Selecting Skincare for Cosmetology Practice

When you first start shopping for skincare, it can be really difficult to know what to use. The shelves are full of options, and each item claims to do something incredible for your skin. We tend to think that the more products we have access to, the better cosmetologists we will be, but really, the best way to start is with just a few items. With fewer products in the mix, you can really focus on how your skin responds to each one.

We suggest starting with just three products: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a treatment (such as a mask or exfoliant). This isn’t about covering all of your bases yet, it’s about simplifying. With only a few products to try, you’ll have an easier time determining what works and what doesn’t. For instance, you want a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean but not tight. A moisturizer should soak in well and not leave your skin shiny.

One of the most common errors people make when they are just getting started is using too many products at once. If you layer on five or six different treatments and experience irritation, how will you know which product is the culprit? Instead, we suggest that you try one new product per week. Use that product, and then give your skin a few hours to rest. If you look and feel good, you know that product works for you. If your skin is red and irritated, try going back to one of the simpler products for a while.

It’s easy to fit practice into your daily routine, even if you only have a few minutes. Spend two minutes washing your face and then take note of how your skin feels. Use your moisturizer and notice how it feels going on and whether it soaks in well. Once or twice a week, try a mask or exfoliant, and then pay attention to how your skin feels after you’ve rinsed. This will help you pay attention to what you’re using and how it feels, rather than going through the motions. Even 15 minutes per day can help you get a feel for the different products.

Over time, you will start to see how products and techniques can be layered. If you find that you want to use a very light moisturizer after you give a massage, that’s fine. If you find that a calming mask is just what you need after a long day in the sun, that’s okay, too. It’s all about experimentation and paying attention to what works for you and what doesn’t. By limiting the number of products you practice with, you’ll be better able to understand how they work, and your daily skincare routine will become part of your cosmetology practice.