ask the esthetician
what is a clinical esthetician?
A clinical esthetician is a highly trained skin care specialist who offers preventive skin care and treatments to optimize healthy skin. He or she is trained to detect skin problems that may require medical attention. An esthetician is also trained to provide deep cleansing facials and acid peels. Additionally, she or she is able to recommend appropriate skin care products and assists clients in coping with the cosmetic side effects of many dermatological drugs.
Clinical estheticians work in both salon and clinical settings. They are trained to prepare skin for cosmetic surgery and to provide post-operative treatment that promotes healing and helps maintain the benefits of the surgery.
are there licensing requirements for estheticians?
Yes. In the state of Massachusetts, like many other states, estheticians are licensed annually to practice and to provide skin care treatment. Licensing requirements in Massachusetts include: graduation from an accredited school of esthetics and passing a three-hour examination administered by the state Board of Cosmetology.
what can I expect the first time I consult an esthetician?
Each esthetician provides service in his or her unique way. At Vera Moore Cosmetics, we have clients complete a brief questionnaire to learn about their main concerns; any history of skin disorders, allergic reactions or cosmetic surgery; and any medications they are currently using. Together we discuss goals, a plan of action, and the time frame for the goals. We review current home care and discuss revisions to achieve optimal skin health. Many times during the first visit, the client receives a deep-skin cleaning.
How will my skin benefit from a facial? Isn't it just a pampering session?
When performed by a skilled esthetician who can properly identify skin types and conditions, a facial has numerous therapeutic benefits for the skin. During a session, an experienced esthetician selects treatment products that best meets the needs of the individual client's skin. Many products are custom blended and have the ability to extract blackhead formations and acne pustules that block pores.
Over time, professional care, including proper exfoliating and hydrating, results in clean, clear pores, improved, glowing skin tone, softer texture, reduction of fine lines, fewer breakout, and faster healing when skin has active lesions. It can also be a fun, relaxing and pampering experience!
I want to take good care of my skin everyday, so isn't home care more important than going to a salon from time to time?
Both proper home care and periodic professional treatment are essential to maintaining healthy skin. Daily home care enhances the results of professional treatment and vice versa. Caring for the skin at home, including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing daily, assists in removing impurities and dead cells, and keeping the skin moist. With proper home care, the skin is well-prepared to receive the full benefits of professional cleansing, hydration, and other treatments estheticians provide. Skin would not be at its healthiest if a client depended solely on periodic professional care and neglected daily home care. In the same way, home care without professional treatment also will not result in optimal skin health.
what skin care do you recommend for men?
At Vera Moore Cosmetics, our treatment regimens are developed and many products are custom-blended based on individual skin care needs. Therefore, men benefit from the same skin care therapy offer to the women. Since many men find shaving irritating to the skin, it is best to shave at least three hours prior to an appointment to minimize sensitivity.
What is the benefit of a professional facial?
When received regularly, facials can result in noticeable improvements to skin tone, texture, and appearance. A facial can restore the skin's normal balance of oil and pH. Additional, temporary results may include: heightened skin softness and pliancy, increased circulation of blood to the face, and an overall healthy glow.
Will the facial make me break out?
You may experience a breakout after your facial as the skin is purging toxins. Not everyone experiences a breakout after a facial; it depends on how much congestion you have under your pores. As you start to receive regular facials, it is less likely that you will experience breakouts.
Proper homecare will be recommended to enhance your professional treatments. You should drink plenty of water after your facial to help decrease the chances of a breakout.
How often should I receive a facial?
For optimum results, you should receive a facial every 4-6 weeks. Regular facials eliminate dead skin cell build up and help your skin to accept skincare products easier.
Should I perform extractions on myself?
No. You should allow a trained skincare specialist or dermatologist to extract any clogged pores. You can actually cause more damage by extracting pimples yourself. You don't want to scar or push bacteria further down into the pores. Always allow a professional to perform extractions. Your esthetician can provide you with a spot treatment to help you leave unwanted blemishes alone.
Are You Thinking Of Having A Chemical Peel?
Image Skincare offers a variety of different peeling solutions for various skin conditions. All of the Image peels are formulated in a revolutionary aloe vera based gel to simultaneously protect the skin. A superficial chemical peel is a clinical treatment that helps improve fine lines, acne, skin texture and complexion by removing the most layer of skin. The peel will wound the layer of your skin and cause it to shed off to reveal fresh new skin. After several treatments, the skin feels softer and more vibrant. This is a wonderful treatment option, but you must be willing for your skin to look worse before it looks better. It is important to review your schedule to make sure that you will have the time to dedicate to the healing process.
What to Expect
The skin will feel tight and dry for at least 24 hours. Do not touch your face. Your skin will develop a brown-red sunburn look for 2-3 days and then peel like a sunburn for 2-3 more days. Mild itching and burning is normal during this time and usually lasts 7-10 days. During your peeling process, think of your dark old skin (which is peeling off) as a protection which shields the fresh new skin underneath. The longer you can keep this natural shield in place, the better the result your peel will have. DO NOT pick or pull at the flaking or peeling skin, it can result in bleeding, rawness, scabbing, a risk of infection and a slow down of the healing process.
Post Peel Care
You will be given strict at homecare directions that you must follow to protect your skin. You will receive gentle post care products to care for your skin.
Showering
When you wash your hair, tilt your head backward in the shower. When you wash your face, make sure that you are very gentle with your skin. DO NOT excessively rub your skin.
Sleeping
It is important that you try to sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows if possible. This is so you don't rub the skin off the chin or cheek area prematurely.
DO NOT:
*Do not sit in a sauna or Jacuzzi for 2 weeks, or do strenuous exercise. Sweating will make your face sting and it will cause you to peel too soon.
*Once all the skin has been shed, the newly exposed skin must be treated gently for several days.
*DO NOT use Retin-A or Renova for 3 weeks after the peel.
*DO NOT use AHA, AHB and Retinol creams for 2 weeks after the peel.
*DO NOT use ical exfoliate, until your esthetician gives you the okay.
Sun should be totally avoided and you must use sunscreen protection daily.
If you have any questions about your peeling service or after care, please do not hesitate to call.
What is the Brazilian Bikini Wax?
Also known as the Playboy Wax, the Brazilian Bikini Wax removes all hair from your genitals, as painlessly as possible. You may choose to have everything taken off, or to leave a shape on the front, usually a strip or a triangle.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes, if you have an experienced esthetician. You should ask about their experience with different waxes and different types of hair. Above all you should make sure that they are not "Double Dipping"!
What is "Double Dipping"?
Double dipping is using the same wax stick during a service without changing it for a new one. This practice contaminates the wax pot and exposes you to bacteria and germs from others. Be sure that your esthetician cares about your safety.
Does the Brazilian Bikini Wax hurt? /Am I the right candidate?
Of course, ripping hair out of follicles is not going to be a comfortable experience. However, with an experienced esthetician the whole process can be short and a less painful one. It helps if your esthetician has prolonged experience with hair removal, especially with Brazilian Bikini Waxes. If you choose to wax on or near your monthly cycle, you may be a little more sensitive to pain. It is advised to take a couple Advil or Tylenol 30 minutes before your Brazilian visits if you do not have a very high pain tolerance (always consult with your doctor before taking medicine).
How do I prepare for a Brazilian Wax?
Please arrive clean for your Brazilian Wax. If possible, wash your bikini area shortly before your appointment. If you are menstruating, you can still receive a Brazilian Wax, but please wear a tampon.
Your hair should have at least 2 weeks worth of hair growth. If your hair is long, please trim it a little before you come in
(but leave enough for the wax to hold on to).
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol before your appointment. It will make you more sensitive.
Exfoliate your bikini area 24 hours before your appointment. This will help your hair to come out more effectively.
After Care
Your skin will be sensitive so lotions are not recommended for at lest 24 hours.
Regular soap is too harsh for a freshly waxed area. I recommend using cataphyll (found in your local wal-mart or drugstore). This is a very gentle cleanser normally used for sensitive skin. You can use this for the first 24 hours.
When hair is removed from the root, often time's ingrown hairs may arise. I offer a product called Tend Skin. I highly recommend using this in between your waxing. It is a liquid that helps accelerate dead skin cells, thus preventing ingrown hairs.
How long will the results of a Brazilian Wax last?
It really depends. Hair grows at different rates, depending on the person, and sometimes your cultural background. Ideally, you should come in between 3-5 weeks to have your Brazilian. The hair should take a good 3 weeks to start appearing again. This is without shaving in between visits. If you were a previous shaver, you will most likely have to start off coming in more regularly than normal (between 3-4 weeks). Your hair will take a couple of visits to get on the same growth cycle.
Can I get a Brazilian Bikini Wax if I am pregnant?
Yes. However, please get your doctor's permission. Just like waxing when you are menstruating, being pregnant will leave you more sensitive during and after your wax.
When not to wax
Under these conditions, I cannot perform a Brazilian or any other kind of waxing services:
*If you are using any Retinol products i.e. Retin A, Renova etc. on your bikini area.
*If you are using Accutane.
*If you are currently on antibiotics.
*If you have any kind of sun burn or laser burn on the area to be waxed.
*If you have any kind of STD whatsoever.
*If you are using any kind of medication that will cause your skin to be too sensitive for waxing.
Have a question not answered here?
Please feel free to email us or contact us via phone to set up a consultation, where we will listen to your specific skin care questions, thouroughly address them and offer solutions for all of your skin care needs!
A clinical esthetician is a highly trained skin care specialist who offers preventive skin care and treatments to optimize healthy skin. He or she is trained to detect skin problems that may require medical attention. An esthetician is also trained to provide deep cleansing facials and acid peels. Additionally, she or she is able to recommend appropriate skin care products and assists clients in coping with the cosmetic side effects of many dermatological drugs.
Clinical estheticians work in both salon and clinical settings. They are trained to prepare skin for cosmetic surgery and to provide post-operative treatment that promotes healing and helps maintain the benefits of the surgery.
are there licensing requirements for estheticians?
Yes. In the state of Massachusetts, like many other states, estheticians are licensed annually to practice and to provide skin care treatment. Licensing requirements in Massachusetts include: graduation from an accredited school of esthetics and passing a three-hour examination administered by the state Board of Cosmetology.
what can I expect the first time I consult an esthetician?
Each esthetician provides service in his or her unique way. At Vera Moore Cosmetics, we have clients complete a brief questionnaire to learn about their main concerns; any history of skin disorders, allergic reactions or cosmetic surgery; and any medications they are currently using. Together we discuss goals, a plan of action, and the time frame for the goals. We review current home care and discuss revisions to achieve optimal skin health. Many times during the first visit, the client receives a deep-skin cleaning.
How will my skin benefit from a facial? Isn't it just a pampering session?
When performed by a skilled esthetician who can properly identify skin types and conditions, a facial has numerous therapeutic benefits for the skin. During a session, an experienced esthetician selects treatment products that best meets the needs of the individual client's skin. Many products are custom blended and have the ability to extract blackhead formations and acne pustules that block pores.
Over time, professional care, including proper exfoliating and hydrating, results in clean, clear pores, improved, glowing skin tone, softer texture, reduction of fine lines, fewer breakout, and faster healing when skin has active lesions. It can also be a fun, relaxing and pampering experience!
I want to take good care of my skin everyday, so isn't home care more important than going to a salon from time to time?
Both proper home care and periodic professional treatment are essential to maintaining healthy skin. Daily home care enhances the results of professional treatment and vice versa. Caring for the skin at home, including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing daily, assists in removing impurities and dead cells, and keeping the skin moist. With proper home care, the skin is well-prepared to receive the full benefits of professional cleansing, hydration, and other treatments estheticians provide. Skin would not be at its healthiest if a client depended solely on periodic professional care and neglected daily home care. In the same way, home care without professional treatment also will not result in optimal skin health.
what skin care do you recommend for men?
At Vera Moore Cosmetics, our treatment regimens are developed and many products are custom-blended based on individual skin care needs. Therefore, men benefit from the same skin care therapy offer to the women. Since many men find shaving irritating to the skin, it is best to shave at least three hours prior to an appointment to minimize sensitivity.
What is the benefit of a professional facial?
When received regularly, facials can result in noticeable improvements to skin tone, texture, and appearance. A facial can restore the skin's normal balance of oil and pH. Additional, temporary results may include: heightened skin softness and pliancy, increased circulation of blood to the face, and an overall healthy glow.
Will the facial make me break out?
You may experience a breakout after your facial as the skin is purging toxins. Not everyone experiences a breakout after a facial; it depends on how much congestion you have under your pores. As you start to receive regular facials, it is less likely that you will experience breakouts.
Proper homecare will be recommended to enhance your professional treatments. You should drink plenty of water after your facial to help decrease the chances of a breakout.
How often should I receive a facial?
For optimum results, you should receive a facial every 4-6 weeks. Regular facials eliminate dead skin cell build up and help your skin to accept skincare products easier.
Should I perform extractions on myself?
No. You should allow a trained skincare specialist or dermatologist to extract any clogged pores. You can actually cause more damage by extracting pimples yourself. You don't want to scar or push bacteria further down into the pores. Always allow a professional to perform extractions. Your esthetician can provide you with a spot treatment to help you leave unwanted blemishes alone.
Are You Thinking Of Having A Chemical Peel?
Image Skincare offers a variety of different peeling solutions for various skin conditions. All of the Image peels are formulated in a revolutionary aloe vera based gel to simultaneously protect the skin. A superficial chemical peel is a clinical treatment that helps improve fine lines, acne, skin texture and complexion by removing the most layer of skin. The peel will wound the layer of your skin and cause it to shed off to reveal fresh new skin. After several treatments, the skin feels softer and more vibrant. This is a wonderful treatment option, but you must be willing for your skin to look worse before it looks better. It is important to review your schedule to make sure that you will have the time to dedicate to the healing process.
What to Expect
The skin will feel tight and dry for at least 24 hours. Do not touch your face. Your skin will develop a brown-red sunburn look for 2-3 days and then peel like a sunburn for 2-3 more days. Mild itching and burning is normal during this time and usually lasts 7-10 days. During your peeling process, think of your dark old skin (which is peeling off) as a protection which shields the fresh new skin underneath. The longer you can keep this natural shield in place, the better the result your peel will have. DO NOT pick or pull at the flaking or peeling skin, it can result in bleeding, rawness, scabbing, a risk of infection and a slow down of the healing process.
Post Peel Care
You will be given strict at homecare directions that you must follow to protect your skin. You will receive gentle post care products to care for your skin.
Showering
When you wash your hair, tilt your head backward in the shower. When you wash your face, make sure that you are very gentle with your skin. DO NOT excessively rub your skin.
Sleeping
It is important that you try to sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows if possible. This is so you don't rub the skin off the chin or cheek area prematurely.
DO NOT:
*Do not sit in a sauna or Jacuzzi for 2 weeks, or do strenuous exercise. Sweating will make your face sting and it will cause you to peel too soon.
*Once all the skin has been shed, the newly exposed skin must be treated gently for several days.
*DO NOT use Retin-A or Renova for 3 weeks after the peel.
*DO NOT use AHA, AHB and Retinol creams for 2 weeks after the peel.
*DO NOT use ical exfoliate, until your esthetician gives you the okay.
Sun should be totally avoided and you must use sunscreen protection daily.
If you have any questions about your peeling service or after care, please do not hesitate to call.
What is the Brazilian Bikini Wax?
Also known as the Playboy Wax, the Brazilian Bikini Wax removes all hair from your genitals, as painlessly as possible. You may choose to have everything taken off, or to leave a shape on the front, usually a strip or a triangle.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes, if you have an experienced esthetician. You should ask about their experience with different waxes and different types of hair. Above all you should make sure that they are not "Double Dipping"!
What is "Double Dipping"?
Double dipping is using the same wax stick during a service without changing it for a new one. This practice contaminates the wax pot and exposes you to bacteria and germs from others. Be sure that your esthetician cares about your safety.
Does the Brazilian Bikini Wax hurt? /Am I the right candidate?
Of course, ripping hair out of follicles is not going to be a comfortable experience. However, with an experienced esthetician the whole process can be short and a less painful one. It helps if your esthetician has prolonged experience with hair removal, especially with Brazilian Bikini Waxes. If you choose to wax on or near your monthly cycle, you may be a little more sensitive to pain. It is advised to take a couple Advil or Tylenol 30 minutes before your Brazilian visits if you do not have a very high pain tolerance (always consult with your doctor before taking medicine).
How do I prepare for a Brazilian Wax?
Please arrive clean for your Brazilian Wax. If possible, wash your bikini area shortly before your appointment. If you are menstruating, you can still receive a Brazilian Wax, but please wear a tampon.
Your hair should have at least 2 weeks worth of hair growth. If your hair is long, please trim it a little before you come in
(but leave enough for the wax to hold on to).
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol before your appointment. It will make you more sensitive.
Exfoliate your bikini area 24 hours before your appointment. This will help your hair to come out more effectively.
After Care
Your skin will be sensitive so lotions are not recommended for at lest 24 hours.
Regular soap is too harsh for a freshly waxed area. I recommend using cataphyll (found in your local wal-mart or drugstore). This is a very gentle cleanser normally used for sensitive skin. You can use this for the first 24 hours.
When hair is removed from the root, often time's ingrown hairs may arise. I offer a product called Tend Skin. I highly recommend using this in between your waxing. It is a liquid that helps accelerate dead skin cells, thus preventing ingrown hairs.
How long will the results of a Brazilian Wax last?
It really depends. Hair grows at different rates, depending on the person, and sometimes your cultural background. Ideally, you should come in between 3-5 weeks to have your Brazilian. The hair should take a good 3 weeks to start appearing again. This is without shaving in between visits. If you were a previous shaver, you will most likely have to start off coming in more regularly than normal (between 3-4 weeks). Your hair will take a couple of visits to get on the same growth cycle.
Can I get a Brazilian Bikini Wax if I am pregnant?
Yes. However, please get your doctor's permission. Just like waxing when you are menstruating, being pregnant will leave you more sensitive during and after your wax.
When not to wax
Under these conditions, I cannot perform a Brazilian or any other kind of waxing services:
*If you are using any Retinol products i.e. Retin A, Renova etc. on your bikini area.
*If you are using Accutane.
*If you are currently on antibiotics.
*If you have any kind of sun burn or laser burn on the area to be waxed.
*If you have any kind of STD whatsoever.
*If you are using any kind of medication that will cause your skin to be too sensitive for waxing.
Have a question not answered here?
Please feel free to email us or contact us via phone to set up a consultation, where we will listen to your specific skin care questions, thouroughly address them and offer solutions for all of your skin care needs!