Top Skincare Picks According To An Expert

Let’s be honest, I’m just another skincare junkie talking about my favorite skincare on Instagram lately. 

No, not really. I mean, I still share plenty of yoga, and wellness, as well as travel, and also a lot of dog content. 

What can I say? 

I’m well rounded, I suppose. 

As much as I love skincare, I can’t claim to be anything close to an expert. If anything, I’m not a guinea pig along for the ride. 

If you’ve followed my journey of healing my skin, then you know I’ve come a looooong way in the last few years. 

Guess who’s been a big part of that journey?

My Florida aesthetician, Leah. 

And lucky for you, I have her here on the blog to share a few of her top tips and picks for all things skincare and beauty treatments to improve skin tone, texture, and appearance. 

Learn more about the best foods for your skin HERE. 

Top Skincare Picks According To An Expert

You’ve seen me share my fair share of skincare favorites on my Instagram, but now it’s time to hand it over to the real expert…and the one who has helped to guide me on the choices that I’ve been sharing with you along the way!

Also, keep in mind that it’s good to switch up your skincare routine. 

I swear my skin gets “used to” certain products, even if they’re the best of the best. 

That’s why I have so many products listed in my skincare faves. Not because you need them all…but because it’s good to rotate things throughout the year. 

Plus, let’s not forget that it’s also helpful to rotate your skincare depending on weather, climate, and your general activities. 

But I digress. 

Let’s hand it off to Leah, shall we?

How long have you been an esthetician, and why did you decide to start?

I have had my license for 11 years. The first 2 years were spent working in the spa industry. I quickly realized I needed more. More result driven treatments. I wanted to change skin, change lives. 

I decided medical dermatology would be perfect and would be much more rewarding- I have currently spent the past 8 years in medical aesthetics. It’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. Making people look good also makes them feel good; which in turn, makes me feel good. It’s happiness for all!

With all of the advancements in skin care, there is much to be learned. I have an intense passion for learning. Between industry magazines, books, trade shows, webinars, blogs, classes and websites, the opportunities to learn are endless.

I am truly a believer that in all professions, you must stay up to date with what’s going on in the industry to be at the top of your game. The skin care industry is fast moving with advances, so continuing education is a must.

This is exactly why I have recently finished school for my license to use more advanced lasers, which is certainly exciting!

What are the most common skin concerns clients come in with? 

Some of the most common skin issues I see would be acne & acne scarring, rosacea, melasma (hyperpigmentation) and of course FINE LINES AND WRINKLES! 

I’m never bored. Every client has different concerns with their skin, so it’s definitely not “same old, same old”. I love treating all aspects from acne to rosacea, and brown spots to wrinkles. 

No two skins are alike, and that makes it very exciting. I’ve always wondered how skin care companies can say their line is “suitable for all skin types” when all skins have different needs. 

If you could choose just ONE treatment for hyperpigmentation, what would you choose and why? 

Omg, this is my skin condition to treat! As it’s something I have struggled with personally and it can be such a pain. But with CONSISTENT medical grade skincare and treatments from a professional medical aesthetician, the results can be incredible! 

My number one treatment for hyperpigmentation is the Clear + Brilliant^® 

This laser works to rejuvenate skin by addressing early signs of facial aging, sun damage and  hyperpigmentation, tone, texture, and can even minimize pore size. Usually 3-6 treatments,spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended.

Learn more about Clear + Brilliant laser in this post HERE.

What are good alternatives to injectables for people looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles? 

The main alternative to reducing fine lines and wrinkles would be SkinPen Microneedling! This is also my second favorite treatment across the board.

The SkinPen treatment works in 3 simple steps: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling in order to deliver dramatic results of improved skin quality, reduced acne scars, increased collagen, and reduction of wrinkles. 

Overall, the skin looks more radiant and youthful.

What are your top 5 skincare picks right now, and what do each of these products help with?

SkinBetter Science Alto advanced defense and repair serum

This will always be my number one recommendation for clients, because it’s the most powerful serum on the market, I swear. 

It helps by serving as an antioxidant defense which means it will help with overall skin tone, appearance, texture, and pigmentation. 

SkinBetter Science Mystro Serum

This has become a new fave most because it just plain WORKS! 

I’ve seen it improve skin quality across the board by addressing redness, rough skin, dullness, pore size, and pigmentation.

Hydrinity Hyacyn Spray:

Okay, so this is a newer favorite that I love to recommend to anyone treating blemishes, redness, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. 

It feel SO GOOD to mist on after you cleanse your face, and before you do the rest of your skincare.

Hydrinity Restorative HA serum: 

This is a great option for anyone who’s looking to improve skin hydration and plumping. 

Plus, there’s luminosity and brightening effects, as well. 

It’s really a great additive to any skincare routine, because let’s be real…you can’t go wrong with hylaraunic acid!

Plated Skin Science: 

This is my go-to anti aging, as this product helps with collagen production and elastin. 

Of course it also works to improve the outer appearance of the skin, too, helping with everything from redness and brown spots, to dullness and wrinkles. 

SkinBetter Science ToneSmart SPF 75 sunscreen lotion: 

This is the best SPF on the market. Hands down. 

I love that it’s a 75 SPF that also provides a tinted color which helps you have that nice *glow* after applying. 

Don’t worry, it feels amazing going on, too. It’s super creamy, rather than that thick suffocating feel some SPFs have.

If you can leave our readers with just one super simple skin tip that will guarantee healthier, glowy skin…what would it be? 

I can’t just list 1, I’m sorry! I have to share all 3 of my non-negotiable, because they’re important!

SPF!!!!!

SPF=BFF 

Also, REAPPLY UNTIL YOU DIE! Don't forget. 

I’m talking every 90 minutes that we are in direct UV light, we MUST be reapplying our SPF. Sunscreen is no longer effective after 90 minutes. 

Most don't know but the SUN is the #1 environmental factor of aging our skin prematurely. 

Facial Cleanser

You need to wash your face twice a day, okay? Like, no matter what.

It’s so important to get all the skincare products,  SPF, and other environmental factors like dust and sweat off your face regularly.

When you don’t, you could be aging your skin by 3 months. 

YIKES! 

USE A RETINOL

I love the SkinBetter Science Alpharet serum, and it’s what I like to recommend to clients. 

Honestly, don’t wait on this. Like start now…even if you’re reading this and you’re in your twenties. 

And if you’re older than your twenties and you haven’t started…don’t worry! It’s never too late :)

I love what I do, and it shows. And I am so lucky that I have found a career that I love so much.  

I really am doing my part to create positive change in the world—one face at a time. From sharing daily skin care tips and expert advice on my Instagram, and my Facebook page. 

I love to share my knowledge and help others. 

Being an esthetician isn’t only about giving facial treatments and selling skin care products, it’s about helping create change and therefore lives.