It’s Not Your Fault Your Skin’s Confused

This…is a conversation between two gals in sweats, sitting on the couch with a cat, Netflix humming in the background, birria tacos in hand, and Topo Chico Twist of Lime spritzers... just trying to make sense of it all.

It’s really my hot take on skincare dropped mid-episode of Alchemy of Souls (don’t judge... that show slaps). And I didn’t hold back  because I’ve seen how the (skincare) sausage is made. It’s all BS.  And I wanted to share our convo here. So, here goes…

My friend Tarra:

So… Mizzz Esthetician, tell me what is going on with my skin. I’ve tried everything and it’s still out here acting brand new.

Me:

Skin does that. Especially when it’s confused. Honestly? I confuse my own skin sometimes.

Tarra:

Wait...you? Miss Curam Studio?

Me:

Yep. These days my skin’s like, “I thought we hated this kinda stuff?!” I used to be a girly hater. I thought facials were fluff. The whole thing. I don’t even think I was fully locked into how effective it all was, even when I started my apprenticeship.

But the deeper I got into studying about the anatomy, fascia, body systems, chemistry - I had to stop myself. Like, “Wait. This is medical work.”  

Tarra:

Honestly, why isn’t esthetics considered part of the medical world?

Me:

Right?! We’re handling the largest organ in the body. We’re working on the first layer that literally protects everything else. And folks still treat this like it’s a spa day hobby.

Tarra:

LisTEN. I’ll spend the money if it’s worth it. That’s not my issue. My issue is: I don’t know what I don’t know. So the easiest way I see to learn is to go to Sephora….or TikTok. But then I walk into a store and a “beauty pro” hands me a vitamin C serum, I’m like… okay, I guess?

Me:

Exactly. That’s the design.  Get it quick. Make it shiny. Add a buzzword. I love how they say, “This worked wonders on my skin!” and I’m just standing there like - I ain’t your skin though.

Tarra:
Hahahaha stop! That literally happened to me. And I happily bought the damn product because it worked wonders on her skin!

Me:
Girl, same! That’s why I said it. We’re so overwhelmed. We buy out of ignorance. We buy out of influence, and sometimes, straight-up out of fear.  Fear of aging. Fear of acne. Fear of looking tired.
I’ve even gone in and asked for something that would give me a particular “filter” look. That’s how deep this thing runs.

Tarra:
Tragic. But you’re still loved. So what’s the point of a facial then? Like, really.

Me:
If you go to TikTok before you come to me….you need to leave NEOW! Lol, just kidding!

But seriously, the point of facials?  I’ll start with my first one. It changed everything.
My esthetician was calm, knowledgeable, and the products? Game changers. She gave me three simple steps and gently talked me down from my entire wish list. That experience? That’s my blueprint now. It helped me figure out the level of care I could actually commit to.

It’s not about fluff. I want my clients to see real results. And best believe, if it ain’t broke, we’re not about to mess it up.

But here’s the thing. No facial undoes years of confusion overnight. One session can’t fix what a decade of bad advice and panic-buying did.

Tarra:
Wow. I think I know that. But my toxic trait wants the shortcut.  I’m tired, yo.

Me:
Exactly. I’ve got a few younger clients, early 20s, 30s and who already have great skin. You know what I tell them? I tell them what they’re doing now will serve them later. I set them up with a routine. And you know I’m an educator at heart, so I drop a lot of education on them too.

The bottom line is this: we’ve got to learn that it’s normal and necessary to prioritize ourselves. I think we start from there. Then we can turn down all the noise in this industry and somehow make all of this affordable and accessible.
Urghhh… pour me another glass of spritzer.

Tarra:
Seriously. Like, can we just stop pretending skincare is some luxury? It’s care. It’s health. It’s showing up for yourself. And I love that you make space for that without making me feel dumb or behind.

That’s the real skincare flex. Not the glow but the clarity.

Me:
Of course, I’d never make you feel dumb, girl - is me you’re talking too.  And you know what? I think I’m gonna open an esti school one day, because the people gotta know.

That first facial of mine was more than skincare. It made me feel something. Made me realize that time and money spent on taking care of myself wasn’t wasted. It was a beginning.

Real talk. Just a moment to say:  You’re not crazy. Your skin’s not broken. And you deserve better than confusion disguised as beauty.