11 Years in Aesthetics: Key Lessons That Shaped Me as a Skincare Professional

We’ve already lost the race for eternal youth — walk your own pace toward health and joy

Aging is a natural process — yet we’re taught to be ashamed of it. Biologically, aging starts somewhere between 25 and 30, linked to a decline in the body’s ability to repair DNA. Regeneration programs for all structures — skin, bones, muscles — slow down. Collagen and elastin production drops, while oxidative stress accumulates.

Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants.

To slow this down, we should support the body — not stress it further with self-criticism, fear of change, or rejection of our evolving selves.

What really matters is building a skincare and self-care routine that works for you. Find physical activities that energize you and make them a lifestyle. Eat clean, sleep deeply, and breathe fresh air often. Visit your doctor yearly. Protect your mental balance.

Remember: age is just a number. And when you understand it — it becomes your asset.

You can’t moisturize the skin from the outside

Our skin is made up of three main layers. The outermost — the epidermis — is mostly dead cells. Its job? To protect. Beneath it lies the dermis — the strongest and most vital layer, home to collagen, elastin, and even hair follicles. It’s also where most of the skin’s water is stored — but that water only gets there from the inside, through the bloodstream.

Through capillary walls, water reaches the dermis’ gel-like matrix, rich in hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. From there, it slowly rises to the upper layers — but unless the top layer is protected by lipids and moisturizers, most of that water simply evaporates.

Here’s where moisturizers come in:
They don’t moisturize in the literal sense. They retain and redistribute moisture. Real hydration happens from within: enough water intake, a balanced diet with sufficient protein, and good blood circulation.

Almost all aesthetic procedures are controlled skin trauma — only the methods vary

Most anti-aging treatments are based on triggering skin regeneration through controlled damage.

There are two main types:

Physiological Regeneration (gentle stimulation):

Supports natural renewal without harming the skin. Includes:

  • Moisturizing and nourishing creams and serums
  • Antioxidants, peptides, vitamins (like retinol or Vitamin C)
  • Devices like microcurrents, ultrasound, or light therapy

Reparative Regeneration (controlled injury):

Forces the skin to repair itself through targeted damage. Includes:

  • Peels (chemical or laser) — removing upper layers to prompt renewal
  • Microneedling, RF-lifting — micro-injuries stimulate collagen
  • Laser treatments — removing or heating skin layers to trigger healing

⚠️ It’s crucial to remember: the skin needs resources (like nutrients) to regenerate. Overdoing trauma can backfire — leading to inflammation, pigmentation, or even scarring.

Choose wisely. Pick treatments suitable for your skin’s current condition and age. (Book a consultation — link coming soon.)

Fillers don’t truly add volume. Biorevitalization doesn’t really hydrate. Threads don’t lift — often they just cause more puffiness

Hyaluronic acid fillers attract water, creating a temporary plumpness — but the volume isn’t structural, it’s mostly swelling and fluid redistribution.

New studies even point to risks like tissue fibrosis, migration of filler material, and incomplete absorption.

Biorevitalization involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin. But without adequate hydration inside your body, it won’t deliver long-term results. It may give a temporary “glow,” but it won’t solve dehydration.

As for threads — they trigger fibrosis (tissue thickening), but they don’t provide a significant lifting effect. In fact, for faces prone to puffiness or ptosis (sagging), threads can make things worse and complicate future surgery.

Understanding how these methods work prevents disappointment and unrealistic expectations.

Instead of a drawer full of expensive creams, start with gentle and proper cleansing

I’ll never stop saying this: cleansing is the most important part of your skincare routine.

Impurities, leftover makeup, dust, sebum, and dead skin cells block the skin’s ability to renew and absorb actives. A gentle cleanser — free from harsh surfactants — helps maintain the hydrolipid barrier and prevents dryness or irritation. (Product link coming soon.)

Pay attention to pH balance and avoid disrupting the skin’s natural defenses. Use exfoliating acids or enzyme peels 1–2 times a week, depending on your skin’s condition. (Product link coming soon.)

Healthy skin begins within. What you eat is what your skin feeds on

Skin is a reflection of your inner health. Deficiencies in vitamins, proteins, fatty acids, and antioxidants lead to dryness, dullness, inflammation, and premature aging.

Here’s what your skin loves:

  • Omega-3s – strengthen the lipid barrier and prevent inflammation
  • Vitamin C – boosts collagen and strengthens blood vessels
  • Polyphenols (from tea, berries, cacao) – protect from oxidative stress
  • Zinc & Vitamin A – regulate oil production and aid healing
  • Proteins & Amino acids – build firm, elastic skin

And it’s not just what you eat — it’s how:

  • Not enough water? Slower metabolism, tired-looking skin.
  • Too much sugar and processed food? Glycation kicks in — breaking down collagen. (Product link coming soon.)

Balanced nutrition isn’t a trend. It’s the cornerstone of youthful, healthy skin. Skincare works best when it partners with diet.

The best anti-aging cream? Sleep, water, rest, and SPF — applied on time

Sleep and rest are when the skin restores itself. At night, microcirculation improves, repair processes speed up, and the damage of the day gets neutralized. (Product link coming soon.)

Hydration is key for cellular health. And UV protection? It’s the most powerful anti-aging tool. Sun exposure causes up to 80% of visible aging. No cream can match the power of proper rest, hydration, and SPF.

It’s not your aesthetician that gives you great skin — it’s your daily habits

Your aesthetician can help, yes — but the foundation is your routine. Cleansing, hydrating, sun protection, and feeding your skin from within — these are the rituals that build real beauty over time.

You don’t need 10 steps. You need consistency, awareness, and balance

The myth of a perfect 10-step routine is just that — a myth. More doesn’t mean better. In fact, over-layering actives or constantly switching products can damage your skin barrier and make it more reactive.

Instead, focus on the essentials:

  • Cleanse properly (without stripping)

  • Use actives only if they suit your skin type

  • Protect with SPF daily

  • Keep your barrier hydrated and intact

The real secret? Doing this day after day. Season after season. Year after year.

A simple, mindful, and consistent approach will always outperform a drawer full of half-used miracle creams.

You don’t need 10 steps. You need consistency, awareness, and balance

The myth of a perfect 10-step routine is just that — a myth. More doesn’t mean better. In fact, over-layering actives or constantly switching products can damage your skin barrier and make it more reactive.

Instead, focus on the essentials:

  • Cleanse properly (without stripping)
  • Use actives only if they suit your skin type
  • Protect with SPF daily
  • Keep your barrier hydrated and intact

The real secret? Doing this day after day. Season after season. Year after year.

A simple, mindful, and consistent approach will always outperform a drawer full of half-used miracle creams.

Final Thoughts: Beauty Isn't Built in a Bottle — It's Cultivated Daily

After over a decade in skincare, I’ve learned that true radiance is never about trends, filters, or flawless skin. It’s about self-awareness, realistic care, and showing up for yourself — even when it’s hard.

Yes, products help. Yes, treatments can boost. But your real power lies in the choices you make every single day:

  1. To hydrate
  2. To rest
  3. To protect
  4. To nourish
  5. To love yourself as you are — and as you evolve

And when you get that right, the glow isn’t just skin-deep. It’s undeniable.