Why You Should Know the “What and Why” Behind Your Skincare

These days, we can get our hands on just about anything when it comes to skincare. We’re constantly being hit with ads for “must-haves,” “top picks,” and (my personal favorite) “holy grail” products. I’ll be the first to admit—those ads catch my eye every time. Especially the ones featuring glowing testimonials about “life-changing” results.

Over the years, I’ve tried hundreds of products. I’ve found some pretty amazing ones and admittedly fallen victim to a few stinkers. My clients often ask me about different products they’ve discovered—and even though I choose to only retail a few curated lines in my studio, I’m always open to hearing what my clients are using. Whether they’ve purchased it from my treatment room, a department store or the trunk of a black sedan in a back alley- I don’t judge! And if they are smearing snail mucin on their faces, I absolutely want to hear about it! 

But one thing that often gets overlooked is understanding what’s actually in your skincare products—and why you’re using them.

Here’s the advice I give my clients: before buying a product, ask yourself what it’s supposed to do for you. Will it help fade dark spots? Boost hydration? Restore your glow? Knowing your “what for” can take you a long way on your skincare journey—and save you from skin regrets down the road.

Here are 3 key reasons I always encourage clients to understand the “what and why” behind their skincare choices:

1. Avoid Adverse Reactions

If you have an appointment with your esthetician for a wax, facial, laser treatment, or lash service, it’s crucial to let her know what you’re using on your skin. Some ingredients can make your skin more sensitive, thin, or reactive—especially when paired with professional treatments. Even if you don’t remember the exact name of the product, sharing why you’re using it helps your esthetician identify its active ingredients and adjust accordingly.

2. Save Money

It’s been said that the average American woman owns over 80 beauty products at any given time—and if you’ve ever wandered the aisles of a big beauty store, its easy to see how that happens! But product hoarding can get expensive. When clients understand what a product does and what’s in it, they’re more likely to stick with it—and less likely to accumulate a drawer full of unused bottles and jars. Over time, that adds up to serious savings.

3. See Real Results

Just because something is trending doesn’t mean your skin needs it. Getting real results often starts with an expert assessment. When you communicate your skin goals (aka your “why”) to your esthetician, she can help recommend products with the right active ingredients to actually deliver. With consistency and a tailored approach, you’re far more likely to see the improvements you’re hoping for.

Bottom line: Skincare is personal. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about making informed choices that serve your skin. So next time you’re tempted by a shiny new serum, ask yourself what it’s for—and whether it’s what your skin actually needs.

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