5 Skincare Lessons I Learned Working at a Medical Aesthetics Office

When I started working as the office manager at Glow Medical Aesthetics, I didn’t expect my own skincare routine to change as much as it did. I’ve always taken decent care of my skin, especially because it’s dry and sensitive, but being immersed in a medical aesthetics environment gave me a whole new perspective.

I’m not a provider, and I’m not here to give medical advice — but I am someone who listens, learns, and sees what actually works day after day. These are a few of the biggest skincare lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

5 Skincare Lessons I Learned Working at a Medical Aesthetics Office

1. Retinol Isn’t Scary: Why It Works (Even for Sensitive Skin)

For years, retinol felt like one of those products people whispered about. Too harsh. Too drying. Too intense. I avoided it because my skin is sensitive and prone to irritation.

What I’ve learned? Retinol is effective for a reason, especially when you’re using the right formulation and not overdoing it. One of the biggest surprises for me has been how much it helps with pore appearance and overall skin texture. Used correctly, retinol doesn’t have to mean redness and peeling — it can mean smoother, more refined skin over time.

Like most good skincare, it’s about consistency and moderation, not fear.

2. Why Disposable Face Cloths Are Better for Sensitive Skin

This one feels small, but it has made a huge difference for me.

I used to get a rash along my jawline, especially in the winter, from wiping my face after cleansing with washcloths or towels. No matter how often I washed them, my skin just didn’t love the friction.

Switching to disposable face cloths has completely eliminated that issue. They’re gentler, more hygienic, and don’t harbor bacteria the way damp towels can. It’s such a simple change, but my skin is noticeably calmer because of it.

3. Why a Simple Skincare Routine Works Better Than Overdoing It

If there’s one thing I’ve learned working at a medical aesthetics office, it’s that less is more. Elaine, our resident Esthetician, has all the secrets – like your skin does not need a 10-step routine twice a day.

While I do use different products in the morning and at night — and sometimes when I wash my face mid-day — I never use more than three to four products at a time. Layering or combining too many actives can overwhelm your skin and cause irritation – not better results. I use SkinBetter Cleansing Gel whenever I wash my face because it is gentle but thoroughly cleans my skin.

Here’s what my routine actually looks like:

Morning Skincare Routine:

• Balancing Spray – The CBD Skin Mist by GlyMed is one of my top 5 favs. I use it to soothe irritation, reduce the appearance of redness, and improve overall skin tone.
• Serum – Plated Daily OR Intense Serum (with a little Plated Calm if needed) – my skin is clear, tight, and smooth
• Eye Serum – currently finishing up my SkinBetter InterFuse Eye Treatment Cream before I switch to Hydrinity Eye Renew (I’ve sampled it and love it‘s de-puffing and brightening properties)
• Moisturizer – My favorite step is the SkinBetter Trio Luxe Moisturizer because it hydrates my skin all-day-long like no other product
• SPF – EltaMD — always

After Makeup or Mid-Day Mist: The CBD Skin Mist with Vitamin B3 is a quick way to soothe irritation, reduce the appearance of redness, and instantly tighten/brighten your face. After trying our esthetician’s back bar mist as a midday pick-me-up at work I knew I wanted it for myself.

Nighttime Skincare Routine:

• Plated Intense Serum
• AlphaRet Night Cream — I was afraid to use a Retinol for years, but the only downside is some purging for a couple weeks. Retinol is a game changer for my skin’s overall texture and tone!

Keeping things simple has made my skin happier, more balanced, and easier to manage.

4. Sun Exposure, SPF, and Why Sun Damage Is Cumulative

This was a tough one for me because I genuinely love being outside – but a history of skin cancer plus the desire to protect my skin has changed my priorities. I never leave my house without SPF on my skin and in my purse.

Yes, working in a medical aesthetics office gives me access to energy-based lasers and treatments to help remove sun damage and sun spots. But the reality is: after a treatment, baking in the sun without proper SPF will bring the sun damage right back.

Sun exposure is cumulative. It doesn’t undo itself just because you’ve had a treatment. Wearing SPF consistently (not just at the beach) is one of the most important things you can do for your skin long-term!

5. Why Consistency Matters More Than Skincare Trends

Working in a medical aesthetics office has shown me how often people jump from product to product hoping for instant results. The truth is, good skincare takes time.

The people who see the best results are the ones who:

• Stick with a routine
• Don’t constantly switch products
• Protect their skin daily
• Focus on long-term skin health, not quick fixes

You don’t need every trending product. You need a routine you’ll actually follow.

Final Thoughts on Simple Skincare

Working at Glow hasn’t turned me into a skincare expert — but it has made me a more informed consumer. I’m gentler with my skin, more consistent, and far less overwhelmed than I used to be. I am excited to try our new lasers for skin rejuvenation – specifically the Solaria CO2 laser.

If there’s one takeaway from all of this, it’s that healthy skin doesn’t come from doing the most — it comes from doing what works, consistently.

I can’t forget a shoutout to my favorite workwear – FIGS! I’ve transitioned into scrubs for most work days because I’m assisting the providers more and more!