Your Skin Care Routine Personality

First thing clients do when they come in for their first facial, is fill out a skincare questionnaire. It gives me background into their habits and concerns about their skin. The second thing the client and I will do, is spend about a half hour going over the questionnaire. It really gives me a chance to ask and answer questions, and think through how I’m going to customize a facial for her.

When I first began my practice I thought it was my job to get EVERYONE on a 4 or 5 step skincare program. Crazy thought for me, because I WASN’T! So I felt guilty, (just what everyone needs, more guilt!)

After talking with dozens and dozens of first time clients, I noticed a pattern.  Regardless of skin type or skin challenges, clients skincare routines fell into 1 of 3 basic categories.  Looking back, it only makes sense,  because as people, we are all wired differently!   Brilliant observation, I know.

Anyway, I named each of these categories with equally brilliant names:

Hit or Miss: These clients have a routine that is, if I think about it I will get to it, if I’m not too tired, hungry, distracted, sore from working out, (fill in the blank).  This is the category I fit in for most of my life! Our faces, got washed with whatever was in the shower, and moisturized only when we noticed our skin was so tight it hurt to smile.

Ok, that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.

Steady Eddie (or Edie): These clients have a very simple daily routine, which they perform almost always.  They arn’t real picky about the products they use, and tend to stick with the same products.  Their routine, usually consists of washing their face (possibly with bar soap) and a simple moisturizer, (possibly a body moisturizer).

Treatment Oriented: These clients have a very specific targeted routine, which usually involves 3-5 products.  They may be be concerned with acne, aging or rosacea.  Often they are interested in trying the latest and greatest product and want my opinion.  They are faithful to their routine and want to see results!

So which basic category do you fall into?  Remember, there’s no judgement from me!  (remember I was a hit or miss girl)

What I try to get across to my clients is, you were only issued one skin body suit at birth, so we need to take care of it.  With that and their routine personality in mind, I educate, and provide suggestions based on what they are willing to do!

So, for my “Hit Or Miss” clients, I say “BRAVO” you are here getting help!  Lets take this one simple step at a time.  Buy a cleanser let it “live” in the shower, so you know where it is, and use it 5-7 days a week.  After you get the hang of that, we’ll work on a moisturizer.

If you are a “Steady Eddie”, you’ve got it made!  You have a stable routine!  We will take a look at the products you are using and see if any of them could be switched out for a more nourishing skin building one.

For you “Treatment Oriented” clients, we will review your concerns and see if your products are really addressing them.  We don’t want to have you “over do” treatments, especially with chemical exfoliants.  That creates additional problems.

I love all my clients.  They, (we) are just wired differently.  How dull if we weren’t!

Take care of your Birthday Suit!

Lisa