Skin Deep: The Science of Personalized Skincare
The journey to glowing, healthy skin is personal—something licensed esthetician Gabby knows firsthand. After battling acne from her teenage years into adulthood, Gabby turned her skincare challenges into a mission to help others. Now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, she specializes in personalized skincare routines and transformative facial treatments, guiding clients toward long-term results.
One of the biggest misconceptions about skincare is expecting immediate results. Gabby advises giving treatments three to four months to take effect, especially when treating acne. The initial purging phase—where breakouts may temporarily worsen—isn't a sign of failure but rather a sign that the skin’s natural turnover process is accelerating, bringing underlying issues to the surface for healing.
A solid skincare routine starts with proper cleansing. Gabby recommends a double cleanse at night: first, an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and impurities (the "sweeping" phase), followed by a cleanser suited to your skin type (the "mopping" phase). This ensures the skin is fully prepped to absorb active ingredients from serums and treatments.
When it comes to exfoliation, Gabby stresses the importance of balance. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier and worsen acne. She suggests exfoliating two to three times weekly, adjusting based on how the skin responds. The goal is to remove dead skin cells and improve product absorption without causing irritation.
For deeper treatment, Gabby trusts chemical peels to target acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. She recommends starting with milder peels like mandelic acid (for deep pore cleansing) or salicylic acid (for non-inflamed acne) before progressing to stronger options like TCA (for pigmentation and anti-aging). Gabby also swears by microneedling for addressing acne scars. This process stimulates collagen production and breaks down scar tissue, especially when paired with dermaplaning to enhance treatment penetration.
Gabby follows the 80-20 rule for skincare success—80% of results come from consistent home care, while 20% stem from professional treatments. Just like dental health relies on daily brushing and flossing, a strong skincare routine is the foundation for lasting results.
Ultimately, Gabby emphasizes that skincare is about feeling confident and authentic in your own skin. "If you want to target skincare, do that. If you want other enhancements, do whatever makes you feel better." The goal isn’t perfection—it’s comfort and confidence, inside and out.
