Column: Skincare Tips from a Local Esthetician
By Kaylee Evett
A fun fact about skin is that it is the largest organ in the body. So why not take care of it? I’ve been a licensed esthetician for over a year now, but I have been passionate about the aesthetic and beauty industry for as long as I can remember. While I have been working at a med-spa over the past year, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about the skin and would love to share some of my favorite skin care tips with you.
The first and most important tip is to wear your sunscreen daily. The sun is the skin’s biggest extrinsic aging factor and more than 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. My favorite type of sunscreen is mineral based because it acts as a shield on the skin blocking any UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays, versus using a chemical sunscreen that works by soaking up the UV rays like a sponge. Another plus to mineral sunscreen is that you don’t have to wait for it to be absorbed into the skin because it gives your skin protection immediately upon application. There is no right or wrong sunscreen, but by using SPF 15 daily, you can lower your risk of developing skin cancer by up to 50% and can prevent premature skin aging, which is a win-win in my book.
My next tip to up your skin care game is to ditch the makeup wipes and double cleanse your skin using warm water in the morning and at night to give your skin the royal treatment that it deserves! Using makeup wipes can strip your skin’s natural oils and can cause dryness and irritation because they have excessive ingredients that aren’t approved by the FDA. Instead of guessing what ingredients are in your makeup wipes, switch to a better alternative and get a medical grade oil and or gel-based cleanser to allow for proper cleansing of the skin. You’ll never have to wonder if there are any harsh ingredients and or added fragrance being used on your skin again.
If you’re wondering why it’s really necessary to double cleanse your skin, think of it like washing your car. You’re going to want to start by washing away all of the dirt and excess oils from the day of. Then, during your second cleanse, you’re adding the extra shine, addressing your skin type and concerns by using specific ingredients that are best suited for your skin’s needs. Once you’re done cleansing the second time, gently pat your skin with a different towel than the one that you use on your body to prevent the spread of bacteria from your body to your face. Nonetheless, you’ll be left with a squeaky-clean face and can allow it to breathe and return to its natural gorgeous state!
My last, but definitely not least important, skin care tip is to be patient in figuring out a good skincare routine for you. Everyone’s skin is different and not every product is going to be right for your skin and it’s needs. Remember to give your skin the time and grace that it needs to see results. People often tend to purchase skincare products and give up on them after only a couple weeks of use. In reality, it takes 28-42 days for the skin cells of an average adult under 50 to turn over, meaning you may not see results until you use a particular product for several weeks. No matter how long your skin care journey takes to get you to where you want to be, remember to stay loyal to your skin care routine and to stay positive! If you’re someone who struggles with any skin concerns and would like to receive professional advice, feel free to reach out to me!
Kaylee Evett (Kaylee.aboutfaceaesthetics@gmail.com) is a licensed esthetician at About Face Aesthetics & Wellness, a spa in Union, SC.
