May 3, 2023 8:30:00 AM / by The Institute of Skin Science
Hundreds of skin care influencers claim to have the answers to your skin care problems. Whether they’re on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, they are constantly posting their latest skin care tips.
But is their information reliable?
Not all skinfluencers are equal as not all have aesthetic training. The key to your skin care success is finding skinfluencers who are licensed aestheticians that understand the science of skin care. These professionals can help you resolve your skin care concerns and give you proper guidance to reach your skin care goals.
Here are four reasons why aestheticians are the best source for your skin care needs.
1. LICENSURE & TRAINING
Skin care influencers, or “skinfluencers,” are social media users who share tips on how to take care of your skin. Sometimes these users are licensed professionals; other times they are simply skin care enthusiasts.
Skinfluencers don’t need to attend an esthetic school or obtain a license. Anyone can become a skinfluencer by creating a blog or social media account and sharing content about skin care.
Aestheticians, on the other hand, must graduate from a state-approved aesthetics program, which can include up to 1,200 hours of instruction. They learn anatomy, chemistry, physiology, histology (study of small human tissues) and other related skin sciences in a classroom and spa setting. They also learn the latest technologies and techniques for treating the skin for specific conditions, such as acne, hyperpigmentation and visible signs of aging.
Some states allow aestheticians to earn an expanded or master aesthetician license. To obtain this license, aestheticians must enroll in an advanced aesthetics program and complete hundreds more hours of training. They can then perform advanced procedures, such as deep chemical peels, laser treatments, tattoo removals and microneedling.
When you meet with a licensed aesthetician, you know you are talking to someone who’s received hours of training and has the scientific knowledge to help you achieve your skin goals.
2. PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
Skinfluencers can try different skin care products to see how well they work and give recommendations. However, their product knowledge may be limited to what’s on the bottle.
If they use a skin care brand with good packaging, they should be able to tell you what the product does, which skin type it is for and whether to use it in the morning or at night. Hopefully, they can warn you about side effects and whether the product is pregnancy-safe.
What skinfluencers may not know is which products you can safely mix or use on the same day. They may not be aware of how different ingredients can cancel each other out or damage your skin when combined.
Aestheticians, however, learn everything about skin care ingredients in aesthetics school. They know exactly how these ingredients affect your skin cells, nerves, muscles and veins. They can tell you which products to mix together, which to use separately and which are safe to use in the morning and when you’re pregnant or nursing. On top of that, they can teach you how to reduce negative side effects, so you always enjoy taking care of your skin.
Aestheticians can also sell you pharmaceutical-grade skin care like GlyMed Plus, which is WAY more effective than anything you’ll find in a department or drug store. Professional skin care contains 99 percent pure ingredients and is clinically tested, so you know you’re getting products that produce real results.
3. PERSONALIZED SKIN CARE
Skinfluencers have different audiences; they may target a specific age group, ethnicity, gender or skin type. Other influencers speak to anyone and everyone who is interested in skin care.
Regardless of how broad or narrow their audience is, they are still speaking to all of their followers.
When you meet with an aesthetician, you get personalized treatment and product recommendations. First, they analyze your skin to see which skin type you have and how severe your skin condition is (if you have one). Then, they recommend skin care and in-clinic treatments that will help you to reach your skin care goals.
An aesthetician can also create a skin care routine for you to do at home to keep your skin glowing between treatments. This regimen is customized just for you and your skin care goals. With this personal touch, you will quickly notice a difference in your skin.
4. SAFE SKIN TREATMENTS Skinfluencers create tutorials for DIY facials and skin care treatments you can do at home. While it is definitely cheaper and more convenient to do facials yourself, your skin is a sensitive organ that can be easily damaged. Strong active ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid can hurt your skin when not applied properly. Even if skinfluencers walk you through the process step by step, the reality is it takes professional training to do spa-level facials.
In aesthetic school, aestheticians study and practice treatments for hours under an instructor’s supervision. They know how to safely apply peels and other active products so they don’t harm your skin or make it hypersensitive. CONCLUSION Many aestheticians are also skinfluencers and are a great source of information. Just know that some skinfluencers are not licensed professionals. They may start skin care trends that appear legitimate but may actually be based on false information.
Your skin is too valuable to try any skin care product or technique trending on social media. You deserve the real deal. So, follow aestheticians online and meet with them in person to get the best treatment and advice for your skin. The results will show the value of meeting with a skin care professional.
Ready to begin your journey to glowing, youthful skin? Find a GlyMed skin care professional near you. If you have any questions and would like to speak to one of our friendly Master Aestheticians in your area, please email support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au
WRITTEN BY THE INSTITUTE OF SKIN SCIENCE