Let’s talk about stress—for your skin. Because yes, your skin feels it too. Whether it’s showing up as sudden breakouts, dullness, redness, or extra sensitivity, skin stress is real, and oh-so common. As a licensed esthetician who works with stressed-out skin every single day, I can tell you this: when your nervous system is taxed, your skin isn’t far behind.  The good news? There are simple ways to help your skin (and your body) feel more supported and less reactive. Here are five of my favorite strategies I regularly share with clients—because calm skin isn’t just about what you put on it. It’s about how you care for it!   1. Pare it back to protect your barrier When your skin is in a stressed or "off" place, it needs time and strategy to reset. That means simplifying your routine down to the essentials products like a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum or ampoule, nourishing moisturizer and SPF. All of these products should be tailored to your specific skin. This isn’t the time for acids, exfoliants, or anything “active.” Your skin’s barrier needs to be nurtured, not challenged. Look for ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, beta-glucan, glycerine, essential fatty acids, allantoin, oatmeal and even hyaluronic acid—these help rebuild resilience from the outside in. 2. Opt for cold over hot Cool temps = less inflammation, and that's usually a great thing when it comes to stressed out body, mind and skin! Even a few moments of cold therapy can help calm redness, reduce puffiness, and reset your skin’s stress response. Try storing your ampoules or mist in the fridge, rolling a chilled facial tool (or even a spoon from the fridge!) across your cheeks, or applying a cold compress at night or after a workout. If your skin tends to flush, feel hot, or easily react, this can be a total game-changer. Also, you may want to skip the hot yoga session for a bit! 3. Feed your skin from within We can’t talk about skin stress without talking about internal stress. Today we know more than ever that stress is ever-so-connected to the gut. What you eat, how hydrated you are, and how well your digestion is functioning all play a role in how your skin shows up. When your skin is flaring, go back to basics:• Stay consistently hydrated (and limit the carbonated bevs!)• Incorporate calming, healthy fats like omega-3s (even consider a supplement!)• Minimize added sugars and processed foods• Take deep breaths while you eat and chew slowly—yes, really 4. Prioritize quality rest Skin loves (and thrives on!) sleep. It’s when the real healing and rejuvenation processes happen, including essential collagen production, inflammation repair, and nervous system regulation. But most of us aren’t getting enough restorative sleep. Make your evening routine more skin-supportive: • Keep a regular wind-down ritual—About 30 minutes before you want to go to bed, put your devices away, put a plush set of fresh pjs on and head to the bathroom to brush your teeth, wash your face mindfully, and give yourself a little massage while applying your finishing products. I love to either say my prayers during this time or set positive intentions for the next day. Then I'll either read a book or meditate for a bit before turning out the lights. For a bonus, you could even spray a little sleep mist on your pillow! • Sleep on a clean, skin-friendly pillowcase like 100% mulberry silk • Choose calming products that support overnight repair (think lipid-rich moisturizers or reparative ampoules) The better your sleep, the better your skin performs. 5. Gently stimulate lymph and bloodflow Your skin thrives on movement—specifically the gentle movement of lymph and blood. When circulation slows down (which it tends to do when we’re stressed, stagnant, or inflamed), your skin can look puffy, dull, or just plain older. Here’s how to wake things up without overwhelming your skin (because we're not talking about running a marathon here!): • Incorporate light facial massage with your hands, fingertips or gua sha tool. Light pressure is key, so put the muscles down. I love to gently tap along my cheekbones and jawline to stimulate blood flow while applying my serums. • Go for a walk after dinner to get blood flowing, followed by a gentle stretch session to de-puff and initiate healing. • Breathe deeply for a few minutes. This helps oxygenate stagnant blood and essentially feed your skin cells with fresh nourishment! This isn’t just great for lymphatic drainage—it also encourages oxygen, nutrients, and healing to reach the deeper layers of your skin. Want personalized guidance? If your skin is feeling off lately, it might be time to re-center with a custom plan. I’m here to help you figure out what your skin is asking for—and how to respond with confidence and care. You don’t have to guess, and you don’t have to go it alone. Let’s bring your skin back into balance—together. Xo Emily

A facial isn’t just a facial. There’s so much more to it than most people realize, and unfortunately, many facials only scratch the surface of their potential. So what truly makes a great facial, and what sets it apart from the rest? Whether you’re a fellow esthetician or someone searching for an amazing facial experience, this post will help you understand how to spot the difference between a so-so treatment and one that’s truly transformative. My Journey to Redefining Skincare Standards When I decided to branch out and start my own business, it wasn’t about hitting business milestones—it was more about staying true to my beliefs and delivering what’s best for my clients. I’ve always been driven by a passion for long-term skin health, staying ahead of product innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of efficacy, safety and cleanliness. After working in high-end spas and cosmetic dermatology offices, it didn’t take long for me to realize that a lot of the industry didn’t align with my values. Too often, the focus was on chasing trends or pushing pricey, less-effective treatments instead of really prioritizing what’s best for the client. I just couldn’t get on board with that in the long-run. For example: The Botox and Fillers Conundrum: Many dermatologists I worked with leaned heavily on injectables like Botox and fillers. While I enjoyed learning about these tools, I couldn’t support the way they were sometimes offered—without meaningful consultation or addressing foundational skincare. Seeing 25-year-olds receive injections without being asked about basic habits, like daily sunscreen and standard homecare product usage, felt negligent to me. Chasing Trends Over Results: A lot of the spa world tends to focus more on hype than substance. Treatments like Hydrofacials and flashy, overpriced brands often take center stage, but they rarely deliver the real innovation or proven results they promise. I wanted to go beyond the surface and provide treatments that actually work. Subpar Sanitation Standards: The lack of rigorous cleanliness in some environments shocked me. As someone who prioritizes safety, I knew this was non-negotiable. By 2019, I decided I wasn’t going to compromise anymore. I took the leap into entrepreneurship, trading the comfort of traditional roles for the uncertainty of starting my own practice. It was scary as hell, but I knew deep down that if I built something rooted in my values, the right clients would come. What Makes a Great Facial Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to bring my vision to Winter Garden, FL, where I’ve created a skincare studio that offers something unique: goal-focused, fully customized treatments backed by advanced techniques and a results-driven approach. So, what’s the secret to the best facial ever? For me, it comes down to three key elements: personalization, innovation, and partnership. A truly great facial isn’t about trendy products or one-size-fits-all protocols. It’s about: Truly understanding your unique skin type, concerns, and goals then tailoring every aspect of the treatment to meet your specific needs. Every step of your treatment is thoughtfully curated with you in mind. Using advanced techniques and cutting-edge formulas that are backed by data and proven to deliver results. I believe that if you’re paying a premium for a skincare treatment, it better be effective! Providing ongoing guidance and fostering a trustworthy relationship to help you build a sustainable plan for healthy, radiant, and resilient skin. It’s about making sure you always feel supported and never lost in the often overwhelming world of skincare. When these elements come together, the results aren’t just noticeable—they’re transformative and long-lasting. Overall I like to describe my approach as “medspa results with a luxury experience.” It’s what I’d want as a client, and it’s what I strive to provide for every person who trusts me with their skin. So if you’re looking for a one-off facial every few months, I’m probably not the esthetician for you. But if you’re ready to prioritize your skin and want a partner to guide you every step of the way, I’d love to work with you and give you the best facial ever. In-Person and Virtual Services for Central Florida For clients in Winter Garden or nearby areas in Central Florida and the Orlando area, I offer in-person facials designed to be as relaxing as they are effective. If you’re not local, my virtual consultation and membership program ensures you can still receive expert guidance, no matter where you are. In fact, I have successfully helped clients across over 13 states transform their skin through these key elements. If you’re searching for the best facial in Winter Garden or want a results-driven, personalized approach to skincare, I’m here to help. Let’s make your skin the healthiest and happiest it’s ever been!   xo Emily Founder, Skin Property Esthetics

As summer rolls on, so does the excitement of sunny pool days, beach trips, and sweaty outdoor fun. But while we all love soaking up the sun, our skin can face some unexpected challenges. This season often brings about a few common skin concerns that can put a damper on our confidence. Let’s dive into the world of summer skin issues: back-ne, butt-ne, and chest-ne! What Is Back-ne, Butt-ne, and Chest-ne? Back-ne, butt-ne, and chest-ne are terms that refer to acne that develops on the back, buttocks, and chest, respectively. These areas can be particularly prone to breakouts during the warmer months due to increased sweating, humidity, and friction from clothing. It can also pop up from exposing the skin to chlorine swimming pools, freshwater lakes and even the salty ocean waters. Why Does This Happen? Increased Sweating: As temperatures rise, so does perspiration. Sweat can mix with oil and bacteria on the skin, clogging pores and leading to more breakouts. Tight Clothing: Summer often means wearing more fitted clothing, such as swimsuits and workout gear. These fabrics can trap sweat and create friction, contributing to acne in these areas. We even have to watch out for our sunglasses and hats as the rubbing of those items on the skin can cause more friction and bacteria-based blemishes on the face. Sun Exposure: While sunlight can “disinfect” the skin with its antimicrobial properties, it is also a surefire way to increase skin inflammation, irritation and free-radical exposure. These are three of the most powerful ingredients for cooking up breakouts.  Body Products: Certain sunscreens can cause breakouts in some due to certain ingredients that might get trapped in the pores. To prevent breakouts, look for oil-free formulas and make sure to cleanse and moisturize your body every afternoon or evening when you come out of the sun. Also watch out for certain faux tanning products, body makeup and oils. Shaving/Hair Removal: Summertime means shaving and waxing more (is it just me?), which can also leave our pores and hair follicles more susceptible to clogging and ingrown hairs. This is more common of an issue for those that struggle with butt and groin acne. Swimming: Depending on where you swim, you’ll still have certain risks of developing a breakout.  Chlorine pools tend to overstrip the skin of natural oils and hydrators, leaving the skin a bit more exposed and inflamed - a perfect environment for acne to thrive. Make sure you rinse off the body with fresh and filtered water immediately after swimming, along with soothing the skin with a lightweight moisturizer after. Freshwater lakes can also cause issues as you may be exposed to more pollution, bacteria and pathogens, which could cause everything from acne to certain health conditions. Again, make sure you immediately cleanse and moisturize the body after swimming in fresh water. Ocean swimming is probably the better out of the above two swimming options, but our skin is still prone to irritation from salt and other pollutants in the water. Follow the same practice of cleansing and moisturizing the skin right after you get out the water. Tips for Preventing and Treating Back-ne, Butt-ne, and Chest-ne 1. Keep Your Pores Clean Shower After Sweating: Make it a habit to shower after workouts or spending time outdoors. Use a gentle exfoliating body wash to help remove sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. I love using Dove Body Wash products or any body cleanser with moisturizing ingredients inside for daily bathing. Spot Treat Breakouts: Use a 2% salicylic acid, 5-10% mandelic acid or 5% benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser to wash the areas that have active breakouts or brewing blemishes. This will help to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation in the area and provide accelerated healing. You may need to choose a face product over a specifically-labeled body product. Consider a Body Serum: Serums are not just for our face! We can also use targeted serums to help our body skin for a more concentrated treatment. I love to incorporate professional formula serums with every single one of my body acne clients. I especially like to use retinoid, alpha hydroxy acid, niacinamide and humectant-based serums for all body acne. Exfoliate Regularly: Incorporate regular physical or chemical exfoliants into your whole body routine - either via your cleansing or moisturizing. Look for products containing salicylic acid, mandelic acid or glycolic acid for chemical exfoliants, or a gentle scrub for a more mechanical exfoliation. I love to use products labeled at KP scrubs like this one from First Aid Beauty, or even exfoliating moisturizers like this one from Cetaphil.  Consult a Professional: If over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective, consider consulting an esthetician or dermatologist for personalized products, advice and treatments like chemical peels or specialized facials. NOTE: Remember that we never want to dry out the skin. This is a recipe for disaster when it comes to breakouts. We always want to keep the skin hydrated above all else! 2. Choose the Right (Dry) Fabrics Opt for Breathable Fabrics: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton to allow your skin to breathe. Take it Easy on Skin Tight Clothing: Tighter clothes can harbor more heat, bacteria and friction, which can lead to more breakouts. Air flow is your friend! Avoid Heavy Products: Avoid heavy creams or oils on the back and chest, opting for lighter lotions that are less likely to clog pores. Don’t Sit in Wet or Sweaty Clothes: Damp and dark environments equal bacterial and fungal growth. This can start to create the perfect landscape for breakouts and other undesirable health conditions (yeast infection, anyone?). Keep your Clothes (and Bedsheets!) Clean: Piggy-backing from above, never re-wear underwear, bras or other clothing that has been sweaty or soiled before you wash it. Always start with fresh, clean and dry clothing to avoid breakouts. 4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle The skin is so connected to the rest of our body systems that it would be ridiculous not to mention this aspect of skincare. The key areas of overall body health I see connected to body acne are: Hormonal Imbalances (can include certain birth control medications and IUDs) Chronic Stress and Sleep Deprivation Excess alcohol and/or smoking Certain food intolerances (get blood work done with your general doctor if you suspect this might a cause) If topical skincare, professional treatments and best practices don’t offer you relief from body acne, I recommend talking with your doctor about potential internal issues. Have Questions? If you have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out! Let’s make this summer your best one yet—free from skin worries and body acne! Xo Emily