10 Game-Changing Skincare Tips From My Esthetician

I had made it 22 years without ever having a facial and now I regret it. A few weeks ago I got my first one ever which was amazing and I am already waiting until I can get my next one. I had heard so many horror stories of people that broke out after getting a facial so I was always too scared; not only did it make my skin look so glowy and fresh, I learned so many tips from my esthetician.

Just for a bit of background, I have dry skin that is pretty acne-prone. I have always had breakouts here and there for years so I got into skincare pretty early and always made sure to use good products on my skin. I am not saying that these tips are going to work for you because what works for my skin might not work for yours but, I still wanted to share because I had never really heard of any of this before.

Cream Cleansers > Gel Cleansers

This is a tip for those with dry skin; she recommended using a cream cleanser, which I already was because gel cleansers can be more drying. She did say that if I happen to be breaking out using a gel cleanser is fine to help treat acne but for most days use a cream face wash since they are more hydrating.

Apply Cleanser On Dry Skin

This was probably the hardest one to adjust to because I had been wetting my face and then washing it since forever. I don’t remember her exact reasoning for this but I think it had something to do with water and oil not mixing so applying the cleanser on dry skin gives you a deeper clean. That all made sense to me and I have honestly noticed a difference in my breakouts and my skin has felt much more hydrated after cleansing.

Two Words: Hyaluronic Acid

My esthetician really emphasized how important hyaluronic acid was especially for my skin type because it is super hydrating yet thin so you won’t feel it weighing on your skin. I was already using it on my face in the mornings but she suggested I apply some at night as well. The most important thing is to apply this right after cleansing or toning while your skin is still damp because that is when it can absorb it the best.

Tone Upward

I think this is my favorite thing that I learned during my appointment. She told me that even though I have dry skin I should still be using a toner at night. I was already doing this but the way she told me to apply it is what has changed my life! She told me that our pores are facing downward so always apply toner in an upward motion to really make sure it penetrates into the skin and pores.

Proper Exfoliation

My esthetician mentioned that lactic acid is the most hydrating out of the chemical exfoliants so this was best for me. It is gentle enough to use pretty much every day if you need it. She recommends that I mix a drop or two in my nighttime moisturizer for a light exfoliation.

When To Wear A Face Mask

I love face masks because they are great for my acne but, they are not the best for keeping my skin hydrated. The best way to get around this is to apply your face masks in the shower. She recommended that I wash my face and then while washing my hair or shaving I wear the mask. The heat and steam of the shower will open up your pores and help the mask really sink in and then just wash it off before you get out.

At-Home Extractions

While she was doing some extractions she did give me some advice for any at-home extraction sessions. DISCLAIMER: She did not say to do this! Picking at your skin is always a big NO but, she knew that I was probably going to anyway and wanted to show me the best way to do it. The most important thing is to never pick dry skin and only to do so after the shower because that is when your pores are open. I usually only get blackheads which are easier to get rid of but do not pick at any whiteheads because they take much longer to heal.

Sunscreen EVERY Day

I already knew how important sunscreen was but, I was only really wearing it when I was going outside. After she pointed out sun damage that I didn’t even realize I had I knew I needed to be wearing it every single day because UV rays can still damage your skin while indoors.

Things Will Get Worse Before They Get Better

Although it is scary news, I needed to hear it. She ended up telling me that when it comes to sunspots/sun damage, what you see is usually just the tip of the iceberg and there is more underneath the surface. When treating these dark marks they will probably start to look like they are getting bigger and changing shape but, that just means your cells are turning over and it is slowly going away. Just take a deep breath and trust the process.

Spot Treating

I have heard mixed opinions on using tea tree oil on your skin to treat acne but, when my esthetician told me it would be good for my skin I needed to try. I started using a tea tree oil that is specifically for skin and treating blemishes almost every night and it has been amazing. I apply it after I’ve finished my nighttime routine to dilute the product even more and it has really cleared up my skin. I used to use the typical Mario Badescu pink acne treatment and it wouldn’t really do all that much except dry my skin out so using this oil has been a game-changer.