Safe Haven Skin

Peep baby Rachel circa 2013 with who knows what on her face. I fell in love with beauty + taking care of my skin long before I developed my disability. In middle school, I fell in love with products, even if I was utterly clueless about what products suited me best. I remember a period when I was using products that caused my skin to burn so badly that I would fall asleep with an ice pack on my face. Thankfully, these days I hold a bit more knowledge about taking care of my skin, but the constant of a skincare routine has remained.

long time, no see! it's been a minute + I've missed being here. struggling to find a place in the treatment room after relocating has left me discouraged + uninspired, and I needed to give myself the time + space to figure out how to show up here - especially when my means of paying my bills looks different from what I had hoped.

time away has given me an opportunity to think critically about the industry + what authenticity looks like showing up in a space like this. I love the act of taking care of my skin, and it's become one of my most grounding + nourishing rituals that brings peace to a body that doesn't work like it used to. I have also recognized the ableism that's woven so deeply into this industry, and no longer want to sit quietly in any chosen blindness, especially while navigating the world in a disabled body.

so, welcome to my visual journal exploring the intersectionality of beauty + ableism. I plan to share my love of taking care of my skin + existing in a disabled body, as well as provoke some critical thinking about the industry. I hope you decide to stick around 🫶🏻🦋

ringing in the new year with one of my favorite face masks + reflecting all that 2021 held for me. graduating esthetician school, passing two state boards, falling in love with this job, and then taking a step back from the treatment room. I’m hoping 2022 brings new opportunities to learn + grow as an esthetician and a new treatment room to call home. happy new year, friends ⚡️🖤

use “RACHEL20” for 20% this mask or any of the other coveted products!

hi friends, it’s been a minute! there’s a lot going on behind the scenes on my end, so I haven’t been on here much. I want to bring value in this space, and I don’t have a lot of brain capacity to create at the moment, but I will be back soon. hope you are well 🤍

happy halloween, friends 🎃 with the temperatures dropping, keeping my skin hydrated is my top priority over here. if you’re noticing some new dryness, you can try incorporating a heavier moisturizer or add an oil to end your night routine with. my skin has been soaking up .skin’s cocoa eye butter mixed in with their blue tansy cream — this combo is such a dream. RACHEL20 for 20% if you want to give your skin some love this winter 🤍

just trying to mask the sunday scaries away

📣 📣 📣 — I am relocating to the greater cincinnati area next weekend, so my time at Imperial Spa has come to an end. my last day will be wednesday, october 27! if you were wanting to book a service with me, there’s a fair amount of availability, so please reach out if I can serve you in any way!

hello insta world, it’s me again 👋🏻 my health has been wacky the past couple of weeks, but I’m better and ready to get back showing up here. I thought I’d show my face + introduce myself to some new friends with a few fun facts about me!

1. I am one of the clumsiest people I know. I was nominated for most accident prone in high school 🙈
2. I LOVE coffee culture! I was a barista for a little over three years at a local coffee shop and am so thankful for the growth + memories made there (love u )
3. I am a newer esthi! I graduated esthetician school in april of this year, so I have six months under my belt. I am excited to continue to further my knowledge within this field!
4. I am a dual-licensed esthetician, meaning I hold a valid esthetician license in two states! that means two state boards completed + passed 😅😵‍💫
5. & lastly (for now,) I am q***r. I don’t post too much about my personal life on here, but being q***r has had a huge impact on my life + my worldview, and because of this, I try to create a safe space for ALL humans to come and receive care. you all are safe + seen here 🌈

that’s all for now, friends! I would love to know if you read through all of this + maybe a fun fact about you, too. thanks for being here 🤍

did a bit of facial gua sha on my love last night to help drain some lymph after the worst of their sinus infection.

notice any differences between the before and after? I see less puffiness in the cheek area, a brighter under eye area, and a healthier glow to their skin ☺️✨

sunscreen 101 ⚡️ — ever wondered why sunscreen use is pushed so heavily? are you overwhelmed and confused by all the options available? swipe through for some frequently asked questions and some helpful info!

while I don’t count toner as a necessary step in a basic skincare routine, especially if you’re trying to watch your money, it is a helpful step to add if you’re looking to add some hydration and help repair your skin barrier by balancing the ph after cleansing.

I’ve been using berlin skin®]’s geranium + rose toner (which just came back in stock!!!), and look forward to this step in my routine. it mists just right, I love the smell, and my skin truly drinks it up.

if you’re looking to up your hydration game, you can use the code RACHEL20 for 20% off your order from berlin skin®] 🥳✨

wondering about the different types of exfoliation? swipe over to check them out ⚡️