Where do you get your skincare advice? What to do and what not to do!

 

There is a TON of information out there? So, where do you choose to go when looking for skincare advice? Is it your local Dermatologist or  Esthetician? Or do you take the advice of random strangers on the internet?

 I say this often and stand by it, "skincare isn't one size fits all!" So, you'll be tough pressed to get great results using something that's working for someone else who say is a different age, has a different skin type and lives in a totally different climate...... 

 Skincare should be customized to support and meet the current needs of YOUR skin! How do you figure out the current needs of your skin? Via skin analysis! Dermatologists and Estheticians are trained to take an up close and personal approach to identify what your skin NEEDS. We take into consideration your lifestyle, medications you are on, preexisting conditions, and then closely analyze your skin under a mag lamp. During your skin analysis is the best time for you, to ask questions! Lots of them! This empowers you as a consumer to learn as much as possible about your skin and how to identify which products work best for your skin. Sure, as an Esthetician I'm happy to put you on a home care regimen, but my goal ultimately is to help you get to know your skin! I want you to be able to identify what's working for it and what isn't, so that you can become an educated consumer! Getting to know your skin type and conditions along with what ingredients play best with your skin is truly the best long term approach!

Understanding contraindications:

In skincare there are product ingredients and services that some clients might be contraindicated for. Dermatologists and Estheticians are trained to be able to identify these as to avoid an adverse reaction. Here again lies the danger of attempting procedures at home or even buying products from non skincare professionals. I've seen permanent scarring and infections resulting from attempts at home needling or chemical peels. These treatments should only be administered in office by a professional. That being said, when researching procedures you are interested in I highly recommend doing your own personal research. Look at the contraindications, before and after images, read up on the recovery process and checkout the reviews for providers in your area. Knowledge is power! I personally like RealSelf.com for reviews. 

Where to purchase skincare:

Find a website full of too good to be true prices? Don't walk, RUN AWAY! Diverted skincare products are products being sold by unauthorized businesses. Here you run the risk of ending up with expired products or counterfeit skincare items! If there is a brand you are interested in purchasing you can go to their website to buy directly from them or  find a list of authorized retailers in your area. For example: I personally get my vitamin C serum and moisturizer directly from luzernlabs.com  (15% off coupon using code BFBEAUTY15) and I buy my favorite spf and sheet masks from my local dermatologist at dermtodoor.com (coupon code "BRASFIELD"). Derm-to-door is great because once you understand your skin, you can actually shop dermatologist recommended products by your skin type, concern and conditions! 

Remember consistency is KEY:

Much like the gym, where you have to ACTUALLY show up to get results, if you don't consistently USE your skincare products, they aren't going to work! This is especially true if you aren't applying your sunscreen daily! What you do at home should complement the goals you are working on with your Esthetician! We are a team!