What Happens During a Professional Skincare Consultation?
If you've ever stood in front of your bathroom mirror wondering why your skincare routine isn't delivering results, you're not alone. Between conflicting advice on social media, endless product options, and your skin's ever-changing needs, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where a professional skincare consultation comes in.
At JE'DERM skin atelier, a consultation isn't a separate appointment. It's incorporated into your first Bespoke Facial, so we can assess your skin, understand your concerns, and start delivering results right away. While some clients book a consultation on its own, most prefer to combine the conversation with their first 75-minute treatment, leaving with both clarity and visible improvement.
A consultation is about building a partnership. We assess your skin's unique condition, listen to your goals, and create a clear plan that works for you. Whether you're dealing with fine lines, occasional dullness, congestion, or uneven tone, this focused conversation gives you the direction you need to see real, lasting results.
Understanding the purpose of a professional skincare consultation
A skincare consultation creates a roadmap tailored specifically to you. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach or a sales pitch. Instead, it's a focused assessment that considers your skin concerns, lifestyle, and goals to design a personalized plan that delivers consistent results.
We look at texture, tone, hydration levels, sensitivity, and how your skin responds to environmental stressors like pollution, indoor heating, or seasonal changes. We also consider what you're already doing at home, what's working, what's not, and where there might be gaps.
Determine your skin type and why it matters
Here's the reality: barely anyone fits into just one skin type category. Most people have combination characteristics, or their skin behaves differently depending on the season, stress levels, or products they're using.
So why discuss skin type? Because many people misjudge their own skin and use products that make things worse. Someone thinks they have oily skin and uses harsh cleansers that trigger more oil production. Or they assume their skin is dry when it's really dehydrated and needs water-based hydration, not heavy creams.
Understanding skin type basics helps us correct those misconceptions:
Dry skin lacks oil, not water, and often feels tight or flaky. It needs barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides.
Oily skin produces excess sebum but still needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer makes oil production worse.
Combination skin has oily areas (usually the T-zone) and dry areas elsewhere, requiring a flexible approach.
Sensitive skin reacts easily to products, weather, or stress, showing redness or irritation.
We assess your skin in person and ask how it behaves throughout the day. But honestly, we spend more time focusing on your specific concerns and how to address them.
Understand your skin concerns and goals
Beyond general skin type, we want to know what's bothering you most and what you're hoping to achieve. Are you noticing fine lines around your eyes? Dealing with stubborn congestion or breakouts? Concerned about uneven tone or dullness?
We don't believe in cookie-cutter treatments. We focus on one or two primary goals and build a plan around them. Common concerns include:
Early signs of aging: Fine lines, loss of firmness, or texture changes
Congestion and breakouts: Clogged pores, blackheads, or acne-prone skin
Uneven tone or hyperpigmentation: Sun spots, dark spots, or post-breakout marks
Dullness or dehydration: Lack of radiance, tight or flaky skin
Sensitivity or redness: Reactive skin, rosacea, or inflammation
We also ask about your lifestyle: sleep, stress levels, diet habits, and whether you're using injectables or other aesthetic treatments. Understanding the full picture allows us to create a plan that works with your life.
Related reading: Sleep and Skin Health: How Sleep Affects Your Skin
Review Your Current Skincare Routine
Part of the consultation involves talking about what you're already using at home. We want to know what's working, what's not, and whether products might be irritating your skin or holding back progress.
Here's something important: our goal is not for you to buy everything from us. We assess what's already serving you and what might need to change. If your cleanser is great, we'll tell you to keep it. If something isn't right for your skin type or goals, we'll explain why and suggest an alternative, but only if it truly makes a difference.
Sometimes the issue isn't the products themselves. It's using too many actives, applying them in the wrong order, or exfoliating too frequently. This conversation is judgment-free. We're here to optimize what you're doing, not criticize it.
What should you expect during a skincare consultation?
Whether your consultation happens during your first Bespoke Facial or as a standalone visit, the experience is informative and efficient. We keep things focused and intentional.
Questions about your skin health and current routine
Questions you can expect:
What are your main concerns? Short-term or long-term?
How does your skin typically behave (oily by midday, tight after cleansing, reactive)?
What's your current routine, and how long have you been using those products?
Are you experiencing any breakouts or sensitivity?
Do you use injectables, lasers, or other aesthetic treatments?
How's your sleep, stress, and overall wellness?
Any upcoming events or skin goals?
These questions help us understand not just your skin, but your life. A high-stress period, climate change, or new workout routine can all impact your skin. By gathering this information, we tailor recommendations to what's realistic and sustainable.
Custom recommendations of what to use, and avoid
Once we have a clear picture, we give you focused, actionable recommendations. This isn't about overhauling your routine overnight. We identify the most impactful changes: swapping your cleanser, adding a targeted serum, or adjusting exfoliation frequency.
If something isn't serving your goals, we'll suggest an upgrade or alternative. We might recommend a product from our curated selection of medical-grade skincare (iS Clinical, Environ, and Circadia), but only if it fills a real gap.
We're mindful of your budget and lifestyle. We don’t recommend a 10-step skincare routine if you only have five minutes in the morning. We'll also let you know if something is too harsh, comedogenic, or not aligned with your concerns.
Related: Morning Skincare Dilemma: Should You Use a Cleanser?
What are the next steps after a professional consultation?
A consultation is just the beginning. Once we've assessed your skin and discussed goals, we create a plan that includes both professional treatments and an at-home routine.
Professional facials and treatments
For most clients, the consultation happens during their first Bespoke Facial. Our Signature Bespoke Facial is a 75-minute, all-inclusive treatment that adapts to your skin each visit.
Unlike pre-set menu facials, it's fully customized and may include microdermabrasion, oxygen therapy, LED light therapy, ultrasound and sonophoresis, microcurrent, and professional extractions. We also include arm, hand, and décolleté microdermabrasion as a signature touch.
For specific goals like refining texture, addressing sun damage, or boosting collagen, we may recommend treatments such as COOLJET Plasma with Exosomes or Chemical Peels. These advanced treatments deliver visible improvement over time and work beautifully alongside injectables and lasers.
Here's what matters most: consistency. One facial gives you a noticeable glow, but real transformation happens when you commit to regular care, typically every four to 8 weeks. That's when your skin stays balanced, clear, and resilient.
Think of it like going to the gym. One workout feels good, but consistent sessions create lasting change. Your skin works the same way. Regular professional treatments combined with a solid at-home routine are what build the healthy, radiant skin you're working toward.
A personalized at-home routine
Professional treatments are powerful, but what you do at home between visits is equally important. After your consultation, we'll outline a simple, effective routine tailored to your skin concerns:
Cleanser: Gentle enough for daily use, effective for removing makeup, SPF, and impurities
Toner: Balances pH and preps skin for better absorption
Serum: Targeted actives for your concerns (brightening, hydrating, anti-aging, clarifying)
Moisturizer: Locks in hydration and supports your skin barrier
SPF: Non-negotiable for UV protection and preventing premature aging
Treatment products (as needed): Retinol, exfoliating acids, eye cream or specialty masks
We'll also discuss timing: when to apply what, how often to exfoliate, and what to expect as your skin adjusts. Some products deliver quick results; others require patience and consistency. We set realistic expectations, so you know what to look for.
Follow-up conversations about your progress
Skincare isn't static. Your skin changes with seasons, stress levels, hormones, and age. That's why follow-up is part of our process. We typically check in around a week after treatment to see how your skin is feeling and if your at-home routine is working. If something isn't sitting well, we adjust. If you're seeing great results, we reinforce what's working.
We also encourage you to reach out anytime between visits with questions or concerns. Skincare shouldn't feel like guesswork. We're here to guide you, troubleshoot, and celebrate your wins.
When you come back for your next facial (ideally in four to 8 weeks), we'll reassess, document progress, and refine your plan. Over time, this ongoing partnership leads to steady, visible improvement and the confidence that comes with truly understanding your skin.
Related reading: Judit & Eliana’s Top Skincare Tips for Winter
Visit JE’DERM and discover a personalized skincare plan that fits your needs!
A professional skincare consultation is more than a quick assessment. It's the foundation for healthier, more radiant skin that lasts. At JE'DERM skin atelier, we take the time to understand your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle to create a clear, personalized plan that actually works.
Whether you're just starting to invest in professional skincare or looking for expert guidance to refine your routine, we're here to help. No pressure, no guesswork, just honest, tailored care that leaves you feeling confident and cared for.
Ready to take the next step? Book your consultation or treatment today, and let's create a skincare plan that's as unique as you are.