Get to know Anna…

How do you connect with clients?

As someone who never really struggled with her skin until all of a sudden ~she did~, I understand how exasperating it can be when everything flips seemingly for no reason. I have felt the weight of desperation in trying product after product with no guidance, and certainly no clear skin in sight. Everyone’s skin story is unique, but I want you to know you’re in empathetic hands.

It takes a lot of trust for clients with skin insecurities to open up; how do you help new clients feel comfortable?

I am serious about your skin, but I try to create a lighthearted atmosphere in the treatment room. I know it takes a lot to come in and be so vulnerable. Sometimes it’s the roundabout nature of a silly conversation that can get us talking about relevant things about your skin, all while not feeling like you’re being interrogated.

Describe your philosophy on helping clients create healthy skin.

To create healthy skin, you must develop sustainable skin habits. To do that, I am all about meeting clients where they’re at. Not everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, and I truly believe that the most effective skincare routine is one that you’ll be able to stick with for the long haul.

As an acne expert, what is the most critical aspect of treating acne for you?

If homecare had a baby with education. 80% of the work that goes into clearing your skin is done by you at home.The ultimate goal is for me to educate and empower you to tune in to your own skin’s needs and to understand how certain products affect change in your skin. That way, during those four or so weeks between treatments, you’re able to tell if you might, for example, need to lean more into one product over another based on how your skin is feeling or reacting at a particular moment.

What makes treating acne difficult?

You can be doing all the right things and still break out. Unfortunately, acne can only be managed, not cured, so there will be times when we’ll need to tweak our approach to keep things in check.

What’s the most common skin misstep you see clients make?

Not giving your products enough time to show you what they’re capable of, and quickly jumping onto something new. It’s common for your skin to take months to reap the benefits of treatments and products visibly. Stick with it – your skin and wallet will thank you!

Which skincare step are you most passionate about? (and why)

Cleansing! It truly sets the stage for every other step of your routine. For clients new to skincare, step one can sometimes also be the biggest hurdle. Cleansers can additionally be super versatile – letting your active cleanser sit on your skin for a few extra minutes as a treatment “mask” is a simple and efficient way to make your existing routine work harder for you!

If you weren’t an aesthetician, what would you be doing?

Since it took me a little while to find my path into aesthetics after originally getting a degree in Japanese language (I know, so relevant, haha), I’d probably just do a little bit of some of the low-key things I love. Since I’m semi-nocturnal and listen to music constantly, I think it’d be so fun to work at a music venue or something in that realm.