6 Skin Care Rules a Celebrity Esthetician Swears By

In our constant quest for healthy, radiant skin, we’re always eager to rake up intimate details of best skin care practices. What products should we use? How often should we cleanse? Do toners even work? With so many questions and so much to learn, we look to the pros to guide us through. That’s why we asked celebrity esthetician Mzia Shiman to spill six of her perfect-skin secrets—and now we’re sharing them with you. “In my experience, following these rules and guidelines will always work to improve the appearance of your skin,” she says. Without further ado, Shiman’s top skin care tips:

TIP #1: USE THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Are you less than impressed with your current skin care routine? It could be that you're simply not using the best products for your skin type. “Moisturizers, serums, night creams, etc. should be used based upon your skin type, in consultation with your esthetician or determined by your dermatologist," Shiman explains. Before purchasing anything new, assess your skin type and then make sure the label says that that it is suited for that skin type specifically. Fact is, skin care is not one-size-fits-all. Taking a more personalized approach to your skin care routine is a great way to ensure you'll get the results you're after.

TIP #2: SWITCH UP YOUR MOISTURIZER

When the seasons change, so do your skin care needs and the first thing you should swap out in your routine is your moisturizer. “Choose your moisturizer according to the season and the condition of your skin," Shiman says. "For example, use a heavier, richer product to get your skin through the dry winter and use a lighter, calming product for spring. Always consult an esthetician before switching your products; this will help you see better results.”

TIP #3: DON’T SKIP CLEANSING AND TONING

You can have all the right products at your disposal, but if you're layering them on a dirty face they aren't going to do much for you. Before going through the steps of your skin care routine you'll first want to get a clean canvas. “Cleansers and toners are very important for your skin, regardless of your skin type, age, or gender. Always make sure you are using them correctly," Shiman says. 

Shiman likes to use a soapy cleanser. Need pointers on how to properly cleanse your face? We’ve dished out the details on how to wash your face the right way here.

TIP #4: USE A FACE MASK

If you're looking for a quick way to elevate your skin care routine by giving it a customized spa-like quality you'll want to start by using a face mask. “Everyone should use a hydrating, soothing mask at least once a week," Shiman says. You can opt for sheet masks, clay masks, gel masks, and more and use them on their own or as part of a multi-masking session where you target different skin care concerns by using a different face mask in different areas of the face. 

TIP #5: EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE

Just like you'll want a clean canvas to give your products the best chance of making a difference, you'll also want skin that's free of dry, dead skin cell buildup. To do this you'll need to exfoliate. “Make an effort to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, especially during warmer seasons—unless you are breaking out,” Shiman explains. Exfoliation can be done in one of two ways: You can chemically exfoliate the surface of your skin with products formulated with skin care acids or enzymes or you can physically exfoliate the surface with products that gently slough the buildup away manually. 

Check out our full guide to exfoliation here! 

TIP #6: PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Did you know the leading cause of premature signs of skin aging is the sun? Those UV rays can not only cause fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots to pop up well before expected, they can also lead to more serious skin damage like sunburns and skin cancer. Every esthetician ends a facial with an application of broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from these harsh effects of the sun and thus, your skin care routine should end in a similar fashion. Each and every day—rain or shine—finish your routine by applying a product with SPF and reapplying as instructed (typically every two hours when you're out in the sun). 

Want more? Shiman shares her tips for transitioning your skin care routine between seasons here.