Meet Anna!
Anna is no stranger to Skin MPLS. As a loyal client for many years, she had such a thirst for skin knowledge that she attended aesthetics school and has been working in the industry as a licensed aesthetician treating skin ever since! While you would never know it, she once struggled with acne, like so many of us, so she’s fueled by passion and education!
She brings a science-forward approach to treating skin while also understanding skin sensitivities and limitations. If you want someone who will seek the answers to your skin problems or just give you a really great facial treatment, trust Anna.
We sat down with Anna to ask her the hard-hitting questions so you can learn more about her!
As a client for years, we know you can be shy, so what do you get really excited to talk about?
Cats for sure. And I love to hear about your kids. Dogs are cool, too, but cats are what get me going.
How many cats do you have?
I have three cats. Two tuxedos and one orange. All boys!
How did you find Skin MPLS?
When I moved from Portland back to Minneapolis in 2020, I looked for somewhere to focus on my acne, which is hard to find. A simple Google search led me here, and I never looked back.
So we know we can’t take all the credit since you had an acne journey before us.
I went to Portland State for college, and my skin was really going through it. I had been working with a few aestheticians at an acne-focused clinic there to clear my skin. It was very similar in philosophy to here. They also primarily used Vivant Skincare and Face Reality products.
What new perspectives did Skin MPLS give you on skin?
The studio I went to in Portland was helpful, but they only offered acne treatments. And I became more interested in microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and microneedling, so I think I would have eventually wondered if I hadn’t moved. I’m grateful to have found a studio that still maintains the acne principles and ethics while advancing skin health and focusing on healthy aging as well. Also, there are more product options here and greater autonomy to meet every client where they are.
Do you still break out?
Yes! Especially right now – lots of changes going on. We are moving into a new house we just bought, which comes with lots of hands-on projects. Plus new job anxiety and excitement!
What do you do when you are breaking out?
I lean into benzoyl peroxide. It’s my hero product, even though I know not everyone can tolerate it. I do a lot of icing. I’m not a “picker,” luckily (of my own skin at least!), so I just keep icing and icing!
What lifestyle habit was helpful for your acne?
Consistency with products all the way. The studio in Portland I went to was very heavy on the impact of diet on acne. Since I’m typically a rule follower, I always did what they suggested. I gave up dairy for over a year, and while it can, of course, be great for some, it didn’t change my skin. What I learned was that using the products every day for months and being patient was what my skin needed to transform!
Since BP is your hero product, why don’t you give some advice to those struggling with it irritating their skin.
Don’t sleep on BP in a cleanser for a great way to get it on the skin for a couple minutes and then rinse it off. Plus, cleansing twice a day is the very best way to make strides towards clear skin. It’s a two-for-one. As far as using acne med like Face Reality’s Advanced Acne Meds or Vivant’s BP 10% Gel Medication, do not just spot treat if you really want the best results. Use it daily: start by wearing it as a mask for 5 minutes, then rinse it off. You can acclimate this way and eventually even leave it on. People often mistakenly think they are allergic to BP because their skin reacts to it at first, but trust me, my skin is extremely sensitive, and you can get to a good spot with BP if you go slow. Even if you only break out occasionally, you may need BP more than you think, for its amazing abilities to clear out the pores when it feels like nothing else works.
We can’t wait for the new skin perspective you will offer us, and we love your no-nonsense approach! When you aren’t studying up on all things skin, what does a great day look like to you?
Sleeping. Getting a sweet treat, matcha, and vintage shopping with my sister. Music festivals.