Last month, I shared why I fell in love with balayage and promised a three-part series highlighting my favorite treatments (and the incredible pros) at Anushka Spa, Salon & Cosmedical Centre in West Palm Beach. Part one was all about hair color. This month, we’re shifting gears to something I’ve grown increasingly passionate about over the years: skincare.
Where It All Began
I got my first crash course in skincare in my early twenties while working at Anushka. The aestheticians would patiently remind me of the golden rule: wash, tone, moisturize, and apply sunscreen every single day. At the time, I followed that advice—kind of. Most days, I’d stick to cleansing and moisturizing, and sunscreen was more of a “when I remembered” step.
But by my mid-twenties, my skin began telling me otherwise. Tiny brown spots started appearing. My once-smooth skin had dry patches every time the weather changed. And then came the breakouts.
For context, I breezed through high school and college without a single bout of acne. So when my doctor told me, “you’re experiencing adult acne,” I couldn’t believe it. Adult acne? Turns out, it’s a very real thing—often triggered by stress and hormonal changes. And at that point in my life, stress was practically my middle name. I had left my PR job, ended a relationship, started freelancing, and was juggling the growing demands of my blog.
Needless to say, my skin—and my self-confidence—took a hit. I vividly remember angling my face away from the camera during shoots, embarrassed by what was happening to my complexion.
A Reminder of Hope
One memory from my time at Anushka has always stayed with me. A woman walked in with tears in her eyes, her skin covered in severe acne. “Please,” she said, “I need someone to help me. I’m getting married soon.” I booked her an appointment with Uslin, one of the spa’s top aestheticians. Eight weeks later, her transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Seeing her renewed confidence reminded me that good skincare can be life-changing.
Finding My Own Routine
Over time, my skin has improved thanks to consistent facials every six to eight weeks, incorporating stronger products, and managing my stress levels. Still, while the breakouts became less frequent, the marks they left behind—sunspots, freckles, and stubborn acne scars—were harder to tackle.
That’s when I turned to Dr. Bonnie Marting, Anushka’s cosmetic dermatology expert. Her recommendation? An IPL treatment, also known as Intense Pulsed Light therapy. It targets sun damage, discoloration, acne scars, and even helps refine pores while boosting collagen. “It’s one of the best treatments for achieving a radiant complexion,” she assured me.
My IPL Experience
Let me be upfront: an IPL is not the same as a relaxing spa facial. It doesn’t hurt, but the bursts of intense light against your skin can be a little startling. The good news? The entire process is quick—before you even have time to overthink it, it’s done.
Immediately after, my skin looked slightly red and puffy, almost like I’d had a tough workout. Over the next few days, the treated spots darkened before scabbing and eventually flaking off. By the end of the week, my complexion was noticeably smoother and more even-toned.
I even snapped a few no-makeup photos to track the progress. Post-gym and post-ballet class, I could actually see my skin looking clearer day by day. And that, my friends, felt nothing short of magical.
Why It Matters
Skincare isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. For me, the journey has been a mix of trial, error, patience, and finding the right professionals to guide me. Treatments like IPL aren’t for everyone, but for those dealing with sunspots, scars, or uneven texture, it can truly be a game-changer.
I still get the occasional breakout (don’t we all?), but my skin no longer dictates how I feel about myself. And that’s the ultimate win.
If there’s one takeaway from my journey, it’s this: don’t wait until you notice damage to start caring for your skin. Sunscreen, consistency, and the right treatments really do make all the difference. And if you’re curious about IPL or other professional treatments, consult a trusted dermatologist or aesthetician who understands your skin’s unique needs.
Your skin is with you for life—treat it with care, and it will return the favor.
