Today, we're going to talk about what I think is probably one of the most important skills you can develop as an esthetician, which is working intuitively in the treatment room. I know we've have all been there, whether it's feeling like we need to stick to a strict protocol or just doubting ourselves when we are in the middle of a treatment and we need to kind of pivot. So let's get into it.
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Today, we're going to talk about what I think is probably one of the most important skills you can develop as an esthetician, which is working intuitively in the treatment room. I know we've have all been there, whether it's feeling like we need to stick to a strict protocol or just doubting ourselves when we are in the middle of a treatment and we need to kind of pivot. So let's get into it. When I say working intuitively. I don't mean just throwing science out the window or just going by gut feeling. It's more about observing what's in front of you, rather than just sticking to a predetermined plan or being present and listening to what the skin is telling you. It's also about understanding that skin changes day to day, and no two treatments may ever be the same. Intuition in our industry just comes from experience and education, and honestly, a lot of trial and error. It's that moment when you kind of look at your client's skin and something tells you, okay, I know we plan for this treatment, but I think your barriers compromise, so we need to change plans. It's also about tapping into your gut feeling and understanding that sometimes the skin just needs something different that day. Maybe it's a little bit more sensitive than usual, or you notice some dehydration that wasn't there last time. The intuitive part is about reacting to those subtle changes, but we also have to acknowledge that the science behind skincare is a foundation that grounds the intuition. So a thorough understanding of how ingredients work, how the skin functions, and the common skin conditions that we encounter will help support our ability to be intuitive. You're not just going to throw all the knowledge you've gained out the window. We're just we're building on it if you feel like you are ill equipped in ingredient knowledge or any other area of esthetics. This is where continuing education comes in. Continuing education and experience will help you understand why intuition and adaptability matter. It is a huge part of the success we see in our clients skin. You can't treat every single client the same way just because they booked a specific facial, because clients don't always tell you the full story. Or maybe they use retinol the night before their chemical peel but didn't tell you, or they forgot to mention it, or maybe even they have a big event later that night and they forgot or didn't realize a certain treatment would leave them red. We are the professionals, and we should be asking these questions before every single appointment or treatment. I say this with love, but we are the ones who are guiding the client, and not the other way around. Clients will come in. I know you've experienced this asking for certain treatments because they read about it online or saw it on Tiktok, but it doesn't always mean it's the right treatment for them. When I tell you kind of an embarrassing story about when I first started at a med spa that I was working at, I had a client in my early days who had acne and was convinced that she just needed peels and microderm. And because I was new and lacked confidence, I was like, Sure, that's what we'll do. Let's do it. And we did those treatments, and I couldn't understand why her skin was getting worse. Oh, my God, I'm so embarrassed. So rather than stop and rethink about our course of treatments. I just doubled down on more peels and microderms, thinking we would get even better or faster results. As I reflect now, I can see that that was just a total disaster. I'm shocked that I didn't get fired, and I am 100% certain that I was contributing to her issues. It took me a little while to really realize and understand that I needed to prioritize continuing education and also that I needed to steer the ship, that it was my responsibility to guide my clients, not just do what they asked, if that means saying to your client, hey, I know you booked a peel, but today your skin is telling me we need to focus on barrier repair instead, then that is exactly what we need to do. One of the best things that you can do for your clients is make every facial feel intentional and customized. This is where working intuitively really shines, because it makes a client feel special when you have adjusted a treatment specifically for them, not only that, but it helps build trust, and it shows them that you care and that you're paying attention. It also makes the facial feel purposeful. Clients feel that. Can feel the intention between their skin and your hands if you're just following a generic protocol, it kind of gets easy to check out, but when you're actively assessing and making decisions in real time, your treatments become more impactful. And I know I say this a lot, but I truly believe generic or blanket treatments are a disservice. If a client comes in with dehydrated skin and your protocol says double cleanse, exfoliate, I don't know, and apply a clay mask. That is the exact opposite of what your client needs. They need nourishment, not more stripping of the barrier. It really takes time to learn these skills, so I want you to give yourself grace in the beginning, it's easy to second guess yourself. You'll make mistakes, but as long as you're following contraindications and checking health history forms and staying educated, you will develop this intuition over time. Protocols are a great guideline, but they shouldn't be a rigid rule book, since skin changes daily, a client who came in last month with oily, congested skin might show up today with dry, irritated skin because they went skiing over the weekend. And honestly, I really feel that like customizing treatment plans isn't just for your clients, it also helps keep things interesting for you, which is so important in an industry with a high burnout rate, this is what keeps esthetics fun. If you're doing the same facial over and over, it can get super monotonous. I believe being able to pivot and create a tailored experience makes our career dynamic and rewarding. I love not just following a protocol or a formula. I really take joy in creating unique experiences for each of my clients. Okay, so all of this talk about intentionality and we have to address your brand story working intuitively can tie into your overall philosophy. As an esthetician, if you want your brand to be built around results, trust and expertise, then customizing treatments needs to be at the core of what you do. Your messaging should definitely reflect that. It's what sets you apart from places that just offer cookie cutter facials. If you brand yourself as someone who doesn't offer just basic facials, your clients will resonate with that. They'll trust that you see them, that you care, that you understand their skin's unique needs, and that is really powerful. So as I previously said, working intuitively isn't something that just happens overnight. It is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time and practice. So here are a few ways that you can start strengthening it. First, stay curious. Always prioritize continuing education, whether you are learning about skin conditions, new products or advanced treatments. This is what is going to keep you interested and invested in your business. Second is always take the time to observe your client's skin closely. Look beyond just what they're telling you, and focus on what their skin is showing you. It is important to ask them questions, but it's also equally as important to take the time to feel, touch and observe. Third is give yourself permission to pivot. Do not be afraid to change your approach mid treatment, if needed, you're the expert. Trust your judgment, and honestly, your clients won't even know unless you tell them. The fourth is, reflect on past treatments. If something didn't work, ask yourself, why, if a client had an amazing response to a treatment, analyze what kind of made that difference. Write it down, put it in their notes, and this will help you with continuously improving their treatments. And the fifth is celebrate your growth. It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day, but look back and celebrate how far you've come. You have learned to trust your gut and make decisions on the fly, and that is really important if you are like me and just never really celebrate those little moments or feel like you've accomplished enough and you're always wanting to do more and more and more. A great book that I read was called the gap in the game, and it's really been pivotal in kind of slowing down and taking a look at what I've accomplished so far, so that I can stop beating myself up and kind of enjoy the journey that I've been on. So remember that the more experience you gain, the more you'll develop that inner knowing when it comes to treating the skin and it's okay to make mistakes, it's okay. To Change course mid treatment, and it's okay to not have all of the answers right away. The most important part is to stay present, keep learning, and always prioritize your client's skin health over a strict protocol. If you've loved this episode and you found it helpful, please be sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with one of your estheticians friends, thanks for tuning in, and I'll see you next week.