Unfiltered Skin 101

Hello! If you’re reading this that means skincare has peaked your interest. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dorothy, I’m 28 years old and I’ve been an esthetician since 2022.

Dorothy Bernard, owner of Unfiltered Skin and Co, shares her expertise on how to care for different skin types.

I was always intrigued by skincare and makeup but I never imagined myself making a career out of this. After 6 months in school, I eagerly decided to open my own business. I was nervous at first but I knew that I had people in my life that would love and support me throughout this journey.

On June 1, 2022 I opened Dorothy Elizabeth Esthetics, which is now known as Unfiltered Skin & Co. I changed my business name to fit my new business goals. I became an acne specialist in December of 2022. Even though I specialize in acne I also focus on relaxation and anti-aging. I have placed in the top 3 with Best of Acadiana for the last two years in a row. Being nominated, and even placing in this category, competing with luxury spas and other businesses who have been in the industry for years was such an honor. This career has been extremely rewarding and I owe it all to God for putting me in this position.

Before I get into the meat and potatoes of this article I want to say that this is all based on my personal opinion, research, and experience. This will be a simplified skincare tell all. For further details or information feel free to make an appointment with me and we can dive deeper.

Okay now, let’s talk. One of the most important things when it comes to skincare is making sure that you’re using products that are for your specific skin type. I know it’s easy to just buy whatever you see on TikTok or whatever you see when you’re browsing the aisles in Target. I get it.

I hate to break your heart but skincare is not a one-size-fits-all.

You need to make sure that the products you’re using are meant specifically for your skin type or else you could be doing more harm than good. A simple skincare routine will consist of a cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. You can add more advanced products into your routine once you are consistently using those above. Before adding in anything new please make sure you consult your esthetician or do your own research on the product itself. There are certain ingredients that should not be used every day, multiple times a day, or even for you at your age.

If your skin is dry or dehydrated you’ll benefit most from these types of products.

Cleanser: reach for cleansers that are creamy or frothy when emulsified. You can get away with using a gel cleanser as long as it’s not making your skin feel like a sponge out of water when you’re finished cleansing. This is not normal. You should not be feeling so tight after you cleanse that you’re frantically searching for your serums or your moisturizer. You know the feeling, eyes squinted, water running down your arms, scanning the counter top. This is a clear indicator that your cleanser is stripping your skin barrier.

*Pro tip: cleanse your face with cool water*

Serum: there are plenty of serums to choose from, but you will benefit from a hyaluronic acid serum the most. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it the perfect ingredient to hydrate your skin.

*Pro tip: use on damp skin*

Moisturizer: reach for a thicker cream. This will keep your skin hydrated longer. One of the biggest issues I see is people using the wrong moisturizer for their skin type and wondering why they never feel hydrated enough.

*Pro tip: bring this down your neck and onto your chest*

Sunscreen: if you’re going to do anything at all in a routine please let it be sunscreen. You want to reach for a glowy, creamy, hydrating spf. There are chemical & mineral sunscreens. I prefer a chemical sunscreen and that is totally just personal preference.

*Pro tip: wear SPF even if it’s cloudy out. If you’re pregnant or breast feeding make sure your spf is mineral*

Treatments / facials: if your skin is well prepped, you will benefit from almost every facial service. There are basic facials for beginners and more corrective facials like the dermaplane, oxygen, hydro dermabrasion and chemical peels. My personal favorite for dry skin is the dermaplane + hydro jelly mask.

If your skin is oily, you’ll benefit the most from these types of products.

Cleanser: oily skin does best with foaming or gel cleansers. These really purify your skin and make it feel squeaky clean after a long day.

*Pro tip: avoid using foaming cleanser around your eyes. Use a micellar water if you’re wearing eye makeup.*

Serum: mandelic acid is great for all skin types, but I find that my clients with oily skin can’t get enough of this. It makes your pores appear smaller because of its smoothing and clearing properties. Your pores are not muscles. They will not shrink. The cleaner they are the smaller they will appear. Key word: appear.

*Pro tip: this can be used morning and night depending on the product.*

Moisturizer: lightweight gel based moisturizers tend to do best with oily skin types. You can get away with anything labeled as a facial lotion or water cream because this will be very lightweight.

*Pro tip: Yes, you do still need to moisturize, even if you have oily skin.*

Sunscreen: if you read above, I’m really passionate about sunscreen. Please wear it whether you are staying inside all day or whether it’s storming outside. You will benefit from a matte sunscreen, which is typically a mineral sunscreen.

*Pro tip: wear SPF rain or shine & on long car rides*

Treatment / facials: typically you can be a little more aggressive with clients that have oily skin. I find that my client’s benefit best from chemical peels and oxygen facials. The only treatment I do not recommend for clients with oily skin will be a dermaplane. This is because your skin will produce way more oil with that layer of protection removed. My personal favorite treatment for oily clients is the oxygen facial.

Now that you have a basic understanding of treatments, lets talk timelines. 

Appointments typically fill up 2-3 weeks in advance.

If you’re attending someone’s special event, I would suggest a facial the week before.

If you’re planning your own special event, I would suggest starting treatment six months before. 

Brides will even begin wedding treatments 12 months in advance.

You’re always welcome to reach out directly and create a timeline for your specific needs! I really enjoyed putting this together for you. I hope you learned something and enjoyed reading it. If you have any further questions or want to go more in depth, please feel free to reach out to me and we can get you booked for a consultation or for a facial.

My business name is Unfiltered Skin & Co and you can best reach me at 337-385-0490.