10 things I wish I knew sooner as an esthetician

Becoming an esthetician comes with a steep learning curve—and plenty of myths to unlearn along the way. If I could go back and share a few skin truths with my younger self (and every client I’ve ever worked with), these would be at the top of the list.

Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you're a seasoned pro, these 10 insights can help you avoid common mistakes and start seeing real results—because healthy, glowing skin isn’t just about what’s trendy. It’s about what works. 

1. You Can Over-Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliation is essential—but more isn't always better. Overdoing it can damage your skin barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and breakouts. Stick to 2–3 times a week, and opt for something gentle.

👉 Try our Refresh Exfoliating Cleanser—it’s made with botanical extracts and fine exfoliating particles to smooth your skin without irritation.

2. Moisturizer Is a Must—Even for Oily Skin

Skipping moisturizer can actually make oily skin worse. When your skin feels dehydrated, it produces even more oil to compensate. The trick is finding a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.

👉 Our Clarity Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin hydrates while helping to balance oil production and calm blemishes.

3. SPF Is Your Best Anti-Aging Tool

You can buy all the retinol and vitamin C in the world—but if you’re not wearing sunscreen daily, you’re undoing all that hard work. Sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging.

👉 Our Organic Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is reef-safe, non-greasy, and leaves a beautiful glow while protecting your skin.

4. Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Don’t let price tags fool you. A $200 cream isn’t always more effective than a well-formulated $40 one. What matters most? Ingredients, pH, and how your skin responds—not the label.

5. Less Is More When Your Skin Is Inflamed

Got breakouts, redness, or irritation? Resist the urge to pile on products. Instead, simplify. Focus on soothing, hydrating, and protecting your barrier until things calm down.

6. Skin Doesn’t Need to Tingle to Be Working

That tingling or burning sensation? It’s often a sign of irritation—not efficacy. Effective skincare should feel good on your skin, not like a punishment.

7. You Can’t Shrink Pores—But You Can Smooth Them

Pore size is mostly genetic, and you can’t shrink them permanently. But you can improve their appearance by keeping them clean, exfoliated, and hydrated.

8. Diet, Sleep, & Stress Do Show Up on Your Face

Your skin is a reflection of what’s going on internally. Lack of sleep, poor diet, and chronic stress can lead to dullness, inflammation, and breakouts. Glowing skin starts with self-care.

9. Ingredients Matter More Than Trends

The prettiest packaging and buzzy trends don’t matter if the formula doesn’t serve your skin. Learn to read your labels. Look for proven actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and gentle botanicals over gimmicks.

10. Consistency Always Wins

The biggest game-changer? Consistency. You don’t need a 10-step routine—just a few good products you use daily. Great skin doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen when you stick with it.

Ready to Reset Your Routine?

• Refresh Exfoliating Cleanser – A gentle exfoliator to smooth and brighten without stripping
• Clarity Moisturizer – A lightweight hydrator that keeps oily skin balanced
• Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 – Your daily armor against UV damage

Final Thoughts

These 10 lessons changed how I care for my skin—and how I educate my clients. Great skincare isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, patience, and learning what your skin actually needs.

Ready to take your skincare routine to the next level? Explore our best-sellers and feel confident in every step.