Navigating the sea of beauty advice online is difficult. Having been born into the Asian beauty culture and working as a spa owner in the United States for over a decade, I’ve seen and tried it all. In this post, I’ll share the ones that have helped me care for my skin and become the best master esthetician I can be.
But first — What is a Master Esthetician?
A Master Esthetician is a trained skin care professional who specializes in improving the appearance and health of their clients’ skin. They receive more training than regular estheticians and can perform a greater range of services, from facials to chemical peels and laser treatments. They use their knowledge of anatomy, skin conditions, and cosmetic ingredients for a more personalized approach. I am a licensed master esthetician in the United States and dedicate my free time to researching so I can offer more and only the best service to my clients and customers — that includes you! Scroll down below to read a few of the beauty advice I swear by.
Tip #1: Invest more time in your PM skincare routine.
While you catch some Z's, your skin is hard at work. Without interruptions from stress and pollution, it’s able to absorb and replenish better at night.
Taking the time to apply quality skincare products before hitting the hay will give your skin the best chance to rejuvenate. But let's be honest: it’s hard to pamper yourself in the morning when you’re already thinking about the impending tasks! That's why giving your most potent products more time on your skin is crucial, so you can wake up looking fresh, well-rested, and radiant.
Your morning routine also becomes shorter because your skin has already received all the essential care it needs from the night before. Use a Profound Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush when washing to save even more minutes!
Shop the Profound Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush.
Tip #2: Deep clean your pores every two weeks.
Blackheads are a pesky problem that many of us have to deal with. These unwanted blemishes arise when pores become filled with keratinocytes, which trigger sebum production and inflammation. While oily skin types are more prone to blackheads, anyone can experience clogged pores.
Try chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, AHA/BHA, Retinol, and lactic acid, which help dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells. Other options include pore strips, a bentonite clay mask, mechanical exfoliators like our Exfoliating Bundle, or extraction and acne facial from a professional.
While permanently minimizing pores is impossible, following a gentle skincare routine, avoiding pore-clogging ingredients like thick creams and coconut oil, and refraining from touching your face can lead to visible improvements in texture within a few weeks. Use non-comedogenic or oil-free makeup and wash them off with MAVIAN™ Makeup Remover Pads before going to bed.
Shop the Exfoliating Bundle and MAVIAN™ Makeup Remover Pads.
Tip #3: Always patch-test new products.
Preventing unwanted irritations or allergic reactions is essential for maintaining a flawless complexion.
To test a product — regardless if it’s recommended by your friend or dermatologist — apply a thin amount of it to hidden areas such as the underside of the jaw, behind the ear, side of the neck, crease of the elbow, back of the hand, or the inside of the wrist. Let 24 hours pass before examining your skin for bumps, redness, or itchiness.
If you have sensitive skin, introduce the product slowly, starting twice a week before making it a regular in your ritual.
Tip #4: Be patient in waiting for natural skincare to show results.
Skincare is not a short-term commitment but a daily routine to be followed religiously. It’s important to wait at least three months before deciding whether or not a new skincare routine has been effective. Why? It takes around 28 days for the top layer of skin to make a turnover. So, remember not to fall for exaggerated product claims or search for do-it-all miracle products.
Stick to your routine to see the desired results. If you experience any redness, continued flaking, increased dryness, stinging, or discomfort, discontinue using the product — stat.
Tip #5: More effective skincare means less makeup.
When your skin is soft, smooth, and glowing (healthy, in short!), you’ll no longer need to cover it up with layers of spot correctors, concealers, or foundation. You can wear a bare face and go out anytime without feeling self-conscious. And with the prices of women’s beauty products these days, who wouldn’t want to save money?
In addition, when your skincare is effective, your foundation or tinted moisturizer will sit comfortably on your skin like a second skin. That said, prioritize your skincare routine to enjoy the benefits of having a flawless complexion with little to no makeup.
Tip #6: Wear sunscreen every day.
Always wear sunscreen, even on a cloudy day or indoors. Unknown to many, UV rays are still present through your windows or screens, causing damage to your skin.
For sufficient protection, reapply sunscreen every two hours and limit sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the rays are at their strongest. Remember, guarding your skin from the sun is crucial to prevent uneven skin tone, wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
Tip #7: Never leave your mask on longer than half an hour.
Face masks help you and your skin feel more refreshed than face washing could. There’s a misconception that the longer you leave a face mask on, the more benefits you'll receive. But be warned: prolonged use poses more risks than rewards.
As with all good things, enjoy masking in moderation. Clay masks are great for drawing impurities out of your skin, but too much time can strip your skin of essential oils. Our Total Glow Face Mask comes with 13.5% Pure Vitamin C Cream that you can apply thinly all over the face before masking to get the rejuvenating effect you desire in 20 minutes or less!
Shop the Total Glow Face Mask Box of 5.
Tip #8: Use a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin.
People think that oily skin doesn't require additional hydration, so those who have it fall prey to over-cleansing and blotting constantly. The truth is that the more you moisturize your skin, the less oil it will produce over time!
A healthy moisture barrier is essential for achieving that coveted lit-from-within glow. Skin that’s dry, red, or flaky may be a sign of a damaged barrier. These tiny, invisible cracks allow moisture to escape and light to penetrate, preventing natural radiance from lasting. To avoid a greasy look, find moisturizers designed for your skin type.
Tip #9: Time and tools make your skincare work to their fullest, not expensive products.
A good skincare routine heavily relies on the products you use. To maximize their wealth of benefits, however, a few extra steps should be taken. Using skincare tools such as our LED Light Therapy and Derma Roller can boost blood circulation in the skin and provide mild surface exfoliation to clear dead skin cells that block ingredients from penetrating the pores. They also allow you to work more evenly on the entire face than you could with just your hands alone.
It’s easy to accidentally scratch or tug on sensitive and delicate areas of the face, which can cause irritation and redness when doing your skincare hastily. Invest in spa facial tools that accomplish more tasks, like the 4-in-1 Facelift Device that tightens, brightens, and preps skin for optimal serum absorption.
Shop the LED Light Therapy and Derma Roller and 4-in-1 Facelift Device.
Tip #10: If you must splurge, spend more on quality serums.
Serums are the superfood for the face. They ensure your skin gets the proper nourishment needed to stay in the pink of health. With their smaller particle sizes, our Beautify Serums penetrate deep into the skin, delivering a range of benefits such as hydration, brightening, and reducing the premature signs of aging. Because they contain a higher concentration of nutrients, you can see visible results in a shorter amount of time.
These potent formulations, often packaged into pumps or drops, are incredibly beneficial for those with acne-prone or oily skin; their lightweight formula will not add to an oily surface! Nowadays, some serums are designed to be used in tandem with makeup. If yours is, mix a pea-sized amount with your liquid foundation or BB/CC Cream to create a dewy, more hydrated finish. Tap into the skin and blend with a beauty sponge to further promote absorption into the skin.
Shop the Beautify Serums.
For more beauty tips and trends, browse the Mavian Beauty blog.
Shop from Mavian Beauty and enjoy free standard shipping on U.S. orders over $75.
