Ask a Beauty Editor: How to Enjoy the Spa When You Have Sensitive Skin – Yahoo Lifestyle

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Ever wanted to pick the brain of a beauty editor? Or get beauty product recommendations from someone who has tried them all? You’ve come to the right place. In our weekly series, Ask a Beauty Editor, beauty editor Hana Hong answers your biggest skincare, hair care, and makeup questions, all submitted by Real Simple readers. Tune in every Tuesday and submit your own burning beauty questions here for a chance to be featured.

Reader question: What are some good spa treatments for people with sensitive skin and allergic to practically everything? – @iluvbroadwaymusicals

Just wanted to say that I totally relate—my skin is also allergic to everything!

The struggle is real. As a beauty editor, I have the privilege of being invited to facials frequently. Although I’m more than eager to jump on hairstyling events and makeup sessions, I was terrified of anything that involved strangers touching my skin (still am, TBH) because of how sensitive it is.

After many good—and some awful—experiences, I can now say that I’ve become pretty confident of walking into a spa and picking a treatment that is compatible with my complexion. The key is—and I can’t stress this enough—communication.

“Your facialist should be taking the lead in assessing your skin’s needs, but it’s always a good idea to bring in a list of what you’re currently using for skincare, as well as a list of the skin concerns you’d like to address,” says Candace Marino, celebrity esthetician known as “The LA Facialist” for her star-studded clientele. Additionally, be sure to list all the medications you’re using as there may be contraindications to the treatment due to increased sensitivity, says Loretta Ciraldo MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Fla. “For example, you shouldn’t get waxed if you use a prescription Tretinoin in this area.”

Once you have an idea of what you want, use this list to reference what questions you should be asking.

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