The Esthetician’s Guide to Skincare Mixology

The Esthetician’s Guide to Skincare Mixology

Estheticians are the wizards of skincare, trained and licensed to perform a variety of services related to caring for your beautiful skin.  This includes doing a proper skin analysis, cleansing and caring for your skin, and applying remedies to help rejuvenate pores and skin cells from head to toe. Skincare Mixology is a great way to become esthetic.

One of the vital roles of a skilled Esthetician is the use and application of skincare products and ingredients, all of which must be used and combined carefully to maintain skin health and avoid injury.  Estheticians must be knowledgeable about the latest skincare trends, technologies, and products and use their expertise to customize treatments and provide personalized recommendations for each client’s unique skin type and concerns.

Our excellent Esthetics instructors at the Mason Anthony School have put together a handy guide to skincare mixology and the various tools and ingredients used in the practice of esthetics today.

Skincare Products and Ingredients in Esthetics

Estheticians have a vast array of skincare products and ingredients at their disposal to address a wide range of skin concerns. The following are some of the most commonly used ingredients and products used by estheticians for skincare:

1. Retinoids: Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and increase collagen production.
2. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs are a group of water-soluble acids that help to exfoliate the skin, improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA): BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can help to exfoliate the skin, reduce the appearance of acne, and unclog pores.
4. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can help to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids that help to support the skin’s barrier function and retain moisture, reducing the appearance of dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity.
8. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is an essential product that can help to protect the skin from UV damage, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
9. Moisturizer: Moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin and protect the skin’s barrier function, reducing the appearance of dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity.
10. Cleanser: Cleansers help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, helping to keep the skin clean and healthy.

Of course, this is just a small selection of the many ingredients and products that estheticians use to care for their clients’ skin. Every individual’s skin is unique, and as such, different ingredients and products may be more effective for different people. It’s essential to assess each client’s skin type and concerns to determine the most appropriate ingredients and products to use.

How Skincare Products are Mixed and Used in Esthetics

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in esthetic skincare to address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and acne. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, leading to smoother, firmer, and more radiant-looking skin. However, retinol can also cause skin irritation and sensitivity, especially if not used correctly. 

To safely use retinol in esthetics skincare, it’s important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase over time to allow the skin to adjust. It’s also essential to use sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase sensitivity to UV radiation. 

Estheticians can provide guidance on how to safely use retinol, as well as recommend complementary products to help reduce any potential side effects. With proper use, retinol can be a highly effective ingredient for improving the health and appearance of the skin.

Keep these key things in mind with retinol:

• Use a low-strength product to lower the possibility of irritation.
• Don’t mix with AHAs or BHAs (exfoliating ingredients)
• Don’t mix with vitamin C, although it may be used at a different time of day than the retinol product to avoid irritation to the skin.

Exfoliating Ingredients

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) exfoliate the skin to improve its appearance and give the skin a clear, glowing look. Both products may irritate the skin, so use sunscreen to avoid too much sunlight while using them. Do consider mixing with sunscreen for added protection or other moisturizing ingredients but do not use it with retinol products to avoid irritation. Also, avoid vitamin C products for the same reason.

Vitamin C

Although vitamin C is touted as a product everyone needs in their diet, many people overlook how important vitamin C is for skincare. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that offers a range of benefits for esthetic skincare. It helps to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Vitamin C also helps to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors, such as UV radiation and pollution, by neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, it can help to stimulate collagen production, which helps to firm and plump the skin. 

Estheticians often recommend incorporating a vitamin C serum into a daily skincare routine to help maintain healthy, glowing skin. Definitely consider mixing with other antioxidants, or vitamin E, but don’t mix with retinol, AHAs, or BHAs, which may increase the risk of irritation. Also, avoid benzoyl peroxide products and try to use them early in the morning, then use other products at night.

With regular use, vitamin C can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it looking smoother, more even, and more radiant.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in esthetic skincare products that are used to treat acne. It works by reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. However, it can also cause skin irritation and dryness, especially if not used correctly. 

To safely use benzoyl peroxide in esthetic skincare, it’s important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase over time to allow the skin to adjust. It’s also important to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness and to avoid using other potentially irritating products, such as abrasive scrubs or alcohol-based toners. 

The ingredient can be mixed with others that are hydrating, like SPF and topical antibiotics, but stick to moisturizing ingredients. Definitely avoid retinol or other acne prescription meds that already dry out the skin or may cause irritation. 

Estheticians can provide guidance on how to safely use benzoyl peroxide, as well as recommend complementary products to help reduce any potential side effects. With proper use, benzoyl peroxide can be an effective tool for managing acne and improving the health and appearance of the skin.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential component of esthetic skincare that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation. Exposure to the sun’s rays can cause a range of negative effects on the skin, including premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can help to block harmful UV rays and prevent these negative effects. 

Estheticians often recommend incorporating sunscreen into a daily skincare routine, applying it in the morning and reapplying as needed throughout the day. There are a variety of sunscreen products available that are formulated for different skin types and concerns, so it’s important to choose a product that is compatible with individual skin type and preferences. By using sunscreen regularly, individuals can help to protect their skin from damage and maintain a healthy, youthful-looking complexion.

Interested in Skincare Mixology?

Skincare mixology is an exciting part of the esthetics training program here at Mason Anthony.  We’re training the next generation of Estheticians to properly assess a client’s skin to suggest the optimal skincare regimen and beauty practices.  If you have an interest in beauty, skin, and esthetics, come take a tour of our campus and find out how you can become an esthetician!

Love making people feel beautiful?

Consider touring the Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology to see if training for a career in the salon is right for you. We’ve got the largest, best-in-class facility in Ohio and a large student body ready to help you hone your skills and practice your craft.

Call us today!