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Hey beautiful! It’s so wonderful you’ve dropped by. Once upon a time, I was a boss babe like you on the run. I wasn’t taking care of myself and my skin was suffering. I wanted to look as confident as I felt but I tended to hide under makeup, self conscious. It wasn’t until I learned the secrets …
English
Welcome! I am the owner of Tao Holistics and formulator behind my brand, TAO + SALOMA. I am also co-founder of the International Academy of Mind-body Medicine, an organization that is growing emerging practitioners in holistic healing and herbalism. I began my trek into natural health circa 2002…
FAQs:
What is an Esthetician?
An esthetician is a professional who performs facials, applies makeup (including eyelash extensions and tinting), provides facial hair removal services, and offers consultations about skin care techniques. Estheticians focus on providing beauty care for the face and neck of clients who want healthier skin and who are committed to looking their very best.
What Does an Esthetician Do?
Estheticians work to beautify and improve the conditions of your skin. They discuss things like a client's concerns, current skin care routine, skin care goals, and conditions they have. Based on these conversations, estheticians may recommend or perform treatments.
Some common duties of an esthetician include:
1. Treating skin concerns such as acne, eczema, or wrinkles
2. Offering advice for improving the appearance and health of skin
3. Assessing skin to determine potential causes of concerns
4. Recommending practical treatment options for concerns
5. Consulting with clients regarding caring for skin
6. Developing individualized treatment plans
7. Building rapport with clients to gain their trust
8. Understand different types of skin
It's important to remember the responsibilities of estheticians may vary based on where they work. For example, some estheticians may also sell products to clients. Other estheticians, especially those who may own their own medical spas, may assist with administrative duties, such as scheduling client appointments, answering phones, or welcoming and checking in clients.
What Does Estheticians Can’t Do?
Estheticians, also called skin care therapists, specialize in cosmetic treatments of the skin. If you’ve ever wondered about your skin type, or if you have trouble deciding which skin care products to buy, a visit to an esthetician may be helpful.
Although the term “medical aesthetics” is commonly used, esthetics is not a medical practice. As such, estheticians are not allowed to do certain things, including:
- Diagnose skin conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Suggest treatment for any skin condition outside of cosmetic products
Estheticians are limited to performing treatments that work on the superficial layers of the skin. Therefore, they can’t give any types of injectables like Botox (a procedure that treats wrinkles) or facial fillers (non-surgical face-lift), nor can they do deep chemical peels.
A licensed medical professional, such as a dermatologist, a medical doctor specializing in treating skin conditions, must perform all invasive procedures, diagnoses, and treatments.
Where Do Estheticians Work?
Estheticians can be found in a variety of places! This career is often touted as one with amazing flexibility and opportunity. Here are just a few examples of where you might find an esthetician:
- Spas
- Salons
- Freelancing
- TV/Movie Sets
- Editorial Sets
- Med Spas
- Cruise Ships
- Resorts
Is a Cosmetologist an Esthetician?
The fields of cosmetology and esthetics have some overlap, but cosmetologists are different from estheticians. Estheticians specialize exclusively in skincare. They learn how to perform services such as makeup application, facials, waxing, and exfoliation. A cosmetologist can learn about skin care too, but it’s not their main focus. Cosmetologists primarily explore haircare and nail care services, and they do not typically explore the same depth of skincare knowledge as estheticians.
What’s the Difference Between an Esthetician and an Aesthetician?
You may see the terms “esthetician” and “aesthetician” used to refer to skincare specialists who provide services like facials and microdermabrasion. While the spelling of the two terms differs, they mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. In most areas of the U.S., you’ll see “esthetician” favored when discussing career opportunities, educational programs, and state licensing. However, it’s always worth searching for “aesthetician” opportunities as well if you have graduated from beauty school, attained your state license, and are looking for jobs.
What is Esthetics?
Esthetics (or aesthetics as it is sometimes spelled) is rooted in the branch of philosophy that is directly related to the relationship between the senses and matters of beauty, art, and taste. However, in the beauty industry, esthetics refers directly to the health and beautification of the skin. Esthetics, in more technical terms, refers to the application of various techniques to the epidermal layer of the human body. The practice of esthetics covers a wide array of techniques that may include (but certainly is not limited to) steaming, waxing, extraction, chemical peels, and pore cleansing.
What's the Difference Between an Esthetician and a Dermatologist?
If you have a skin care concern you’d like to address, you can consult two different kinds of experts: estheticians and dermatologists. While both are skin care professionals, they have distinct expertise and offer different kinds of services.
An esthetician, or skin care specialist, provides services geared toward improving the external appearance of your skin. A dermatologist specializes in the health of your skin.
Dermatologists are doctors trained to diagnose specific skin conditions and treat them. They might, for example, prescribe prescription medications or perform in-office procedures, from removing cysts and growths to performing skin cancer biopsies.
Estheticians, on the other hand, perform treatments that target the surface of your skin, like facials and mild chemical peels.
How Often Should You Visit an Esthetician?
Ideally, you should visit an esthetician every four to six weeks. However, if you have a specific concern that you’d like addressed, such as acne or premature aging, then you may need to visit more frequently. Conversely, if your skin is generally healthy and you only want to maintain its current condition, visiting less often may be sufficient. Ultimately, it’s important to consult with your esthetician about what frequency of visits is best for you.
Is Visiting an Esthetician Safe?
One of the first things you might be wondering about before your visit is whether or not esthetician visits are safe. The answer? Yes, visiting an esthetician is safe. Estheticians are required to complete extensive training before they can provide services to the public. They must also renew their certification every two years.
Visits to an esthetician can help improve your skin health when done correctly and with proper sanitation measures in place. However, it’s important to do your research ahead of time to find a qualified and reputable esthetician who will suit your specific needs.
If you have any preexisting conditions or are pregnant, make sure to mention this to your esthetician before treatment. Certain treatments may not be recommended if you fall into either category. For example, pregnant women should avoid receiving chemical peels during their pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask your esthetician.
Types of Estheticians
Estheticians also come in many different types depending on what they specialize in and what their level of experience is. As an aspiring esthetician, here are some of your options in the esthetics industry:
1. A medical esthetician is the type of esthetician that works in a medical setting like medical spas. They specialize in medical esthetics, so they work alongside a dermatologist, nurse esthetician, or other medical professionals.
2. A spa esthetician focuses on services that relax a client and enhance their facial appearance. Some of their most popular treatments or services include aromatherapy, massage therapy, and facials.
3. A facial esthetician focuses on the different types of facial treatments to cater better to their patients. They know everything about facials, from cleansing techniques to physical exfoliation and more.
4. A skincare specialist is a kind of skincare professional that focuses on the scientific side of esthetics and cosmetology. They usually work with patients who suffer from chronic skin concerns like acne, rosacea, and signs of aging.
5. A master esthetician has a job similar to that of a regular esthetician, but they’re also qualified to perform a wide range of other skin treatment options thanks to the extra training hours they received.
Skills of an Esthetician
Becoming an esthetician requires a combination of hard skills, which are the technical skills related to the job that you master, and soft skills, which are skills related to your personal traits and how you interact with others. Aside from understanding skin care and beauty techniques, there are several skills important for an aesthetician to have. Some of these skills include:
1. Communication skills: Communication skills help you build relationships with your clients, helping them feel comfortable with you. These also help you share important information with them related to their treatment options.
2. Active listening skills: Active listening skills refer to being an attentive listener who processes information well. This is important so you can understand your clients' goals, address their concerns, and provide them with the most accurate options.
3. Interpersonal skills: Interpersonal skills help you interact with your clients and earn their trust. These skills also reflect how you process your own emotions and how receptive you are to the emotions of others.
4. Ability to multitask: Being able to multitask is important for estheticians as they may have to see multiple clients at the same time or provide multiple treatments simultaneously. It's important to be able to do many things at once without compromising treatment quality or patient safety.
5. Attention to detail: Attention to detail is important as estheticians often complete meticulous work. Being mindful of details is critical when operating equipment, recommending products, and following the instructions of what your clients want.
Physical fitness may also be a concern for estheticians. Estheticians often work on their feet, so it's important to be able to stand for long periods of time. Also, it's important for you to be comfortable and able to operate various equipment safely.
The Different Esthetician Services
Many estheticians specialize in certain areas, and every spa will have different offerings on its menu. However, there are some fundamental treatments estheticians provide.
Facials
The facial is an esthetician’s signature treatment.
A basic facial consists of:
- Deep cleansing
- Facial steam
- Exfoliating treatment
- Mask
- Moisturizer or serum
An esthetician may also treat you to a facial massage, arm and shoulder massage, and apply specialty products during a facial. Facials are tailored to suit your skin’s needs and your personal preferences. Every esthetician has a unique method as well.
Extractions
Extractions are when an esthetician removes blackheads from your skin. They usually include this process with most facials. After your esthetician manually removes blackheads, they cleanse dead skin cell blockages and oil from your pores. Extraction makes an immediate improvement in the look and feel of the skin. It can also help prevent inflammatory acne (blemishes that are infected with bacteria) from developing in the future.
Acne Treatment
Exfoliating procedures, along with extractions and over-the-counter (OTC) acne products, can often clear up mild acne and blackheads. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells using scrubs or chemicals. Estheticians don't "pop" inflamed pimples, since this can make swelling and redness worse and may lead to scarring. If your acne is moderate to severe, a dermatologist should treat it. If you receive medical treatment for acne, talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of complementary esthetician care to be sure it’s safe in your situation. Often, people see an esthetician for treatments that can be used with prescription acne medications. Estheticians can also help you choose skin care products that help combat acne treatment side effects, like extra dry skin.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a specialty—and wildly popular—treatment some estheticians offer. Superfine crystals (or a diamond-tipped wand) are passed over the skin during a treatment, gently removing dead cells.
This treatment offers numerous benefits, including:
- Softer skin
- Fewer fine lines
- Improvement in minor hyperpigmentation (patches of darker skin)
- Smaller pores
Superficial Chemical Peels
Superficial chemical peels use an alpha hydroxy acid (most often glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid) to rapidly exfoliate the skin and give it a healthy glow. These peels are some of the more popular treatments offered by estheticians. When done consistently, they can have anti-aging benefits. People sometimes call these “lunchtime peels” because they require no downtime. You can have them done over your lunch hour and return to work immediately.
Body Wraps, Masks, and Scrubs
Estheticians don’t just work on the face; they care for the skin on the entire body. Treatments for the body may include:
- Salt glows (exfoliation using salt)
- Sugar scrubs (exfoliation using sugar crystals)
- Clay body masks
- Seaweed body wraps
Salt and scrubs exfoliate, while masks and wraps help soften and brighten your skin. On top of leaving your skin feeling silky smooth, these treatments can be relaxing.
Hair Removal
Many estheticians specialize in hair removal. If you’ve got unwanted hair, an esthetician can get rid of it through several methods, including:
- Waxing
- Tweezing
- Threading (thread is rolled over short rows of hair to pull it out)
- Laser hair removal (electrolysis)
An esthetician can remove hair from just about anywhere, including your pubic area, back, chest, and face. Bikini waxes (removal of pubic hair visible when wearing a swim bottom) and Brazilian waxes (full removal of pubic hair) are pretty common hair removal services, probably second only to brow shaping.
Airbrush Tanning
Not all estheticians offer this service, but it’s become more popular since people have become more aware of the dangers of tanning. Airbrush tanning is a safer way to get a golden glow. During the process, an esthetician sprays your skin with an ultra-fine mist of sunless tanning product. Once dry, you’ll have a convincing “tan” that lasts for up to two weeks.
Makeup Application
You might book an esthetician to get your makeup done for a special event like a wedding or prom. There’s no need to supply your own makeup. Estheticians work from their makeup kit using clean application tools for your protection. Schedule well in advance of your event if you’re interested in this service. Good makeup artists get booked quickly, especially during the busy spring and summer months. Estheticians provide many services, including facials, acne treatments, skin peels, exfoliation, hair removal, spray tanning, and makeup application. Often, estheticians specialize in certain services.
Reasons Why People Visit an Esthetician
With almost 70,000 licensed skincare specialists working in the U.S., many people are enjoying the skincare guidance and services aestheticians provide. There are several reasons people seek out the expertise of an aesthetician.
Pampering. Some services provided by aestheticians, such as scalp massages and aromatherapy, are excellent ways to pamper yourself and relieve stress. Visiting an aesthetician regularly can offer opportunities to add calm and relaxation to your self-care routine.
Advice. Aestheticians are excellent resources if you're seeking general skincare advice. For example, you may want help in identifying your skin type and guidance on which products are best for your needs.
Concerns. You can also consult with an aesthetician for a variety of specific skin concerns including:
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sensitive skin
- Sun damage
- Unwanted body or facial hair
Benefits of Seeing An Esthetician
An esthetician is a trained professional who offers skincare services such as facials, massages, and peels. While many people think of estheticians as people who help them relax and unwind, they can do much more than that. Here are 5 ways an esthetician can help change your life:
1. Estheticians help people to look and feel better.
One of the best things about being an esthetician is that you get to help people look and feel more beautiful. There are so many different ways to do this, from giving facials and massages to doing skin care consultations. And, of course, you can also help people choose the right products for their skin type. But looking good is just one benefit of seeing an esthetician regularly.
2. Estheticians Help Eliminate Stress
If you are someone who struggles with anxiety or stress, visiting an esthetician can help eliminate some of that tension. Studies have shown that facial treatments can help reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” When we experience high levels of stress, our bodies produce more cortisol.
3. Estheticians Help People Become More Confident
The first way an esthetician can help change your life is by helping you become more confident. When you look good, you feel good. That’s why getting regular facials and taking care of your skin is so important. An esthetician can help you find the right products and treatments for your skin type so that you can feel confident about your appearance.
4. Estheticians Help Clients With Skin Conditions and Concerns
One of the most important ways that an esthetician can help change your life is by helping you to get your skin under control. If you suffer from acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or any other type of skin condition, an esthetician can provide treatments and recommend products that can help improve your skin’s appearance. An esthetician can also help you to address any concerns you have about your skin.
5. Estheticians Prepare People for Important Events in Their Lives
One of the most important things that estheticians do is help people prepare for important events in their lives. Whether it’s a wedding, prom, or some other special occasion, estheticians can help make people look and feel their best. They can provide skin care treatments that will improve the appearance of skin and make people feel more confident about themselves. This can be a really valuable service for people who are feeling anxious or stressed about an upcoming event.
5 Things You Should Tell Your Esthetician
Whether it’s your very first facial or your quarterly injectables touch-up, it’s important to be honest with your esthetician and dermatologist so that they can make the entire process more relaxing, informative and successful. Here are the top five things you should share with your esthetician or dermatologist at every appointment:
1. Medical history including recent illnesses, pregnancies and medications
Be honest about your medical status such as recent illness, pregnancy or even the possibility of pregnancy, and the starting or discontinuing of medication. Some chemical peels are not advisable during pregnancy and if you aren’t sure, it is better to avoid them just in case. If you were recently sick, you may have been on an antibiotic that will make you more sensitive to light or laser treatments. And if you just recently stopped taking oral contraceptives, it may be a contributing factor to an acne flare-up. You may need to adjust your skincare régime or see a dermatologist help you through the transition but with the right information, your esthetician can choose the better treatment plan for you.
2. Any recent use of topical medications or treatments
Let them know if you have used any topical medication recently. Know the names of your medications. Using a topical with tretinoin or acids may make the treatment you are about to receive a stronger one than intended. A very mild chemical peel can turn into a very strong one if you have recently exfoliated or forgot to stop your retinol. There are many times that even a simple brow or lip wax can turn into an ugly scab because the use of a retinoid topical and the wax removed not just the hair, but the skin as well.
3. Recent sun exposure, with or without sun protection
Be honest about any recent sun exposure. Even unintentional sun exposure is sun exposure. It’s easy to think that because you aren’t laying out trying to get sun, you aren’t getting exposed. Being in the pool, going to sports games, gardening, golfing, or any outside activity is sun exposure. Sunscreen is helpful only if you are applying it every 2 hours and using shade as much as possible with hats and umbrellas and even then, sunscreen is only giving you a percentage of protection. Even a slight tan from recent sun exposure can cause unwanted burns or hyperpigmentation when using a light therapy treatment, such as laser hair removal and photo facials.
4. Your favorite and not-so-favorite skincare products
Let them know of any products or services that have not worked for you in the past. Whether you just do not like the product or service, or you experienced irritation, this will help your esthetician tailor your skin care program without these aggravators. If someone says they have used a very well-known TV line that treats acne and they say it caused an acne flare or irritation, I usually try to avoid using benzyl peroxide, which is the main ingredient, and suggests a different topical. And even treatments that have caused irritation can be a clue into what to avoid and what other services may be more beneficial.
5. How you’re feeling, every step of the way
Finally, always let your esthetician know if something does not feel right or if you are uncomfortable with a treatment or service. Specifically do not be afraid to speak up if you are uncomfortable during a treatment because everybody has a different pain tolerance or comfort level. Certain procedures like laser hair removal, photo facials, and even extractions are not necessarily pleasant, but they should not be unbearable either. If we can position your neck more comfortably, or lower the intensity of a treatment to make it better for you, we definitely will and can. Most estheticians appreciate feedback because we want to give the best possible treatment and make it enjoyable at the same time. Please communicate when it is needed.
Top 10 Things Your Esthetician Wants You to Know
Here are the top ten things that your esthetician wants you to know:
1. Double cleansing is a must.
No, this isn’t a gimmick to get you to buy more cleanser. It’s legitimately necessary for optimal skin health. This is especially true if you wear cosmetics and/or physical sunscreens. The first cleanse removes dirt and makeup while the second cleanse removes oxidized sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. Why does this matter? Sebum is a natural protectant against environmental toxins and microorganisms and it’s also responsible for trapping in moisture. In order for active ingredients to work optimally and actually penetrate the skin, all excess oil must be removed.
2. Don’t pick your face, as in never, EVER!
This should go without saying but I can’t stress it enough. As a person who suffered with inflammatory acne for well over a decade I know how difficult it is to resist the urge to pick and purge. I don’t know anyone that wants to walk around with a giant whitehead on his or her face. I get it! The problem is that every time you attempt to extract a lesion from your skin, you run the risk of spreading harmful bacteria, scarring, inducing PIH (post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation), and causing more breakouts by irritating surrounding follicles (pores). Some tricks to quit-the-pick? Try performing your nighttime skin regimen with the lights off. If you can’t see it, you can’t pick it! Although this may sound silly and simple most people who pick their faces do it at night.
3. Regardless of your skin color, wearing sunscreen daily is mandatory.
Darker skinned clients are constantly telling that they don’t need to use sunscreen and this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Although darker skin has more melanin, our natural protection against UV light and aging, darker complexions face their own unique set of challenges with UV exposure. Some of these include hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and hypopigmentation (loss of pigment). Additionally pigmentary changes, i.e. potentially harmful skin cancers, are not as easy to spot on darker skin tones. A minimum of SPF 15 is mandatory and reapplication every two hours is essential regardless of skin color.
4. Antioxidants are a must in the fight against skin aging.
Antioxidants protect skin against free radicals that form in response to sunlight. Studies have shown that antioxidants can boost the photo protective ability of your sunscreen by up to 50%! Seeing as how 80-99% of the physical signs of aging are caused from UV light, think of antioxidants as insurance against Father Time marching right across your face.
5. You are what you eat.
We all know people that can eat/drink whatever they want, never work out, and still look amazing! Your skin needs proper nutrition to achieve a healthy, radiant glow. This is colossally true when you’re dealing with acne or other inflammatory skin conditions. There are countless studies documenting the negative effects of poor diet on the skin. It is not suggested that you eliminate everything yummy but a diet rich in veggies, minimal in sugar and grains, and high in healthy forms of protein and fats will tremendously support gorgeous complexions.
6. Sleeping in your makeup is a HUGE no-no.
While you’re sleeping your body temperature rises and causes your follicles (pores) to soften and dilate slightly. If you’ve neglected to wash your face before bedtime all of the makeup, dirt, bacteria, environmental toxins, and oxidized oil are stuck to your skin. That left over gunk can lead to breakouts, inflammatory lesions, and skin sensitivity. Its best not to wait until bedtime to perform your evening skin regimen. As soon as you’re home for the day, not facing the world or the sun again, take care of your skin. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll be taking a dirty face to bed with you.
7. Your face doesn’t end at your jawline
The skin on your face, neck, and chest get an almost identical amount of environmental exposure, which means they’re going to age the exact same way. Caring for the skin on your neck and chest is just as important as caring for the skin on your face. Bring all your skincare products, and I mean ALL, down your neck and onto your upper chest. Time and time again, clients who have cared meticulously for the skin on their faces and ignored the rest. The result? Wrinkled, spotted, pigmented, loose skin everywhere but their faces. Our goal is to age slowly, hopefully very slowly, and uniformly. Treating the chest and neck, and if you’re extra diligent the backs of your hands and forearms, is a habit your future self will thank you for.
8. Not everyone needs to exfoliate.
Contrary to popular belief, exfoliation isn’t for everyone. If a person has rosacea, inflammatory lesions, or sensitive/sensitized skin their protective barrier is impaired. An impaired barrier equates to having less protective skin cells on the surface and the skin becomes compromised. If you exfoliate an already compromised skin you’ll be guaranteed an even more itchy, red, inflamed face in no time. The purpose of the skin is to protect against UV radiation, water loss, and microorganisms. When the barrier is intact, the skin does a pretty stellar job! It’s important to understand your specific and unique skin needs so that you’re using products that are helping, not hurting your complexion.
9. Facial Treatments shouldn’t be considered just a luxury.
Everyone likes to relax and get pampered and a delicious facial should be no exception. It’s important to note though that regular facials do much more than relax you and give your skin a little glow. Skin cells naturally turnover every 28-32 days and that number gradually decreases as we age resulting in more dull, dead skin cells on the surface. After the age of twenty the skin produces roughly 1% less collagen and elastin per year, which can cause sagging. Sagging, hyperpigmentation, and dryness are what make the skin appear aged. Regular facial treatments help to smooth the skin, increase hydration, and even out skin tone. An added benefit is that people tend to be much more committed to their home care regimens when they’re seeing an Esthetician regularly. The gold standard is monthly facial treatments but even seasonally, every 2-3 months, is usually enough to keep your skin glowing and radiant.
10. The most effective skincare is consistent skincare.
Radiant skin doesn’t come from using $500 face creams despite what claims marketers would have you believe. It also doesn’t come from having an overly complicated skincare regimen that requires more time than your average workout! Radiant, healthy complexions are achieved from using the right ingredients and caring for your skin twice a day, everyday. There are plenty of great products on the market that are highly effective and won’t break the bank. Try to remember that packaging, smell, color, texture, and cost have absolutely nothing to with quality. Consumer goods are designed to be esthetically appealing and the skincare industry is no exception. This creates a slew of problems because the products that most consumers find visually appealing usually have the worst ingredients and results. When choosing the right skincare products its important to read labels and look for quality ingredients versus pretty packing and hefty price tags.
What to Expect at an Esthetician Appointment
The first time you visit an aesthetician, you will likely schedule a consultation. Arrive without makeup and be prepared to discuss the specific concerns you'd like the aesthetician to address. During the consultation, the aesthetician will evaluate your skin concerns and review your medical history. Be prepared to provide details on any skincare products you're currently using.
At the appointment, the aesthetician will make a recommendation for an appropriate skincare regimen. They might also recommend specific services. You can expect to follow up at regular intervals after you’ve started the new regimen to ensure your skin is responding as you and your aesthetician hoped.
In situations where medical treatment is required, an aesthetician will refer you to a dermatologist or other appropriate medical professional for further evaluation.
If you’re interested in improving the appearance of your skin or addressing cosmetic concerns, a licensed aesthetician can be the ideal skincare partner. Expert advice paired with a little pampering can allow your skin’s natural beauty to shine through.
How to Find an Esthetician Near Me
Trying to find an esthetician for the first time can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to get started…
Ask Friends
Choosing the right esthetician ultimately comes down to personal preference, so what works for your friend might not work for you. That said, word of mouth is a powerful tool and can be a great way to find a reputable skincare professional. Try to talk to friends whose skin types or concerns are similar to yours. This is especially important if you have a specific condition such as rosacea, acne, discoloration, or sensitivity.
How well you connect with an esthetician is also about personality. You want to find someone you have a good rapport with and can talk to easily—someone you feel listens to you and understands your concerns. If a friend recommends an esthetician based on having a good relationship with them, this is a good sign!
Use Social Media
If you don’t get any good responses from your immediate friend group, try reaching out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for recommendations.
Search Online
Read reviews. While online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, they’re a good way to suss out whether a spa is reputable before you take the plunge. Yelp is still the best and most extensive resource for finding spa recommendations online. You can use key search terms such as spa, facial, and esthetician. Look through facilities in your area to find out which ones are recommended by the community; a high rating isn’t everything, but it’s a good start. Once you identify a few different spas, go through reviews to see if any estheticians’ names repeatedly pop up. You may also be able to narrow your search down to spas that cater to your skin condition by adding filters. You can also search for certain keywords in the search bar of the review section (i.e. acne or sun damage).
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.