Last week, our forum buzzed with conversations on career opportunities and professional development. Members shared insights about lead roles in Texas and Michigan, sparking discussions on relocation and career growth. Product debates continued with a split over the benefits of retinal versus retinol, as estheticians shared their personal favorites and professional experiences. The community also explored practical advice on navigating the spa industry and tips for handling waxing mishaps.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Weekly Esthetician Jobs: Lead roles available in Texas and Michigan
This thread is essential for anyone considering a move or career change. There are lead roles opening up that could be a perfect fit for those looking to advance. Read more here
Retinal vs retinol: what’s winning for you
A lively discussion on these two skincare staples, where professionals are weighing in with their experiences and preferences. It’s a must-read for product enthusiasts. Read more here
Breaking Into the Spa Industry
For newcomers or those considering a switch, this thread offers valuable advice and experiences on getting started in the spa industry. Read more here
When Waxing Goes Wrong
An honest look at those moments when things don’t go as planned. This discussion provides tips and shared stories to help navigate and learn from waxing mishaps. Read more here
Your Favorite Professional Skincare Lines
A great thread for discovering new products, as professionals share their go-to skincare lines that deliver results. Read more here
Looking forward to another engaging week. Keep sharing your knowledge and experiences.
, the retinal vs retinol debate drives me nuts — ‘retinal is faster’ is true, but I see more flaking on my Texas clients in August. I start them on retinaldehyde 0.05% just 2–3 nights/week with a moisturizer sandwich and strict AM SPF, then consider moving to nightly if they’re still smooth; here’s a quick primer I share: Topical retinoids (vitamin a creams). Anyone in Michigan seeing the opposite in colder months?
Quick tip: my heat-prone clients do better when we “sandwich” retinal — thin moisturizer, pea-size retinaldehyde, then moisturizer again — and skip AHAs/BHAs for 48 hours around early applications. It still works faster than retinol, but I’ll swap to a microencapsulated retinol for a week if the barrier gets spicy; @jonescarter_08, do you buffer on those 100° days?
I get fewer flakes from retinaldehyde when clients wait a full 20 minutes after cleansing before applying — letting skin go bone-dry really cuts the sting in our Michigan winters, @MI_Ash. If they’re still reactive, I switch to retinol 0.3% on a ‘2 nights on, 1 off’ rhythm.