Q&A, Topic: SKIN

For those of you that follow me on my Instagram, you know I recently went to a local day spa here in Charlotte due to increase in acne over the past few months and ultimately dull, tired looking skin. One of my goals for 2018 was to step up my skincare routine (it is your biggest organ, ya know) and after having tried various skin care items with zero improvement, I figured it was time to get serious and get the opinion of a professional. In addition to getting an UH-MAZING facial, I also basically got a crash course in all things dermis related. Thanks to Meshelle from Toccare Day Spa (Meshelle is an eight year esthetician who has done everything from owning her own Day Spa, to working for the Ballantyne Hotel here in North Carolina), I basically got all my questions answered and left feeling armed with a killer skin care routine. So, let’s get into it…

Question 1: Do people need to get facials?

Answer 1: Facials are like going to the dentist. Deep clean and stimulation from all of the massage is definitely great for the skin. However, the at home care is the most important factor in skincare. Knowing your skin and what it needs on a daily basis is important. Our skin is constantly changing, so what it needs today may not be what it needs a few months from now. Your skin care professional can help you determine what your skin is looking for.

Question 2: If you do get a facial, how often should you get one?

Answer 2: If you have something you are treating, like acne, recommended 4-6 weeks. Otherwise, quarterly or seasonally is sufficient. The change of seasons can definitely affect your skin and it’s a good idea to get that old winter skin off before summer, etc.

Question 3: If you had to recommend anything to someone in regards to skincare, what would be your top recommendation?

Answer 3: To help prevent sun damage and free radical damage, I can’t stress enough how important a Vitamin C serum is to your daily routine.

Question 4:  In regards to sunscreen, what level of SPF would you recommend someone to wear?

Answer 4: At least SPF 30, but no more than SPF 50 is necessary.

Question 5: What would be your number one recommended Vitamin C oil?

Answer 5: My Vitamin C of choice is Pharmaceuticals C E Ferulic Serum (warning, it is pricey!)

Question 6: What is your opinion on jade rollers?

Answer 6: I think they are great! Do as often as you like. They really help to restore collagen in the face, increase circulation, and help with lymphatic drainage.

Question 7: What is you opinion on facial massage?

Answer 7: Also think it is good. Just really spend time massaging. Can do up to once a day.

Question 8: How often should you wash your face?

Answer 8: Morning and night. This is important to do regardless of makeup or not, due to it’s assistance with increasing circulation, removing sweat and debris, and cell turnover. If you are going to skip one though, skip the morning wash over night wash. Get all of that makeup and debris from the day off and let your skin repair itself at night!

Question 9: How often should one exfoliate?

Answer 9: Really depends on the person and their problems, but recommend at least once a week.

Question 10: Is there a skincare brand you think is best?

Answer 10: No. Every persons’ skin is different and will react differently to different products.

Question 11: Is there a line you would recommend?

Answer 11: No. Just be sure not to introduce too many products at once (really should only do one a time), so you can see the changes and see how your skin reacts.

Question 12: Is there a special way you should wash your face when you do it?

Answer 12: I like to let the product sit on my face a little bit to really allow itself to work and get into the skin. For example, when I shower, I apply my face wash and then let it sit on my face while I wash my hair and do everything else, then wash it off at the end. That way, it really has time for the ingredients to do the job they are made to do.

Question 13: What is you opinion on using oils?

Answer 13:  Oils are great! Of course again, everyone’s skin is different, but oils are really big right now. We are seeing amazing results. So many people are afraid if oils, as was I! But oil attracts excess oil on oily skin, and for dry skin it provide hydration! So try an oil! That’s my opinion!

Question 14: What do you think of face masks?

Answer 14: I think masks are great and can really help treat trouble areas. Plus, you can do them as often as you’d like.

Question 15: Do you think people should stick to all natural products or mix it up?

Answer 15: I think it is a personal preference on using organic versus chemicals. I personally use both. There are so many products out there, and it seems each line has a *star* product. All I can say is do your research and try different things. Everyone’s skin is different, and forever changing.

Whew. I think that’s all of them…or at least all of them I can remember haha. It is important to note that these are responses based off of a licensed esthetician who has been in the industry for a while and reflect her personal opinions only. I definitely agree with her answer in number fifteen in that it is so important to do your research and find what works best for you.

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned some new tips for your skincare routine. I know after seeing Meshelle I changed my skincare game up a lot because she was just so knowledgeable! Please comment below if you would like more posts like these in the future!

Meshelle’s Instagram: @meshie_h

Toccare Day Spa Instagram: @toccaredayspa

xoxo,

Melissa