I’ve struggled with acne my entire adult life – and it sucks!

I always knew how important skin care was, but I bought cheap products, ate crappy food (college life am I right?) and spent way too many nights going to bed with a full face of makeup. I was awful to my skin, and it was clear – pun intended – that I did not care about my skin.

So after college I got a real job and was making money. I could afford to splurge on things like better makeup, higher quality hair products and skin care. I saw a dermatologist and got some help with topical antibiotics and invested in something I never thought I would – FACIALS!

What better way to kick off the busy fall wedding season that to ask a skin care expert for some tips and tricks to getting perfect wedding day skin!

 

I checked in with Alyse @TheBeautorium to give y’all some tips and answer some common questions about skin care.

She’s a licensed esthetician, and she gives fabulous facials – I had one last month and it was such a relaxing experience. I asked Alyse some common skin care questions and to debunk some myths, so I’ll let Alyse take it from here.

I set myself apart with a results-oriented approach to skin care, my love for professional makeup applications, and a heart for serving. My passion for simple, yet effective solutions has earned my clients’ trust and respect. I have also developed a straightforward but caring style of communication that’s now the hallmark of the exceptional customer service my clients know and love. I treat a wide range of skin care conditions, and keep you at the center of my work!

 

I’ve read facials can actually cause acne to appear. Is this true?

Just like us, our skin is unique and special to everyone. It is sometimes forgotten that our skin (integumentary system) is an active organ. So yes, purging or breakouts may occur after the deep clean a facial will provide. However, as an Esthetician I do my best to keep that from happening both in the service and preparing my clients with the proper education and products to keep their thoroughly cleansed skin breakout free.

 

What is the best way to minimize the appearance of pores and acne scars?

A regular skincare routine of cleansing and exfoliating, adding the right retinol for your skin type, and visiting your Esthetician for pore specific peels will, in combination, transform your skin!

8/10 people that come to me are concerned with the size of their pores and acne scarring and I can relate to that struggle. Keeping your skin clean, and not allowing the factors that clog the pores and cause the blemishes that may leave a scar is the best way to go. Washing your hands before touching your face, regularly cleaning your sheets, keeping your hair out of your face, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a regular, effective skincare routine is the magical combination.

 

 

Are there any products or product lines you recommend as a professional?

I use in my work and personally Dermalogica Products. PreCleanse, Special Cleansing Gel, Special Clearing Booster, BioLumin-C Serum, and Multi-Active Toner are my most loved products. I use these for both professional and personal use.

The Treatment Skin Boutique has an amazing product line that I highly recommend. They offer medical grade products that are highly effective at a great price point.

 

When is the best time to get a facial before my wedding?

I recommend 2-4 weeks prior to your special event. In combination with an effective at-home skincare routine your skin will be at its best for your big day!

 

Are there any makeup products you’d recommend for wedding day makeup?

As a Facial Tech and Makeup Artist you can probably guess that my answer is all about what goes under the makeup. Primers are key in giving you the flawless skin look but also helping the makeup last as long as possible. The primer I recommend for combination/oily/acne prone skin is Urban Decay’s Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. Start by working it into the t-zone, targeting any large pores and then dragging the remaining left on your fingers to the outer parts of the face. For normal/dry skin types I recommend Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. It sits so beautifully on the skin and has the perfect amount of moisture to keep the driest of skin types happy.

 

Do extractions hurt?

They are not the most fun thing in the world but having a Licensed Professional take care of those pesky blemishes is best for your skin. At-home treatment of blemishes can cause severe scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

 

Is every facial the same?

Definitely not! Every salon / spa that offers facials will have a facial menu that outlines the difference in the treatments they offer. I have a menu that clients choose from and then I customize the products to what best suits their skin. The most crucial part of any service is the consultation. It is important that your Esthetician understands your skin concerns and addressed them in the service. We want you to leave happy with the service and excited about your glowing skin!

 

I have really acne prone skin. What’s the best way to help make sure I don’t get a giant zit on my wedding day?

Around your wedding day one of the biggest blemish causing factors is stress. To combat that powerful factor, make sure you are consistent with your skincare routine; have a Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster, Glossier Zit Stick spot treatment on hand; get enough sleep; and drink tons of water!