Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skincare Consulting/ a skincare coach?

In our virtual consultations, we will go thoroughly through your routine and lifestyle to figure out what products and changes will work best for you to see the skin you want. Together we will determine what’s working, what’s not, and what can be added to finally start seeing results. All online!

While anyone can give themselves the title of Skincare Coach, I am a licensed esthetician, with 2 years of experience and 750 hours of regulated education. I have additionally taken various continued education courses, such as Introduction to Skin of Color from SOC expert Joelle Lee and am PCA Chemical Peel Certified. I also still practice hands-on services, allowing me to gain even more knowledge and experience everyday.

How does it work?

While I have a detailed informational sheet the basic steps are: 

  1. Fill out a thorough consultation form

  2. Take pictures of your skin currently

  3. The initial video consultation: this is where we go over everything and start to build your routine.

  4. Follow-up visits: here, we progress through the various steps or stages I have planned out for your routine. It will be flexible and we will add, subtract, and tweak anything as needed to reach your ever-changing goals. This part may seem long but it’s important to recognize sometimes changes aren’t seen until 3-6 months after incorporating something new, and it’s advisable to do these things slowly to mitigate adverse reactions.

  5. Maintenance! You’ve gotten your skin to a place your comfortable with and want to keep up with it. It’s important to realize this phase isn’t “perfect skin” but rather a realistic place you are happy and confident with on a daily basis. We can have meetings on a much less frequent or as-needed basis at this point. 

Who are you, and what makes you qualified? 

Hello! I’m Hannah, a licensed esthetician based in Texas, where I both live and practice hands-on. I completed 750 hours of training in school, gaining real life experience in various esthetic techniques. After passing my written and practical exams, I discovered that my true education would start after graduation.

During my studies, I especially enjoyed performing spa-like facials and the relaxation they offer—this is a skill I still cherish and practice today. However, it was after school that I dove deeper into the often complex world of skincare, exploring products, ingredients, and overall skin health. I’ve dedicated numerous hours to studying these topics in my free time, even enrolling in courses like “Treating Skin of Color,” which is often overlooked in traditional education. With all this knowledge, and experience I want to emphasize what I believe is crucial yet frequently neglected: establishing an effective home skincare routine! You can read more about my general life here.

What about facials, lasers, and other services you go into offices or spas for?

Those are incredible and I am a big advocate for incorporating them. But what you are doing to your skin 30-60 times a month is in fact important! All those services can be a boost, and can certainly be discussed in our appointment, but the foundation of your routine is essential.

Why would I do this when there are dermatologists? 

Time spent: I believe the most valuable things I can offer you are my expertise and dedicated time. While dermatologists are highly trained and focus on a wide range of skin conditions, they often concentrate on complex issues involving the skin’s various layers rather than common visible concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, and aging, which are my specialties. Moreover, most dermatology appointments are quite short—sometimes as brief as 15 minutes—leaving little room for thorough discussion. In our multiple sessions, which last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, we can explore much more about your unique needs!

A holistic approach: Once again, dermatologists are highly skilled, and I would genuinely enjoy collaborating with you and yours. However, they are often focused on the most tried and true approaches to these skin concerns. Skincare, much like clothing, is not a one-size-fits-all situation; it’s becoming clear that “one size fits most” better reflects our reality. and considering other contributing factors is a great way to gain insight into alternate solutions. 

Whether you’ve gotten depressed from Accutane, turned red and flaky from topical Tretinoin, or just got lost in making a 10-step home care routine. It can feel like nothing is working, even after you’ve “tried everything!” At times, your skin may need either more (or often fewer!) over-the-counter ingredients, as well as some lifestyle changes to fully address the problem.

The skincare world is overwhelming: You shouldn’t have to worry about things like copper not mixing well with vitamin C or that skim milk (yes, even more than full-fat) can contribute to acne. That’s where I come in! I love diving into all the intricate details so you don’t have to. I’m here to share that knowledge with you and help create a skincare routine that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.

Accessibility: Access to medical care in the US is often inadequate, and some individuals may find it difficult to afford, reach, or consult a dermatologist or even a primary care provider for various reasons. I believe it’s important to utilize technology and explore different ways for people to receive specialized support and information.

Holistic, really?

Here me out! A holistic approach to skincare is valuable because it connects skin health to overall well-being by considering factors like nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional health. 

While some may dismiss the term "holistic," I truly prioritize a research-backed approach. However, sometimes we frankly can get lost in the numbers and what works best on average, compared to what works best for you. Research in other fields, or even anecdotal and qualitative data, can offer important insights we can often overlook. Especially when formal studies are limited in our field and current routines just aren’t delivering the results you're looking for.

It’s important to be cautious of unverified opinions, or the latest skincare 'hack.' Especially those that contradict established data or more importantly, could cause harm. However, considering additional outside factors can truly be advantageous for your skin. A holistic approach simply allows for personalized strategies with multiple avenues, leading to more effective and sustainable skincare solutions.