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By Emily Trampetti, Licensed Esthetician & Skin Strategist Skin Property Esthetics | Winter Garden, FL + Virtual Coaching Nationwide Exosomes are everywhere on social media and #SkinTok right now. Some are calling them the next big thing after retinol, or the next big thing after peptides. It's the newest rage ingredient everyone is talking about, and maybe even gatekeeping! So let's clear this up and give you the facts, the credible data, and a clear understanding of what you actually need to know about these promising little ingredients. Because they are worth paying attention to. They're also one of the most misunderstood ingredients I've seen come through this industry, and almost nobody online is explaining the one detail that decides whether they do anything at all. Let's break it down the way I break everything down before it earns a spot in my treatment room: what is it, how does it actually work, what does the research say, and, most importantly, is it worth your valuable time and money! What Exosomes Actually Are Exosomes are essentially tiny particles, or vesicles, that your cells naturally release into the space around them that carry along proteins, RNA, and other molecules and "cargo" that need to be sent to other cells for initiating healing, repair and other functions. In this way, it's tempting to call exosomes "messengers," like they're having a conversation with your skin cells, but that's not really how they work despite how some explain their function, especially when it comes to skincare innovation. A better way to picture it is that exosomes work more like a keycard than a letter. A keycard doesn't say anything. It doesn't explain, negotiate, or adjust based on the situation. It just gets scanned, matched against something the system already recognizes, and it triggers the same response every time. Your skin cells work the same way. When they detect an exosome, they're not reading a custom message. They're recognizing a familiar signal and reacting with a response they were already built to perform, usually some version of "start repairing" or "reinforce the skin barrier." So, to clarify, exosomes are not smart. They're not adaptive. The intelligence is entirely on your skin's side. The exosome is just the trigger. Which brings up the obvious next question: who's deciding what's on that keycard in the first place? How the Cargo Actually Gets In There Short answer? Nobody. At least not in the naturally occurring exosomes used in skincare. Think about what happens when you fold laundry in a hurry. You're not carefully deciding what goes where (maybe you are ;). You're more likely grabbing whatever's closest and already sorted. Exosome formation works almost exactly like that. As the vesicle buds off from the cell, it scoops up whatever proteins and genetic material the cell happened to be using in that moment. The final contents are basically a snapshot of what that cell was doing, not a custom-built package assembled with your skin's dark spots in mind. That snapshot idea matters, and it raises an obvious question: if your body already does this constantly, why would you ever need help from the outside? Why We're Even Talking About This Your body has been taking these snapshots your entire life, so if your cells already know how to do this, why bother with more? Because the quality of that snapshot changes as your cells age. Young, healthy cells take good ones, packed with repair and rebuilding signals. Older or stressed cells take worse ones, fewer regenerative signals and more inflammatory ones mixed in. Same photo booth, different film. That decline is part of why skin loses its ability to bounce back the way it used to, and it's exactly the gap professionally sourced exosomes are trying to help fill back in. That's the whole reason this ingredient is worth talking about at all, not because it's new, but because it's aimed at a very specific, well documented weak spot in aging skin. But It's Complicated First of all, it may be tempting to assume all new and old skincare ingredients are just things we can easily mix into a formula and, wham-bam-thankyou-ma'am apply to the skin for results. It may not be surprising to know that it is MUCH MORE complicated than this. Between our skin's strong ability to keep things out, navigating stability and proper biological function, and sourcing, not to mention a hundred other factors, there's a lot to consider. Let's start by talking about the size of these exosomes. They are big! Like 30 to 150 nanometers big. Your skin's outer barrier, the stratum corneum, exists specifically to keep particles that size out. Think of your skin barrier as a security checkpoint. It's built to stop almost everything from getting through, on purpose. That's not a flaw. That's your barrier doing exactly its job. So before you buy an exosome serum meant for home use, ask yourself this: if nothing that size can get through intact skin, what is that serum actually doing just sitting on top of it? Most likely it's not the exosome that's doing a job, but rather an auxiliary ingredient not getting marketing cred on the label. But you're probably still paying for the "exosome" name, the same premium we already talked about. So we first have to make sure they can get in the skin if they are going to work at all. In my studio, I'm not slapping an exosome serum on top of the skin and hoping for the best. That's not how any of this works. I'm creating a temporary, controlled side door in the skin first, so they can get through, with treatments like nanoinfusion, microneedling, spicule based treatments, or certain electrotherapy modalities. That opening is what gives exosomes an actual path past your skin's natural defenses and into tissue where they can go to work. There's real research behind this, too, not just clinic anecdotes. In an animal study, researchers tested a microneedle patch built with an added suction mechanism against standard microneedling alone, using stem cell derived extracellular vesicles, the broader particle family exosomes belong to. The suction-assisted version delivered those vesicles nearly three times deeper into skin, 290 micrometers versus 111, and that deeper delivery translated into measurably better fibroblast activity and collagen production. It's mouse data, not human, so treat it as a proof of concept rather than a guarantee. But the underlying point holds up: depth isn't a minor detail. It's the difference between a treatment that works and one that just feels nice sitting on your bathroom counter. This is exactly why I pair exosomes with proper delivery treatments in my treatment room instead of sending clients home with a bottle and a prayer. Spoiler alert: I wouldn't waste money on any topical exosome product right now! The treatment itself is what makes the ingredient worth anything at all. And How We Make Them Matters, Too Here's another wrinkle worth knowing before you hand over your card: not every exosome you'll see marketed is even the same kind of exosome. Stay with me here. This is where the keycard idea gets even more useful, especially once you realize "exosome" isn't one single, standardized thing. They can come from very different sources, human or stem cell derived, or plant and bacterial derived, and despite sharing a name on an ingredient label, they are not interchangeable. Human derived exosomes are like getting a text from a close friend, in that your cells fluently understand exactly what's being communicated because it's coming from the same type of cell speaking the same biological language. But the problem with human-derived exosomes is that there can be some real safety and health concerns. Bacterial derived exosomes, like the ones I use, are more like a text in a language your phone can't quite translate. Your skin cells don't fluently "speak bacteria," but they do have built in alarm systems that recognize when a microbial signal shows up, since your skin has been coexisting with bacteria since the day you were born, and that recognition alone is enough to trigger a protective response, generally centered on calming inflammation and reinforcing the barrier, which is precisely what we want! And we can better control the quality and safety of the exosomes. But Be Prepared... They Don't Come Cheap The exosomes I use come from a bacterial strain called Lactobacillus brevis, the same family of bacteria behind fermented foods like kimchi. The specific strain in my product was actually isolated from Korean fermented radish. The production process is basically fermentation, then careful filtering. The bacteria are grown in a nutrient broth, scaled up in a fermenter for about two days, then spun down to separate the bacteria from the surrounding fluid. From there it gets filtered to remove leftover broth material, then passed through an extremely fine membrane filter that lets exosomes through while blocking anything larger. Researchers confirm what's left is genuinely exosomes using specialized imaging and particle tracking equipment. No synthetic assembly. No lab-built particle. It's fermentation, filtration, and verification, which is a far more grounded story than most people assume when they hear "lab made." All that specialized growing, filtering, and verifying is exactly why harnessing exosomes for skincare doesn't come cheap, and it's worth understanding before the price tag catches you off guard. If you've priced out an exosome treatment or serum, you've probably had a moment of sticker shock because these trendy products are PRICEY! You may be asking yourself, if they are so naturally derived, why are they so expensive? The truth is more about time and process. You're not just mixing ingredients in a vat the way most skincare gets made, you're growing living cells, waiting for them to naturally release these particles, then running that liquid through multiple rounds of filtering and purification just to isolate a small, usable amount. On top of that, verifying you actually have real exosomes requires specialized lab equipment most cosmetic manufacturers don't already own, and because there's no FDA approved pathway for cosmetic exosomes yet, there's also no standardized, at-scale manufacturing process the industry has settled on, so costs haven't come down the way they eventually do for an established ingredient. The less legitimate part is simple hype. Exosomes are trending hard right now, and pricing reflects that as much as it reflects production cost, meaning some of what you're paying for is genuine lab work while some of it is a markup tacked on because the word sells right now, the same way any buzzy ingredient gets pricier the moment it goes viral, whether or not the manufacturing complexity actually justifies it. How I'm Using Them With Confidence After going through all of this, here's where I land, and where you'll find me every time this comes up in a consult. I believe there is promise with certain exosome technology and currently use Mediderma's (Spain) exosome innovation with nanoneedling, spicule peels and electrotherapy mesotherapy in my treatment room, and I've watched it deliver real, visible results for clients working on a myriad of skin conditions. That confidence isn't blind. It's built on understanding exactly what's happening at each step: the delivery method doing the heavy lifting, the clarifying complex handling the direct pigment work, and the exosomes supporting a calmer, more efficient healing process underneath all of it. That's the difference between confidence and hype. I'm not telling you exosomes are magic. I'm telling you I understand the mechanism, I've seen it work in my own treatment room, and I trust the process because I know exactly what's happening at every step, not because a label told me to. The Bottom Line Exosomes are a perfect example of a pattern I see constantly, where social media is a great way to hear about what's new but a terrible place to decide what's actually worth your money. Trends move fast there because attention moves fast, not because the science does, and nuance simply doesn't get views the way confidence does, even when that confidence isn't earned (which is commonplace ;). That's exactly why it matters to have a knowledgeable, licensed esthetician and skin pro in your corner, someone who sits with the research, understands how ingredients and delivery methods actually work together, and tells you the truth about what's worth trying and what's not worth your time, effort, or hard earned money, rather than someone selling you whatever's trending this month. And for exosomes specifically, that truth is simple: save your money on the serum, and save the real results for the treatment room. Also, if your practitioner can't explain what and why they are doing what they're doing on your skin, just politely don't come back. If you saw an exosome treatment on your feed and want a straight answer on whether it's worth booking, that's exactly the kind of conversation I love having in a consult. Bring me the screenshot. Bring me the claim. Let's look at it together. Whether you're here in Winter Garden or working with me virtually from anywhere else, I'm not chasing trends with you. I'm helping you cut through them and find what's right for YOUR SKIN! Skin Property Esthetics | Winter Garden, FL Serving clients virtually across the U.S. and beyond BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT HERE! Sources referenced: Cho YH, Kim JW, Kim N, et al. Lactobacillus brevis-Derived Exosomes Enhance Skin Barrier Integrity by Upregulating Key Barrier-Related Proteins. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2025. Liang C, Yi Y, Li J, et al. Unveiling Exosomes in Combating Skin Aging: Insights into Resources, Mechanisms and Challenges. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2025. Systematic review of exosome-based therapies for skin rejuvenation, human studies (2026) Suction-assisted microneedle patch and extracellular vesicle penetration depth, animal study, Nano-Micro Letters (Springer Nature), 2025 Mediderma EXOSES LW product documentation Industry market analysis on exosome skincare production costs

LED light therapy is one of the most talked-about skincare treatments right now, but most people don't realize that the color you use matters just as much as the device itself. Blue, red, yellow, green — they each do something completely different in the skin. Here's what the research actually says and how to use it without wasting your money.

Most facials address what you can see. At Skin Property, we go deeper. Every in-person treatment includes the Holistix Paragon PEMF mat, a full-body therapy device that supports bone health, better sleep, inflammation reduction, and nervous system regulation, all while your facial is happening above. The science behind it is real, the body benefits are well-researched, and your skin shows the difference when your whole system is working better. Here's exactly how it works and why I built my studio around this approach.

Discover which skin treatments are worth the hype (and which aren’t) from a master esthetician offering facials and custom treatments in Winter Garden, FL and virtual skin coaching throughout the United States.

By Emily Trampetti, Licensed Esthetician & Skin StrategistSkin Property Esthetics | Winter Garden, FL + Virtual Coaching Nationwide Let’s Clear Up the Retinoid Confusion If you’ve ever typed “best retinoid for skin” into Google or fallen into a late-night skincare scroll on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve likely come across two major players: tretinoin (aka Retin-A or Renova) and retinol. But what do they actually do? Are they interchangeable? And more importantly—should you be using one at all? This guide will walk you through the science, the skincare strategy, and the real-world results behind retinoids. Because choosing the right one isn’t about using what’s “strongest”—it’s about using what’s smartest for your skin’s condition, sensitivity, and goals. First, What Exactly Are Retinoids? Retinoids are a family of ingredients derived from vitamin A, an essential, fat-soluble vitamin responsible for: Skin cell turnover Collagen production Oil regulation Reduced breakouts Brightened pigmentation Smoother texture Protection against oxidative stress They’re some of the most researched ingredients in skincare—and for good reason. But not all retinoids are created equal, and how your skin processes them matters a lot. Retinoic Acid: The Real Star At the end of the day, all retinoids aim to do the same thing: convert into retinoic acid, the form of vitamin A your skin cells actually understand and respond to. Think of retinoic acid as the “language” your skin speaks. Your skin has special receptors—like little locks—that only retinoic acid fits into. Once those receptors are activated, your skin knows it’s time to regulate certain disharmonies in the skin such as skin cell turnover, collagen and oil production and even overall skin function. But not all retinoids speak that language right away. Some retinoids need to go through a few translation steps before they become retinoic acid. Others skip the small talk and go straight to work. Here’s the basic conversion pathway, from the most gentle (and slowest to activate) to the strongest and most direct: Retinyl Esters → Retinol → Retinaldehyde → Retinoic Acid (also known as Tretinoin) Each step down the chain means your skin has to do less of the conversion work. But that's not always a good thing for many skin types—especially if you’re sensitive, reactive, or just starting out. The more steps required, the slower and more controlled the activation, which helps reduce the risk of irritation and inflammation. Tretinoin, on the other hand, is already retinoic acid in its pure form. That means it skips all conversions and starts activating those receptors immediately. While that can be super effective, it can also overwhelm the skin if your barrier isn’t prepared or supported. So, choosing the right retinoid isn’t about picking the “most powerful.” It’s about picking the one your skin can tolerate, benefit from, and build on over time. What Is Tretinoin? Tretinoin is a prescription-strength version of retinoic acid. Some common brand names you may have heard of are Retin-A or Renova. Since it delivers that active form directly to the skin, it’s highly effective—but also much more intense. Originally developed in the 1960s for acne, tretinoin is now widely used for: Moderate to severe acne Post-acne scarring Fine lines and wrinkles Sun damage and texture Melasma and stubborn pigmentation But because it skips all the conversion steps, tretinoin can also come with: Redness and irritation Peeling and dryness Sensitivity and chronic inflammation Barrier disruption Especially if introduced too aggressively. What Is Retinol? Retinol is the over-the-counter sibling of tretinoin. It’s a gentler precursor that your skin slowly converts into retinoic acid over time. Because of this slower process, retinol is: More tolerable for sensitive, dry, or reactive skin A great option for beginners Less likely to trigger barrier damage Still effective with consistent use Better for long-term use without aggressive side effects In short, retinol is ideal for clients who want results without drama or long-term inflammation. Why Inflammation Matters So Much Let’s pause for a quick esthetician PSA: Inflammation is not your friend. While short bursts of controlled inflammation (like in a professional peel or microneedling session) can kickstart repair, chronic low-grade inflammation—also known as inflammaging—leads to: Collagen breakdown Increased pigmentation Accelerated aging More skin conditions Weakened skin barrier This is why I never recommend starting with the strongest option “just because.” More isn’t better. Stronger isn't always better. Smarter is better. If your skin is inflamed, nothing works the way it’s supposed to—including your expensive products. In fact, I often cannot even treat people who have been on tretinoin long-term as their barriers are super weak and raw. So... Is Tretinoin Better Than Retinol? It depends on your skin. Tretinoin might be a better choice if: You’ve used retinol consistently for 6+ months without any noticeable improvement in your skin condition(s). You have grade III or IV acne and have not found relief of improvement via facials, peels, or retinol usage after 6+ months. You’re supported by both a licensed esthetician and dermatologist collaboratively who both think tretinoin would be a good next step. You have a healthy, resilient skin barrier and a solid skincare routine including daily sunscreen usage. Retinol is typically better if: You’re new to active ingredients. You want long-term, sustainable anti-aging benefits. You have sensitive, dry, or easily inflamed skin. You’re focused on supporting your barrier and preventing issues before they start. You have weak kidney function or internal toxicity. And sometimes… no retinoid at all is the smartest option: If your skin is youthful and healthy. If you’re dealing with extreme sensitivity or barrier damage. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you simply prefer a more minimal or natural routine. My Skin Property Philosophy on Retinoids Start with the skin barrier. If your barrier isn’t thriving, nothing else matters. Don't use a retinoid unless your barrier is strong and ready. Inflammation should be strategic, never chronic. Retinoids, especially retinoic acid, can create chronic inflammation. Stronger ≠ better. Smarter = better. Always. All skin is different and takes a unique approach. I don't have ONE client with the same routine or treatment strategy. I never slap retinoids into a routine just for the sake of it. I evaluate your goals, your lifestyle, and your skin’s real-time needs to build a plan you can actually stick to—one that gets results without wrecking your skin in the process. How to Choose the Right Retinoid Here’s the simple 5-step decision tree I use with clients: Step 1: Define your goal. Are we targeting acne, aging, texture, pigmentation—or a combo? No goals? Then we probably don't need a retinoid. Step 2: Evaluate sensitivity. If you flush, peel, or sting easily, we’re starting low and slow or not at all. Step 3: Start with a stabilized retinol or retinal. I typically recommend starting with 1–3 nights per week, gradually increasing with barrier support in place. Step 4: Pair it with proper support. Always use SPF, a nourishing skin-appropriate moisturizer, and gentle cleansers alongside your retinoid. Step 5: Reassess regularly. Skin evolves with time, seasons, hormones, stress, and life. Your skincare should evolve, too. This is why I typically change my clients' routines seasonally. Should I Be Using a Retinoid at All? Maybe. But maybe not. This is exactly where a licensed esthetician comes in—to help you decode the noise, understand your skin’s unique needs, and build a strategy that supports real results. Dermatologists are amazing at diagnosing and prescribing. But estheticians like me are your ongoing strategy partners. I help guide ingredient choices, monitor progress, pivot routines, and coach you through long-term changes—without the inflammation spiral. Do not rely on Google or ChatGPT for figuring out what you need - there's not substitution for an experienced expert. Final Thoughts From Your Skin Coach There’s no one-size-fits-all in skincare, especially with ingredients as potent as retinoids. Your skin is a living, evolving organ—and it deserves a thoughtful, personalized plan. So whether you're in Winter Garden, FL looking for a customized facial, or you're anywhere in the U.S. ready to start your virtual skincare coaching journey, I’m here to help you choose what’s best for your skin—not someone else’s routine. Ready to Start? Book your virtual consultation or in-person facial today and let’s find out if retinol, tretinoin—or something else entirely—is right for you. Skin Property Esthetics | Winter Garden, FLServing clients virtually across the U.S. and beyondBOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT HERE!

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: What to Use, What to Avoid, and How to Glow SafelyNavigating skincare during pregnancy can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this comprehensive guide, licensed esthetician Emily Trampetti breaks down what’s happening in your skin during pregnancy, which ingredients and treatments to avoid, and what safe, glow-boosting options are still on the table. From calming facials to brightening routines that skip the fear, this is your science-backed, supportive roadmap to feeling radiant through every trimester.

by Emily Trampetti, Licensed Esthetician & Skin Strategist | Winter Garden, FL Let’s face it — summers (especially in Florida!) are no joke. The heat. The humidity. The feeling like your visiting the surface of the sun! One minute your skin is glowing, and the next you’re wondering why you suddenly feel greasy, bumpy, red and inflamed… even though you’re still following your routine and drinking all the water. If that sounds like you, don’t panic. This is a totally normal seasonal shift I see in most of my Florida clients — even those with the most consistent skin habits. Summer simply requires a new strategy. So if you're looking to keep your glow going without the grease, breakouts, or barrier breakdowns, here are some of my top professional skin tips for summers in hot climates: 1. Sunscreen Isn’t Optional — But It Should Be Wearable I say this often, and I’ll keep saying it: The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear. I know there’s a lot of noise out there about “safe” vs. “toxic” sunscreens — and it’s confusing. But here’s the truth: sunscreen, when used properly, is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent skin damage, pigmentation, accelerated aging, and even skin cancer. So please, don’t let fear-mongering TikToks, Reels or sensationalized headlines scare you away from protecting your skin. Whether you prefer mineral, chemical, or hybrid formulas, find one that suits your skin and that you don't mind wearing.  (Need help? I carry some incredible lightweight SPFs that are perfect for Florida weather — and I’d be happy to match you with the right one.) 2. Don’t Just “Go Lighter” — Understand What Your Skin Needs Yes, summer skincare often means swapping heavy creams for lighter textures. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Your skin’s hydration and oil levels are unique — and they don’t change just because it’s hot outside. In fact, I often see clients unknowingly under-hydrating during summer, thinking that dewy = oily (spoiler alert: it doesn't!). Instead of blindly following summer skincare trends, take a moment to reassess your skin - or ask your trusted estie for guidance. And please, please, please stop getting skin information from TikTok ;) 3. Summer Facials = Skin Armor, Not Skin Stress If you're getting corrective peels or aggressive exfoliation in the peak of Florida summer... please pause. Also please run from whomever thought that was a good idea! Summer is the time to protect, fortify, and strengthen your skin — not break it down. That's for fall and winter months. In my Winter Garden skin clinic, summer facials are all about shielding and supporting. I customize each service to help control inflammation, support healthy lymphatic drainage, strengthen your skin barrier, infuse antioxidants and natural UV/melanin protectants and fully equip your skin to gracefully handle this hard season.  4. Never Let Sweat Dry on Your Skin (Seriously) This is a golden rule in my book: Never let sweat dry on your face.I know — it happens sometimes, especially when you can't wash it off right away. But when sweat dries, it doesn’t just evaporate. It leaves behind salt and bacteria that can disrupt your skin's pH, trigger breakouts, and sensitize your barrier. This, as you can imagine, can lead to all sorts of skin issues you don't want! One of my favorite tips for helping plan around sweat sessions is to always have a clean, cool, damp towel or micellar water pad nearby if you’re on the go. And don't forget a replenishing moisturizer and SPF in your bag! It's not perfect, but it's better than dry sweat, lovely! 5. Stay Cool — Inside & Out Heat is a trigger for so many skin issues — rosacea, acne, eczema, and even plain old skin sensitivity!That’s why I always encourage my clients to cool from the inside and out throughout the summer months...and beyond! Sip cool or cold water throughout the day, and avoid hot drinks if it's warm Use cold compresses or chilled towels post-sun (Pro tip: I put clean spoons in the fridge and do some gentle gua sha with my serums after a hot sweat session) Limit foods and beverages that inflame the blood vessels like alcohol, spicy foods and hot dishes. Avoid going outside in the peak of the day to avoid the most powerful UV rays and heat. 6. And Lastly… Give Yourself Grace Summer is full. It’s busy. It’s a time to have fun!And yes, it can feel chaotic — especially if your skin isn’t cooperating. But please remember this: your skin is dynamic. It’s allowed to shift and change.What matters most is how we support it — with consistency, curiosity, intention, and a little compassion. So whether you're spending your summer on the water, at the beach, or  BBQ-hopping, know that I’m here to help you find a rhythm that feels good and works with your life, not against it. Come See Me in Winter Garden Looking for personalized guidance or a seasonal skin refresh? My 60-minute Signature Treatments are fully customized and available all summer long. We’ll fine-tune your homecare, restore your barrier, and give your skin the summer support it truly needs. Book Now! Limited June Appointments Available

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