Chakra Esthetics

If your ideas about skincare comes from Instagram’s supposed “experts” with no licensed credentials to back up their expertise, you might be looking in the wrong place to gain sound advice. Often men’s opinions form from the personal care aisle and you may think the all-in-one products can cover all your needs, but it doesn’t. Skincare is a little more complex then what over-the-counter products can offer men, which can make it confusing especially when you include the opinions of your friends, partners and spouses.

Effective skincare takes more than just washing your face with whatever soap. It’s like anything worthwhile: it takes commitment and consistency and a terrific Licensed Esthetician in your back pocket that can steer you clear of trendy fads and crazy ingredients that may not be what you need. Building a skincare routine from the start takes only a few simple steps, and you’d be surprised by how much of a difference you’ll see after just a few weeks of following them! I’m going to lay it all out here. Let’s start with the difference between over the counter vs. professional skincare…

OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS

• Made in large batches for the masses
• Low percentage of active ingredients
• Contain fillers
• Sensory; might smell good
• Probably have high pH levels (irritates the skin)
• Products are made of large molecules
• Sits on top of the skin
• Purchased at big box stores or online (yikes)
• Usually pricey for what you get

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

• Made in small batches
• High levels of active ingredients
• Chirally correct and clinical
• No colors or dyes 
• pH adjusted
• Products molecules are small
• Penetrates the skin treats the condition
• Sold in professional outlets
• Reasonably priced for QUALITY products

So, you see the difference is clear!  You should have at the very minimum a basic routine that looks like this:

1. Daily CLEANSER for your skin type
2. TONER to balance the pH of the skin
3. Use an EXFOLIANT 2 times per week
4. Daily Moisturizer for your skin type
5. SPF, I can’t say how crucial this last step is!

If you’d like to see a licensed professional for a full Skin Scan, Analysis and Consultation please feel free to reach out to Angela Rafferty, LE, CMT at info@chakraesthetics. Check out her 20 year background and spa menu at www.chakraesthetics.com or contact (760) 537-1211. Mention this article for an added bonus to your first appointment!