Sharing the Inside Scoop: Skincare & Facials From My Esthetician

I’ve been going to Noelle for just over a year now —  she’s my esthetician at Antonio Spa in downtown Seattle and I have to say it’s the most serene place. Ever. Every single time I visit, I leave with a fresh glowy face and feel like my skin is brought back to life. Last time I visited her (I try to go monthly / every other month for a facial), I asked her a handful of questions that I’m hoping can help some of you! Let me know if you enjoy in the comments below xx

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE?

I would examine your skin at the beginning and end of your day and see how your skin looks and feels.

• Combination skin will usually feel oily in the T-zone (includes forehead, nose and chin) but dry everywhere else. If you notice two different textures on your face, it is a sign you have combination skin.
• Sensitive skin will usually feel itchy, patchy, dry and can sometimes sting or feel irritated after applying products.
• Normal skin will be even and balanced. It’s neither too dry nor oily or sensitive.
• Oily skin will generally feel oily all over. If you are needing to blot the oil throughout the day, chances are you have oily skin.
• Dry skin will feel tight and dry. It is normal for it to flake or crack especially during the winter months.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE THE TYPE OF FACIAL TO GET PER YOUR SKIN TYPE?

Once you determine your skin type, always look over your spas menu and see the options they have for facials. If the facials come customized, the therapist will treat your specific needs. If the facials are based on skin concerns or specific treatments, it is always a good idea to have a consultation beforehand to determine which facial would benefit you most. Typically, reception can help steer you in a basic direction, but never hesitate to speak with a therapist over the phone or in person if you are unsure.

WHAT HAS BEEN MY PERSONAL GO-TO FACIAL THIS PAST YEAR AND WHY DOES IT BENEFIT MY SKIN?

Rachael’s go-to facial has been the 60-minute customized facial which includes a peel and massage! Since Rachael leads a healthy and active lifestyle, she benefits from a light peel which helps slough off dead skin cells and helps relieve skin of excess sweat and congestion. Massage is especially beneficial for draining lymphatic fluid which helps reduce overall inflammation in the skin. We have also done the 60-minute Oxygeneo as well, with our NeoBright serum, helping to exfoliate and brighten the skin as well as infuse the skin with hydration. It sounds so cliché, but anytime you can truly take a minute to reset and de-stress, your skin will repair and heal much faster. Stress and inflammation are some of the biggest aggressors, so eliminating one or both will prove beneficial to the improvement of your skin. Listen to your mom’s age-old advice, RELAX!

WHAT’S THE BEST/EASIEST SKIN TREATMENT YOU CAN DO AT HOME? WHAT SKIN TREATMENT SHOULD YOU LEAVE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL?

Ice rolling! Ice rolling or rolling in general is so beneficial for moving that lymphatic fluid in the skin to help reduce inflammation and promote circulation. (Hello healthy glow!) If you do not have a roller at home, don’t forget about some of the best tools around, your hands! A simple massage with clean hands using your moisturizer or facial oil will do wonders!

I always cringe when people tell me they do their own dermarolling (Microneedling) at home. Microneedling has so many amazing benefits! Improving and stimulating collagen production, reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and scarring just to name a few. However, if done incorrectly or with low quality implements and products, you can do more harm than good to your skin. Think about it, tiny needles entering your skin creating micro-wounds to stimulate collagen production. Proper sanitizing, proper knowledge about the deeper layers of the epidermis/dermis, and access to high quality post care products are needed for this type of treatment to be successful. There is so much more that goes into this treatment that I would strongly recommend you leave this up to a professional.

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST TIP FOR FIGHTING DRYNESS IN THE WINTER/DRY WEATHER?

As we are coming out of the winter months, spring can be a great time to see a professional to help slough off dead skin that has been building up all winter. However, my biggest tip for fighting dry skin during the winter months is to exfoliate two to three times per week and immediately hydrate right after. For example, after an exfoliating scrub (and I do not mean St. Ives Apricot scrub), apply a hydrating mask/treatment immediately after. After exfoliating, the skin will receive products faster and deeper. This is the time to hydrate! Your skin will thank you.

-Thank you, Noelle!! Remember that you can always mention my name for 20% off any service at Antonio Spa 🙂