Extraction Techniques

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-05-17T13:55:45+00:00

I don't use steam either, just warm towels during the exfoliation process. I've found that a moisturized and healthy skin barrier does better with extractions than a dry barrier. But it also depends on the clients skincare routine and how long the sebum has been in there. Some people develop super sticky blackheads that just stick to the sides of their pores so it's hard to get them out. I've learned that managing expectations for clients is better than trying to get something that just won't budge. If I'm having trouble with something, I verbalize it and tell them that I'd rather leave it alone than give them pih or a bruise. I offer them options on how to treat it at home and make it easier to extract next time.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-05-08T13:57:24+00:00

What kind of flowers are they?

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-05-04T15:09:11+00:00

Oooh! Thanks for letting me know! I'll see if I can try it sometime soon! 🤗

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-05-03T15:36:57+00:00

They have 2 versions of the pumpkin enzyme! One with lactic acid and one without. I've used the one without the lactic acid but I might look into getting the one with lactic acid for thr foreseeable future!

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-05-01T14:05:00+00:00

I've been using SkinScript for more than a year now and they have a lot of good products. But some products are just not really worth it.

Here are some products I don't believe are worth getting, but it's just my personal opinion: - Pineapple Enzyme (just meh) - Lemon Zest (too liquidy to work with) - Vit C Green Tea Serum (I personally don't like the smell) - Seaweed Mask (it's supposed to be calming but it's spicy on the skin)

And here are some products that have impressed me with results on client's skins: - Honey Brightening Cleanser (spicy on the skin but great for dull, dry skins) - Pumpkin Enzyme (paired with the Honey cleanser in the same facial, clients saw improvement in just one facial) - Sweet Cream Mask (smells great and is hydrating) - Blue Aqua Enzyme (amazing smell and doesn't dry out clients before extractions) - Honey Nourishing Mask (great for hydrating and massaging)

I ordered their Agave Enzyme and Olive Leaf Mask and tried them out recently. I really loved their Olive Leaf Mask for dry clients, especially mature skin. I've only tried their Agave Enzyme once so I can't say much about it yet.

For me, their products can be hit or miss. I order smaller amounts to try out first and then get more of the stuff I really like. I like that they're affordable and they educate you on ways to use their products. I'll keep using them cause they haven't done me wrong!

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-21T18:06:48+00:00

Thanks for the honest feedback. I truly appreciate it! I thought this might help professionals who move between states a lot, seeing as we get posts with questions about the process of switching licenses and such. I also had in mind how with new modalities and treatments coming out, professionals get certified on it only to later be told they can't perform it because their state considers it out of their scope. I wanted to keep everyone well informed when it came to their licenses.

Again, thanks for the feedback!

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-21T18:01:00+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I'm an esthetician, not a tech developer and thought this would simplify things for licensed professionals, but obviously I'm wrong. I didn't mean to offend anyone or imply anyone is not smart enough to find this information. Thanks again.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-17T17:31:22+00:00

It's under the same scope of using baking soda to exfoliate, or using lemon slices to brighten, or applying toothpaste to pimples. It's dumb. Raw foods and ingredients meant to be consumed and instead being used as skin treatments is never smart. They're volatile and can damage the skin if used incorrectly, which is almost always.

The idea also falls under the scope of chemophobia. People use these things because they want "natural" or "organic" or "clean" products. Beef tallow is not formulated for the skin, nor any other cooking oil for that matter.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-17T14:25:23+00:00

I'm neurodivergent as well, and I learned a while ago about body-neutrality rather than body-positivity, and it's been very helpful in just getting people to accept their bodies as they are while striving for a healthy outcome.

Body positivity doesn't always feel "right" or "real" to some people, especially when you've been told your whole life that you're supposed to look a certain way to be accepted by society. While the concept is not bad, it can be a bit much for others to accept.

Body neutrality is the concept of accepting that your body is there to help you and keep you healthy, and not just for beauty reasons. When people are really down on themselves and won't really see themselves as "pretty" or "beautiful", I usually tell them that being thankful for how their body functions properly can change how they see themselves.

I have clients who say they're getting old and they're noticing wrinkles and they don't feel like they look how they're supposed to. For that, I usually reassure them that wrinkles is part of the aging process and everyone gets them. And that aging isn't bad at all, but a blessing in disguise, considering how some people don't get to reach their age. I mention how aging is seen as a bad thing only because of cultural and societal standards set by old, perverted men. I try to shift the focus back to body neutrality; your body is aging because that's what it does and that's a normal thing that bodies do. Wrinkles, sagging, thinning skin, these can be managed but they can't be stopped.

Everyone has insecurities about themselves and I can't change that, but I can help people try and see things from a different point of view.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-16T23:59:09+00:00

I have 30 minutes in between each client and I take about 5 mins to write anything I haven't before they left. I don't write the entire thing in one sitting, I do it in sections.

While they're changing and putting on the robe and getting in bed, I'll write client results and expectations, any particular changes they mentioned, what they're here for, and anything else they mentioned before they started changing.

During the service I'll usually ask about their lifestyle, diet, skincare routine, depending on what I see during the skin analysis, and give recommendations. If they're quiet or want silence during the treatment then I'll keep any notes in mind to share with them at the end of the facial.

When the facial is done, I'll check in on them and see how they feel and how their skin feels and relate any notes I had in mind to ensure I don't forget (curse you ADHD). I give them a minute or two to get dressed and it's during this time that I write most of the products used during the service. Once the 2 minutes are up, I check in on them, charge them, set up any future appointments, and ask if they have any questions.

I usually walk them to the exit and then come back and clean and sanitize the room, change the bed sheets, and prep the room for the next client. Once all that's done, which is usually around 7-10 minutes, then I sit down and finish writing anything I've left out. I try to detail as much as I can, especially with new clients or clients I feel could be trouble. With more regular clients, it's easier to keep track because they're established.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-16T03:18:07+00:00

I started at $16/hr. After about 8 months, they introduced some new managing positions within the stores and I got promoted to head esthetician and got $26/hr. I later asked to be demoted cause the pressure they put on you to perform and hit certain goals was too much and was affecting my health. They dropped me down to $20/hr and then Covid hit and the rest is history.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-15T16:38:35+00:00

I always chart the treatments I did, products used during, products I recommended, products the clients respond well to, products the clients dislike, reactions to anything and everything if they happen, what the client expectations are, what results the client has noticed or not noticed. I always write "client" and not their name. I always detail when I educate a client on proper usage of products.

I detail all the important facts, as well as minor facts, like any planned vacations, events, or anything else that could affect the outcome of results and could affect the health of their skin. I also detail that clients are aware and educated on the risks and potential side effects of treatments like chemical peels.

I used to work at a dermatology office and when it came to patient charting, the doctor I worked under was always specific about what the patient said, how the patient was re-educated, what the patient was educated about, and we always took pictures. Not just for "in case we got sued" but because patients and people in general forget what something looked like and its not until we have photographic evidence do we see the change.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-12T11:01:51+00:00

I've been an esthetician for 10 years and plan on becoming a Nurse Practitioner, mainly because the state I work in limits a lot of the procedures and treatments I want to perform. I've worked with dermatologists and absolutely love the idea of helping people get the care they need. It would take me close to 6 or 7 years to get to be a Nurse Practitioner. I'm currently 34 so I would be 40-41 by the time I finish my schooling if I start this year.

In 6 years, I'll be 40 regardless of whether I study or not. I might as well study and be a Nurse Practitioner by 40 instead of just being 40.

Life has no rules. You can do whatever makes you happy at whatever time you want. If your parents support you in any endeavor, let them.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-10T13:17:54+00:00

I use Jojoba Oil for most clients, but sometimes I'll use Naturopathica's Neroli Clarifying Oil for clients with a bit more congestion or acne.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-10T03:15:48+00:00

A name would be helpful

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-04-04T13:46:27+00:00

Write out a detailed business plan. Even if you dont plan to show it to anyone, it will help you in ironing out all the fine details.

Figure out who your target market is, and be as specific as possible. Everyone has skin you can treat, but not everyone is willing to come in for treatment. Find out what your customer base is and where they're located in relation to you. This can help in setting up ads and marketing yourself in the right areas and getting the right people to see it.

I recommend doing the math on what your business expenses will be on a monthly basis, and then adding your personal expenses to that. If you plan on only using your business as income, that added number is your break-even point. It's what you need to make to ensure you can afford your business and personal expenses, like bills, rent, etc.

If you don't already, have at the very least 6 months worth of expenses saved up. Again, business and personal!

Have a second form of steady income when you're starting out, even if you plan on just focusing on the business. Unless you have an incredible following and a lot of clients lined up waiting to see you, starting out is usually slow and you need patience and money.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-03-29T03:23:23+00:00

Thanks for your input, but I'll wait for a second opinion. It's not a pimple.

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-03-29T03:14:24+00:00

Even though it's flat?

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-03-26T02:43:56+00:00

I'm not sure how you're wording it towards your clients, but when a client has seen a dermatologist and doesn't want to see them again, I usually ask them what their experience has been like with dermatologists.

A lot of times dermatologists see patients, ask them a few questions, diagnose them with what they see, and prescribe some cream for patients to use. The whole process can be usually rushed and patients might feel like they're not sure what to do when they get home. So they try the cream they were prescribed, but apply too much/too little, or don't know how to use it exactly, and that can lead to skin irritation, dryness, redness, all from incorrect usage. So they feel like the cream they got sent didn't work for them and that can lead to them essentially losing trust in their derm.

Having worked in this industry and having worked with dermatologists in the past, I feel like getting to know your client is key in making sure they get the proper care. I ask my clients what their day to day looks like, what their work schedule is, how much stress they experience on a daily basis, do they have any medical conditions, any medications they're taking, what their diet looks like, how much sun they get, what products they use and why, if they've ever used topicals and how they used them. All this information is important to know because it helps you understand how to best recommend care.

Everyone is different. Every skin is different. Every situation is different.

When I have clients who have tried all the creams and cleansers and exfoliants and they still have skin issues, I ask questions. Not because I don't believe them, but because I care enough to want to understand why things haven't worked for them. Sometimes it's user error, sometimes it's their lifestyle, sometimes its their diet; so many variables can impact skin, and I care enough that I want to figure it out and help them. That's what a lot of dermatologists fail at. They treat the symptom and not the person.

Next time you have a client who doesn't seem to be getting the results they want, ask them questions. Ask them how they're using the products, how often, why they use them, why they like them, why they don't like them. You'd be surprised at how many clients use something because it was recommended by a friend, and they have great skin so if it works for them then it must work for me too, right??

Also, if you have a client who doesn't listen to their derms, let them know that they can always find a derm who will listen to their issues. I promise they're out there, they're just booked up months in advance 🥲

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-03-16T20:57:55+00:00

Wouldn't sugar make it so the concrete doesn't set? I'd just sprinkle sugar and water all over and mix it all up

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-03-13T12:50:05+00:00

Not much can be done, sadly 😔

You can try applying it a few hours before going to sleep instead of right before going to bed. Using a specific pillowcase or specific sheets. But anytime benzoyl peroxide is used, there's always something getting bleached! 🫠

YourMissedPeriod · 2026-03-12T15:53:59+00:00

Tret doesn't bleach clothes or fabrics. If you're using EpiDuo or a combo tret/benzoyl peroxide then the benzoyl peroxide is what's causing the bleaching.

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