The 8 Skincare Rules Estheticians Always Follow

In the same way we're interested in what nutritionists eat, we're equally as fascinated by the skin rules estheticians follow. After all, they spend their days getting up close and personal with peoples' pores and doling out skincare tips - but how much of their own advice do they follow themselves? Do they really religiously use the retinol they recommend so highly to their clients? To find out the truth, we went straight to the source and asked three top estheticians for the skincare rules they always follow, no matter what.

Rule #1: Treat Your Skin

If you hear the word "peel" and cringe, it's time for a reality check. L.A.-based esthetician Kerry Benjamin says she does a professional exfoliation every month. "As we age, our cell renewal decreases by half," she explains. "If you want to have fresh, healthy, vibrant-looking skin, you have to force the cells to turn over more frequently and reveal a healthy glow." Think of it as a treat, rather than a treatment.

Rule #2: Wear SPF #30 or Higher

Another rule estheticians live by? Daily SPF protection. "I always wear a broadband SPF 30 or 50 and layer it with an antioxidant for added protection," Benjamin says. And be diligent when applying - UV rays can cause damage even on cloudy days, she says, and on sunnier days, you should reapply SPF every 2-3 hours for maximum protection. And don't forget a hat!

Rule #3: Never Pick

When a pimple pops up or stress strikes, you might be tempted to pick at your face - don't. "I follow this tip religiously because the truth of the matter is a blemish usually lasts five to seven days, but the red or dark scar from picking at the blemish can linger for weeks -or even months," Dallas -based esthetician Renee Rouleau says. "As tempting as it can be, it's not worth it to pick. Instead, I apply a spot treatment to help speed up the recovery time of a blemish." Benjamin agrees, saying, "Cleanse, apply the correct active ingredients, and leave it alone and let it heal!"

Rule #4: Cleanse Smartly

When it comes to cleansing your face, it's not so much about how you do it, but rather that you do it at all - and do it smartly. "If I'm staying home for the evening, I clean my face right after dinner instead of waiting until right before bed," Liza Wong, esthetician from San Mateo, California says. "That way, I won't be too tired to wash my face thoroughly and apply all the necessary skincare products."

Rule #5: Know Your Product Order

There's no use investing in expensive skincare products if you aren't applying them in the right order. "Always apply serums first, before moisturizer, because serums are more targeted and have a higher concentration of active ingredients, " Wong says. "A serum is like a single vitamin, while a moisturizer is more like a multi-vitamin." In general, you should always apply products from lightest to heaviest.

Rule #6: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

By now, you should know moisturizing is key - and lack of it is often the reason for wrinkles, dullness, and yes, even oiliness. Thus, estheticians are especially devout about moisturizing, in whatever way works best for their skin type.

Written by Faith Xue - first published on Yahoo Beauty.