Self-care. A simple word that represents something we all need, but for some reason, it’s quite difficult to indulge in treating ourselves often. While I still don’t understand why we have a hard time showing ourselves the same love in which we would show our loved ones, I do know the care of oneself is extremely important. When it comes to self-care, there are many ways to care for yourself; but for my self-care routine, I love practicing yoga, meditating and I thoroughly enjoy my skincare routine. Taking a few extra minutes to massage natural oils into my face while saying positive affirmations as I look in the mirror, has not only helped with giving me glowing skin but, it’s helped change how I feel about myself mentally.
After experiencing the positive impact of having a thorough skincare routine, I’m definitely an advocate for everyone creating one; and even better if you can find a professional who encourages the practice of self-care that includes a thorough skincare routine and will even explain how to achieve great results at home.
Insert AirestDion Skin Therapy here...
Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, AirestDion Skin Therapy was created by holistic skincare therapist, AirestDion, who aims to help heal skin from the inside, out for each of her clients. AirestDion Skin Therapy provides services including signature facial treatments using only natural ingredients to assist in one’s skincare journey and offers naturally derived skincare products to purchase such as oils, serums, and clays to help continue the spa-like treatment at home (winning!).
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BlackDoctor.org had the opportunity to talk with AirestDion and discuss all things skincare and the importance of having a skincare routine.
BlackDoctor.org (BDO): What sparked your interest in skincare?
AirestDion (AD): My experience with severe acne sparked my interest in skincare. Growing up I had frequent, painful breakouts that left horrible scars on my skin. It had such a negative impact on my self-esteem that I was desperate to find a remedy. My parents took me to every notable dermatologist in our city, each of them recommending a different cream, gel, chemical treatment or pill. After following the suggestions of the dermatologists, my skin was left sensitive, inflamed and in significantly worse shape than when we began. Through this experience, I quickly realized that the majority of skincare products on the market and professionals within the industry were more focused on treating skin conditions and not healing them. I found it interesting that not a single dermatologist ever asked about my diet or attempted to discover what was causing my acne in the first place. What I discovered while studying skin therapy is the direct relationship between proper nutrition and skin health. It is my purpose to educate my clients on how a raw foods diet and plant-based products can inspire true healing and real results for their skin.
BDO: What, or who, inspired you to start AirestDion Skin Therapy?
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AD: My mother is the one who originally encouraged me to open my own practice. After graduation from skin therapy school I was recruited by a notable skincare brand and was working as an esthetician in one of the spa locations. I was receiving low-pay, had very little creative freedom, and on top of that my clients and I began experiencing adverse reactions to the products being used. Although I was nervous to head out on my own, I knew it had to be done. One afternoon while having lunch with my mom, she looked at me and said, “Find you a place to practice!” I found the perfect clinic space, moved in, set up and starting seeing clients within two months.
BDO: Self-care is a big deal. There are so many books and social media posts dedicated to reminding one another the importance of having a self-care routine. Can you touch on the importance of a having a self-care routine that includes skin health/care?
AD: Having a self-care routine that includes skincare offers us a boost in our confidence as well as the opportunity to infuse relaxation and well-being into our day. Adopting a regular morning and evening skincare routine provides daily opportunities for us to slow down and decompress. Instead of rushing through your facial cleansing, I recommend maybe lighting a candle, putting on some relaxing music or taking a round of deep breaths before you get started. I encourage my clients to really take advantage of this time by using it as an opportunity to either set the tone for their day or help them unwind in the evenings. Having a self-care routine that includes skincare is also important because a consistent daily skincare routine will undoubtedly improve the health and appearance of our skin. Having radiant, healthy skin will boost our self-confidence and allow us to be less reliant on make-up.
BDO: What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on it. What foods are good to consume for optimal skin health? What are some foods to avoid?
AD: Fruit is the best food to consume for optimal skin health and overall wellness. Fruits are hydrating and alkalizing. They get the kidneys filtering and lymph moving so that our body can properly cleanse its self of acids and toxins. The internal accumulation of acids clogs the kidneys, forcing our body to expel toxins through the skin. This results in all types of skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. It is best to avoid all acid-forming foods as much as possible since they dehydrate the body, degenerate cells, and cause high levels of toxicity. Acid-forming foods include animal proteins (meat), animal by-products (eggs and dairy), cooked grains, processed foods and fast foods. Fresh fruits, leafy greens and vegetables are the best food source for the human body.
BDO: How important is the use of sunscreen in the African-American community?
AD: I don’t believe in the use of commercial sunscreens. Not only do they include harmful chemicals that have actually been linked to certain types of skin cancer, but they also interfere with our body’s natural ability to produce Vitamin D. Sun exposure is essential to our overall health as humans. Our bodies require exposure to full spectrum lighting in order to carry out certain metabolic processes- just as plants require sunlight and water to produce food. To protect the skin from sun burn, I recommend using plant-derived oils like coconut oil. If in the sun for prolonged periods of time I recommend using protective clothing to cover the skin like large rim hats and long sleeve shirts made of breathable materials as opposed to chemical sunscreens.
BDO: What are some key ingredients to look for in a skin-care product?
AD: Natural, plant-derived ingredients such as oils, butters, hydrosols, herbs and clays are the best for long-term skin health. The type of ingredients that you use will vary depending on your skin type. For example, kaolinite clay is fantastic for normal to mature skin types while calcium bentonite clay would be a better option for oily, acne-prone skin. My product line, AirestDion Natural Skin Care features high-quality, plant-derived products for every skin types.
BDO: How often should someone visit their skin therapist or dermatologist?
AD: Our skin, just like our teeth, requires regular, routine cleansings. Our skin cells go through a process called cellular mitosis, where one cell divides and becomes two, the two become four and so on. It takes around 28 days for these newly formed cells to make it from the basal layer of our skin to the outer layer that we see. It is recommended that we treat our skin in the form of professional cleansings at least once during this cellular cycle. Professional facial treatments performed at this every four week interval helps to maintain overall skin health, elasticity and radiance.
BDO: What does a good skincare routine include to make one feel comfortable in their own skin?
AD: A good skincare routine includes four simple steps- cleansing, toning, repairing and protecting. These steps should be done twice a day to ensure dermal passages are kept clean and clear and the skin's texture remains supple and blemish free.
BDO: Any advice for entrepreneurs wanting to get into the skincare industry?
AD: My advice to entrepreneurs wanting to get into the skincare industry would be to focus on skin health, not just short-term results. If you provide an unforgettable spa experience that actually improves the appearance and health of your client’s skin, you will always be in high demand.
BDO: What is AirestDion Skin Therapy’s Philosophy?
AD: My approach to skin health is one that values simplicity and deeply honors the synergetic relationship between our bodies and the natural world around us. I believe that detoxing the body with the power of raw foods combined with the use of plant-based skincare products is the only way to truly heal the skin from the inside, out.
If you’re interested in trying AirestDion Skin Therapy’s services, click here and be sure to follow AirestDion on Instagram and Facebook.
