I am continually asked on a daily basis for home skincare recommendation--which is what I am trained for as an Master Esthetician and I love helping people out.
First off I want to tell you that there is a lot of "marketing hype and fluff" if you haven't already noticed around skincare lines, coupled with an enormous amount of products to choose from. With this in mind most people have absolutely no idea which products are good for them nor do they have the wallet to support buying every brand out there to try each and every product that suggests it can "clear acne, reduce oil, prevent hyper-pigmentation, lighten fine lines and wrinkles."
So here is my personal suggestion-
1. Find an Esthetician not a dermatologist. The dermatologist is good for writing prescriptions but they wouldn't spend the time with you to talk about products other than suggesting that you use Cetaphil, Neutragen or an oral or topical antibiotic.
2. Call and talk to the esthetician before you make an appointment for a facial- tell she or he your concerns, and ask if she or he sells home care products. You want to find an esthetician who sells product but also has had success with the products. If the esthetician does not sell product then your going to this person for more of a pampering experience--period. Find somebody who can give you knowledge not just massage your face!
3. Schedule your facial with the esthetician - should take about an hour. The esthetician should then spend some extra time to discuss what products would be good for your skincare concerns. Purchase the products and use them for at least 4 to 8 weeks and be diligent in using them. The esthetician should send you home with a paper that outlines how you use each product and when to use it. His or her cell phone number is also nice to get- so if you have any questions.
4.Schedule a follow up in 4 to 8 weeks to see the esthetician again. This appointment should be another facial with emphasis on how the products have been working. Some tweaking may be done by the esthetician to your regimen if needed. Other in house treatments may be added or suggested also.
5. A good skincare regimen consists of; cleanser, treatment product for your concern, moisturizer, sunscreen, mechanical and or chemical exfoliant to be used 1 to 3 times a week. Eye cream. Lost's of estheticians will say you need a toner-I believe this one is more of a personal decision.
Questions? email me jilgoorman@hotmail.com or visit my website at http://www.skintherapslc.com
