As women (and some men) we put ourselves through so much to get soft, smooth skin. Before booking your wax appointment, let your hair grow. Typically hair needs to be at least 1/4 inch long- usually 2-3 weeks from the time you've last shaved. If your hair is too short, the wax may not take to the hair and will be a struggle to remove them. If your hair is too long it can be trimmed before waxing.

Exfoliation is an essential part of waxing before and after if you want to get the best results for smooth skin. It's suggested to exfoliate at least 1-2 days before your scheduled wax. Gently buff away dry skin with an exfoliating brush or hand mitten. Here are my personal favourite brush to use for Brazilian area and mitten for my body. well.ca/products/merben-sisal-bikini-brush_141695.html and www.amazon.ca/Exfoliating-Gloves-Massage-Sponge-Cleansing/dp/B07BV5ZP87/ref=asc_df_B07BV5ZP87/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459413733744&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17576639446479768428&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002375&hvtargid=pla-760483145445&psc=1  
I personally use a body scrub I found on Amazon - feel free to check it out. www.amazon.ca/Shea-Moisture-Coconut-Hibiscus-Scrub/dp/B083W6CJ2P/ref=asc_df_B083W6CJ2P/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459297521209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1627266547476680995&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002375&hvtargid=pla-1363592670211&psc=1 Sometimes I like to make my own body scrubs myself since it's so easy- you can use any kind of oil, usually I use coconut oil, mixed with your choice of salt-I like to use sea salt, and your favourite essential oil scent-I have so many I love but usually it's something fruity like tropical passion fruit. 
​The good news is that exfoliating doesn't cost an arm and a leg and is well worth it-plus you can keep the brushes/mitten for about 3 months before having to change them! I keep mine in the shower on a hook so it can dry out properly after using. Exfoliating the body 1-2x a week is preferred for normal skin, if you have oily skin it is safe to exfoliate 3-4x a week as needed and if you have sensitive skin then once a week is fine. 
Dead skin builds up everywhere so try to exfoliate as much of your body as possible (even the places you don't plan to wax). Pay attention to areas that might be extra dry such as feet, knees, elbow, thighs and buttocks. 
Make sure you don't OVER-EXFOLIATE! It can cause redness, irritation and peeling of the skin. 

Timing is everything...Ladies do NOT book your wax appointment around your period time. Your skin may be more sensitive around the time of your period and waxing might feel more painful than normal. Make your wax appointment at least 5 days prior to your expected period. 

After waxing it is suggested to wait at least 24 hours (you want to keep the area clean, dry, avoid heat/friction-this is why we say no sex after a Brazilian wax for at least 12-24 hours). No hot showers/baths/saunas (cool-lukewarm only). Exfolating 2-3x a week after your wax can help you avoid ingrown hairs and bumps that come with regrowth.
Don't forget exfoliating can boost collagen production and promote a smooth, bright complexion. This is what we all want! 

For more info check out www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-exfoliate-your-body#bottom-line. I often go to this site for lots of information and have found it useful. 

​Some people have asked what order should they apply their skin care products so I figured I would write a blog about it! 
 
Now that you have your skincare products, you are ready to start your skincare regime! Some people have basic steps to their skin care routine while others have more steps and can be dependant on weather, lifestyle, time of day or month, etc. First you need to find a professional skincare line that you love. I love and use mainly products by Dr Spillers ‘Biomimetic’ line. I will share with you my skin care regimen but keep in mind yours might not look the same, everyone’s skin care is different and has different needs. 
Personally, I have normal and fairly good skin, fall/winter my skin tends to be a bit more on the dry side. I have the odd milia that comes under my eyes every now and again that I have to remove but other than that no major complaints. 
STEP 1: Daily (usually mornings) I will always do a double cleanse – even though I rarely wear face makeup, it just feels good to cleanse twice! I am currently using Dr.Spillers’ ‘Hydro Marin Foaming Cleanser’ which is so far my favourite cleanser, it is light, foamy and smells amazing (as do all his products). 
STEP 2:  I will exfoliate (about ONCE a week) if I am not exfoliating then I will pat my face dry and sometimes use a toner. Not all the time but when I do I will use the ‘Aloe Sensitive Toner’ because it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. I plan to use the ‘Hydro Marin Toner’ once I am all out.
STEP 3: Moisturize. My favourite part. Currently I am using the ‘Hydro Marin Cream’ and switch between that and ‘Hydro Collagen Cream’ but come the fall I will change back over to the ‘Hydro Almond’. I have it all in my bathroom and it really just depends on my mood. They are all great moisturizers and beneficial. A bit about the creams I use:
The Hydro Marin Cream is a 24 hour cream, rich in Vitamins and Amino Acids. This provides hydration, cellular stimulation and strengthens the skins immunity. Although my skin isn’t sensitive or mature (yet) never too early to start, I love how it feels and the glow it gives me after using it. 
The Hydro Collagen Cream is a day cream that has antioxidant properties and acts as a natural emulsifier. This increases elasticity and resilience and is great for young ,dry, sensitive and mature skin. And who doesn’t love collagen?
The Hydro Almond cream is a powerhouse of active ingredients such as ATP and Vitamin F, formulated to restore moisture to dry skin. This is perfect against windy/cold weather it is thicker and protects your skin which is why I LOVE it in the winter time. 
STEP 4:I try to use a mask at least once a week when I put a mask in my hair. I’ve tried a few different ones from Dr Spiller but my favourites one are the ‘Fresh and Fruit’ mask and the ‘Wheat Germ Cream’ Mask. 
The Fresh and Fruit mask is suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. I like to use this in the fall and winter when my skin is feeling tight and dry. It gently exfoliates and leaves my skin feeling cool and refreshed. Oh and it smells amazing (there are extracts of Pineapple, Papaya and Mango…mmmm)!! 
The Wheat Germ Cream Mask is great for all skin types that has a calming effect, it is enriched with Vitamins D and F. 
I like to leave mask on for 15-20 minutes and usually use a warm washcloth to remove the mask. It is very relaxing and leaves my skin feeling refreshed. 
 
At night, do it all over again – cleanse, toner, moisturize. 
 
Anyways that is my “basic” skincare regime! Sometimes (not always!) I will add in a serum or eye cream when I remember to but I like to keep it simple. When I do wear makeup I will usually add in extra steps of serums/ampoules. I plan to add a serum daily once I get my life back on track – I really need to just put all my products together in order. I keep my wash and exfoliant in my shower and the rest on my sink counter where I can see and remind myself. Also when cleansing try to use cool water, not too hot because you don’t want to damage the skin. 
 
 
Find out what products work best for you and how many you want in your skincare regime. The basics are cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. Treat yourself to a face mask once a week and exfoliate up to 3x a week depending on your skin type. Dr Spillers exfoliants are so gentle you could pretty much exfoliate every day if you want to but just be gentle with your skin, take care of it and don’t scrub when drying. Always PAT DRY! 
 
If you have problematic skin or certain issues you’d like to work on, then your skin care regimen probably won’t look like mine. Usually a daytime regimen might look like this: Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Eye Cream, Moisturizer, Sunscreen (as an Esthetician I will say, ALWAYS wear sunscreen even in the winter!) Your nighttime regimen might look like this: Double Cleanse, Toner, Eye Cream, Serum, Mask, Moisturizer. 
 
I was reading an article on dermstore.com (I will attach link at the bottom) and Dr. Rogers said that timing matters. I completely agree with this, you should take into consideration that some products need time to do work, that’s why if your regimen has too many steps you might not do them all. Don’t overload yourself and stress about it. Make sure you have time to allow each product time to react with the skin. This should be part of your self-care time, take a deep breath, relax and treat your skin the way it deserves to be treated. You only get one body, love and care for it. 
 
Hope you enjoyed the read, if you ever have any questions feel free to comment or reach out to me! 
 
Check out the link below for more info:
 
https://www.dermstore.com/blog/in-what-order-do-i-apply-my-skin-care-products-infographic/

ASCP Code of Ethics 
1. Commitment to My Clients
I will serve the best interests of my clients at all times and provide the highest quality service possible.
I will maintain clear and honest communications with my clients.
I will maintain the confidentiality of health-related or personal information clients share with me, and demonstrate compassion and respect at all times.
2. Commitment to Do No Harm
I will not work outside my scope of practice, as defined by laws and regulations.
I will only provide treatments and techniques for which I am fully trained, and will represent my education, training, qualifications, and abilities honestly. I will refer the client to another provider if the client requires work beyond my own abilities, scope of practice, or training.
I will maintain my professional knowledge, including my knowledge of the physiological effects and contraindications of the treatments I offer, in order to determine what will be most beneficial to a given individual.
I will not apply contraindicated products or techniques without a written referral from the client’s primary care physician, and will cooperate with health-care professionals in a friendly and professional manner.
3. Commitment to My Profession
I will project a professional image in my behavior, personal appearance, and work environment.
I will maintain the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in my interactions with clients, business associates, health-care professionals, and the general public.
I will not use alcohol or mind-altering drugs before or during professional sessions.
I will actively participate in educating the public on the benefits of maintaining and improving healthy skin.
I will advocate for my profession when my voice is needed for protection and improvement of my scope of practice.
4. Commitment to Good Business Practices
I will promote my services ethically and in good taste, and will not make false claims regarding the potential benefits of the services and products I provide.
I will conduct my business honestly and in compliance with the law, in regard to financial matters, record keeping, and all other aspects of business.

Don't visit the steam room or sauna. You may have already had steaming done during your facial, these should last long enough to open pores but not excessive as it can result in broken capillaries or skin sensitivity. 

Avoid vigorous exercises that cause excessive sweating...skip the gym for 24 hours. The oil produced could clog your pores that have been cleared out. RELAX!

Don't wash your face (Avoid touching your face). Your skin is absorbing all the products and washing it may strip it all away. Touching your skin transfers dirt/bacteria from your hands to your thoroughly cleansed face which may cause breakouts. 

Don't use at-home peels or Retin A/Renova for at least 48 hours. Freshly exfoliated skin may be more sensitive than usual, prevent irritation and redness by waiting at least 2 days after your facial. 

Stay out of the sun. After a facial, you have new vulnerable skin cells on the surface that can easily burn. If you have to be in the sun, use a high SPF sunscreen. 

Don't pick at your face. If a pimple is left behind, it is because it is not close enough to the surface to extract. Leave it there for a few days, a deep cleansing facial may help it naturally surface. Picking immediately after a facial may damage healthy skin cells and cause scarring. 

Don't apply makeup.Give your skin a treat and a chance to breathe and let it soak up all the products. If you feel you absolutely NEED to wear makeup it is suggested that you wait at least 2 hours after your facial is completed. 

Ingredients containing AHA-Glycolic, Lactic, etc start to see results right away and peaks at 12 weeks. 

Ingredients containing BHA-Salicylic Acid start to see results right away and peaks at 12 weeks. 

Ingredients containing Hyaluronic Acid start to see results within a few minutes.

Ingredients containing Niacinamide start to see results in 12 weeks.

Ingredients containing OTC Retinol start to see results in 3-6 months.

Ingredients containing Rx Retinoids start to see results in 6-8 weeks.

Ingredients containing Vitamin C start to see results in 3 weeks or more.

Ingredients containing Botanical Lighteners, Kojic, Licorice, Alpha-Arbutin etc start to see results in 6-12 weeks. 

Normal Skin
AM: Cleanser, Moisturize with SPF
PM: Cleanser, Toner, Light-Weight Moisturizer 


Dry Skin
AM: Creamy Cleanser, Moisturizer with SPF
PM: Creamy Cleanser, Toner, Hydrating Moisturizer 
Weekly: Exfoliate 


Oily Skin
AM: Oil-free Cleanser Gel, Light Moisturizer with SPF
PM: Oil-free Cleanser, Toner, AHA/BHA or Retinol Serum, Oil-Free Moisturizer, 
Weekly: Clay Mask


Combo Skin
AM:Cleanser Foam-based, Moisturizer with SPF
PM: Cleanser Foam-based Toner, AHA/BHA or Retinol Serum, Light-Weight Moisturizer
Weekly: Clay Mask


Sensitive Skin
AM: Ultra-Calming Cleanser, Scent-free Moisturizer with SPF
PM: Cleaning Lotion, Alcohol-free toner, Scent-free Moisturizer 
Weekly: Gel Mask 
*Look for calming ingredients such as Aloe, Chamomile and Oats

Aging Skin
AM: Cleansing Lotion, Alcohol-free Toner, Antioxidant Serum, Moisturizer with SPF
PM: Cleansing Lotion, Exfoliant, Toner, Hydrating Moisturizer, Eye Cream, Serum 
Weekly: At-home Peel, Brightening Serum

The main skin types are oily, normal, dry. Some people may have more than one skin type which is referred to as combo. Regardless of your skin type it is important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays (wear a hat and sunglasses when in sunlight), don’t smoke, stay hydrated, cleanse and moisturize daily and don’t wear makeup to bed. 

Normal skin has a perfect balance of oil and moisture. No severe sensitivity and barely visible pores. The appearance is usually radiant and blemish free. Tips for normal skin: maintain this skin type by following a proper skin care routine. Gentle cleaner and moisturizer daily. 

Oily skin has an overactive sebaceous gland (oil glands) which means your skin secretes more sebum than normal skin. Larger pores and may have pimples or other blemishes. The appearance can be shiny and have a greasy feeling. Tips for oily skin: don’t wash your face more than twice a day. Use a gentle cleanser and don’t scrub. Don’t pick or pop pimples they’ll take longer to heal. Use “noncomedogenic” skin care products so pores aren’t clogged. 

Dry skin secretes very little sebum. Almost invisible pores and could have more visible lines. The appearance has a dull look and rough texture. Tips for dry skin: use mild gentle soaps/cleaners. Moisturize after bathing and reapply as needed throughout the day. If you take hot baths/showers..shorten them.
There are 5 main skin conditions: aging skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, skin pigmentation and blemish-prone. 
Everyone ages and their skin gets thinner and struggles to maintain moisture which causes wrinkles and fine lines. You can slow down the aging process by reducing your sun exposure, not smoking and taking care of your skin (as we all should regardless of age) 

Dehydrated skin has a dull tired look. It may begin to flake and fine cracks appear when skin cannot retain moisture and the sebaceous glands are less active. Dry skin is further compromised by lack of water and exposure to changes in the weather. Using vitamin A and following a skin care routine as well as staying hydrated is a great start. 
Sensitive skin may come from different genetic factors as well as environmental influences. This skin type may easily break out in rashes and be itchy.  Tips: find out what your triggers/allergies are so you can avoid it. 
Skin pigmentation is a tricky condition and one of the toughest to improve. It can be genetic, hormone changes, and/or exposure to UV light. 

Blemish-prone is skin that is congested and breakouts may occur. Factors can be environmental, stress, hormone changes and diet.

It is so important that we take care of our skin! Facials are recommended every 4-6 weeks, you will see more results when you stick to a schedule.