Ready to get the visible results you desire and deserve for your skin? It’s time to put your skin in the hands of an expert! But how do you choose an expert if you’re not even sure the kind of treatment(s) or service(s) to book? The landscape of skincare and esthetic treatments is constantly growing and has become increasingly complex. With so many options, even a season skincare enthusiast can get stumped.
We’re here to help. Our founder Kate was a pioneer in the field of medical esthetics, being among the first to bring nurses into her clinic to partner with estheticians to deliver maximum impact results. This is part of what put Kate and our team on the map and to this day allows us to be trusted by some of the most photographed faces in the world. We not only deliver visible results without downtime. We care about optimizing skin health.
With so much information, misinformation, and skincare trends (still recovering from 90’s skinny brows - oof!), how do you choose a path for you and your skin? Everyone deserves to have a trusted, expert friend to guide you through this exciting journey of discovery what’s possible for skin through the ages.
To help you on your journey, we’ve put together a guide to understand the different types of treatments done by estheticians and medical professionals. Before we get into it, some things to keep in mind. First, ENJOY this journey! Skin health is something that should make you feel hopeful, positive, and inspired. It’s meant to help you feel good about yourself. The goal is to discover what you enjoy and while it’s great to try something new, if something doesn’t “feel like you”, don’t do it.
Second, all the rules of essential self-care apply to skin care – eat well, exercise, drink plenty of water, practice good sleep hygiene and actively manage stress in ways that work for you. Remember, you will always glow the most when you are happy and at ease.
Now, how do I know if I need to book my treatment with a nurse and/or an esthetician?
In our clinic, we believe in the power of two for maximum results. An esthetician and a nurse provide different and highly complementary services. When well combined, the work of one amplifies the effects of the other and results compound over time.
Also, what an esthetician’s license covers vs. a nurse’s will depend on local state license requirements. Typically, procedures using injectables are performed by nurses, while facials are done by estheticians. Other treatments like lasers, microneedling and peels can vary. Below, you will discover the unique training and expertise of each.
Nurses
- Medical training and experience allow a nurse to efficiently and effectively provide treatments that require a thorough understanding of anatomy and its interconnectedness, along with common health issues that may contraindicate certain treatments.
- Treatments in the medical esthetic scope typically work below the skin surface, into the dermis. Treating at this level typically enables longer term results.
Esthetician
- Esthetics training and experience allow an esthetician to effectively provide treatments that require a thorough understanding of skin health, products and massage techniques.
- Treatments in the esthetic scope typically work on the skin surface, with the epidermis. Their aim is to give you the glowing, healthy radiance we identify with healthy skin.
When you work with one of our Skin Health Experts, including our estheticians and nurses, they help you:
ASSESS YOUR SKIN
Because skin is so deeply personal to the individual, our clinicians always start by asking you how you feel about your skin. Specifically, we want to know…
- Are you overall pretty happy and just need a little boost of visible results?
- Is there something that frustrates you, a recurring skin issue that you need help to solve?
- What have your skin habits been like recently and over time? Do you take care of your skin daily with good skincare or are you a sunworshipper or a “soap & water” only person?
Keep in mind, ours is a shame-free space. When we ask questions, it’s to gain insights and information about how to improve your skin health and deliver on the promise of visible results without downtime.
SET SKIN GOALS
Once we understand your history, we help you set goals for your healthy skin future, exploring the following…
- What do you want your skin to be like physically that’s different from how it is today? Knowing this will help us determine a treatment plan that delivers the visible results you want.
- Why are you doing this? Is working with a Skin Health Expert to visibly transform your skin something you’re doing for yourself or is it a “should”? For example, “If I look a certain way, I’ll feel better about myself or fit in with others.”
There are no right or wrong answers. We simply want to understand what’s motivating your decision to visibly transform your skin. And while we know the pressures society puts on us to maintain a youthful appearance, we never want anyone to seek out treatment based on fear or negativity. This is for you and should feel good to you! This is important – there are physical goals with mental motivations. You’ll enjoy the journey and your results when both are balanced and in check. If your motivation is coming from outside yourself, it’s a good idea to address that first.
CHECK YOUR COMFORT LEVEL
If you’re new to working with an esthetician and/or nurse, the world of hands-on skincare treatments may seem daunting. It is helpful for us to know…
- What treatments you’ve done in the past so we can help you determine a treatment plan that works for you and makes you feel comfortable
- Are you wanting to focus mainly on topical treatments, injectables, or both? I personally tend to shy away from services that involve injections while I know many of my colleagues book regular injectables appointments with our nurses. This is really about comfort level. I understand by abstaining from injectables (for now), I may not get the exact results I want and that’s OK. I like exploring other options.
- Some treatments may cause momentary discomfort. Our clinicians will clearly communicate that so you can make an educated choice about what you’re comfortable with. This also allows us to customize your skincare journey to get the results you want without leaving your comfort zone.
UNDERSTAND YOUR COMMITMENT LEVEL
We all want our skin to look and feel its best. That doesn’t mean we’re all equally committed to getting those results. And that’s okay. Together, we help you determine…
- How much time you’re willing to invest to achieve your skincare goals.
- The level of visible transformation you’re after – and how long that will realistically take.
- What you’re willing or able to do, as this may impact how you adjust your goals or expected timeline to achieve them.
DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
It’s always a great investment when you invest in yourself. That said, you shouldn’t go broke on beauty products or treatments.
- THIS is where working with a Skin Health Expert really matters. We can help you determine the treatments you actually need based on your goals, saving you from all the others you don’t.
- If you have to make choices, it may serve you better to save for a few of the right quality products and treatments with a reputable service provider, than go for “a lot” at the place advertising low prices.
Also, a few common questions to help you along…
When should I get started?
As soon as you’re ready. Like anything related to our health, starting good care and habits earlier is ideal. But better late than never as the saying goes. It’s never too late to start making a positive difference for your skin and yourself!
How often should I get a treatment?
This will best be answered with your team once you determine a personalized skin health plan. Generally speaking, we recommend getting a facial once a month. Medical esthetic treatments vary depending on the treatment. For example, most neurotoxin treatments (aka Botox or Dysport) are typically refreshed every several months. Many other treatments such as lasers are best done in a series of 3-5, usually a few weeks apart with a series being done 1-2 times per year. If you plan to include medical esthetic services in your journey, keep in mind some treatments have downtime and some take time to show visible results.
How do I find the right skincare clinic for me?
Online resources such as search engines and review sites can be a great place to start and get a feel for what is available in your local area. That said, nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone you trust or someone who you think has the results you’re hoping for. Don’t be shy to ask around.
What should I start with?
A consultation is a great way to go. If you’re new to getting services done, it’s great to get consultations from a few places before deciding on one. Some places may offer complimentary consultations, and some may have a small fee, often able to be applied towards a service. Either way, it’s a great investment of time and even money to have a focused conversation on your needs and desires. And it’s better to see if you click with your clinician before investing in full treatments.
What should I expect from my consultation?
Options and realistic expectations are important. So is getting a consultation with an esthetician and nurse (or appropriate licensed professional in your state) as they will look at different things, but ultimately the recommendations should support each other. Don’t be intimidated by a thorough plan - choose what’s comfortable for you. It’s always good for you to know the full range of what’s possible, even if you don’t do everything at once. At the same time, be honest about what you’re comfortable with and what you’re looking for. The last thing anyone wants to have is unmet expectations. Upfront communication is essential. Then, start with a simple facial to see how the full experience works for you before signing up for a full package of treatments.
We hope this helps you feel great about getting started on your skin care journey. Remember it’s skin health and self-care, so enjoy the process!
Which of Kate’s products are right for you? Take our Skin Quiz here. Or book a visit to one of our Kate Somerville Clinics here.
