A few questions I've been getting lately...
After more than two decades of treating skin, I'm still learning something from the clients who sit in my treatment room. Some weeks I see over 50 clients, and while everyone's skin is different I often hear the same questions come up.
1. How do I know which skincare products I actually need?
This is probably one of my favourite questions because my answer is almost always simpler than people expect.Before I recommend anything, I want to understand your skin. Not just whether it's dry, oily, or combination, but where you live, what concerns you have, and what you're already using. I've seen plenty of clients with drawers full of skincare who still aren't getting the results they're looking for. More products don't necessarily mean better skin. My approach is to get the fundamentals right first. A good cleanser, hydration, barrier support, and daily sun protection. From there, we can introduce targeted ingredients based on what your skin actually needs.
2. Am I layering my skincare products correctly?
You might be surprised how often I get asked this, and it really does make a difference. You can invest in great skincare but if you're not applying it correctly, you may not be getting the most out of your products. My advice is to keep it simple. Start with clean skin, apply your hydrating serum while your skin is still slightly damp, follow with your facial oil, and finish with moisturizer. During the day, sunscreen is always your final skincare step. One thing I often have to explain is that facial oils and moisturizers aren't the same thing. Oils help replenish lipids and support the skin barrier, while moisturizers provide hydration and help reduce moisture loss. They work beautifully together when used in the right order.
3. What professional treatment is right for me, and how many will I need?
I always recommend starting with your skin goals and working backwards. What are we trying to improve? Pigmentation, texture, breakouts, fine lines, or overall skin health? Once we understand the goal, we can build a treatment plan that makes sense for your skin. I often start with corrective treatments to address specific concerns, then transition into maintenance to help preserve those results.
I'd love to help. I offer 1:1 virtual consultations for anyone looking for more personalized skincare advice, wherever you live.