Ask an Esthetician: Massachusetts Esthetician Julie Mahoney Shares Advice from 36 years of Facial Practice

Julie Mahoney is the perfect example of excellence in skin care.  She received her esthetics license in 1982 with the third graduating class of Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics in Boston, MA. In May, 1996, Mahoney opened her own practice; OASIS DAY SPA Inc. in Columbian Square, South Weymouth, MA. Located south of Boston, OASIS is one of the first day spas in Massachusetts. Today, OASIS has grown to a staff of thirty-five and has become one of the most popular day spas in the area for holistic skin, nail, and body treatments. From 2014-2017, OASIS received the “Star of Excellence” award by South Shore Magazine and has been voted “Best Day Spa” by Wicked Local since 1999. For Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston” 40th Anniversary, OASIS was named “Best Day Spa.” Even though she is as a seasoned esthetician, Mahoney does not stop advancing her technique. In 2016, she and her staff were trained at the Repêchage headquarters by Becky Kuehn of Oncology Spa Solutions to become certified in oncology esthetics. And when she’s not transforming her client’s skin? Mahoney volunteers for the LIVESTRONG Foundation through the local YMCAs to educate about safe salon and spa practices.   We spoke with this seasoned esthetician to find out her best skincare and spa business advice. To learn more about Julie and Oasis Day Spa, follow Oasis on Instagram and Facebook What is your personal daily skin care routine? The nighttime is the most important time to care for your skin. Seven hours of sleep with makeup-free skin that is not exposed to environmental toxins is the time to treat your skin more intensely.  We also become the most dehydrated overnight, so it is important to prepare for this.  To treat my face at night, I combine the Biolight and Vita Cura lines. I use Vita Cura Triple Action Cleansing Cream followed by Vita Cura Renewal Toner to completely dissolve surface makeup in preparation to receive the full benefits of layering the following products that help with skin brightening and reducing the signs of aging: Biolight Skin Correct Serum, Vita Cura Renewal Serum, and Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream. I also moisturize with the Biolight Brightening Overnight Cream in the winter or Hydro-Complex PFS Moisturizing Cream for Dry Skin if it is summer. For my body, I apply Vita Cura Triple Action Nutrí Oil on my arms and legs and the Vita Cura Triple Action Nutrí Cream on my hands and feet. In the morning I love the uplifting citrus scent of the Biolight Brightening Cleanser, followed by Vita Cura Renewal Serum and Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream. I prime my skin with Mineral Face Shield (I LOVE the feel of this product) and Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation. I also use Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed Facial Spray as a setting spray. The Repêchage Biolight Brightening Collection Why do you use these products? I used to have acne but now in my 50s I am dry.  I combine the Biolight and Vita Cura line to help even the appearance of skin tone and for the resurfacing, hydrating, antioxidant and protective benefits. I’ve experimented with many combinations of products, and this is what works best for me.  The team at Oasis Day Spa in South Weymouth, MA How long have you been using Repêchage and why Repêchage? I have been with Repêchage since 1987, and I have tried every line launched throughout our 31 year relationship together! From addressing problem skin to skin aging, Repêchage products have proven effective since day one. The Repêchage Red-Out Facial for clients with sensitive skin What are the most common skin concerns you see amongst clients, and how do you help with these concerns? Sensitive Skin: In the Northeast, a large portion of the population has sensitive skin. To help reduce the appearance of sensitive skin, the Red-Out Facial and products have been revolutionary for treating my clients.   Problem Skin: Another large skin concern is clients dealing with problem skin. For this, I have seen significant improvements in clients who are treated with the Hydra Medic Facial and continue the at-home regime. Dehydration: Lastly, many clients suffer from dehydrated skin. The Seaweed Facial has become our ‘basic’ facial for this skin concern. What do you recommend for these clients for at-home use? Sensitive skin: Red-Out Collection Problem skin: Hydra Medic Collection Dehydration: Hydra Blue Collection Before/after of an Oasis Day Spa client who uses the Hydra Medic Collection Before/after of an Oasis Day Spa client who uses the Hydra Medic Collection What have the results been for clients since using these products/treatments? One of my clients (shown above) had been using cosmeceutical products with Glycolic, Salicylic and Azelaic Acids for 8 years to control her problem skin. While it initially helped clear her skin, she had a recurrence along her jawline. I got her on the Hydra Medic Line along with T-Zone Balance Moisture Complex. Her problem skin appeared completely clear in one month’s time! Since this time, she has tried twice to go back to her cosmeceutical products only to have a recurrence of flare ups. She is a permanent convert to the Hydra Medic Line. What do you tell your clients is the MOST important step in their skin care routine and why? You can’t just do one thing! If one wants to see results, one needs to make the time every night and again briefly in the morning to do a complete regime. For clients who just can’t commit to a full skin care routine, I always recommend they at least _____. Cleanse and moisturize! This is the most minimalistic routine, but it IS a routine. What are your top 3 skin care tips for clients?  NEVER skip your nighttime routine X 3! What are your top 3 health and wellness tips for clients? Get an annual complete body skin check by a dermatologist. Drink plenty of water and eat a low inflammatory diet. Take time each day to pray/meditate!   Oasis Day Spa:108 Pleasant StreetColumbian SquareS. Weymouth, MA 02190781-340-5730relaxatoasis.com