Celebrity Esthetician Secrets: What Makes a Great Facial Experience
As an esthetician with over 20 years in the business, I've learned that there's so much more to a great facial than just the products used. Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing a topic, Beauty Unlocked: Celebrity Esthetician Trina Renea Reveals the Secrets to Being a Great Esthetician, on our Facially Conscious podcast with Dr. Vicki Rapaport, Rebecca Gadberry, and Julie Falls. Today, I want to share some topics from that conversation and reveal what truly makes for an exceptional skincare experience.
The Magnifying Mirror Trap
One of the first topics we tackled was something Dr. Vicki and I feel strongly about: magnifying mirrors. As Dr. Vicki pointed out, "There are patients who destroy their skin because of these magnifying mirrors."
When clients tell me they can see imperfections in their magnifying mirror that concern them, I remind them that nobody sees the skin from that close-up. People view you from at least five feet away and, most importantly, aren’t focused on your pores!
I strongly recommend scheduling regular facials if you're prone to picking at your skin after examining it too closely. With consistent professional care, you'll have fewer imperfections to pick at, and your skin will thank you. Between appointments, focus on gentle cleansing, like with SILK & SOOTHE HYDRATING CLEANSING GEL, which removes impurities without stripping your skin's natural moisture.
Why Facials Matter
Many clients ask me why they should get professional facials when they could just exfoliate at home. The answer lies in the expertise and controlled environment only professionals can provide.
As we age, cell turnover naturally slows down. While skin cells regenerate every 28-30 days when we're younger, this process gradually takes longer as we age. This is actually how aging begins to show on our skin.
Professional facials provide deeper exfoliation than what you can safely achieve at home. When I perform a facial, I help slough off dead skin cells, which signals your body to create new cells. This speeds up your skin's metabolism and cell regrowth.
For home use, I recommend the CLEAR AWAY CLEANSER. It includes Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids of Glycolic, Lactic, and Salicylic. These natural acids loosen the bond of dead skin cells to accelerate the natural skin renewal process. This cleanser helps provide gentle yet effective exfoliation that helps prevent breakouts while retaining the benefits of your professional treatments.
The Extraction Expertise
One crucial aspect of facials that requires professional training is extractions. Unfortunately, many estheticians don't learn proper extraction techniques in school. I was fortunate to work with Dr. Vicki Rapaport early in my career, where I learned medical-grade extraction methods.
Knowing which types of blemishes can be safely extracted and which should be left alone is essential when performing extractions. For stubborn blackheads that don't come out easily, I often recommend using products with ingredients that help loosen and liquefy the impaction.
I recommend the CLEAR AWAY PADS with 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid; they provide gentle yet effective exfoliation that helps prevent breakouts while retaining the benefits of your professional treatments.
The Device Debate
Our podcast also discussed the various devices used in professional facials. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to separate effective technology from marketing hype.
Two devices I continue to believe in are microdermabrasion and microcurrent. Microdermabrasion provides that "buff and polish" effect that makes extractions easier and leaves skin with an immediate glow. I often use it after applying an enzyme or light peel to remove those stubborn dead skin cells that are "hanging on for dear life," as Rebecca humorously put it.
Microcurrent is another favorite of mine. Using two metal prongs that deliver a gentle current, this technology helps tighten facial muscles and stimulates ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. Think of ATP as the oil that keeps your cellular engines running smoothly. Our bodies produce less ATP naturally as we age, so microcurrent helps stimulate production, energizing cells for better function, To complement your microcurrent treatments, you can use an at-home serum like FLAWLESS YOUTH SERUM to repair your cells at the DNA level, which will make the treatment far more successful.
Finding Your Perfect Esthetician
Perhaps the most important takeaway from our discussion was how to find the right esthetician for your needs. Here's my advice:
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Look for someone who performs a thorough consultation when first meeting you.
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A great esthetician will always ask about changes in your skin and any new products you're using at the start of every facial.
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Seek recommendations rather than choosing based solely on price or convenience.
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Trust your instincts about personal connection. You should feel comfortable with your esthetician and trust their expertise.
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Pay attention to how your skin looks a few days after treatment. The true test of a great facial isn't how you look immediately after but how your skin appears 3-4 days later.
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Expect product recommendations. As Rebecca pointed out, if your esthetician doesn't recommend home care products, they haven't completed their service to you.
The Bottom Line
A genuinely great facial experience combines proper technique, customized treatment, and education. Whether you're an esthetician looking to improve your skills or a client seeking better results, remember that communication is key. Ask questions, express concerns, and work together to achieve your skincare goals.
Remember, your skin is with you for life—it deserves expert care in the treatment room and at home. I'm always here to help guide you on that journey.
Have questions about anything we discussed? Feel free to reach out at info@facialbungalow.com or book a consultation to discuss your specific skincare needs.
Until next time!