The blondEST Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Listener Q&A: Skincare Secrets
Host/Author: Savanna Boda
Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Skincare Insights

In the "Listener Q&A: Skincare Secrets" episode of The blondEST podcast, host Savanna Boda, also known as The Dallas Aesthetician, teams up with her co-host, Tyler, to delve deep into a plethora of skincare topics. This episode is a treasure trove for skincare enthusiasts, fellow estheticians, and anyone looking to enhance their skin health through medical aesthetics and holistic practices.

Top Business Investments: Elevating the Aesthetic Practice

One of the first topics discussed revolves around the most significant investments Savanna has made in her aesthetic practice. When asked about her favorite laser, Savanna passionately shares:

“I love my aerial A. I truly have never made a better investment for my business.”
(00:27)

Savanna recounts the challenges and eventual triumph of investing in the Aerial A laser, a substantial investment of nearly $140,000. Despite initial hesitations and multiple trials with the sales representative, the device proved invaluable, enhancing her ability to treat a wider range of skin concerns effectively. Tyler adds:

“Savanna has a 99% success rate when it comes to clearing acne, pigmentation, and acne scars.”
(01:21)

Further highlighting her commitment to quality, Savanna discusses her Hydrafacial machine as her most expensive purchase prior to the Aerial A laser:

“I was like buying like six Hydrafacials, but worth every investment.”
(00:56)

These strategic investments have significantly contributed to her clinic's success, emphasizing the importance of advanced technology in delivering top-notch skincare results.

Advanced Skincare Treatments: Addressing Complex Skin Issues

The episode delves into Savanna's expertise in treating difficult skin conditions. When discussing challenging cases like rosacea, Tyler notes:

“You were able to do something corrective, you were able to treat more skin concerns.”
(02:33)

Savanna elaborates on how the Aerial A laser has expanded her treatment repertoire, allowing her to offer corrective solutions for conditions previously outside her scope. This advancement has enabled her to cater to all skin tones, ensuring comprehensive care for every client.

Skincare Product Recommendations: Hydration vs. Moisture

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on distinguishing between moisturizers and hydrators, a common area of confusion among skincare enthusiasts. Savanna emphasizes the difference:

“People always think moisturizers and hydrators are similar, and I can see why... they’re different.”
(05:12)

She recommends specific products based on individual skin needs:

• Exfoliation: Essential for removing dead skin cells to allow product penetration. Recommended products include Peptide Micro Scrub and Alpharette Peel Pads.
• Hydrators: For those with dehydrated skin, she suggests Restorative HA from Hydrinity, which offers both surface-level hydration and deep skin moisture.

Savanna explains:

“When your skin's dehydrated, it needs hydration. When it's dry, it needs moisture.”
(05:30)

This clear differentiation helps listeners tailor their skincare routines to their specific skin conditions.

Team Building and Hiring in Aesthetic Practices

When asked about hiring at a med spa, Savanna provides candid advice on building a reliable team:

“Show them who you truly are and don't put on a Persona. I can tell when people are trying to be what they think I want them to be.”
(05:34)

She values authenticity, dedication, loyalty, and the ability to problem-solve over mere skills or intelligence. Savanna stresses the importance of having team members who are dependable and willing to go the extra mile, even if they occasionally make mistakes.

Managing Skin Conditions: Hives and Sensitive Skin

Addressing questions about managing hives and sensitive skin, Savanna recommends specific products:

• For Hives: Civary Mousse and Plated Intense.
• For Sensitive Skin: Civary has been a game-changer, especially for conditions like eczema and dermatitis, effectively clearing long-standing issues where other treatments fell short.

She shares a personal success story:

“It's the only thing that has completely cleared my son's dermatitis and eczema that we've struggled with for three years.”
(09:04)

Ethical Skincare Brands: Choosing the Right Partners

Savanna offers a nuanced approach to selecting ethical skincare brands, emphasizing thorough research and due diligence:

“Research a ton, do your due diligence, dig into their past, run a full background check.”
(27:16)

She advises listening to the ethos of brands, ensuring that their values align with one's own. Savanna highlights the importance of interacting with higher-ups in companies rather than just sales reps to gauge the true culture and integrity of the brand.

Personal Challenges and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity

The conversation takes a personal turn as Savanna opens up about her struggles with an arm condition that threatened her ability to work. She reflects on her resilience and coping mechanisms:

“When everything calmed down, my arm's fine. I prayed to God about it... begged him to heal me because I did not want to get surgery.”
(09:26)

Despite the debilitating pain and the temptation to retire, Savanna's dedication prevailed. She shares how this experience reinforced her belief in listening to one's body and recognizing the signs of stress and trauma.

Social Media and Mental Health: Balancing Presence and Well-being

Savanna discusses the impact of social media on her mental health, particularly the pressure to maintain an active online presence. She distinguishes between posting out of inspiration and obligation:

“When it's like I have to post this, not I want to post this... that’s when it's hard.”
(26:37)

To manage stress, she emphasizes focusing on personal growth and not getting bogged down by negativity or external judgments, famously stating:

“Don't let me fool anyone. I thrive under pressure. The best things happen when I have so much stress on me.”
(23:54)

Advice for Aspiring Estheticians: Embracing the Grind

In response to questions about starting an esthetician business, Savanna offers a brutally honest perspective:

“Buckle up. It's not for the weak. You're gonna have to sell your soul. Work 24/7.”
(24:42)

She highlights the relentless nature of entrepreneurship in aesthetics, from booking and scheduling to inventory management and social media. Savanna underscores the necessity of unwavering dedication and the willingness to handle every aspect of the business meticulously.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Authenticity and Expertise

Throughout the episode, Savanna consistently emphasizes the importance of authenticity, continuous learning, and ethical practices in skincare. Her interactions with Tyler showcase a blend of professional insights and relatable personal anecdotes, making the episode both informative and engaging.

As the episode wraps up, Savanna leaves listeners with a sense of empowerment to take control of their skincare journeys and business endeavors, all while maintaining integrity and resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Savanna Boda: “I love my aerial A. I truly have never made a better investment for my business.”
  (00:27)

• Savanna Boda: “People always think moisturizers and hydrators are similar, and I can see why... they’re different.”
  (05:12)

• Savanna Boda: “Show them who you truly are and don't put on a Persona. I can tell when people are trying to be what they think I want them to be.”
  (05:34)

• Savanna Boda: “It's the only thing that has completely cleared my son's dermatitis and eczema that we've struggled with for three years.”
  (09:04)

• Savanna Boda: “Don't let me fool anyone. I thrive under pressure. The best things happen when I have so much stress on me.”
  (23:54)

• Savanna Boda: “Buckle up. It's not for the weak. You're gonna have to sell your soul. Work 24/7.”
  (24:42)

This episode of The blondEST serves as both an educational guide and a motivational narrative, encapsulating Savanna Boda's dedication to ethical and effective skincare. Her expert advice, combined with personal resilience, offers listeners valuable takeaways for both their skin health and entrepreneurial aspirations.