all for $25 a month or less.

The Concept Behind Joya Health

“Every benefit an employer offers has a subject that they focus on. But your largest organ, skin, is highly fragmented,” Mike Jafar, CEO and founder of Joya Health, told The Post. “It’s medical, it’s aesthetic, it’s cash, it’s reimbursed, it’s med spa — it is so darn hard for a consumer to navigate through something like your skin management,” he explained. “So what we did is we packaged this up and provided it to employers to sell as a benefit.” The result: Joya Health, which officially launched in October 2024. Most of the companies using it so far are based in California, New York and Florida, but the business is expanding.

How Joya Health Works

Employers can choose to offer Joya as a benefit at no cost to them, giving employees the option to sign up for $25 a month. They can also choose to cover the monthly fees, making it free to employees. Once employees are enrolled, they select a single provider from Joya’s network, which includes dermatologists, med spas and plastic surgeons. All of the providers are fully vetted, a step Jafar said most people don’t appreciate until something goes wrong. Joya connects employees to a credible network of skincare providers.

Benefits of Using Joya Health

So what exactly does Joya get you? First, members receive a facial, medical-grade sunscreen and — most importantly — a free skin cancer check. “Eighty percent of Americans do not get a skincare check. And part is because of cost,” Jafar said, noting that exams can run $150 out-of-pocket. “There’s also just not enough dermatologists. It’ll take you three months to see one, and people just don’t do it,” he added. Roughly 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, though many forgo regular screening. That’s right: Members get $500 a year ($125 per quarter) to spend on treatments including Botox, laser hair removal, PRP, fillers and microneedling.

Real-Life Experiences with Joya Health

“I truly believe that some of my colleagues would not have stepped foot into a dermatologist’s office had they not had Joya as a benefit,” said Kara, a 34-year-old woman from Orange County, Calif., speaking under a pseudonym. “I started with the complimentary full body skin check, which was an amazing service I had honestly never thought about before,” she said. After that, Kara got a facial and consulted her dermatologist about her rosacea, a chronic condition that causes facial redness and visible blood vessels in the skin. Her doctor recommended VBeam laser treatments, which she now pays for using her quarterly allowance.

Demographics and Usage

But women aren’t the only ones jumping on the Joya bandwagon. Jafar said 41% of members are men, who often use the benefit for facials, acne care and even hair loss procedures like platelet-rich plasma treatments. Joaquin, a 44-year-old from Newport Beach, Calif. also speaking under a pseudonym, got interested when his private equity company signed up for Joya. “I was very happy, as I knew my wife would finally get a benefit she will use,” he told The Post. “But I ended up using it more than her.” He’s not the only one. “Nearly half of my office signed up — and it’s mainly guys, which is saying a lot,” Joaquin noted.

Conclusion

The introduction of employer-covered beauty benefits like those offered by Joya Health marks a significant shift in how skincare and wellness are approached in the workplace. By providing accessible and affordable options for preventive skin health and aesthetic services, employers can contribute to the overall well-being of their employees. As the demand for such benefits continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the landscape of employee benefits evolves to include more comprehensive skincare and beauty options.

FAQs

1. What services are covered under Joya Health?
   • Joya Health covers a range of services including skin cancer screenings, acne treatments, Botox, facials, medical-grade beauty products, and more.
2. How much does Joya Health cost?
   • Employees can sign up for Joya Health for $25 a month or less, depending on the employer’s arrangement.
3. Can men use Joya Health benefits?
   • Yes, men can use Joya Health benefits. In fact, 41% of members are men, who often use the benefit for facials, acne care, and hair loss procedures.
4. How do I enroll in Joya Health?
   • Enrollment in Joya Health is typically facilitated through your employer. You would need to check with your HR department to see if Joya Health is offered as a benefit and how to sign up.
5. What is the significance of the vetting process for providers in Joya Health?
   • The vetting process for providers in Joya Health ensures that all skincare professionals in their network are credible and trustworthy, which is crucial for preventing adverse reactions or poor service quality.