Your Skincare Questions Answered: A Q&A With a Local Esthetician
Disclosure: This article is part of a partnership with Simply Skin Skincare Studio. In exchange for sharing about her business and creating this Q&A, I’ll be experiencing a series of facials at the studio and sharing my honest experience along the way.
When it comes to skincare, I feel like moms are either trying to figure out where to even start or wondering how they’re supposed to fit one more thing into an already busy day.
So I asked Amaria, owner and esthetician at Simply Skin Skincare Studio in Prairie du Sac, some of the questions I think a lot of us have about skincare, facials and taking better care of our skin.
We talked about simple skincare routines and the benefits of facials to how often a person should be getting a standard facial and products to use at home for a noticeable difference.
Whether you’re a skincare pro or you’re currently washing your face with whatever soap happens to be sitting by the sink, there’s something here for you!
And make sure you read all the way to the end—there may be a little something waiting for first-time clients! 😉
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into skincare/esthetics.
I originally became a licensed esthetician in 2006, so skincare has been a part of my life for quite a while. Although, my path in esthetics hasn’t been completely linear. I stepped away from the industry for quite a few years and found my way back about four years ago after being laid off from a corporate job.
It ended up being an opportunity to really think about what I wanted to do next and I knew I wanted to do something completely different. I wanted to lean into my love of caring for people, and I kept coming back to esthetics. And at this stage in my life, starting my own business just seemed like the most natural fit.
I opened Simply Skin in February 2025 because I wanted to create a space where women could take care of their skin, while also taking time to slow down and truly relax. Taking more of a holistic approach and using clean, plant-based products was also important to me.
What do you love most about helping people with their skin?
I love seeing women become more comfortable and confident in their own skin, and embracing their skin through every stage of life. That’s really what Simply Skin is all about.
To me, skincare isn’t about trying to change the way you look. I like to take a natural, thoughtful approach to caring for your skin and helping you feel good about yourself.
I also really love that guests can come to my studio, settle in, close their eyes and just relax for a while. Giving women an hour where they don’t have to take care of anyone but themselves is one of my favorite parts of my job.
Why is skincare important for moms, and what should a simple daily skincare routine include?
I know moms don’t need another thing on their to-do list! But skincare can be a really easy way to take a few minutes for yourself without adding a complicated routine to your day.
It doesn’t have to be a 30-minute routine or a bathroom full of products. In the morning, I’d prioritize a good moisturizer and SPF. At night, cleanse your skin and moisturize. If you have time for an additional product, adding a serum targeted to your specific skin concerns can be a great option.
Even something as simple as washing your face, applying moisturizer and taking a minute to do a quick gua sha massage can give you a few minutes to slow down, breathe and do something just for yourself.
I would much rather see someone have a simple skincare routine they consistently use than a bathroom full of products they don’t have time to use.
What are some common skincare mistakes you see people making?
One of the biggest ones is doing too much. More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to active ingredients.
I also see people changing their products constantly because they’re not seeing immediate results. Skin health takes time, and sometimes the best thing you can do is give a good routine a chance to work.
And, of course, sunscreen! I wish I could convince everyone to make SPF a daily habit. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect the health and appearance of your skin long-term.
Does stress, lack of sleep, hormones, or just being busy affect our skin?
Absolutely! Stress, taking on too much, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes can all show up in our skin. The conversation around hormones comes up in my treatment room all the time – whether we’re talking about pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause or menopause. Our hormones go through so many changes throughout our lives, and it’s not surprising that our skin changes right along with them.
You might notice more breakouts, dry skin, sensitivity, dullness or changes in pigmentation. And sometimes when we’re really busy, our skincare routine is one of the first things to go. That’s completely understandable! I think it’s important to give yourself some grace while also remembering that taking care of yourself can have an impact on how you feel – not just how your skin looks.
What actually happens during a facial, especially for someone who has never had one?
One of the things I tell new clients is that you don’t have to walk in knowing exactly what your skin needs. I always start a service with a conversation about your skin, your specific skin concerns and what skin products you’re currently using at home. From there, I look at your skin and decide what would be most beneficial that day.
A typical facial might include cleansing, exfoliation, a customized treatment or mask, moisturizing and SPF, along with massage throughout the service.
How often should someone get regular facial treatments?
For someone who wants to be consistent with their skincare, every four to six weeks is a good general guideline because that’s roughly the time it takes for your skin cells to naturally turn over.
But I don’t think there’s one right answer for everyone. It depends on your skin, your goals, your budget and your lifestyle. And what you’re doing at home between facials is just as important as what we’re doing in the treatment room. A good home care routine done on a regular basis, can make a big difference.
Are facials just about relaxation, or do they actually provide benefits for your skin?
They can absolutely be both! It’s actually a big part of my philosophy at Simply Skin.
Facials can absolutely provide real benefits for the skin through professional exfoliation, targeted skin care treatments, products, etc.
But don’t discount the relaxation part. That is a benefit, too. When you’re lying down, breathing deeply, getting a facial massage and giving yourself permission to completely check out for an hour, that’s valuable for stress relief.
For me, the ideal facial is one where you leave with your skin looking and feeling better AND your whole body feeling a little more relaxed. That’s really what I want the Simply Skin experience to be about.
What type of facial would you recommend for someone who isn’t sure what their skin needs?
I always recommend starting with the The Simply Skin Signature Facial. It’s a great first visit because we have time to talk about your skin, look at what’s going on and customize the treatment based on what your skin needs that day.
It also gives me a chance to really get to know your skin – how it feels, how it responds to different products, and what seems to work best for you. From there, I can make more personalized recommendations for your future visits.
What are a few skincare products or ingredients you think are worth the investment?
SPF is probably the most important. I recommend a mineral sunscreen because it provides broad-spectrum protection while being a gentle option, especially for sensitive or reactive skin. I also really like Retinal, Vitamin C, and any product that helps support a healthy skin barrier, like a good moisturizer with ceramides.
What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about taking care of her skin?
I think the biggest thing is to be consistent and patient. You don’t need a complicated routine – you need a simple routine that you can actually stick with. And remember that skin takes time. It’s a good idea to give your products and healthy habits time to work before deciding to switch to something else.
Tell us a little more about your services and how someone can get started.
At Simply Skin, I offer personalized facials, gentle peels, nano-infusion and other treatments to support healthier skin. But just as important to me is creating a space where you can actually relax and take a little time for yourself.
My approach is pretty simple. I want to get to know you, your skin’s specific needs, what you’re currently using and what you’re hoping to improve. From there, we can figure out what makes the most sense for you
If you’ve never had a facial before or you’re just not sure where to start, the Simply Skin Signature Facial is a great first appointment. We’ll talk about your skin, I’ll take a look at what’s going on, and we’ll customize the treatment from there.
Simply Skin is located inside Prairie Fire Yoga in Prairie du Sac, WI and you can find my services and book an appointment through my website. I am currently offering 15% off a service booked for new clients. Use code Skincare15 when booking.
Follow Sauk County Mom on socials (Facebook & Instagram) to see more of my experience with Simply Skin.
