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Our Salon's 5 Best Selling Skincare Products - 2024
We’re back with a new list of our top 5 best selling skincare products, — now updated for 2024!
The skincare counter can be really overwhelming, so let us (and our customers from 2023) do some paring down for you. Take a browse through our best skincare products by sales, and maybe you’ll see one that’s the skincare match you’ve been looking for.
We’re back with a new list of our top 5 best selling skincare products, — now updated for 2024!
The skincare counter can be really overwhelming, so let us (and our customers from 2023) do some paring down for you. Take a browse through our best skincare products by sales, and maybe you’ll see one that’s the skincare match you’ve been looking for.
As always: Skincare is personal. No product is perfect for everyone. The products listed here may not produce the golden ticket you’ve been searching for, but they can provide a solid starting point. All the products we sell in our Cedar Rapids skincare salon have the highest quality ingredients and come from brands with long standing reputations in the skincare industry. We’ve been trusting them on our own skin and our clients’ skin for years. The product information compiled here is a combination of descriptions direct from the brand, synthesized product reviews, and comments from Teresa, our facialist and skincare specialist.
So without further ado - here are our current top 5 best selling skincare products!
Our salon’s top 5 best-selling skincare products for 2024
#5 MAD: Glycolic Age Diffusing Cleanser
From the brand
Effective exfoliation and cleansing. A blend of Glycolic Acid and gentle cleansing agents lift away dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated . Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin look radiant.
Why clients love it
Refreshing
Clean feeling
Smoothing effect
*Not recommended for sensitive skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a gentle anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, and one you can start with at all ages to prevent and treat wrinkles. It’s a very gentle, so if you’re thinking of trying exfoliation this would be one of the products I would recommend to start with. This cleanser is for anybody who is concerned with defying aging at any time; this is the place to start.
#4 M.A.D. Skincare: Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer
From the brand
A lightweight, daily moisturizer tames oil production and calms irritated skin. Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer helps skin look and feel great as botanicals, such as Chamomile and Ginger Root, control sebum production and gentle moisturization keeps skin from feeling dry and irritated.
Why clients love it
Manages breakouts while keeping skin moisturized
Lightweight, not greasy
Does not clog pores
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
If you are treating your acne using anything exfoliating, this will calm and moisturize your skin all while preventing breakouts. Acne-prone skin needs hydration, too.
#3 SkinCeuticals: A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
From the brand
Backed by 15+ years of glycation research and expertise, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a potent anti-wrinkle cream that helps correct and defend against visible signs of aging. Formulated with 18% concentrated ProxylaneTM, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts, and 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid, this breakthrough corrective cream is clinically proven to smooth visible lines and deep wrinkles in five facial zones targeted for aesthetic procedures.
Why clients love it
Creamy texture
Minimizes fine lines
All-day moisture
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a great multi-tasking product that I can recommend to a variety of different skin types. It’s works great to correct fine lines and wrinkles, but is also a fantastic choice for younger clients looking to keep their skin looking young.
Want your own, personalized list of recommended products?
#2 SkinCeuticals: Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
From the brand
Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features a powerful 2% concentration combining hydrated silica, glycerin, and aloe extract to purify pores and promote a healthy skin barrier. Gentle enough for daily use, this exfoliating scrub provides a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating the skin.
Why clients love it
Satisfying physical exfoliation
Results in smooth skin
Gentle but still effective
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
I really love to recommend this scrub because of the size of the exfoliants. The size makes a difference, because the smaller exfoliants will achieve a better exfoliation than larger exfoliants. That’s why this one is the best.
#1: M.A.D. Photo Guard SPF 50 Self-Adjusting Foundation — again!
The number 1 spot remains the same and for good reason! Both Teresa and our clients LOVE this self-adjusting foundation. It’s practicality and multi-functionality makes this winner from M.A.D. Skincare such a great all-around skincare product that works for so many.
From the brand
M.A.D Skincare Sun Protection products deliver cutting edge UVA/UVB protection and more. This non-greasy yet moisturizing liquid SPF 50 foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your skin tone. Available in 2 shades, the Neutral is ideal for fair to neutral skin tones and the Medium is perfect for beige to tan skin tones. It can be used daily for an illuminating silky finish. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbed with no dryness and is suitable for all skin types.
Why clients love it
Convenience, easy high sun protection
Light makeup
Smooth on the skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is the most incredible product on the market that will protect your skin with SPF 50, and give you a glow with adjustable color. It protects and moisturizes at the same time. You get two, in one: your SPF and your makeup! This is for people who do want to even up their skin tone, but don’t enjoy heavier makeup. This gives you a gentle coverup without the heavy look or feel of foundation.
How to get personal skincare product recommendations
As mentioned at the top, skincare is personal. Your skin is unique, so your perfect skincare product for your specific skincare goal can be different from someone even with a similar skincare profile to you. So what is better than making your best guess at your next skincare product winner? Personal product recommendations from a skincare professional.
Many estheticians and skincare salons may offer a consultation or “first-time” style facial for clients who are just beginning their skincare journey, or who simply want to get to know their skin better.
At our own skincare salon in Cedar Rapids, we offer a skincare consultation for any new client scheduling their first facial, or first facial with us. Teresa takes some time at the beginning of the treatment to discuss your current skincare routine, the products you’re using, what, if any, sensitivities or allergies you have, and your specific skincare goals. This is followed by examining your skin then putting together a personalized facial based on your unique skin and its needs.
After your personalized facial, Teresa can provide personalized skincare product recommendations to match, some of which she may have even used during your treatment.
When you work with an esthetician or facialist or skincare specialist who focuses on getting to know your individual skin, they are able to give you product recommendations that have the highest chance of success for whatever your goals are. Not to mention, you’ll walk away better acquainted with your skin yourself, and can make your own better-informed product choices moving forward.
Curious to see last year’s top 5?
Our Top 5 Best Selling Skincare Products for 2023
Skincare Products FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about skincare products. If you still have product questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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How do I know if a product will work for me?
No skincare product will work for everyone, even when following those helpful skin type labels like “dry” or “oily”. This is why there are just so many products to sort through! Quality ingredients certainly help, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your unique skin.
There are a few great ways to increase your new skincare product success, rather than just buying blind.
Get to know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone are some of the common labels for skin types, and are used to categorize many skincare products. Many skincare brands even offer self-assessment guides for how to find your skincare type and make shopping easier.
Ask for a sample: This takes the most risk out of buying a full size of a skincare product you’ve never tried before. If it doesn’t work out for you, you didn’t spend a lot of money, and you won’t have another bottle of product you won’t finish cluttering up your cabinet.
Get a skincare consultation for a professional assessment: Skincare self-assessments are a great starting point if you are just beginning your skincare journey. But if you’re looking for something a step further, consider a skincare consultation with a skincare professional. This will give you even further insight into what new skincare products could work for you.
What if a skincare product doesn’t work for me?
It’s natural to try a product and find it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping. Depending on where you purchased the product, there may be a return policy available, but not always. This is why samples are great options when trying a new product. Take note of what in particular didn’t work with your skin. Did you have a reaction? Did it make your skin oily? Did you break out? Did nothing change? And also take note of the ingredients in that particular product. Over time, and after trying many different ingredients and products, you may start to see a trend for how your skin reacts to certain ingredients. This information is priceless! A skincare professional can certainly help shortcut this process and give you a good foundation to start with.
What skincare products can I combine?
Just like all the ingredients in your kitchen, not all of them should be used at the same time! If you’ve already added something spicy to your dish, you might not want to double up. Same can be said about skincare products. You don’t typically want to mix like-type products, like two exfoliating products. Some product combinations just don’t want to play nice with one another. For example, when using retinol with a moisturizer, you many need to wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before applying your moisturizers. Be sure to read all the information that comes with your skincare product, as they may highlight what products to avoid using in conjunction. Keep track of how your skin responds, and stop using a product combination if your skin becomes irritated. Finally, talk with a skincare specialist for help building a personal skincare regimine, and to learn more about how and when to combine specific products you’re interested in using.
How can I buy one of these products?
While we don’t have an online store, you can give us a call at our salon in Cedar Rapids at (319) 373-9596 to order any of the products listed here. Teresa can help you further assess if a particular product is right for you and your skincare goals. If ordering over the phone, we provide pickup in our Cedar Rapids salon, or can ship directly to you. You can also schedule a skincare consultation over the phone or on our website where Teresa will be better able to assess your skin for even better personal recommendations.
WANT OUR BEST SELLERS IN YOUR CABINET?
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Facial treatment after-care
So you’ve just had a facial treatment!
Feeling relaxed? Rejuvenated?
We hope so!
We recently shared a blog post on How to prepare for a facial that shared 5 steps to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
Well, as a natural companion to that post, today we’re sharing what logically happens next: facial treatment after-care!
Whether it was your first or your hundredth trip to the skincare salon, there are some steps you may need to follow after your treatment.
Let’s dive in!
So you’ve just had a facial treatment!
Feeling relaxed? Rejuvenated?
We hope so!
We recently shared a blog post on How to prepare for a facial that shared 5 steps to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
Well, as a natural companion to that post, today we’re sharing what logically happens next: facial treatment after-care!
Whether it was your first or your hundredth trip to the skincare salon, there are some steps you may need to follow after your treatment.
Let’s dive in!
Facial Treatment After-Care
Gentle, or exfoliating?
First things first, we need to establish what kind of treatment you received: something gentle, or something exfoliating?
Gentle
If you didn’t receive a specific treatment and opted for something like a basic cleansing facial, a hydrating facial, or a relaxing facial, then you likely fall in this category. A gentle facial is going to use gentle products that are safe for most skin types. The aim of these facials is usually to calm the skin, or to add hydration.
Exfoliating
An exfoliating treatment would include microdermabrasion or a chemical peel. These kinds of treatments are designed to remove the outer-most layer of your skin, revealing new, healthy, and glowing skin underneath. This also promotes collagen production, which over time, can heal some skin damage, reduce wrinkles, and overall help achieve a younger looking appearance. In addition, it can also promote healing for existing acne as it encourages the skin to turnover new cells.
Gentle facial after-care
Since a gentle facial treatment uses gentle products, you can likely expect to return to your typical skincare routine. You shouldn’t expect to experience any negative side effects like irritation or redness.
If you know you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to keep an eye out for any unexpected reactions, even if your facialist only used gentle products. Be sure to discuss any of your concerns about potential reactions due to sensitive skin with your facialist during your consultation.
And lastly, keep your skin out of the sun. You should be protecting against sun exposure always, but definitely after a facial. You don’t want to dull your newly glowing and dewy skin! Wear hats and apply a light sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Your facialist may end your treatment by applying an SPF product, but you’ll want to reapply throughout the day and in the days that follow. Ask your facialist after your treatment for a specific sunscreen recommendation based on your skin type.
After care for a gentle or hydrating facial
Return to your normal skincare routine
Protect your skin against sun exposure
Report any unexpected reactions to your facialist
Exfoliating treatment after-care
If you received an exfoliating treatment during your facial, such as a micro peel or microdermabrasion, you can expect there to be some side effects afterwards.
You may experience some pinkness or redness and some irritation. You may even expect to have some peeling, depending on the strength of your treatment and your skin type. These side effects may take a day or more to appear.
Your facialist may have provided you with a nourishing moisturizer or calming balm to help mitigate your skin’s irritation. Be sure to use this as needed and as instructed by your provider.
A couple of our favorites are the Redness Rescue by MAD and Redness Neutralizer by SkinCeuticals. Our skincare specialist, Teresa, often recommends these products for after a microdermabrasion or chemical peel.
Redness Rescue by MAD Skincare
Redness Neutralizer by SkinCeutials
Because of the intensity of the exfoliating treatment, your skin is more sensitive than normal. As a result, you will want to avoid any additional exfoliation.
Identify any exfoliants you may be using in your routine by their title or description, or by their ingredients, and refrain from using them for 2-3 days. Some exfoliating ingredients to look out for are:
Glycolic acid
Tea tree oil
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinol
Micro-beads
Salicylic acid
As a general rule, most acne fighting products will contain exfoliants, so look at the ingredient label.
If there’s a product or ingredient you’re unsure of, you can always ask your facialist at your appointment, or give them a call after returning home and having a closer look at your medicine cabinet.
Exactly how long you should avoid using exfoliating products after your treatment will vary, so discuss the specifics with your skincare specialist.
Finally, protect your skin from the sun, especially after an exfoliating treatment. Your skin will be more vulnerable than normal, so cover up and wear a sunscreen approved or recommended by your treatment provider.
After-care for an exfoliating facial treatment
Identify any exfoliating products in your routine, and avoid them for 2-3 days
Treat any expected irritation with a calming product like MAD’s Redness Rescue or SkinCeuticals’ Redness Neutralizer
Protect your skin from sun exposure
Report any unexpected reactions or extensive irritation to your facialist
Discuss expectations with your facialist
The best way to define your particular facial after-care is to discuss the specifics of your treatment, your skin, and what you can expect.
It’s always beneficial to ask your facialist about the specific treatment you’ll be receiving. A good facialist will be proactive in this area, and let you know not only what to expect during and after your treatment, but how exactly the treatments or products work on your skin. In our Cedar Rapids skincare salon, we value educating our clients, and explaining our treatments is a big part of that.
An ongoing relationship with a skincare specialist is a big benefit here. This ensures your facialist knows and understands your skin well and how it reacts to specific products and treatments. This understanding informs recommendations for the treatments best-suited to achieve the skincare results you’re looking for. Familiarity with your skin also aids your provider in crafting an after-care plan best suited for you.
Is this reaction normal after a facial?
As mentioned above, an exfoliating treatment like microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, can leave you with some redness or irritation, but how do you know if what you’re experiencing is normal?
First, talk with your facialist directly after your treatment. In addition to asking for what you can expect after the particular facial you received, ask specifically when you should worry or when to call them. Their guidelines can help keep you at ease as your skin responds to your treatment.
Most of the time, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. But it’s always good to be prepared, especially if this is your first time seeing an esthetician.
In general, if you start to experience itchiness, excessive redness, or your skin starts feeling really warm, it is probably time to call your skincare specialist and let them know what’s going on. You may be having a bad reaction to an ingredient you weren’t aware you were allergic to. Your facialist can give you instructions and may have a specialized product to suggest depending on what was used during your treatment.
Again, this isn’t a common occurrence. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your facialist. They’re the expert and will be happy to advise you.
Facial after-care summary
The exact steps to follow for your facial treatment after-care will depend on your specific treatment and skin type. Discuss the specifics of your treatment and what to expect when you get home in the days to come. Be sure to follow their advice and instructions above all!
Here is a summary of the general post-facial guidance we’ve discussed above:
Discuss your treatment with your skincare specialist and what you can expect during and after facial
If you received an exfoliating facial treatment, refrain from using exfoliating products in your at-home skincare routine for 2-3 days or as directed by your facialist
If you experience normal irritation after a microdermabrasion or chemical peel, you can apply a soothing skin product like MAD’s Redness Rescue or SkinCeuticals’ Redness Neutralizer to calm the skin at home
If you did not have an exfoliating treatment, return to your skincare routine as normal
Protect your skin from sun exposure, regardless of the type of facial, but especially after an exfoliating treatment
Regardless of the treatment you received, if you experience a side effect or reaction you didn’t expect, always call your facialist to discuss it
Most importantly, listen to and follow the specific guidance from your facialist, and call them if you have any questions or concerns
Ready to get your own facial? We’ll be happy to see you in the salon!
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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How to prepare for a facial
Many of our clients have also been regular patrons of facials, but not everyone has already been introduced to this area of skincare, and trying to break into the world of facial treatments can be daunting.
So today we’re talking about facial prep! While chatting with Teresa about this topic, I gleaned these 5 steps to take to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
A facial feels like such a luxury. I remember being so excited to get my first facial treatment as a teenager, finally old enough to start playing in this world of skincare. Lucky for me, Teresa — skincare specialist, esthetician, and owner & operator of Professional Image Enhancement, is my mother. So I’ve been enjoying the spoils of regular facials throughout my adolescence and adulthood (when I happen to be home for a visit). They almost feel like second nature to me now.
Many of our clients have also been regular patrons of the salon, but not everyone has been previously introduced to this area of skincare, and trying to break into the world of facial treatments can be daunting.
So today we’re talking about facial prep! While chatting with Teresa about this topic, I gleaned these 5 steps to take to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
How to prepare for a facial
Step 1: Define your skincare goals
Before diving into all the fun of skincare products, ingredients, and finding yourself an esthetician, we need to cover our basics.
“The most important knowledge are the goals a client has.”
So ask yourself what is inspiring you to seek out a facial in the first place, and even skincare in general. Here are some goals you can consider:
Repairing past damage to skin
Preventing further damage from the sun and pollution
Managing dry skin and increasing hydration
Healing existing acne
Managing and preventing future acne
Reducing the appearance of acne scarring
Treating fine lines and aging skin
Preparing for aging skin
Evening skin tone
It’s when we have a clear picture of your skincare goals, that you and your esthetician can be on the same page and work together in the same direction.
Step 2: Become familiar with your current skincare products
In order for a facialist to create an effective facial treatment for you, they need to get to know your skin. One big way they do this is via a window into your at-home skincare routine. Of course this means you need to get familiar with what you’re actually using in your routine.
“The client has to be knowledgeable about what they’re using, to be open to share their routine, and what they might react to or that their skin doesn’t like. That will give me an idea of what kind of skin they have.”
First, it’s good to also make note of the types of products you’re using (cleansers, toners, serums, creams, etc), and what the product is aimed to do: an acne-fighting cleanser, an anti-aging moisturizer, an under-eye serum for dark circles. This further informs the aesthetician on your skincare goals, and they may have a good idea of what type of ingredients are likely to be a in particular type of product aimed at a particular focus.
Take some time to dig through your medicine cabinet, and take mental notes (or actual ones) of the key ingredients in the products you’re using and how often. Some ingredients to keep an eye out for are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol.
Finally, keep in mind the products and ingredients that tend to give you bad reactions. Do acne products always leave your skin red and irritated? Do you tend to stay away from salicylic acid? Is there anything you know you’re allergic to?
All of this information is going to be very helpful for your aesthetician.
Step 3: Find a facialist
Now comes the exciting, yet daunting task of choosing a facialist. Searching “facial” for Cedar Rapids, Iowa alone, returns well over 50 businesses!
After narrowing it down by personal recommendations or those that are most conveniently located for you, there are some qualities you want to look for.
Besides being sure they have adequate education for their field, you’ll really benefit from finding a provider who focuses on personalization. If the aesthetician talks about taking the time to get to know your skin and catering their services to you and your skincare goals, then you’re in really good hands.
“They have to search for someone who is going to customize the facial for them. No book or training will train them to do that. I’m going to try and meet the needs of your skin according to what I see and what you describe to me. If you have a little acne, I will do a little to treat it.”
A combination of foundational education and a lot of experience is what culminates to provide a truly personalized facial experience.
“The bottom line is finding someone who will customize their treatment and knows the biology and anatomy of the skin to do it correctly. That is what I recommend to everybody.”
That’s exactly what Teresa has done for 30 years!
Step 4: Don’t schedule your first facial right before an event
When it comes time to schedule your appointment, avoid anything very soon before a big event: wedding, prom, photoshoot, etc. Particularly if you’ve never had a facial before. Right before an important event is the last time you want to try anything new with your face.
If you have facials regularly and enjoy a history with a facialist or aesthetician that knows your skin well, they can be more specific about the type of treatments that would be a safe choice closer to one of those big events
“Never have your first facial right before an event because you never know. If I know their skin, if they’re an existing client, we will see what kind of facial they can have before the event. This is not the time to try anything.”
Step 5: Come as you are
If in advance, you’ve spoken with your chosen aesthetician in more detail about a particular treatment, follow any instructions for products or ingredients to avoid. Otherwise you can follow your routine as normal, just be sure to include that routine in what you share during your consultation so it can be taken into consideration for your treatment.
You don’t need to worry about leaving off your makeup that day, as your facialist will take care of any makeup removal before your treatment. You’ll also be changing into a facial-appropriate robe or wrap, so your outfit is also something you don’t need to be too concerned about.
Finally, some clients are a bit nervous about sharing their skincare routine, or lack of a routine, with a professional. But rest assured your aesthetician is simply concerned with being well informed in order to provide you the best service. No judgment found here!
We hope these steps are leaving you feeling confident for your first, or next, facial treatment! Teresa at our skincare salon in Cedar Rapids would be happy to see you whether you’re a facial novice or veteran. If you’d like to get on our schedule, give us a call at (319) 373-9596 or request an appointment online.
Facial prep FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about prepping for facials. If you still have facial questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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Do I need to remove my makeup before a facial?
If you have a previous engagement before your facial and would like to wear makeup, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to go to the trouble of avoiding it or removing it before your appointment. Your aesthetician will take care of that for you as prep for your treatment. What you can wear on your face after your facial of course depends on the type of treatment you receive. Be sure to ask your facialist about this after your appointment.
What should I avoid before a facial?
If you are planning on a treatment that is on the aggressive side, ie. a microdermabrasion or chemical peel, you want to be gentle on your skin for the week leading up to your appointment. This would involve avoiding your harsher ingredients like retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Also be sure to wear your sunscreen and protect your face from those UVBs.
If you’re having your very first facial, the aesthetician will likely want to start gentle regardless in order to start learning about your skin and to see how it reacts.
Regardless of what you’re using at home, a knowledgable aesthetician can put together a facial treatment that will be a compliment. The bottom line is to be very clear about what you’re already using so your facialist can plan accordingly, and always talk with your specific treatment provider about any details.
How should I wear my hair for a facial?
At your facial, your aesthetician will use a cloth or paper headband to wrap all the way around your hairline. You’ll also be laying on your back. So, well-involved updo’s will likely be inconvenient, and if you’ve spent time slaving over a curling iron, you may be disappointed after laying on your hairstyle for 45+ minutes. Casual is better here. Hair down or in a low ponytail will be just fine.
What should I wear to a facial?
After your initial consultation and it comes time for your actual treatment, you will be provided a towel, robe, or wrap to change into. So the clothes you wear to your appointment aren’t particularly important. But perhaps opt for something that’s easier to get in and out of. This may be the time to pass over the full lace-up boots or that dress with a zipper in the back that you can’t quite reach.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Our Salon's 5 Best Selling Skincare Products - 2023
Choosing skincare products can be a huge challenge given the overwhelming section staring at us from the skincare counter. Eyes glaze over, and soon we can’t tell our cleansers from our toners. So we ask our friends and family, “what do you buy?” for a chance at a shortlist of products to sift through.
We read recommendations and scan reviews online, trying to narrow in even further. But sometimes numbers are the biggest talkers!
So today we’ve put together our shortlist our clients’ favorite skincare products at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids - our top sellers in 2022!
Choosing skincare products can be a huge challenge given the overwhelming selection staring at us from the skincare counter. Eyes glaze over, and soon we can’t tell our cleansers from our toners. So we ask our friends and family, “what do you buy?” for a chance at a shortlist of products to sift through.
We read recommendations and scan reviews online, trying to narrow in even further. But sometimes numbers are the biggest talkers!
So today we’ve put together our shortlist of our clients’ favorite skincare products at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids - our top sellers in 2022!
With that being said, we like to remind you that skincare is personal. No product is perfect for everyone. The products listed here may not produce the golden ticket you’ve been searching for, but they can provide a solid starting point. All the products we sell in our Cedar Rapids skincare salon have the highest quality ingredients and come from brands with long standing reputations in the skincare industry. We’ve been trusting them on our own skin and our clients’ skin for years. The product information compiled here is a combination of descriptions direct from the brand, synthesized product reviews, and comments from Teresa, our facialist and skincare specialist.
So without further ado - here are our current top 5 best selling skincare products!
Our salon’s top 5 best-selling skincare products for 2023
#5 MAD: Glycolic Age Diffusing Cleanser
From the brand
Effective exfoliation and cleansing. A blend of Glycolic Acid and gentle cleansing agents lift away dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated . Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin look radiant.
Why clients love it
Refreshing
Clean feeling
Smoothing effect
*Not recommended for sensitive skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a gentle anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, and one you can start with at all ages to prevent and treat wrinkles. It’s a very gentle, so if you’re thinking of trying exfoliation this would be one of the products I would recommend to start with. This cleanser is for anybody who is concerned with defying aging at any time; this is the place to start.
#4 Dermaquest: Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift
From the brand
Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift offers instant lifting and firming of the delicate skin around the eye area. The stellar collection of advanced ingredients found in this eye cream will help to achieve healthy and youthful eyes at any age. Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift is an age fighting powerhouse due to its ability to take on, and control the “big 3” most common eye area concerns – puffiness, dark circles and aging. a polysaccharide blend provides an immediate age fighting “mini eyelift” as peptides and botanicals work to maintain that lifting, firming and reduction of inflammation of the eye area. Advanced hydrating ingredients like mdi complex® increase immediate and long term moisture retention as plant stem cells maintain skin health and integrity.
Why clients love it
Fights crow’s feet
Visible results quickly
Lightens dark circles
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is another anti aging product that will feed and hydrate the skin if you’re using a lot of exfoliating. This is one of the best anti-aging moisturizers for crows feet as it works very well at diminishing the lines around the eyes.
#3 SkinCeuticals: Renew Overnight Dry Nighttime Moisturizer
From the brand
A nighttime skin-refining face moisturizer enhanced with a hydroxy acid blend for gentle exfoliation and hydration. Ideal for normal or dry skin, this nighttime skin-refining moisturizer contains a 10% hydroxy acid blend to gently exfoliate the skin for a healthier appearance.
Why clients love it
Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles
Helps even out dry patches
Great for aging, dry skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This an exfoliating product that will work specifically well if you have dry skin. People with dry skin often don’t want to exfoliate, but this hydrates the skin and gently exfoliates. Ideal for normal, and more sensitive skin.
Want your own, personalized list of recommended products?
#2 M.A.D. Everyday Renewing Toner
From the brand
The environment’s more damaging to skin than ever before. Pollution, stress and poor diet contribute to premature aging. Your skin needs a shield to protect against these environmental aggressors. Non-drying, balancing, quenching, a toner like no other, you’ll immediately feel the difference when you apply Everyday Renewing Toner. Sodium Hyaluronate maintains moisture and a synergy of antioxidants optimizes skin for treatments to deliver best possible results. Multi Fruit Acids for gentle exfoliation, Trinity Tea Complex to fight free radicals, and an Amino Acid-rich complex for natural UVA protection and accelerated cellular repair designed to maintain your skin’s optimal look.
Why clients love it
Pleasant neutral scent
Good for oily / acne-prone skin
Gentle
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a toner that everyone can use, and one of the few on the market that is alcohol free. For me, that’s the way toners are supposed to be. It has anti-aging properties and feels refreshing and moisturizing, bringing the ph of the skin to normal — gently.
#1: M.A.D. Photo Guard SPF 50 Self-Adjusting Foundation
From the brand
M.A.D Skincare Sun Protection products deliver cutting edge UVA/UVB protection and more. This non-greasy yet moisturizing liquid SPF 50 foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your skin tone. Available in 2 shades, the Neutral is ideal for fair to neutral skin tones and the Medium is perfect for beige to tan skin tones. It can be used daily for an illuminating silky finish. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbed with no dryness and is suitable for all skin types.
Why clients love it
Convenience, easy high sun protection
Light makeup
Smooth on the skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is the most incredible product on the market that will protect your skin with SPF 50, and give you a glow with adjustable color. It protects and moisturizes at the same time. You get two, in one: your SPF and your makeup! This is for people who do want to even up their skin tone, but don’t enjoy heavier makeup. This gives you a gentle coverup without the heavy look or feel of foundation.
How to get personal skincare product recommendations
As mentioned at the top, skincare is personal. Your skin is unique, so your perfect skincare product for your specific skincare goal can be different from someone even with a similar skincare profile to you. So what is better than making your best guess at your next skincare product winner? Personal product recommendations from a skincare professional.
Many estheticians and skincare salons may offer a consultation or “first-time” style facial for clients who are just beginning their skincare journey, or who simply want to get to know their skin better.
At our own skincare salon in Cedar Rapids, we offer a skincare consultation for any new client scheduling their first facial, or first facial with us. Teresa takes some time at the beginning of the treatment to discuss your current skincare routine, the products you’re using, what, if any, sensitivities or allergies you have, and your specific skincare goals. This is followed by examining your skin then putting together a personalized facial based on your unique skin and its needs.
After your personalized facial, Teresa can provide personalized skincare product recommendations to match, some of which she may have even used during your treatment.
When you work with an esthetician or facialist or skincare specialist who focuses on getting to know your individual skin, they are able to give you product recommendations that have the highest chance of success for whatever your goals are. Not to mention, you’ll walk away better acquainted with your skin yourself, and can make your own better-informed product choices moving forward.
Skincare Products FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about skincare products. If you still have product questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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How do I know if a product will work for me?
No skincare product will work for everyone, even when following those helpful skin type labels like “dry” or “oily”. This is why there are just so many products to sort through! Quality ingredients certainly help, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your unique skin.
There are a few great ways to increase your new skincare product success, rather than just buying blind.
Get to know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone are some of the common labels for skin types, and are used to categorize many skincare products. Many skincare brands even offer self-assessment guides for how to find your skincare type and make shopping easier.
Ask for a sample: This takes the most risk out of buying a full size of a skincare product you’ve never tried before. If it doesn’t work out for you, you didn’t spend a lot of money, and you won’t have another bottle of product you won’t finish cluttering up your cabinet.
Get a skincare consultation for a professional assessment: Skincare self-assessments are a great starting point if you are just beginning your skincare journey. But if you’re looking for something a step further, consider a skincare consultation with a skincare professional. This will give you even further insight into what new skincare products could work for you.
What if a skincare product doesn’t work for me?
It’s natural to try a product and find it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping. Depending on where you purchased the product, there may be a return policy available, but not always. This is why samples are great options when trying a new product. Take note of what in particular didn’t work with your skin. Did you have a reaction? Did it make your skin oily? Did you break out? Did nothing change? And also take note of the ingredients in that particular product. Over time, and after trying many different ingredients and products, you may start to see a trend for how your skin reacts to certain ingredients. This information is priceless! A skincare professional can certainly help shortcut this process and give you a good foundation to start with.
What skincare products can I combine?
Just like all the ingredients in your kitchen, not all of them should be used at the same time! If you’ve already added something spicy to your dish, you might not want to double up. Same can be said about skincare products. You don’t typically want to mix like-type products, like two exfoliating products. Some product combinations just don’t want to play nice with one another. For example, when using retinol with a moisturizer, you many need to wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before applying your moisturizers. Be sure to read all the information that comes with your skincare product, as they may highlight what products to avoid using in conjunction. Keep track of how your skin responds, and stop using a product combination if your skin becomes irritated. Finally, talk with a skincare specialist for help building a personal skincare regimine, and to learn more about how and when to combine specific products you’re interested in using.
How can I buy one of these products?
While we don’t have an online store, you can give us a call at our salon in Cedar Rapids at (319) 373-9596 to order any of the products listed here. Teresa can help you further assess if a particular product is right for you and your skincare goals. If ordering over the phone, we provide pickup in our Cedar Rapids salon, or can ship directly to you. You can also schedule a skincare consultation over the phone or on our website where Teresa will be better able to assess your skin for even better personal recommendations.
WANT OUR BEST SELLERS IN YOUR CABINET?
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Ingredients We're Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving!
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this year, we decided to share the top 5 skincare ingredients we're the most thankful for. Some of these have been around for a while, while others are a bit newer. Use this list as inspiration for your next conversation with your skincare specialist, perhaps one of these ingredients is just what your skincare routine needs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this year, we decided to share the top 5 skincare ingredients we're the most thankful for. Some of these have been around for a while, while others are a bit newer. Use this list as inspiration for your next conversation with your skincare specialist, perhaps one of these ingredients is just what your skincare routine needs.
1. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is an Alpha-Hydroxyacid and is derived from sugarcane. It's a very small molecule, so it easily penetrates the skin. It's a great exfoliator, cleans pores like a dream, and helps minimize and prevent signs of aging.
Where you can find it? M.A.D Skincare's Youth Transformation Glycolic Moisturizer 7%.
2. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in our bodies and its super powers are retaining moisture 💦 and helping our skin repair more quickly 💪 These make it a great fit for fighting signs of aging and ensuring our skin is moisturized - especially now as the weather is drying out our skin.
Where you can find it? Our very popular SkinCeuticals's Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier!
3. Retinol
Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and is credited with improving on a variety of skin challenges from plumping wrinkles to evening skin tone. However, retinol can cause irritation and redness in some skin types, so create a plan with your skincare specialist, and start slow working your way up to more frequent use or higher percentages.
Where you can find it? DermaQuest's SkinBrite Retinol Brightening Serum! Katherine uses this one on uneven skin tone caused by sun damage.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a strong anti-oxidant which works to reduce inflammation in the skin, regulate skin tone, and promotes healthy collagen production. A lot of the vitamin C we eat doesn't make it to the skin, so we can help ourselves out with applying a vitamin C rich product directly to our skin.
Where you can find it? SkinCeuticals's CE Ferulic!
Stem Cells
In the realm of innovative skincare products, we have stem cells! There are a wide variety that are used in skincare, such as certain plants or fruit stem cells. These stem cells work to reduce wrinkles and smooth out skin texture 💆 In general they help to improve the results of the skin treatments they're used with.
Where you can find it? DermaQuest's Stem Cell 3D HydraFirm!