Ahhh, February. The hustle and bustle of the new year has finally come to an end. Our resolutions are in full swing. Our fitness game is stronger than it’s ever been, and Sunday meal prep is still being considered a date night. You’re feeling pretty good and you should be!
You go, Glen Coco.
On the blog today, I am going to share with you the icing on the cake. The cherry on top! The hot fudge AND the sprinkles to your New Year’s goals! FLocal Local, Aretha Jacobs, is a friend of mine who just so happens to be a studying Paramedical Esthetician. (lucky me, free skincare advice!) She agreed to lay down scoops of skincare wisdom, tips and tricks and give everyone the lowdown on the products that will have you putting your best face forward in 2018.
FL: How did you become interested in skin care?
AJ: It’s in my DNA! Seriously, my Grandmother and Tia (two of the many inspirational women in my life) would always do their rituals in front of the vanity. I vividly remember my Tia putting on her Guerlain products and, you guessed it, that brand is a family staple now. In middle school I developed some pretty bad acne, and was started on a pretty harsh oral medication that caused extreme dryness and sensitivity. I was kind of forced to follow through in their steps by necessity. I’ve been using eye cream and moisturizer since I was a 18 (this is not necessary for you, just noting). It’s also a great time to tell you that skin types are GENETICALLY determined. So, go ahead and blame another thing on your parents, HOW DARE THEY?!
FL: What is your skin type? What is your typical skincare routine?
AJ: I technically have dry and sensitive skin, but every night, I see what my skin needs and treat for that. Sometimes it’s dryness, but other times I may be breaking out, so it’s a case by case for me. I don’t necessarily have a routine of products as they rotate. I do go further in to my favorite products and successful/not so successful products I’ve been testing out; all those are incorporated in to my routine at one time or another. In the morning, I ALWAYS apply vitamin C and sunscreen (never use Vitamin C without sunscreen). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps fight against aging, combats dark spots, protects against pollution, AND makes your skin brighter?! Deal! As Floridians, if you’re not wearing sunscreen, this is directed to you: shame on you! Sun damage is one of the main reasons we age. If you don’t do it to prevent skin cancer, at least do it for vanity’s sake!
FL: What are some of your must have products?
AJ: TAMANU OIL: this is my ride or die. It’s $15 on Amazon and will change your life once you use it. I use it for acne scars/hyperpigmentation, burns, eczema and this list goes on. I can’t live without Krave Beauty’s ‘Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser’; my skin never feels tight or stripped and best of all? It’s $16. Any products I named are tried and true and more details about why they work, and how to use, and where to buy are located on my Instagram: arethajacobs
FL: Where are you now in your journey to becoming an esthetician?
AJ: I’m currently on a journey to become a Paramedical Esthetician (think stronger peels, medi-spa machines and less relaxation type massages). I’m currently in school for this, so I’m always in my happy place doing services.
FL: What are the most common complaints you get from your clients/friends?
AJ: I am seeing a lot of texture complaints recently, this is of course because of the colder months. BUT it’s also because the people I talk to usually don’t exfoliate or do it rarely. It’s important to exfoliate because no matter how many great/luxury products you use, they won’t be able to penetrate or do their full job because of all the built up, keratinized skin. It’s also very beneficial for anti-aging (exfoliating helps with cell turnover), acne prone skin, and hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin we get from aging, sun, scars).
There are many different ways and routes to exfoliate that I won’t get in to today, for your sake, but I’ll mention a few: Physical exfoliators: think beads and harsh pads – I don’t like to use them because they’re abrasive and can damage the skin’s natural barrier. There are exceptions however, I have recently been using Dr.G Brightening Peeling Gel in between acids.
Acids? What did she just say?! I’ll break it down: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) are acids made up of natural substances: sugar cane (glycolic), almonds (mandelic), milk (lactic), and apples (malic), just to name a few. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is found in tree bark and can sometimes be called salicylic acid. Store bought acids can be used at home once or twice a week depending on how your skin tolerates, but they are not as effective as going to a medi-spa. Medi-spas have more effective peels and machines to penetrate deeper; this can be done one to two times a month, but it’s important to consult with your esthetician to know what they recommend for your skin.
The strongest peels and machines can be found at the dermatologist’s office. I often get asked my dermatologist recommendations, so I’ll answer that now ha-ha! I go to Jennifer Hickman, ARNP-C at Suncoast Skin Solutions; she’s a Florida native to boot! Jen has an Instagram as well: jendermnp. She focuses on derm questions (she answers your questions/dms with such knowledge)! Her Instagram focuses on machines, lasers, procedures, peels, and great skincare product recommendations too.
FL: Where can we find you online (social media, website, blog)?
AJ: I have recently let go of fears, doubts, and insecurities by starting my Instagram: arethajacobs. My Instagram focus is on skincare and Korean-beauty; I test and review products and offer skin care knowledge/how-to’s. Mental health is another big part of my feed, my goal is to help normalize it/reduce the stigma. AND of course, I love touring my favorite spots in Tampa Bay with local, talented, creative pals. Just recently, I went to The Chihuly Museum, Red Mesa Cantina, and Bandit Coffee Co. DO: expect some gems of local places thrown in there with delicious food and little known shops. DO NOT: expect food blogger type photos/commentary. I just know I love visiting a lot of local activities, shops, and I’m a girl that likes to eat! I post what I like, so please do not be expecting anything except for Aretha Jacobs; I don’t know how to expound upon that further, but my feed can! I’ll be starting a blog this month and another surprise in the next coming months. To follow more of my journey, follow me on Instagram @arethajacobs.
