When it comes to my skin, I’m kind of all over the place in my never-ending quest to truly figure out what works best for my temperamental complexion. It’s a bit of a trial and error method with testing out new things, keeping what works and tossing what does not, so when the team at Johnathan Breitung Salon & Spa invited me in for a facial and to test out their new Epicurean Skin Care line, I was more than ready to put things in the hands of the professionals.

I’ve somehow never experimented in the world of facials before, so I truly had no idea what to expect but once I entered the spa area of the Johnathan Breitung location in Lakeview, I knew I was in for a treat thanks to how luxe and calming the entire space felt. My aesthetician Brook made the entire experience equal parts relaxing and just plain effective with scrubs, serums and even some massaging mixed in. So after my hour of pure bliss, I was curious to learn more about how to take care of my own skin like the pros do and luckily enough, Brook was willing to help out and answer a few questions:

1. What products should everyone have as part of their skincare routine? Cleanser, toner, moisturizer, exfoliant. Cleanser to remove makeup and impurities. Toner (a step most people skip) stops the action of your cleanser, tones and lightens skin, cleanses off impurities cleanser may have left behind and can do so many other things! (ie. add hydration for dry skin or absorb oil for oily skin types!). Toner also puts skin back at a level pH balance which makes all other products work harder and better! Moisturizer adds hydration to the skin Exfoliant sloughs off dead skin cells that lay on the surface that can cause blemishes or rough texture. Exfoliants should be used anywhere from 1-3 times a week generally.

2. What is the most common skincare mistake you see people regularly making? Picking at your skin, especially when a blemish is not ready for extraction. Picking can cause scarring and pigmentation issues as well as spread bacteria. Picking at a blemish before its ready causes it to rupture underneath the skins surface resulting in clusters of blemishes. If you have a blemish, wait until it is ready for extraction. Usually you will see a white head at the surface. Warm the skin with a hot wash cloth on steam and use two cotton swabs to press on each side of the blemish. If it doesn’t come  out easily, don’t push it further…it’s not ready!

3. Should your morning routine differ from your evening one? How so? It doesn’t have to but depending on your skin type it definitely can. If you notice dry skin, try using a heavier moisturizer at night. When you sleep, your body is able to rest and repair. Your skin can absorb heavier moisturizers better at night. And always use an SPF during the day.

4. How often should you go beyond just washing your face? Beyond toner, moisturizer, exfoliant…just pay attention to what your skin is telling you and think about your concerns. If you desire something for anti-aging, add anti-aging serum like Epicuren’s Alpha Lipoic Omega facial serum. If you have occasional breakouts, use a gentle clay or oil absorbing mask.

5. If you could give someone one bit of advice when it comes to their skin, what would it be? Pay attention to your skin and what your needs and concerns are. Use products that cater to those needs! This seems pretty self explanatory, but it’s not and shopping for skincare can get very overwhelming  After 17 years in the business, I still get overwhelmed! Look beyond the way a product smells, the brand, high prices, or the fact that your friend uses it and it works for them. All of these things do not mean they will work for you. Find something that works and stick with it! If your not sure what would work best for you, see your esthetician and get a facial. Pay attention to how the products feel on your skin and always ask for recommendations!

Overall, I’m super impressed at the difference a facial makes and how relaxing the experience actually is. Consider me hooked and ready to hand things over to the pros on a regular basis as part of my skincare routine. If you’re in Chicago, definitely check out Johnathan Breitung Salon & Spa and prepare to be as impressed as I was.