Skincare Marion-style: How Local Estheticians Recommend You Care for Your Skin

We questioned the tag team of estheticians in Marion, North Carolina for their recommendations on skincare. Ashley Carson is a professional esthetician, full body waxer and owner of Glabrescent Waxing Studio. Jessica Hudgins is a licensed esthetician and owner of Meraki Skin Studio. Here are their tips for keeping your skin looking clear and youthful:

1. What skin issues do you encounter most? 

J: I'd say right now with the social media craze, skincare has become at the forefront of our daily lives. I'd say the biggest issue I see regularly is my clients not knowing their skin type and not knowing how to properly care for it. Their skin has different needs than their favorite celebrity or their best friend... so using the same skincare as them based on their recommendation is definitely not the way to go. 

Another huge issue I see regularly is the misinformation out there regarding skin, concerns and treatment. TikTok and influencers have become such a huge problem for Estheticians because so many people follow ‘said person’ regularly and get to the point where without knowing this person, they trust them. When this person is not a skincare profession (or is and gives bad advice) they get followed by the millions. Everyone just has to realize that they are special. Their skin is different than anyone else's and skincare is not a one-size-fits-all ‘cookie-cutter’ treatment. You need to see a professional to walk you through the daily ins and outs of how to treat YOUR skin.

A: I specialize in hair removal as an esthetician. Most of the skin issues I see are dry skin due to lack of water intake and lack of proper moisturizing, in-growns due to either being prone to them or lack of exfoliation, and also acne on the body. We are taught about skincare from the aspect of facial skin. Our body skin is actually about 20-25% thicker or it can be as thin as our eyelid in areas that need movement, such as underarm, inner elbows, back of the knees, and even our bikini line. The palms of our hands and bottoms of our feet actually have a fifth layer of skin not found on other areas.

2. What treatment options do you offer? 

J: I help transform my clients skin to its healthiest and most glowy state through product education and professional skincare treatments. It's all about getting your skin through a progressive journey and not aggressive. As far as skincare goes I offer 1-hour Customized Facials. With our facials, we together go over your skin concerns and your consultation form. Each facial will be completely different depending on what your skin needs and concerns aer at that moment. I also offer a lot of different facial add-ons to help us address each concern. Currently we offer Diamond Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Enzyme Peels, Microcurrent Treatments, NanoInfusion Treatments, Back Facials and LED Light Therapy. We also offer other beauty add-ons such as Lash and Brow Tinting, Lash Lifts and Facial Waxing. 

A: All of my waxes come with complimentary extractions and body oil moisturizing solution to help my clients skin bounce back. I work with body treatments at my studio because I feel that our bodies need just as much attention as our facial skin. I offer full body exfoliation and mud mask that I recommend for beginners and for when we come out of winter to help shed off excess skin. Our back is often the most neglected and so I offer back facials with add ons such as LED or Microdermabrasion. Brazilians are my #1 service, but for skincare I offer vajacial options either immediately after waxing or the halfway mark between waxes. This service is great for those prone to in-growns.

3. What key tips do you recommend to people to keep their skin looking great? 

J: #1 WEAR THAT SUNSCREEN! Prevention with skincare is way easier than fixing an issue later. I have clients who come in daily after 30 years of not wearing sunscreen wanting their hyperpigmentation and fine lines gone in 2 treatments. If it took 30 years to get there, have patience. It's going to take us consistency and alot more time to fix. 

#2 Go to an Esthetician and find out your skin type and how to treat it. Certain products and ingredients to someone with oily skin can be detrimental to someone with dry skin.

#3 Learn that dehydrated skin and dry skin are 2 completely different things. Dehydrated lacks water. Dry lacks oil. You can have dry, dehydrated skin or oily, dehydrated skin. You treat them completely different. 

#4 Stop trusting things you find on TikTok and random Influencers. They get paid by the thousands by sponsors to sell you an idea or product. Estheticians are looking out for your skin. We do not get paid by CeraVe to push products. 

A: First would be getting enough water and a nutrient-rich diet. Skin needs to be hit from inside the body for proper stem cell functions in skin development. Second, always moisturize immediately after a shower. Pat any excess but don't dry off completely.  Add a drop of jojoba or rose oil to a fragrance free moisturizer for best results. Third, Waxing isn't actually a natural process for the skin. Removing hair goes against our natural evolution, so it's extremely important to make sure the skin is properly cared for on a consistent basis.  Skipping a day isn't going to hurt, but skipping a full week will through off your hard-working. Also, you esthetician will love you if you have a regular skincare routine.

4. With budget as a consideration, what skincare products do you recommend? 

J: So many think that professional skincare products are going to be too expensive and that’s completely not true. I have my own professional, botanical-based line and it’s priced cheaper than most OTC skincare you will find at your favorite stores. The difference is that mine have been formulated to deliver results and you can only get it from a licensed professional because of the ingredient strength and delivery systems. I will not recommend any that will harm my clients skin. Each person’s skin is different and what works for one may not work for another. 

A: Cerave and Cetaphil are base level lotions that are fragrance free and can be purchased just about anywhere. I personally use them with a drop of jojoba oil mixed in to use immediately after I shower.