The list of things we’re told we need can feel endless. So what’s actually necessary?

Truthfully—there is no one perfect routine for everyone. Your skin is influenced by your lifestyle, health, hormones, preferences… there are just too many variables to give a universal plan.

But 🤓 after 10 years of working with skin, I can give you a guideline that will keep your skin healthy, prevent future damage, and have you very thankful years from now 🦋

1️⃣ - First up: Facials 🧖‍♀️

Facials suggested every 4 weeks isn’t random—it’s based on your skin’s biology.

Your skin goes through a full cycle about every ~28 days. New cells are created at the base (basal layer of the epidermis), travel upward, and eventually shed off the surface (millions per day on your face alone).

But❗️Those dead skin cells don’t always shed perfectly

They can:
-build up
-mix with oil
-clog pores
-create texture and acne

And this one surprises people - They can also settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them look deeper over time! 😳 Think of it like dust collecting in the creases of fabric—the more buildup, the more those lines stand out.

This is where facials come in! The monthly suggestion aligns with the skins full cycle. When receiving facials monthly you get the past cycle exfoliated and refreshed before a new one adds onto it - keeping things in optimum balance and preventing buildup and damage. 
They’re like a monthly reset button:
-deeper exfoliation
-pore clearing
-smoothing surface buildup
-restoring proper function

And let’s talk about facial massage 

Facial massage is sooooo much more than relaxation. Your facial muscles hold tension just like your body does—especially from repetitive expressions (hello frowning, squinting, stress).

When those muscles stay contracted they reinforce lines in the skin above them.
Massage helps:
- release that tension
- improve circulation
- bring fresh oxygen + nutrients to the tissue

A cool way to think about it - when a muscle is constantly contracted it flattens, when it relaxes it plumps back up. This is actually similar to what happens with Botox. The muscle is “frozen” → not over-contracting and over time it softens + appears fuller (if you've had botox you know this smooth juicy look!)

With facial massage, we’re doing a natural version of that concept by relaxing overworked muscles, allowing them to “juice back up”, and softening expression lines.

So yes—your facial massage isn't just crazy relaxing, it's actually skincare + muscle work + circulation + long-term anti-aging 💫 

2️⃣  - Next: Microneedling 🖊️

If you know me, you know I loooove me some microneedling 😍 

It’s one of the few treatments that gives you minimal downtime + major long-term payoff. Think of it like strength training for your skin 💪

You’re creating controlled micro-injuries that signal your skin to rebuild stronger, healthier tissue which helps with:
- scarring
- fine lines
- pigment 
- overall skin structure + quality & so much more

How often?
Once/year → maintenance
Quarterly → aging prevention
Or a series → correction

3️⃣  - And finally: Chemical Peels 🧪

These are more customized, but I love one stronger peel per year (when skin is properly prepped)

Think of this as your deep reset. You’ll have ~7–10 days of downtime, but the payoff is so worth it: 
- lifts pigment
- smooths texture
- brightens + refines
+ again, so much more (you can really customize these)

Peels are amazing in a series for correction, but once you’re in maintenance phase, a yearly deeper peel + lighter exfoliation/peels during facials is perfect. Chemical peels can truly transform the skin quickly. 

✨ ✨ Ok lets break it all down and simplify it! ✨ ✨ 

🔸Every 4 weeks → Facial
🔸Once/year or quarterly → Microneedling
🔸Once/year → Stronger peel
🔸+ a customized routine = dream skin ☁️✨

I have to leave you with a quick reality check because it's common to think more is more - but more is not more when it comes to skin.

Your skin needs time to regenerate. Remember when we talked about Microneedling? Well after just one session, collagen remodeling continues for 8–12+ weeks! So your results are building quietly in the background long after your appointment.
If you’re constantly over-exfoliating, over-treating, creating too much inflammation - you're actually working against your results and creating damage which leads to quicker aging amongst other things. 

Think of it like the gym, you don’t build muscle during the workout—you build it during recovery. Skin is the same.

As always - when in doubt—ask your Esthetician 🩵 

We spend our lives studying skin and working hands-on with it every day. A good esthetician will guide you toward what’s best for your skin, and sometimes that means saying “no" because we love you 🫶

Final note: I have to mention this also, your treatments matter—but your home care matters more. Even if I see you once a month, your skincare sees your skin twice a day. That’s the foundation and key piece. None of these treatments will perform how you want them to without a solid routine. Treatments are the cherry on top and will give you the skin people stop you to ask what your secret is for years to come 😉🍒🍰