The Importance of Taking Care of Your Skin at Home

As I stressed my first post, having a solid, consistent skincare routine at home is VERY important.  As a skin therapist, I may only see you a couple times a month.  However, you have the opportunity to help your skin everyday.  (Also to insure that you get lasting results from your professional treatments, you will want to make sure you are consistently using the right products at home.)

So you may wonder what exactly your home care regimen should consist of.  To take the best care of your skin at home you will want to utilize:  cleanser, exfoliant, a masque, toner, a serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen.  Yes, I realize to some of you this sounds like a lot, but anything worth having, takes some effort.  To have beautiful skin, it takes effort.  God only gave you one face, it is your responsibility to take care of it.

I am going to do a series of posts on each one of these steps.  I want to tell you why each step is important and provide some guidance as to what type of product may be right for you.

Photo courtesy of ASCP

The Importance of Using Professional Products

So what is the difference between professional skin care brands and those that you can buy at drugstores?
And what is wrong with using the less expensive drugstore brands?

The answer is simple.  "If the price is low, then the quality and percentage of ingredients must also be low in order for the company to make a profit" (McCormick).*  Drugstore brands are less expensive because they don't have enough active ingredients to address the problems that we want to tackle. "...Many clients know about alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and its exfoliation and antiaging benefits....  The [active] ingredient [may be] in the product, but there's not enough of it to do what the purchaser believes it will.  For example, a product that has less than 5 percent AHA will soften and moisturize the skin, but will usually not exfoliate" (McCormick).*

Professional brands, which seem pricier, have a higher concentration of active ingredients that will actually help the skin.  Also, using a more concentrated product means you can actually use less product.  With a cheaper product, you have to use more, not to mention it doesn't do much to improve the skin. 

So does buying cheaper brands really save you any money in the long run?  No, not really.

*"Retail Resistance" by Janet McCormick.  Skin Deep.  September/October 2011. Pgs. 13-15.

Photo courtesy of ASCP 

The Importance of Understanding Esthetics

I want to address some of the subjects that I touched on in my last post. 

What  is the difference between Dermatology and Esthetics?  While they are closely related, they do differ and each has their place.

Dermatology is defined as, "[the] branch of science that studies and treats skin disorders and diseases."*  Dermatologists treat specific skin conditions and diseases.  The Dermatologist diagnoses the problem, then prescribes a solution.  It is also important to note that dermatology can address problems in the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis).

Esthetics (or aesthetics) is defined as, "[the] branch of anatomical science that deals with the overall health and well-being of the skin, the largest organ of the human body."*  Estheticians treat clients concerns and are concerned with the overall health of the skin.  Estheticians work on the upper, more superficial layers of the skin.


In other words, while dermatology is valuable, dermatologists are not trained to keep our skin healthy and intact; estheticians are.  Therefore, ideally, you will want to make use of both of the practices for more serious skin conditions.  For example, if you go the dermatologist concerned about acne.  He or she will write you a prescription for an acne medication that might make your skin peel and cause a lot of sensitivity.  When you visit an esthetician, (while she can not make a diagnosis) she will treat the superficial layers of the skin.  She can also help soothe irritation and help fight the problem without drying the skin out and causing further irritation.  She can also educate you on a great home-care regimen to treat the acne at home.

Both are important, but for your skin to stay truly health during your corrective treatment, consistently visit your esthetician.

*Definitions taken from Milady's Standard Esthetics:  Fundamentals, 10th Edition

Photo courtesy of ASCP

The Importance of Fabulous Skin Care

People unsuccessfully try to conceal their problems everyday in every aspect of their lives.  When asked how we are, we always reply with "fine."  When we are insecure about our figures, we squeeze into a pair of "Spanx" so we will look thinner.  When we have money problems, we just ignore it and add to our mounds of debt.  When are trained to act like everything is okay, even when it is not.  We even do the the same with our skin. We think we "conceal" the problems, yet usually, the problem is still visible.  And in some instances, the "cover-up" makes the problem stand out even more. Our skin reveals more about us than we realize.  This may sound superficial at first, but if you really think about it, it's true. 

Many health problems are revealed through our skin.  Poor color in the skin can reveal circulation problems and respiratory issues.  Skin rashes and puffiness tells us we may be having an allergic reaction.  Acne can sometimes indicate digestive issues....

Certain skin conditions can affect confidence and self esteem.  Don't believe me?  Talk to someone who has suffered from acne, psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema.  This lack of confidence can negatively affect every aspect of their lives.

So what do people do when they have these problems?  Many people, mainly women, just try to conceal these skin issues with make-up, all while ignoring the root of their predicament. This is where fabulous skin care and treatments come in.  Certain skin conditions must be addressed by a dermatologist.  Sometimes a prescription is necessary.  However, more times than not, many conditions can be treated in a professional skincare setting by a licensed esthetician, and continuing that care with a great home-care regimen.

I tell clients all the time, "The key to beautiful make-up is beautiful skin."  You are not going to have a beautiful, radiant, glowing complexion simply by applying make-up.  You MUST have an ongoing COMMITMENT to your skin.  Take care of your skin daily with an awesome home-care regimen.  Get a professional skin care treatment at least once a month. 

Consistency is the key.  I meet many clients who are simply to busy (or too lazy) to take care of their skin at home.  You MUST make the time.  Get out of bed five minutes earlier.  Sacrifice ten minutes of your TV or reading time.  Clients will often buy great products, but never use them.  They use they "too busy" excuse, or they say they are trying to "conserve" the product.  These products do absolutely no good sitting under our bathroom sinks or in closets.  If you are going to spend the money, spend the time so you can get the most of your money.

Photo courtesy of ASCP