Q+A WITH STEFANIE WILLIAMSON, LE, ACLP
As an ATA Preferred Provider, Stefanie takes a sophisticated approach to achieve overall skin health.
With extensive training in lasers and medical grade treatments, Stefanie devises comprehensive and tailored treatment strategies, aiding every patient in attaining their aesthetic goals. Having a passion for skincare, she incorporates a personalized at-home skincare routine during each new patient consultation.
Her objective is to ensure each patient is well-informed about their treatment options as they set forth on their path towards achieving clear and vibrant skin.
Below, Stefanie answers an array of questions submitted to ATA from her recent Q+A session.
Q. What is your favorite corrective treatment and product you can’t live without?
BBL™ (laser) is my favorite corrective treatment! Not only because it improves pigmentation, redness and vascularity in the skin but because over time BBL™ treatments have been shown to stimulate your cells back to a younger state. The treatment does this by rejuvenating your genes and the genetic code in your DNA. As a result, the genetic code of your skin cells is reset, and you are left with younger-looking skin.
Product I can’t live without! Alpharet Clearing Serum, by SkinBetter! It saves my acne prone skin!
Q. How do I know if I should see an aesthetician vs. a dermatologist?
Depending on the condition you’re experiencing or would like to improve I would recommend seeing both an aesthetician & a dermatologist. Preferably the dermatologist first so they can analyze your skin for any suspicious lesions and/or skin conditions. This visit should take place annually.
Once cleared by your dermatologist to receive corrective treatments I would then seek an aesthetician to help you establish a customized skincare routine & treatment plan to address your cosmetic concerns.
Q. How do I prepare my skin for medical grade treatments?
The best way to prepare for medical grade treatments is to ask your skincare professional what is required of you before you start your treatment plan. Some treatments yield better results if the skin is pretreated with specific products, while others do not require any pretreatment and can be done without any preparation.
Always be honest with your producer about any medications and/or prescription topicals being used prior to treatment. This will ensure you’re being treated safely & effectively.
Q. I have VERY sensitive skin, am I a candidate for medical grade treatments?
Yes! You are totally a candidate for medical grade treatments. Allow your skincare professional to assess your skin & why it may be sensitive. Sensitive skin can be trained to tolerate more advanced and aggressive treatments but may require some preparation with facials and/or a customized skincare regimen before moving into the more advanced treatments
Q. What are some of the key benefits of laser treatments?
Lasers are powerful devices that correct a number of skin conditions such as pigmentation, Melasma, veins, redness and skin texture. Lasers also stimulate collagen and reverse signs of aging and work at a cellular level to promote the production of healthy skin cells.
Q. I have heard that lasers do not work for darker skin tones, is that true?
This is false! While not all lasers are meant to be used to on all skin types, the aesthetics industry has come very far in the technology that is available to treat skin of color. Here at Skinplicity we offer Scitons Moxi device where we can safely & effectively treat all skin types!
Always ask your provider if the laser offered in their practice will safely treat your skin and even research the device yourself so that you feel comfortable receiving the treatment.
Q. What treatments are best for the under eye area?
While the under eyes are a delicate area treatments such as microneedling, filler and laser can be appropriate in treating concerns in this area.
Q. What products should I use for cystic acne?
Those that follow me know I absolutely adore SkinBetter Science. It has worked wonders for my own acne prone skin.
For cystic acne there are likely underlying causes of this condition that may need to be diagnosed by a dermatologist or functional medicine doctor but establishing a customized routine will definitely help improve & prevent future breakouts.
My recommendations from SkinBetter Science are: Oxygen Wash, Exfoliating Peel Pads, Clearing Serum, Trio & Sunbetter suncreen!
Q. What lasers are best for melasma?
Melasma is often stimulated by hormones & heat in the skin and must be treated with a laser that is indicated to treat it without causing any flare ups to the condition. Here at Skinplicity we use Scitons Moxi device to safely and effectively treat Melasma.
Q. What are the benefits of a SkinBetter peel? Can it be done in conjunction with other treatments?
SkinBetter’s professional peel has been clinically shown to improve the texture of the skin, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes, uneven skin tone & dullness from photo damage. We often combine this treatment with dermaplaning & Hydrafacial.
Q. What is the best and most effective way to get rid of acne scars?
The best & most effective way to get rid of acne scars is by doing a series of laser resurfacing and/or Microneedling. These treatments stimulate collagen to smooth the texture of the skin.
Q. What should someone focus on in their skincare routine inbetween seasons?
The focus should be keeping the skin balanced with the change of seasons. Often times in the summer we are hotter, oilier & sometimes more breakout prone and the opposite in the winter. It is normal for your skincare routine to change with the seasons. If you are unsure of what products to switch to when the time comes ask your skincare professional for advice.
Q. Can you provide guidance on how to properly cleanse and exfoliate my skin?
Properly cleansing the skin begins with using a cleanser designed for your skin type and concerns. Cleansing morning and night is 50% of your routine! Exfoliation should be done 2-3x a week using either a chemical exfoliant (ex: salicylic, glycolic, lactic acid) or a physical exfoliant (ex: a scrub).
To learn more about Stefanie’s experience, certifications and to schedule a consultation follow the link below.