How to Choose a Facialist You'll Actually Stick With
The right facialist becomes the most valuable person in your skincare routine. Here's exactly how to vet a US esthetician before you book.
Credentials to look for
In the US, your facialist should be a state-licensed esthetician (basic) or master esthetician (advanced, in states that recognize the credential). Medical aesthetics performed under a physician's supervision require additional training. Ask, on the phone or in the intake, how many years they've been practicing and what brand systems they're certified in.
Green flags
Detailed intake form, careful product-history questions, no upselling under the LED, written aftercare, sterilized tools, no shortcut on consult time. The best facialists treat the first session as diagnostic.
Red flags
Heavy upsell into injectables on day one, no consult before the treatment, dirty linens, reused extraction tools, vague answers on product ingredients.