This October we are kickstarting the month with a series of Meet the Skinpreneurs in the skincare industry. Starting with the first is Meet the Esthetician. This is a fairly new term as most of us are more familiar with beauticians. Meet Aleksandra Andrade from Masla Skincare as she introduced us to her world of Esthetics.
Aleksandra is a licensed Esthetician and an Organic Skincare Formulator with a passion for natural skincare. She founded Masla Sensible Skincare to formulate high-performance skincare addressing various skin concerns by focusing on using high quality botanical ingredients as an alternative to harsh traditional skincare and practices. We are honoured to have her as our first guest for this series of Meet the Skinpreneurs.
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Aleksandra, can you tell us what does an Esthetician do? Is there any difference between an Esthetician, facialist and a beautician?
Esthetician (sometimes referred to as Facialist) is a skin care professional who has undergone a professional training and is able to perform in-depth skin analysis, various skin treatments and recommend proper products for home care. Treatments performed by estheticians typically include facials, body treatments and hair removal services as well as other treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion. There are many aspects of esthetics that a therapist can specialise in such as acne treatments, oncology esthetics, laser hair removal, lash and brow extensions and even make up application.
The requirements to becoming an esthetician vary from country to country and even from state to state here in the USA. To become an Esthetician in the US one must receive training in a special institution and pass state board examinations to receive license that would allow them to practice skin care in the state the license has been issued. Many states require Esthetician to complete continuing education classes to be able to renew the license. Some states have a two tier licensure that includes professional esthetics and master esthetics. Master estheticians are required to complete more hours of education and are trained to perform more invasive services such as LED, laser treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. These are the specialists you may often see working with a doctor in dermatology clinics.
Beautician is a Cosmetologist. Cosmetologists are trained to perform hair treatments, as well as manicures and pedicures and some skin related treatments. People usually obtain Cosmetologist license when they intend on becoming a hair stylist.
What are the services that you specialise in?
My passion has always been in holistic skincare approach and organic skin care. I must admit though that since I’ve started my skin care company I have been taking a break from practical esthetics and shifted my focus onto formulating and establishing online presence. Back when I had my private practice however I did specialise on facial treatments especially tailored for sensitive, stressed, rosacea-prone skin, as this is exactly what I am suffering from myself. That is also how my own product line was born. I do not believe in one-size-fits-all type of treatments, and think that each client has to be approached differently. So an in-depth skin analysis and consultation has always been a big must in my practice. As a matter of fact I plan on offering virtual services through my online page very soon. I think in the age of internet and digital media everyone should be able to have an excess to professional skin care services, at least by means of a professional consultation.
Is there a correct method to applying skincare products like toner after facial cleansing, etc?
It depends on the toner that you use. If your toner is a hydrating mist composed of hydrosols for instance, you may spay it directly on face and pat it in. If let’s say your toner contains AHA’s or Salicylic Acid then I would recommend pouring some on the cotton ball and applying it to the face with swiping motions. This is usually the way estheticians apply toners during facial treatments. Applying toner with a cotton pad after cleansing or exfoliating would ensure that no rinse-off product is left on the skin, restore skin’s pH and prepare skin for the next step.
You are also an organic skincare formulator. What are your favourite products and why everyone should have it in their beauty cabinet?
Yes, that’s right Teresa. I have become a full-time formulator now that I run my company. Practical esthetics is only a very part time activity for me. Being able to experience the world of skin care from different angles has helped me to “open my eyes” and really see things from different perspectives: as a therapist, as a formulator, as skin care business owner and of course as customer. Things that I have considered essential in the early esthetician days, don’t seem to be that important anymore. Being so fascinated and curios about skin care I like to try new products all the time. The skin care I use is not always of my own creation, I like to try other brands too. There is so much out there in the world of skin care.
Despite of me having a ton of things in my cabinet, I really think I am a low-maintenance person when it comes to cosmetics. I don’t use 55 different potions in my daily routine. I am a momterpreneur and due to lack of time and energy I like to keep things simple. So my #1 essential is a cleanser. I have recently made a switch from an Aloe facial cleanser by a well-known cosmeceutical line to an accidental creation of mine - Rose & Jasmine cleansing balm. My #2 essential is a face oil. I have a rosacea-prone oily skin and ever since I’ve switched to using oil, my skin has improved in so many ways.
I don’t stick to the same one as my skin may feel very different depending on the weather or even the food I ate the day or 2 before. So I daily pick one of 3 of my oil serums, depending on the condition of my skin and even my mood. If I had to pick just one it would probably be the Radiant Night Treatment Serum that would make a perfect aroma couple with my Jasmine & Rose Cleansing Balm.
What advice would you offer to everyone regarding looking after our skin?
The main advice I would like to give is “Don’t neglect your skin!” As tired as you might be in the evening (I am a mom of 2 young busy boys so trust me I know the struggle), do not skip on properly cleansing your face. Cleanse + feed your skin at night. And my second most important advice would be “Stop picking on your face!” Seriously, this bad habit is so addictive and very dangerous. It can lead to inflammation, more pimples and even a chance of contracting infection. Constantly messing with your face may also lead to enlarged pores and scarring. Instead of torturing yourself make an appointment with an esthetician for a deep pore treatment.
Thank you Aleksandra for sharing with us and for friends in the US, hop over to Masla Skincare and her Facebook and connect with Aleksandra.
Stay tuned for our next guest post on Meet the Skinpreneurs – Herbalist.
