Skin-Care Secrets Aestheticians Swear By

Steal their personal routines to score a youthful glow.

Any skin-care expert will tell you that the key to gorgeous, healthy skin is not just about the products you use, but more importantly how you use them. For simple changes you can make to your routine today, copy the routines of some of the best aestheticians in the business. Trust us—these women know how to take their facial skills home.

Start Using Toner in Your 30s

When Holly Byerly, VMV Hypoallergenics aesthetician and senior skinstructor, turned 35 years old, she found her skin-care routine needed some changes. One daily addition: toner. "I've added in toner each morning," she says. It removes residue left on your skin from tap water and helps your skin retain moisture. Dab toner onto your face after you wash it but before you apply lotion.

Double Up on Sun Protection

Sunscreen isn't the only way to shield your face from harmful rays. Celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau also applies topical forms of vitamins C and E for added protection.

Calm Sensitive Skin

"I use chamomile tea on my face as a rinse when my skin is feeling sensitive," says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. The tea, which is common in soothing skin-care products, is infused with antioxidants that have natural healing properties



Fight Cellulite

Beverly Hills aesthetician Gina Mari nixes cellulite using a simple DIY treatment involving old coffee grounds: "Apply the grounds directly to the affected area, then wrap it with kitchen plastic wrap," she says. "Let the grounds sit in place for about 30 minutes. Remove the wrap, and wash away the grounds."
Always Anti-Age Your Hands

"Hands are often neglected in the beauty routine, and they definitely show signs of aging," says Marta Camkiran, esthetician at Haven Spa in New York. She always puts an anti-aging product on the backs of her hands after applying it to her face.

Squeeze in Face Masks

"Facial masks are often tossed to the side because of time constraints, but can be so important—so I will use them during my shower," says Sandra Umstead, an aesthetician at Spa Grand Traverse. "I put it on before I get in and rinse before I get out."


Layer Products Correctly

Aesthetician Niecy McCoy from Beauty Bridge waits five minutes before applying a second product to her skin. "[It] needs time to absorb," she says. "And if you over-massage it into your skin, you're really just rubbing it off of your face." She also waits before applying foundation. "It will sometimes flake up in your foundation or keep the foundation from setting properly."