Key Advice from a Celebrity Facialist on Skin Care Practices to Avoid
Skin care specialists, known as facialists, are trusted for addressing various skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, and extractions, and for providing rejuvenating facial massages. During my sessions with them, I always take the opportunity to inquire about every skincare issue on my mind to leave with glowing skin and the knowledge to maintain it until my next appointment.
During my recent session with Jeannel Astarita, a renowned esthetician and founder of Just Ageless Body and Beauty Lab in New York City, whose clientele includes A-listers like Elle Macpherson, I asked her about the three things she would never do to her own skin or her clients’ skin. If she avoids these practices, it’s likely best to stay away from them as well. Here are the top three skin-care practices to steer clear of, as suggested by Astarita.
1. Always Apply Sunscreen
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Applying sunscreen daily, multiple times a day, is crucial for healthy skin. Astarita emphasizes the importance of sunscreen in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. She says, “I would never use a UV tanning booth or a tanning bed, and I wear sunscreen every day without fail. I apply a good sun protection product and reapply it every two hours when outdoors.” Make wearing sunscreen a daily habit.
2. Avoid Harsh Physical Exfoliants
It’s time to say goodbye to abrasive exfoliants like walnut scrubs. Astarita advises against using overly gritty scrubs on the skin. She recommends, “I would never use a scrub coarser than toothpaste. Anything coarser than that resembles tiny shards under a microscope, causing skin damage.” Instead, opt for a gentler chemical exfoliator that contains enzymes or acids to effectively remove dead skin cells. Astarita suggests trying the Defense 2-Minute Reveal Mask ($74).
3. Refrain from Popping Non-Whitehead Pimples
One common mistake many people make is picking or popping pimples, which often worsens the condition. Astarita warns against attempting to extract a cystic pimple or one without a visible whitehead. She advises, “I would never try to pop a pimple that lacks a visible head. If it’s a cystic pimple, it’s best to leave it alone or seek professional help to reduce inflammation.” Picking at such pimples can lead to rupturing beneath the skin’s surface, causing the spread of bacteria and potential hyperpigmentation. It’s important to refrain from squeezing such pimples and seek appropriate skincare guidance to avoid complications.
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