Confessions of an Esthetician

Posted on Posted in Opinion

As the person who removes your hair and picks your face it can be hard being me. I hate causing you pain. Every time you cringe I die a little inside. I know you want to be waxed, but the idea of making you suffer is hard on me. I try and make every clients visit as comfortable as possible, but there are a few things you can do to help. Take an aspirin or ibuprofen about a half hour before your hair removal service. While you’re at it, pop a Tums or other antacid if you’ve been treating yourself a little hard. I know it sounds odd, but if you smoke or drink a lot of caffeine or alcohol, it creates acid in your body. Acid makes your skin more sensitive, leading to more pain and redness.

Wear your SPF. I know I feel like a nag, but you’re aging your skin and promoting cancer. I love that you are coming to see me on a regular basis. It means you care about your skin! So please be just as concerned with the future of your skin by slathering the stuff on and re-apply on a regular basis.

Treatment is cumulative. Please do not think I’m trying to up-sell you when I ask you to rebook, upgrade to a more expensive service, or pick up product. I do this because it’s what will help your skin in the long term. Just as poor diet, air pollution, and overexposure to the sun will slowly damage your skin, a healthy, young skin will be your reward for taking my advice to heart. I work with all kinds of budgets and lifestyles, but my work is only as good as your compliance.

It’s okay if you just want to chill. No matter which service you’ve come in for, you honestly don’t have to entertain me. I love to hear about you and your loved ones, and if that makes you relax (which for many is the case) then I’m happy to chat, but spa time is meant for YOU. You are my number one care. I want to relax and renew you. If that means you just want to lie there and contemplate the meaning of life, I’m cool with that. In fact, I’d probably do the same.

You are beautiful. You are amazing. And although my job is to help you be the most beautiful and healthy you possible – you are perfect JUST AS YOU ARE. Do you know how often I’ve heard you complain about your wrinkles, your cellulite, the length of your lashes, the size of your butt, or apologize for the condition of your skin? It’s fine if you need to vent, but please know that it bothers me when you can’t see your own beauty. We are going to work on all the things you want to improved, but I want you to know that I don’t have one single client who looks like you, has your life experience, or your particular sense of humor. In short, I really like you for YOU, and trust me if I didn’t I wouldn’t let you back on my book. My secret goal for every visit is that you see yourself with more grace and kindness, just as I see you. So please, please, PLEASE see yourself through my eyes – for the wonderful, beautiful, person you are. I can make you look and feel better, but only if you can see it. —you’re perfect.

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