Expert Esthetician Trina Renea Shares Secrets to Great Skincare
Hey there! I’m Trina Renea, your friendly esthetician and co-host of the Facially Conscious podcast. If you’re obsessed with skincare (like me!) or dream of becoming a great esthetician, you’re in the right place. In our podcast episode, Beauty Unlocked: Celebrity Esthetician Trina Renea Reveals the Secrets to Being a Great Esthetician, we dove deep into discussions of skincare and facials. Now, I’m here to share some of my best tips from that very conversation. Let’s talk about how to truly take care of your skin and what it takes to be a stellar esthetician!
Magnifying Mirrors: A Blessing or a Curse?
We’ve all been there, standing inches from the mirror, obsessing over every noticeable pore. Here’s the truth: magnifying mirrors will make every imperfection look a hundred times more evident, leading to unnecessary picking, which can cause scarring and irritation. I tell my clients, “Use them for makeup, then put them away.” If you want to analyze your skin, leave it to the professionals. We know how to assess your skin without inducing stress.
Why Regular Facials Are Essential
I always get this question: “Do I really need facials if I already use great skincare at home?” The answer? Absolutely!
When you're young, your skin naturally renews itself every 28 - 30 days, but that process slows down as you age. Facials help speed things up by exfoliating dead skin, deeply cleansing pores, and nourishing your skin in ways home products simply can’t. A trained esthetician can also target specific concerns like acne, dryness, fine lines, and dark spots. Facials are an investment in long-term skin health.
The Truth About Extractions
Extractions are the part of the facial that can make or break your facial experience. When done right, they clear out clogged pores and blackheads, leaving your skin smoother and healthier. When done wrong, they can lead to redness, irritation, or even scarring.
Many estheticians don’t receive proper extraction training in beauty school. I was fortunate to learn from a top dermatologist, and now I teach others how to do it correctly. My advice? If your esthetician isn’t explaining what they’re doing, ask questions! Just remember that some blackheads won’t go away with extractions alone. You need a solid home skincare routine with exfoliating ingredients to clear your pores between treatments.
The Importance of Advanced Training for Estheticians
If you’re an aspiring esthetician, here’s a reality check: finishing beauty school is just the beginning. To be truly great, you need advanced training and hands-on experience. I’ve spent years refining my skills, earning certifications, and mentoring others.
Want to stand out? Find a mentor to guide you through the best techniques and business strategies. Confidence and a passion for learning will set you apart in this industry.
Skincare Devices: Worth It or Hype?
Not all skincare devices are created equal. Some are expensive gimmicks, while others deliver actual results. Two of my favorites are microdermabrasion and microcurrent.
- Microdermabrasion: Gently buffs away dead skin, leaving it smooth and glowing.
- Microcurrent: Uses electrical currents to tone and tighten facial muscles, acting like a workout for your skin. It also builds ATP: The powerhouse fuel that keeps your cells running efficiently
If you’re considering investing in an at-home device, then do the research and always clean your tools properly with alcohol. The last thing you want is bacteria-causing breakouts!
Facials: An Investment in Your Skin
Facial prices vary widely depending on the location, the esthetician's expertise, and the treatments included. Experience, convenience, and premium care matter.
That said, an expensive facial isn’t always better. What truly matters is skill. If you’re paying a high price but not seeing results, it’s time to find an esthetician who truly understands your skin’s needs.
Why a Good Consultation Is Key
A great facial doesn’t start when your esthetician puts on a mask—it begins with a consultation. I never assume what a client needs. Instead, I ask questions and listen. Asking questions helps me to customize treatments for the best possible results.
If you’re an esthetician, remember that communication builds trust. Take the time to understand your client’s skin history, lifestyle, and concerns. It makes all the difference!
Final Thoughts
Being an esthetician is about more than skincare—it’s about helping people feel confident in their skin. Whether you’re looking for the perfect facial or dreaming of a career in esthetics, knowledge and communication are everything.
Thanks for reading! For even more skincare and esthetician secrets, listen to this episode of the Facially Conscious podcast!
Trina Renea, L.E.
The Skin Master
Co-host | When Trina Renea became an esthetician she realized the key to success was lifelong learning - a goal that sets her apart from most skin care practitioners.
For over 30 years, she’s explored the fields of cosmetic chemistry, medical esthetics, dermatology, and plastic surgery, becoming an expert in a wide expanse of professional skin care brands, equipment, and treatments. She is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists with three certifications in cosmetic sciences from UCLA and continues to attend spa, medical, esthetic, and scientific conferences worldwide.
Now considered a skin master due to her broad expertise, Trina is a consultant to the Southern California beauty industry and medical esthetic community, selecting and training staff, developing treatments, guiding product selection, and helping professionals best serve their clients.
In 2004, she founded the Facial Bungalow, a clinical spa offering advanced skin care technologies where she continues to work one-on-one with clients to this day. In 2008 she created Trina Renea Skincare.
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