Skin Needs Hierarchy

Laying a Foundation

The path to great skin very closely mirrors Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow that focuses on describing the stages of psychological growth within humans. According to Maslow's theory, before one can achieve the highest level of self realization, one must lay a solid foundation. The same theory and hierarchical structure can be applied in achieving optimal skin health.

The basis of a solid foundation for great skin is the solid home care regimen. This includes a high quality cleanser, toner exfoliants, serums, moisturizer, SPF and an eye cream specifically chosen for your skin type. A solid home care regimen must be finely tuned to your personal skin needs.

Start with a Cleanse

Along with a custom home care regimen, good cleansing habits are a must. However when it comes to cleansing, there are exceptions, especially if you have problematic skin, but going to sleep with a full face of makeup or skin that is dirty is not an option.

I like to spend a good amount of time with my clients walking them through how to actually cleanse their skin properly. For instance, if you're splashing, you're probably leaving a residue on the skin and not getting your skin really clean. I advise using baby wash cloths, using a clean one each night, to remove the cleanser after you have washed your face instead of splashing and rinsing with just water.

With a good cleansing routine, one can immediately see visual improvements in the skin. Healthy skin hinges on a morning and an evening cleanse. In order for you to enjoy the benefits of your cleansing routine, it must be completed daily over time.

Occasionally clients will come in for a professional treatment, having neglected their home care regimen. Ideal results cannot be attained through one professional treatment. Regular home care maintenance with the right products is the only way to ensure a solid foundation for healthy, glowing skin.

Cleansing also stimulates circulation in the skin which promotes overall skin health on a regular day-to-day basis. Without a solid home care routine, a skin care professional can only get so far in the treatment room.

Support and Monitor Your Skin's Evolution

A regular cleansing routine will also help in spotting new changes in the skin. It is important to note that our skin changes all the time. The environment, stress and illness can all affect the skin which then affects which type of cleanser you should be using on your skin. A licensed skin care professional is key when it comes to building your home care product collection as they can diagnose and recommend the right product for any new changes in your skin, should they arise.

Professional skin care treatments are the next level in achieving optimal skin health. The basic customized facial consists of having your skin analyzed by a skin care therapist, undergoing regular extractions with a little bit of professional grade exfoliation to resurface the dead skin cells followed by a hydration layer sealed into the skin to improve and strengthen the skin's barrier function. Depending on the individual's skin type and needs, one should have a customized facial anywhere from once every two weeks to once every three months.

Advanced Care through Modalities

The next level of achieving optimal skin is having professional treatments done by a licensed aesthetician which includes more intense modalities to get the skin to move and change.

Two examples of these modalities are microcurrent and peels.

Think Happy Thoughts

The last level for one's best skin ever is mental. Our cells respond to emotions. An example of this is the blush reflex. If your general attitude is positive, it will show on your skin. If you are consumed by sad or fearful thoughts, your skin will show that as well. A focus on mindfulness in the beginning of a treatment is a necessity.

With my clients I always start my treatments by having them take a couple of nice deep breaths, letting their body settle into the treatment table. I also try to get my clients to focus on good, positive thoughts while they're in the treatment room.

Acne is a good example of how skin can react to emotions and stress, which can be a vicious cycle. Having stress about breakouts can actually cause breakouts. Unless one's cortisol levels subside, the skin will continue to show inflammation through acne.

While treating your skin, both at home and with your skin therapist in the treatment room, think positive, healing thoughts and your best skin ever will shine through.