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The owner of a now-defunct skincare spa in Passaic County agreed to a 10-year ban on operating a similar business in New Jersey following allegations she illegally provided invasive aesthetic treatments, according to authorities.
As part of a consent order with the State Board of Medical Examiners and State Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling, Rasha Abdul Basuf will also pay a $10,000 civil penalty, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced in a July 10 press release.
Prompted by a tip from the public, the Division of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation into Basuf’s business practices at Skyn Spa in Clifton, finding it unlawfully provided cosmetic services without the requisite professional licenses, Platkin said.
Between March and December 2023, Basuf and her salon also provided services that exceeded those permitted under the salon’s skincare specialty shop license, and provided services that only licensed medical professionals are authorized to perform, according to the attorney general. Basuf is neither a licensed cosmetologist nor a physician.
Platkin said those services include:
- Botox and dermal filler injections
- Body contouring
- Laser hair removal
- Teeth whitening
- Permanent makeup
- Microblading
- Microneedling
- Platelet rich plasma facials, also known as “vampire facials”
Skyn Spa has since begun the process of dissolving its corporate entity and also surrendered its skin care specialty license. That permit allowed it to offer waxing, eyelash extensions, conventional makeup applications and skincare facials.
A serious threat
The terms of the resolution with the state prohibit Basuf from representing herself as qualified to practice medicine and surgery or provide any service that constitutes the practice of cosmetology and hairstyling.
Basuf and Skyn Spa neither admit nor deny the investigation’s finding of fact, according to authorities. The legal representation for Basuf wasn’t known as of publication.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Over the past year, the state has taken enforcement actions related to alleged unlicensed medical practice in connection with “medical spa” treatments involving needles, syringes, and lancets or prescription medications, like Botox and lidocaine.
Other businesses that came under the scrutiny of investigators include:
- Carolina Nunez Skincare in Union – agreed to pay $22,500 in civil penalties in October 2023 to resolve allegations of performing services without a license.
- Marysol’s Beauty Works in Union – fined $17,650 in June 2023 for practicing without licenses.
- Katica Body Contour Salon in Elizabeth – agreed to pay $20,000 in February 2023 to resolve allegations it offered services that exceeded the scope of its professional licenses.
Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, urged the public to thoroughly vet the professional credentials of practitioners before undergoing any invasive beauty treatments, especially when the offered treatments come at discount or club prices.
“If you suspect someone is providing medical or cosmetic services without a license, please let us know. As the action announced today illustrates, a single tip can help us put a stop to unlawful activities that pose a serious threat to the public,” Fais said.
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