Holistic Skincare, Skin Microbiome Health & Choosing Truly Supportive Products

The Radiance Edit.

When it comes to skincare, one of the most important values I hold as an esthetician is safety - not just in a surface-level sense, but in a way that supports the skin through every stage of life.

Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and what we apply to it matters more than most people realize. It’s not only about achieving glowing skin in the moment, but about choosing products that support long-term skin health, barrier function, and overall balance.

This is exactly why I am intentional about the skincare lines I use and recommend in my practice.

Why I choose Botanical-based skincare

I am especially drawn to botanical-based skincare because of how naturally it aligns with the skin’s biology.

Plant-based ingredients are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, and phytonutrients that help nourish the skin without overwhelming it. Rather than forcing the skin into correction, botanical formulations tend to work with the skin - supporting its natural repair processes and barrier function.

In my practice, my goal is never to create dependency on aggressive treatments or harsh ingredients. Instead, I focus on restoring balance and strengthening the skin so it can function optimally on its own.

The Skin Microbiome & Why It Matters

One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of skin health is the skin’s microbiome.

Your microbiome is a living ecosystem made up of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that protect, regulate, and support the skin barrier. When this ecosystem is balanced, the skin tends to be calmer, more hydrated, and more resilient.

However, when the microbiome is disrupted (often through overly harsh products, stripping cleansers, or imbalanced routines) the skin can become more reactive, inflamed, or prone to breakouts.

This is why I prioritize formulations that are gentle, barrier-supportive, and designed to maintain the skin’s natural ecosystem rather than disrupt it.

Supporting the microbiome isn’t a trend, it’s foundational skin health.

Pregnancy-Safe & Life-Stage Conscious Skincare

Another reason I value brands like True Botanicals is their commitment to safer, cleaner formulations, including options that are pregnancy-safe.

This matters deeply in real clinical practice because clients are always in different seasons of life - pregnancy, postpartum, hormonal changes, sensitivity phases, or barrier repair journeys.

Skincare should never feel confusing or risky during those times. My approach is always to choose products that are thoughtfully formulated and mindful of these transitions so clients can feel confident in what they are using on their skin.

My Perspective on “Natural” Skincare Trends

In the wellness and skincare space, there are always new trends that gain attention. One that has become more widely discussed is the use of beef tallow on the face.

While I fully respect that everyone has the autonomy to make their own skincare choices, I do not personally use or recommend beef tallow in my practice. The skin is complex, and I believe skincare should be formulated specifically for facial skin with a balance of hydration, barrier-supporting ingredients, and research-backed actives designed for long-term skin health.

What’s also important to understand is that the word “natural” in skincare is not a regulated term. Just because something is labeled or marketed as natural does not automatically mean it is the best or safest option for every skin type.

Even retail systems like the green “clean at Sephora” badge are helpful guides, but they don’t necessarily mean a product is completely natural, non-irritating, or ideal for everyone. These labels are based on specific ingredient guidelines - not a full picture of how a formula behaves on the skin or how it interacts with different skin conditions and sensitivities.

This is why I always encourage looking beyond marketing terms and focusing more on formulation quality, skin compatibility, and how the product actually supports the skin barrier and microbiome.

My approach will always prioritize products that are thoughtfully developed, backed by skin science, and designed specifically for facial skin - not just what is trending or labeled as “clean” or “natural.”

Especially for acne-prone, sensitive, or compromised skin types, I prioritize options that are predictable, microbiome-supportive, and formulated with intention rather than assumption.

My Approach as an Esthetician

At the core of my work, I want every client to feel safe, supported, and understood in every treatment and recommendation.

Whether someone is coming in for relaxation, barrier repair, facial massage, or long-term skin health support - my goal is always the same:

To care for the skin in a way that also cares for the person.

Skincare is not just about appearance. It’s about connection, education, and learning how to support your skin through every stage of life with intention and confidence.

This is the heart behind everything I do at Radiance Esthetics.

-Riley 💌