Why seeing an esthetician is the secret to getting glowing, healthy skin
Unsure why everyone seems to be seeing an esthetician these days?
Seeing a local esthetician is not another social media trend, but a way to:
Build community and support a small business
Have an expert skincare “coach” who helps you achieve your dream skin
Experience relaxation and customized skincare treatments in a comfortable setting
Traditional spas can be intimidating! Though it’s possible for a larger spa to foster a sense of community… they usually don’t. Spas are often viewed as a luxurious experience that the average person would only splurge on every once in a blue moon, so it’s hard to create a lasting, supportive relationship with your spa technician!
Not to mention: a spa technician is part of a team and has a boss, and potentially a boss’ boss, depending on how corporate the spa is. So because of all this… spa prices are often higher, hence the whole “luxury” thing.
On the other hand, most local estheticians have expert knowledge, a quiet/cozy environment, and non-judgemental vibes! Speaking for myself as a neurodivergent queer woman, I appreciate a safe and comfortable space –especially when it’s a place I’ve never been before!
As the Taurus rising and self-proclaimed hippie that I am, I designed my private spa with bold colors and textures to give a warm, 70s vibe; like you’re at an old friend's house instead of a stuffy, nerve-wracking beauty appointment!
Facials and skin treatments aren’t just for wealthy celebrities; we all deserve healthy, happy skin! Reaching that goal can feel impossible– especially with our Tiktok/Instagram algorithms bombarding us with new information, terminology, and random products that claim to make us look younger.
You could watch ‘What skincare is right for me?’ videos all day to try and figure it out yourself…
…but what online skin-fluencer’s don’t know about you (and what algorithms can never factor in) is your skin history, your lifestyle, your budget, what your skin really needs, skincare that hasn’t worked for you, and your skin goals. We know YOU. Not just the idea of you. Not just your skin type. Not just your skin concerns. But, you, the whole person!
I pride myself on building realistic, customized skincare routines that make my clients feel confident because they can actually maintain it!
Having a trusted esthetician makes it possible for you to feel confident in your day to day life, not just for one special occasion! Trust us. Trust your esthetician.
What is an esthetician?
Let’s get back to the basics. “Esthetician” can come off as a fancy word, but that doesn’t mean estheticians are snobby and judgemental. In fact, it’s usually the opposite! Estheticians are typically small business owners who have a passion for helping their clients improve their skin health and feel more confident!
But to give you a dictionary-style definition… According to the American Esthetician Organization, an esthetician is “a licensed skincare professional specializing in enhancing and improving the skin. Trained in various treatments and techniques, they work towards maintaining skin health and enhancing beauty.” After completing training, all estheticians must pass a written and practical state licensing exam.
On their website, American Esthetician Organization points out some basic services most estheticians offer, including:
Facial cleansers
Body treatments
Waxing/hair removal
Skin exfoliation
Moisturization
Pore cleansing
Ensuring overall skin health
AEO also mentioned advanced services that vary from esthetician to esthetician, such as:
Chemical peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser treatments
Acne treatments
Anti-aging treatments
Skin rejuvenation
*Besides my popular Custom Blend Facial, Skin by Sunni happens to offer a range of facial services...
Chemical Peel Facial
Microdermabrasion Facial
Acne + Pore Clearing Facial
Firm + Lift Facial
Brightening Facial
AND an Oxygen Glow Facial to target all of your specific skin concerns!
What does a facial do for your skin?
Sticking with the vibe of dictionary-style-definitions…
According to clevelandclinic.org, a facial is “a noninvasive skin treatment that includes cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and other elements that are customized to your specific skin type and needs.”
Even if you have acne-free skin, facials can help hydrate, plump and repair your skin from previous damage! Plus, the regular, healthy exfoliation of a facial can:
Minimize the appearance of your pores
Lessen your skin’s oil production
Reduce hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
Help balance your skin’s pH
Help increase blood circulation (which boosts collagen production)
How long does a lash lift last?
Maybe you already have your dream skin, but your dream lashes are next on your agenda! Or maybe you’re still working on improving your skin’s health and appearance, but you know you want longer, fuller lashes, too! You’re just unsure if it’s worth it, if it’ll last long enough!
A typical lash lift lasts between 4-6 weeks, but at Skin by Sunni, my Keratin Lash Lift + Tint treatment gently curls and lifts your natural lashes for 6-8 weeks. It’s like a perm for your lashes!
The Keratin Infusion helps your lashes grow longer and fuller, while making them stronger; paired with the lash tint, you’ll achieve the look of wearing mascara without the annoying process of washing it off at night!
Benefits of Booking with Skin by Sunni:
Customized Treatments: Even though we have categories for common skin types, every single one of us has a unique skin history, budget, and lifestyle! I am known for my personalized skincare treatments, and will never push you into products or treatments you don’t want or need!
Relaxation and Stress Relief: Instead of walking into the busy atmosphere of a traditional spa, you will walk into my cozy, warm, and quiet private spa! Imagine how you’d feel knowing you have an appointment scheduled today that’s focused on relaxing and loving yourself; celebrating your beauty in a cozy, healing oasis. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Regular Skin Monitoring/Personalized Follow Up: By seeing an esthetician regularly, they can monitor your skin's progress over time! I am proud to provide my client-friends with ongoing support so they never have to question how to take care of their skin again!
Support for Specific Skin Conditions: If you have specific concerns like acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines, I provide targeted treatments that may not be available through over-the-counter products alone. Plus, it’s a lot easier to have a licensed expert tell you what your skin is craving than to search for hours through thousands of Tiktok creators’ advice!
Professional Tools: Estheticians have access to tools and equipment (like dermaplaning tools, microdermabrasion, and high-frequency machines) and we know how to use them!
Expert Advice: Yes, I went to esthetician school and learned the science and techniques to provide expert skincare advice and services. But when you book with me, you’re booking an esthetician who has struggled with breakouts and sensitive skin since 6th grade! I can vividly remember the frustrations of wanting clear, healthy skin and struggling to achieve it. You have a friend (and expert esthetician) in me!
Supporting a Local Small Business: This one doesn’t need much explaining, but I will provide context! In the year of 2025, relying on community and shopping small is more important than ever! I am not a CEO and I am not underpaying anyone: because I work for me! I have client-friends, not nameless clients. I know my client-friends’ backstories, kids’/partners’ names, and future goals! Plus, bonus points for supporting a queer, neurodivergent, woman’s business! ;)
Cons of going to a traditional spa for random skincare needs:
Less Personalized Attention: In a larger spa, you may receive more generic treatments that’s meant to appeal to a wider audience, since they’ll serve a larger volume of clients. The level of “personalized” care will not be as in-depth and specific to you as it would be with a local esthetician!
Higher Prices: Spas (especially larger ones) often have higher overhead costs and may charge more for services. You might be paying for overpriced decor, overstocked products, and corporate retreats rather than the actual quality or customization of the treatment.
Less Consistency: In traditional spas, you may not always see the same spa technician for every appointment. This means you have to re-explain your skin history/goals/budget every time you go in for an appointment. Plus, it’ll be much more difficult to establish a consistent skincare routine and track progress.
Limited Time with the Spa Technician: With a high volume of clients, whoever you are assigned to at the spa that day might have less time to spend on each client, which could result in a less thorough treatment or rushed consultation. You’ll definitely feel like more of a number than a real person at a place that sees such a high volume of clients.
Product Push: Spas sometimes focus on selling you products, and you may feel pressured into purchasing expensive items that aren’t necessarily right for your skin. A local esthetician is probably going to be passionate about the products they partner with (like me! Learn more about my partnered brands here) instead of trying to upsell you for commission-related purposes.
Less Focus on Specific Skin Conditions: Larger spas tend to offer more generalized services that focus on relaxation rather than targeted treatments for specific skin issues (like acne, rosacea, or aging). Relaxation is great, but traditional spas can’t guarantee an actually-relaxed environment with so many clients running around in the same space. A local esthetician with their own private spa is more likely to specialize in your skin concerns and offer customized solutions, while providing you the space to truly relax without judgment.
Overwhelming Atmosphere: In a big spa, the overall experience might feel more impersonal or less intimate compared to the cozy, one-on-one environment that you get with a local esthetician. Even if the traditional spa in your town has private rooms, the general hustle and bustle of the space makes it harder to feel cozy and build personal connections.
Potential for Overcrowding: Jumping off from #7, larger spas may be busy and crowded, which can lead to long wait times, limited availability, or a lack of privacy during treatments. Compared to a private, quiet spa experience at Skin by Sunni, why would you ever go back to waiting in a stressful and overcrowded environment for something that’s supposed to be relaxing?
Potentially Inexperienced Staff: Depending on the size and structure of the spa, you might not always get a spa technician with the right expertise or experience for your specific needs. Larger spas will also have staff with varying levels of training, which could affect the quality of service you receive.
Instead of risking all of these less than ideal possibilities at a traditional large spa, you could go to your trusted, local esthetician who’s passionate about what they do and the community they’ve created!
Not to toot my own horn…but I’m gonna toot my own horn!!
Skin by Sunni…
Has 247 5-star reviews and counting!
Is an in-home, private spa where you can truly relax without distraction
Is known for customized skincare treatments
Offers bundles, facials, lash + brow services
Takes into consideration: your concerns, your budget, and your history
Partners with eco-friendly brands
Is queer-owned, pro-choice, believes Black Lives Matter and Trans Lives Matter, and that women’s rights are human rights!
Has a pro-aging approach to skincare
Empowers your inner beauty
Share this blog with a friend that you know has been stressing out about their skin!
And don’t forget to follow me on instagram for life updates and free skincare tips :)
💛Xo, Sunni
