Issue link: http://www.finelinesmagazine.com/i/1083828
6 ASCP Fine Lines Get involved in determining your home-care program! Ask questions, and be sure you understand how and when to use your products. Aer all, short-term improvement can oen be seen aer a single facial treatment, but real, long-term skin health only happens when you are devoted to following your esthetician's advice to the letter. Here are some ways to get the most out of your skin care investment. 1. Expect a thorough, well-organized consultation during your initial visit. Your esthetician should take the time to listen to your concerns, then explain their assessment and customized treatment plan. A good consultation should take about 30 minutes. Ask all the questions you want during this time. 2. You should leave your consultation with written, step-by-step home-care instructions. Tape this list to the inside of your bathroom cabinet for quick reference. If you're new to a skin care regimen, don't be afraid to ask your esthetician to label your products with big numbers so the order of use is clear. 3. Your skin care routine should only take 3–5 minutes in the morning and evening. Commit to dedicating 3–5 minutes twice a day to your skin, and you will get amazing returns on your investment. by Mark Lees Following your esthetician's home-care suggestions will make your pro treatments last Do Your Homework If you were sick and went to the doctor and they told you to take prescription medication to get better, would you? What if your doctor told you what was wrong, but didn't tell you how to take care of yourself once you were home? Estheticians are not just professionals who administer treatments that make skin look and feel good—they are also responsible for teaching you what to do at home to keep your skin clear, smooth, healthy, and beautiful. What you do at home between treatments ultimately determines how your skin looks. If you get an amazing facial treatment, but then go home and use soap and water, or a cheap drugstore product, or nothing at all, your professional treatments will have no lasting benefit and you will not look your best. is is especially important for acne-prone skin, congested skin, sensitive skin, and aging skin. is does not mean that regular professional treatment is not important. It means that the role of the professional, well-trained skin care therapist includes developing a treatment plan for every client—including you. is means you should leave your appointment with both a professional treatment schedule and a clear, easy-to-follow home-care plan. Selecting the right home products for your skin conditions is an important step. Your esthetician knows how to choose the best products for your specific skin type and skin problems, and the goals you want to achieve. When your esthetician helps you choose the right products for use at home, it can make all the difference in the world on your treatment success.