Client Information Charts—Part II

Although I have already written a post about this subject, see Client Information Charts—Part I, there is more good information in this article so I’m including it here as an addition to the original post.

The following was written back in 1990, before I had published my first book, Timeless Skin. I was gathering information to write a book for aestheticians that never made it into book form. Much of the content I have prepared for this blog was inspired by that idea—providing information to help aestheticians. 

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The Importance of Creating A Client’s 

Skin Care Consultation Form

    

As aestheticians, we need to understand the importance of knowing our clients, from the inside out. The more questions we pose to the client, the more we are going to understand about the condition of her health, and therefore the condition(s) of her skin.

Other than the obvious name, address, and phone number (needed just in case you have to cancel or change an appointment), you must find out her date of birth. Over the years I have had several women actually refuse to give me the year of their birth. In this situation my reply to their reaction is this: In order to get a full and complete understanding about the condition of your skin, it is helpful if I know, chronologically, how many years it has been alive. At this point, she will either reluctantly give me the information or she won’t. Don’t fight it, just get her general age if nothing else. It is true: knowing how long a client has been alive does help me better understand the condition of her skin as I am seeing it that first time.

After that, more basic information can be asked such as Do you wear contacts? Are they in or out? Do you have allergies to any known ingredients or products you have used on your skin recently? Most women are not still using products on their skin that have caused reactions, however there may be ingredients in your products she may have an intolerance to and you need to make a note of these.

I always ask Do you take any oral medication on a daily basis? This is an important question; let me explain. Medication taken orally affects all aspects of the body—from your little toe to the hair on your head, including the skin. And of course it’s treating the symptom you are taking the medication for in the first place.

Medication is basically toxic. Its job is to fight off or kill, and it’s affecting the entire organism. We need a great deal of water to help filter these toxins out of the body, so water intake must increase. Medication also depletes vitamin stores (this varies with each medication), which must be replaced if optimum health is to be restored or maintained. Because of this, there is usually some degree of dehydration and possibly some specific vitamin deficiencies lurking around. So be on the lookout for these conditions when analysing the skin, and remember their presence is probably due in part, at the least, to any medications your client is currently taking.

Some women don’t consider The Pill as “medication.” However, it is. The Pill contains hormones that alter normal bodily functions and will produces some of the same effects mentioned above as well as a host of conditions on its own.

The birth control pill tricks your body into thinking it’s pregnant. In other words, your body cannot distinguish between being on The Pill and being pregnant. So taking The Pill for long periods of time, in my opinion, exhausts the normal body functions—both hormonal and otherwise. This can cause serious damage long-term if the body is not given a chance to recover periodically. And because hormones have so much to do with the skin, primarily sebaceous secretions, it is important to note if your client uses them. Whether it be The Pill for younger women, or estrogen and other hormones for women entering menopause, make a note of these.

Next, Do you smoke?—obviously, this is very important. Smoking (along with air pollution and things that are cold, to name a few) causes a constriction of capillary walls, the hair-like veins that are the blood network to the skin on the face. These capillaries, says one plastic surgeon, “are like wet toilet paper.” Yes, they are very weak indeed and are very easily “broken” or, more accurately, rendered dysfunctional.

Smoking also breaks down vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C is water-soluble and goes out with your urine. It is not stored or produced in the body and therefore must be obtained from our diet on a daily basis. Being deficient in vitamin C is common, and for a client who smokes or lives in a polluted environment or does not have a very balanced and healthful diet, you can almost be sure she is lacking in this very important vitamin.

Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen, which is the supporting structure of the skin. Vitamin C, and specifically bioflavinoids, help maintain the integrity of the capillary walls to prevent their dysfunction. Bioflavinoids are found in the rinds of fruit. Lemon, lime, and grapefruit rinds are especially high in bioflavinoids. Although I am not a big vitamin proponent, I do recommend for my clients to consider taking vitamin C with bioflavinoids to make sure they are getting the necessary amount needed by their bodies. [I keep a container of chewable vitamin C tablets on my desk for my clients.]

Because this vitamin is water-soluble, it is almost impossible to take too much of it (overdose). Whatever is not needed will be filtered out in the urine. However, vitamin C in high doses will induce diarrhea, or excessive looseness of the bowels, so let your body—your bowels—be your guide. If you have a client with chronic constipation, perhaps vitamin C would be helpful for her.

Next, ask How much sun exposure do you receive? Are you in direct sunlight—as in sunbathing—often or rarely? Again, this will help you to access the condition of her skin, and it will also give you a pretty clear indication of the mentality of your client in relation to sun exposure. I find some people really aren’t that concerned with how much sun they are receiving, although sometimes these will also be the clients who are very concerned about the aging process. Finding out the answers to these questions can open up conversations that will surely be helpful to your clients in the long-term. 

It is my belief that overexposure or even exposure to direct sunlight for short periods of time, has a detrimental or degenerating effect on facial tissue. This may be old news, but many of my clients do not buy into all the clinical studies being presented nowadays against frequent sun exposure. They believe that sun truly enhances their looks as opposed to having detrimental effects. The truth is the number one cause of premature aging, other than the natural genetic degeneration process, is sun exposure. I’m not advocating absolutely no sun exposure, however I am suggesting that direct sunlight not be allowed to hit the face. Actually the face, neck, and hands. All three are the most frequently exposed, therefore the most overexposed areas of the body. And in turn they are the parts that will show the signs of aging most readily.

Sunlight is essential to our health and well-being. As the sun hits the skin, it triggers certain vitamins to synthesize, namely vitamin D, which is important to help sustain life. Our bodies depend on sunlight for nutrition, and besides—it feels good to be out in the sun. But spend your time wisely and cautiously and keep your face, neck, and hands covered, always using ample sunscreen. As for your clients, my advice is the same.

The American Cancer Society puts out an informative pamphlet called, “Fry Now, Pay Later.” I highly recommend handing these out to your clients and especially to the clients that are overexposing themselves. The booklet is free of charge, simply write to your local A.C.S. [OK, the 1990 date is showing: “Write” to the ACS? You can easily go on the Internet now for free information.]

I touched on the importance of water, and now you can ask your client directly, How much water do you drink—a lot, not enough, or none? I can’t necessarily tell if a client is drinking a lot of water. I don’t see the internal hydration water provides—necessarily—with a noticeable, well-hydrated quality to the outer skin. Realistically, drinking water is for the benefit of the inside of you, not the outer, dead skin. No matter, praise those who are drinking a lot, and encourage those who are not to drink more water. 

Next, Do you take vitamins? If so, Which ones? I find many people take some sort of multivitamin, although some take no supplements at all. Other than the water-soluble vitamins, namely B-complex and C, I actually think people are better off staying away from “vitamin therapy.” Vitamin pills are usually synthetic concentrations of valuable ingredients found in organic foods. I prefer recommending a client adding higher quality foods to her diet instead of the quick-fix vitamin pill.

Like other medications taken orally, vitamins can have an adverse effect on the system. Because of their high concentrations, the vitamin content most likely goes through the body undigested. These pills also require more water for their digestion and elimination. Certain people feel better with vitamins, some feel no difference. Our job as as their aesthetician is not to preach nor prescribe, but to educate and advise. You may simply want to suggest that it would be preferable to obtain all vitamins through the daily diet, and if further vitamin intake is desired, then take them in good health!

Last and surely not least on this questionnaire is the subject of exercise. Do you exercise frequently, infrequently, or not at all? Oxygen is paramount to health. Without water and oxygen we would die rather quickly. It is the oxygen and nutrients carried in the blood that feed and nourish all the cells of the body—including the skin—which is why exercise is so crucial to our long-term health.

Some form of exercise is important to the overall health of the body. Whether it is simply walking a few miles several times a week or a more rigorous routine, the importance of frequent (even if it’s moderate) exercise should be encouraged.

Exercise also gives you a higher body consciousness. You become more aware of how your body feels and are more in-tune with what your body needs. You can better regulate your body weight, and you become stronger and more vital. The benefits are endless and we have all heard them endless times. We must set good examples by practicing the regimes we are advocating as well as educating our clients through our words.

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Be sure to read Client Information Charts—Part I. Part II is a more comprehensive explanation on writing client charts. I wanted to include this older writing because it does go into more detail about the specific questions I ask. Even back then, after only 4-5 years as a working aesthetician, I knew what I was talking about!

Client Information Charts—Part I

Chart writing is one of the most important tools you will create for each and every client. This is so important. As you know from my writing, I have my own unique way of doing things; writing Client Information Charts (or “Client Charts”) is one of them. As you will read, having your client fill out a chart is not something I agree with.

I believe that you, the professional, should fill out the chart. You can write all kinds of notes along with the client’s answers, interpreting things as you need to for now and the future. The charts will all be in your handwriting. Other people may not be able to read my writing, but I can! And the same is true if you have clients fill out their own charts; you might not be able to read their writing. But more important than that, I just feel you need to fill out these important questions yourself. When I am given a form to fill out at a first-time facial appointment, I rarely fill much of it out. I am the client not the professional. Asking me (or the layperson) to figure out what is going on with my skin is up to the professional—not me!

Now for the actual charts. These have morphed over the years, but you will divine your own charts with the information you want on them. Mine are just examples of what you can have for your information.

Client Chart—front

Starting out with the basics, all of these are important bits of information that you may need in the future, as you will see from some of my other printed material posts.

• Name (first and last, of course). I always want to be sure I have the correct spelling of all my client’s names—so I ask, just to be sure.
• Mailing address. There might be several occasions when I’ll want to send a client something in the mail. Starting with a thank you note directly after her first facial with me.
• Phone number. I already have this since I have spoken with the client to make the initial appointment. Even if a new client emails me for a first appointment, I ask for a phone number and call her to establish personal contact prior to her first facial—and of course to confirm her appointment the day before.
• Email address. Having several different ways to get in touch with a client is important. However, I do not send unsolicited, uninvited mail, just simple communication emails.
• DOB. Once in a great while I have a new client who resists giving me this information. When I recognize her discomfort, I tell her she doesn’t have to tell me, but it is helpful if I know her chronological age. I would say in 30 years, less than a handful of women wouldn’t give me this vital information. I also like to send regular clients a “Happy Birthday” discount, which is another reason I like to have at least the date.
• Referred by. I’ve already asked over the phone how this new client found me, but I have a place on the chart to mark down if it was a referral and if so, from whom? Did they find me from an Internet search? Did they read one of my books? How? I want to know for interest sake and also to send a Referral Appreciation discount postcard to whoever might have sent this client in.

You’ll notice “[ ]” next to each line. Those are check boxes that I can use so I know if I’ve taken certain steps. The name [ ] is checked once I send the thank you note, usually before I leave the office the day the new client came in. The [ ] next to referred by is check when I send the Referral Appreciation Discount postcard to the referring client. If the client was “referred” by receiving a gift certificate, I check the [ ] GC. The [ ] next to date of birth is checked if I send a birthday card and/or birthday discount. 

Now that I’ve gotten the cut and dry bits out of the way, I want to delve into this new client’s routines and health issues, if any. All of these things and more will have an effect on her skin, something I haven’t looked at yet—but will soon.

• Contacts. I don’t do a lot of manipulation around the eyes, but if someone has contacts in, I like to be aware of it.
• Oral medication can have at the very least a drying effect on skin. I also like to know if there are health issues that also could be causing issues with their skin or psyche. It all counts, and although—rarely—someone won’t want to give me this sensitive information, I always ask. I will say that if you are unfamiliar with drugs and their effect on the body, or you wouldn’t be able to explain why you are asking this question (because you, yourself, really don’t know), I would forgo asking. Some clients are hesitant to answer more personal questions like this. If I sense this, I explain why I’m asking. If this is not you—move on to more familiar territory.
• Smoking, wearing sunscreen, water intake, exercise—all of these are obvious (I hope!).
• Vitamins/herbs/supplements. Knowing what supplements a client is or isn’t using gives me another opportunity to help her with her skin. You may not have knowledge about this area, but if you do you’ll want to understand all the supplements and medications a client is taking so you know all the reasons why their skin is functioning like it is. I know about herbs and supplements and why one would take them, so finding out a client uses one thing or another opens up a dialogue about a condition, for instance constipation or perimenopause, and if I am versed in it I can further help and guide them with my suggestions. Again, if you don’t know about these things and can’t explain why you want to know these answers, best to move on to the areas that you do understand. Sometimes new clients do ask why I’m asking and I can answer them in detail. If you can’t—don’t ask!
• Daily Routine. More obvious questions. Without knowing what a client is using, you can’t really fully understand why her skin is doing what it’s doing. I don’t really care about brand names here; I want to know if she’s cleansing once or twice a day (or not at all!), is she using toner and moisturizer, exfoliating, using any other topical products I should know about?

Knowing all the information I have gathered thus far gives me a more well-rounded picture of my new client before I even look at her skin.

The second half of the front of my Client Charts is for noting what products I’ve both sampled and the products that have been purchased. I fill out all the products I think this client could benefit from using in their appropriate categories. I put an “S” next to the names of products I gave her samples for. When she buys a product(s) I check the [ ] next to that product. Without doing this, I will be in the dark. As an example, a client can literally say, “I like the grapefruit-smelling cream.” And because I have “Pamplemousse PNG” marked as one of the products I sampled her, I know this is the cream she is talking about. (Pamplemousse means grapefruit in French.)

In the Key Needs area, I will mark significant issues here (on the front of the chart) that are all marked on the back of the chart in detail for quick reference. Such as “rosacea” or simply “very sensitive.” “No rosemary” if the client didn’t enjoy this aroma in some of the products. Then the next time she comes in I’ll know not to use something she didn’t like, and I can sample or sell her something else. These important things will, as I said, all be on the back of the chart, but now I can glance over the front if need be and see key areas I need to know about.

At the very top of the chart I will mark some information for me so when I’m preparing to see this client again, I’ll know what to do. One thing is the size of the smock; some are smaller than others and I don’t want to be juggling when she comes in. I also note if she likes heat since I have a heating pad on my bed. If she doesn’t, I’ll make myself a note so the bed is not warm for this client or warmer if she prefers more heat.

I also note whether or not to keep the credit card ticket open (for a tip) or not. I simply note “keep TKT open” or “close TKT.” I don’t assume any client is going to tip me, and I always add the credit card charge up without leaving a space for a tip. If she wants to tip, she will let me know. If she doesn’t, I don’t take it personally, and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable for not doing so. Tipping a business owner is optional in my book. Some people do, some people don’t. My notation just helps to take out the awkwardness for a client who doesn’t tip. It’s all good.

I also will keep a client’s credit card information at the top of the chart, left corner. I do this if she wants me to keep her card on file. I write the number and expiration date in pencil since these numbers change quite frequently. NOTE: These files—in all my offices—are locked up! They have private information on them and some also include a CC number, something that no one should ever have access to. You may have a merchant system that keeps the card numbers secured online; mine keeps the numbers for 2 months only. So if a client wants to reorder a product or have me charge her for her facial with the credit card I have on file, it’s best if I have it written down. I find many clients like the convenience of not having to have their credit card with them or simply not having to hand it to me. If you can’t secure this information—don’t keep it!

I’m not going to go over the details for the back of my Client Charts. You will have your own set of questions you’ll want to answer as you look at a client’s skin. Some of these details I use 100% of the time, others not so much. There are a few things I write-in since I don't have them listed—this chart is a fluid tool that has changed and morphed over time. But having something you can reference from the first time you saw this client’s skin is important. Her skin may and probably will change—especially over many years—and you can make notations. I refer back to what I’ve written during any given facial more than I reference this initial analysis. However having a baseline to see where she was the first time I saw her is helpful—to me.

Client Chart—back

The blank lines are the meat of these charts. I write the date and everything I used on her skin this session, any notable issues or changes or concerns. I also write down any significant conversation(s) we had. Usually they’re not about skin care, but have importance in terms of relationship building.

As an example, a client came in recently who was referencing things we spoke about during her last facial—unrelated to skin care. Although I wrote copious notes about her skin, I didn’t write much about our conversation, which had me at a loss that day. I felt like I needed to play catchup to get up to speed from our last talk. Normally I do make a note, not necessarily in detail, about a new beau or perhaps a death in the family. Or something as simply as “Going to Disneyland with the kids next week” so when she comes in I can ask her how their trip was. It’s small details like this that can really make a difference for your client.

Not all clients talk or like to talk during a facial. This is something I totally leave up to them. I will engage if they start a conversation or ask questions. But if someone comes in for a facial and doesn’t initiate, I don’t initiate. If they are silent it is usually because they want to relax. This is their time, they are paying me to give them a facial not talk and talk and talk. I will tell them anything that needs mentioning about their skin of course, but as far as just talking, I’ll stay silent and give them a great facial.

With that said, if I get a super talkative client and I just don’t want to go there, I will listen, but not contribute too much. I do like to concentrate my efforts on giving a great treatment, which sometimes does involve talking. But my preferred way to give a facial, in all honesty, is in complete silence. I guarantee that all the clients who have had that facial got the best I had to give.

Last but not least is making a note of the products purchased at the facial. I always do this last so I can find the information easily. Quite frequently a client will be in for her facial not remembering what she bought last time. With this information readily available, she can figure out what she needs today.

Extra pages for Client Charts—front/back

Here are blank pages to staple to a regular or long-term client’s chart. Some of my clients have 8-10 staples pages that comprise their chart. This page has lines front and back.

I have purposely blurred this photo to remove the details. But still you can see that in the 2nd and 3rd page (with writing on front and back), I have defined separate treatments simply by using different colored pens. I’m visually-oriented so by just looking at a page I can see it represents about 4-5 facials. I don’t have to hunt through same-colored writing to find a certain facial on a certain day. It’s clear and obvious and all I did was use a different colored pen each time she came in. When a client picks up products, again I make a note with date and products purchased and again use a different color pen than the notation above it.

I leave a left-hand margin with a bit of room so I can write notes like “GC” or “-$20” or “-15%” which I have as easy reference for different discounts and things like that. I will also note if a client is late or early in this left hand space next to what I write about her facial that day. “20 min late” or “15 min early,” etc. (See When a client comes in late (or early).)

I copy the blank charts and blank (lined) pages at the Kinkos self-serve. I have the originals I actually printed at Kinkos because their printer is better than mine, and I use these originals whenever I make copies. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a doctor’s office where the form you fill out has been copied over and over and looks less-than clear. I have, and even though I am the only person who ever sees these charts*, I still like them to look crisp. I keep the originals in a manila envelope in my file cabinet, and when I run low I just spend some time at Kinkos.
*These are confidential files for your eyes only. Don’t leave your charts lying around for clients to see. 

These charts, my charts, are certainly not the end-all be-all. Many times when I’m writing out a new client’s chart, I think of things I wish was on the page or how I would like to change it somehow. Use mine as an example and create the perfect information sheets that fit your needs. But do create client charts that can be used for each and every one of your clients. This is an invaluable tool loaded with important information.

For more details, see:

• “Thank yous” and other note cards
• Confirming Appointments—Part I
• Confirming Appointments—Part II
• “Happy Birthday” discount 
• Referral Appreciation discount 
• Client Information Charts—Part II for more details on the questions asked to fill out these charts

Product and other information sheets

As you may have read in First-Time Client Information Packets, I always want to give a client as much information as possible before they leave my office, including information about the products I sell. If a particular client doesn’t want the material I have given her, she can disregard it and toss it in the round file. I do try to gauge my client’s level of interest and if I sense someone isn’t curious, I’ll usually ask if they want to be informed. The answer sometimes surprises me (and is a “yes” to information) so I have learned to not guess and simply ask if I’m unsure. Otherwise everyone leaves with samples and information to help them navigate the new products.

Some of the following take-home sheets were printed from my website then reprinted onto colored paper. Other pages were created for specific products. I like to use different colors of paper to distinguish the different information.

When sampling products, something I do with most new clients, if I have prepared pieces about the products (more than is in the product line’s brochure), I put those in their take-home packet. These sheets below have information on both sides of the paper about problem skin and the products available as well as instructions on a few items that require special guidance.

Yonka products for problem skin—side A

Yonka products for problem skin—sideB

Here I have two different products with their information and instructions on each side of the same sheet:

I also like to give my clients repurposed, previously printed pieces to take home. Not something so long it won’t get read, but little blurbs from my books or my blog posts to help them better understand something that may be going on with their skin. Below is an information sheet (2 sides) with two different articles on dry vs. dehydrated skin—something many clients are confused about. Obviously I explain as much as I can during the course of the facial, but I still like to hand my clients something to read so in case they weren’t able to retain the information I told them during the treatment, they’ll have it close by at home.

Finally, I will sometimes reprint something Yonka has sent about product information. Or I will take it from another source in order to reprint it for my clients.

Yonka’s eye cream information sheet

Except for this last sheet, and actually it was an oversight, I have all my business information on these sheets. It’s just another opportunity to have this information available for your clients.

My business name and address, phone number, and website

Having information sheets available for your clients is a very easy way to build your relationship and trust with them. I would say that almost every facial I’ve ever received (where the aesthetician didn’t know that I, too, was in skin care) I was not given anything to take home. No samples, no information sheets, not even a brochure about the products she sells. I always leave these businesses shaking my head. Each time a client leaves your salon empty-handed, you have lost an opportunity that you can’t ever get back—unless the client does return for another facial.

Aesthetician’s questions

I posted this article on my layperson blog, ageless beauty, timeless skin under the same title. There aren’t any differences between the two posts, except in the last paragraph I direct aestheticians or people interested in business ideas over to this blog.

I always chuckle at this photo. I opened The Spa at the Crescent in 1986. This was a promo piece for our skin care department. Here—I was a novice, having only worked for one year prior.

I am interested in going to school to be an aesthetician. I am a little confused about some of the programs that are out there. I read your book, and I really liked the information I got out of it. I have even managed to give up sugar! The schools that I’ve researched have a lot of programs where you learn how to hook people up to batteries and dump chemicals on them, and I am pretty turned off by that. Can you give me some good ideas about what to look for in a program or better yet a good school in my area?

I’m glad you found some good information in Timeless Skin. As far as schools go, I have no idea about the school programs in your particular location. It sounds like you’ve done some research, and that is what you’ll need to do; find out where the schools are in your area, what their programs are, and which one sounds like the best fit. Because of the state of skin care these days, you may just have to contend with being taught things you may not agree with, but you’ll certainly have control over what you do and use in your practice once you have graduated and get licensed.

I learned very little in skin care school. My real learning came as I was working with clients and doing a lot of self-study. I studied things that meant something to me. And that is what I recommend whether you love the school you are attending or not. Experience is always going to be your greatest teacher. And until you have been working with skin for several years, you will just be learning and taking in information.

I have heard from a lot of people who want to become aestheticians and from aestheticians already in practice. I graduated in the mid-’80s, so my school experience may be a bit dated compared to the education available today in skin care schools throughout the country. But regardless where or when you went to school and how much you learned, continuing education (whether through self-study or classes) is a must. As you grow your practice and have clients who have come to you regularly for years and years, you will learn a lot about how skin changes and what the best treatments are.

Good luck to any of you who may already be working in skin care and for aspiring aestheticians just beginning your career. Go forth, study, and do good work.

This was my last day at The Spa at the Crescent, February 1994. A few weeks later I opened Carolyn Ash Skin Care.

You made a comment in your book that people should not go to an aesthetician who is just starting out. I think that is an unfair statement. I know I have put a great many hours not only in my state requirements, but also in my research, education and technique. I know I will learn more each day, not only in the next couple of years but hopefully for the rest of my career. I also believe, because this is so exciting and new for me, I will be giving my clients 110%. It seems that this profession, as with any, can have a burnout effect. I have had several facials by seasoned aestheticians who didn’t seem to enjoy what they were doing. I really enjoyed the rest of your book and will use it as a tool in helping my clients. It is wonderful reading.

I appreciate this reader’s comments. I believe the line I use in Timeless Skin is “A novice aesthetician is not what you are looking for” when it comes to getting a facial. Someone who has stood the test of time—in any profession—will tend to be more qualified. However, the burnout comment can also apply. Due to the minimal amount of time it takes to become an aesthetician in most states, it can be a very easy career choice for some who may be unqualified, and that is where my comment stems from. I am quite sure many of you have put in a lot of hard work to become licensed in skin care, and I commend you for your commitment.

There are always exceptions to the rules and people with exceptional talent: aestheticians who will be heads above the rest in terms of qualifications as well as just an inherent understanding of the skin. However, having been one of these exceptions myself, I still know from my own experience that in the first few years as an aesthetician I simply wasn’t able to help people on the level I can now.

Everyone has to start somewhere. My goal with my writing is to give readers the best information I can, knowing that ultimately they will be the decision-makers. Going to a novice anything wouldn’t be my first choice; however, there may be benefits that will supersede a client’s need for expertise. Trial and error along with getting personal referrals will be the determining factors in finding a good facial and aesthetician.

Why did you become an aesthetician?

Since I was young, I have always had a fascination with the human body. Perhaps because I grew up as a ballet dancer, I had a unique view into how the body functions under unusual and stressful circumstances, since dancing is quite an athletic event, and ballet in particular puts you in touch with your body—like it or not!

Injuries forced me out of dance, after nearly 20 years of ballet. I was looking to switch careers and become a massage therapist. Life intervened, and I was offered a position as an aesthetician at a friend’s salon. She was kind enough to put me through skin care school, and I jumped at the chance since my interests were not only in massage but skin care as well.

Of course, straight out of school I knew nothing compared to what I know now, but I did my best. Through a never-ending commitment to learn more and more about the body, and skin in particular, I achieved my current level of expertise.

Eventually, by the way, I did graduate from massage school. I worked for several years both in skin care and massage, but I discovered that helping people with their skin in the context of a facial was the best application for my talents. After several years in practice, I stopped renewing my massage license in favor of being an aesthetician only.

Being an aesthetician and now writing about skin care has brought me much joy. I am lucky to say I truly love what I do. For me, this is my life path; the work I was put here to do. It truly is my number one passion.

As a licensed aesthetician who no longer works in the industry, skin care is really more of a hobby that I enjoy reading and talking about. Your book [Timeless Skin] is a must-have for aestheticians, who could definitely benefit from your experience, and for the consumer whose dermatologist and aesthetician isn’t helping! Thanks for the fabulous tips in your book and for making my skin just that much more beautiful!