The benefits to getting regular facials are endless, from professional skin assessment, tailored skincare routines, acne clearing, brightening, calming, and smoothing – whether you’re looking to prevent, correct or maintain your skin, a good esthetician in your corner can be a powerful ally. And the perks don’t just stop there, facials can be a form of self care that reach past the surface to help you rest and restore from the inside out. Especially when you are in the care of a holistic-minded facialist who understands the skin’s mind-body-soul connection and creates a peaceful atmosphere for the nervous system to relax while your skin is being pampered. But how do you find your perfect magic skin fairy to help you navigate the overwhelming world of skincare?

No two estheticians are the same, and searching for the right fit goes far beyond how they can treat your skin. Getting a facial can be a vulnerable situation, your bare face in someone else's hands, and you need to be able to trust your esthetician and feel comfortable openly discussing your skin goals and concerns. Your esthetician should make you feel safe and hold a compassionate space for you to take your armor off and be yourself. 

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' – Maya Angelou

Keep reading to learn what a holistic esthetician is, tips on how to start your search, how to find and choose your estie bestie, as well as what to look for once you’re in the treatment room. 

WHAT IS A HOLISTIC ESTHETICIAN?

A holistic esthetician believes in viewing the skin as a whole, inseparable and interconnected to the mind, body, and soul. Their approach to skincare is typically more botanical, or naturally based, and their services will be less invasive and more relaxing. Your holistic facialist might also specialize in meditation, energy healing, gua sha, lymphatic drainage, sculptural face lifting, massage, and have a high touch, low tech approach to skin treatments. 

HOW TO FIND YOUR DREAM ESTHETICIAN

WORD OF MOUTH

Referrals can be a powerful tool to connect with a reputable skin professional aligned with your values and needs. That being said, what works for your friend might not work for you, but it is certainly a place to start and your esthetician will be so grateful for the reference and vote of confidence. 

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

Most estheticians love showcasing their passions and connecting on social media. This can be a good way to initially see if you are attracted to their approach to skin care. Searching hashtags such as #facialmassage #guashafacials #holisticfacial #customfacials #esthetician #facial and even customizing your social media facial searches to your city or whichever relevant services you are interested in may also help source options for you to choose from.

SEARCH ONLINE

Head over to Google and search specific concerns, facial services, or skincare brands you are interested in. This can help connect you to a spa or esthetician who carries a line of skincare products you resonate with. Skincare product websites also often list partnered spas where they are carried.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR ESTHETICIAN

After finding a few estheticians or spas you are interested in, browse their websites and social media accounts. They should have an easy-to-use platform that clearly states all the information you need. Look for the continued education they have received after becoming a licensed/certified esthetician, this is what will set them apart in their specialty, and make sure they are trained to perform the services you are interested in receiving. Does their treatment room look relaxing? Do you agree and vibe with their philosophies? Do they have before and after photos? Do they make you feel happy? It is important to find a space that matches your own personal preferences.

ONCE YOU’RE IN THE TREATMENT ROOM

Once you’re in the treatment room these are some things I believe you should look for.

THE CONSULTATION

When meeting a new esthetician, the first thing they should do is perform a detailed consultation. I believe a good esthetician should listen carefully and compassionately to what your skin concerns are, not tell you what they think you should be concerned about. Trust your gut instinct, because if it feels like someone is insulting your skin to upsell you more services, I would be skeptical. 

You should also have the opportunity to ask questions during your consultation. Such as the cost of treatment, after-care, your esthetician’s comfort level with the service, what it does, and the results you might expect. An esthetician should be honest and upfront with their answers, and if they hesitate, get defensive, or it feels like they are promising unrealistic miracles, it may be a red flag. The consultation plants the seed for your estie-client relationship. This is essentially an interview to help you determine whether you can entrust them with your skin.

THE FACIAL EXPERIENCE

As an esthetician, I think it’s always best if your esthetician starts slow and gentle then builds rather than risking skin damage or a reaction. If at any time during your treatment something feels off, uncomfortable, or even hurts, speak up. You shouldn’t feel like you have to sit through a treatment just to be polite. It is your skin, your service, and your esthetician should want to tailor your experience to your needs and preferences. Your esthetician should regularly check in on you and how you feel about certain sensations, touch, temperature. This is also why it is important to feel safe and comfortable with your esthetician. Communication is key to the ideal estie-client relationship.

AFTER CARE

At the end of your facial, your esthetician should go over any after-care instructions with you and answer any remaining questions you have. I also believe your esthetician should compose a game plan for your at-home skincare routine. A facial is generally every few weeks or months, you will always have more time with your skin than your esthetician. The skincare and lifestyle shifts you implement at home are what will make the biggest difference and get you closer to reaching your short and long-term skin goals. I think of an esthetician as a skin coach; they should educate you how to best care for your skin between sessions, and adjust your skincare as needed.

CONCLUSION

There is no perfect road to finding your dream esthetician, but hopefully you can use this blog post as a map to guide you closer to your estie bestie. Remember to be realistic about what can be achieved during one facial. After a facial, your skin can certainly feel more hydrated, plump and glowing but tackling issues like acne, pigmentation and texture won’t happen overnight – it takes time and teamwork! The most important thing to look for when finding an esthetician is that they make you feel listened to and comfortable in their hands. 

The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, to include blog postings and any linked material. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice or treatment, nor should it be relied upon for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any health consideration.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or blog. Consult with a licensed health care practitioner before altering or discontinuing any medications, treatment or care, skin care products or starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program. The content of this blog and any linked material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.