Katey, founder of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey, is a holistic esthetician from Canada specializing in “glowing skin and fluffy brows.” If you follow her on Instagram, then you’ve seen glimpses of her incredible talent. Her facials look like the best of the best. The facial massage alone! If she was not a plane ride away, I’d be a regular for sure.
Katey not only helps her clients understand what is going on on the surface of their skin, but also within. She teaches her clients that everything is connected.
I asked my followers on Instagram what they wanted me to ask a skin expert, and there were A LOT of questions. Not surprisingly though, as many of us are interested in improving our skin. So this Q & A is largely made up of followers questions and Katey so graciously answered them all.
What made you want to become an esthetician?
My own experience with chronic acne began my passion for truly wanting to understand the skin. When I was struggling with my skin, I would go for facials or other appointments with various practitioners and would go through these uncomfortable, awkward situations that made me feel even more shameful and insecure about my skin. I now always consider my clients’ perspective and prioritize offering the stress free, soothing client experience I wish I had when I needed it most.
I love the name Mindful Beauty. How did you come up with it?
It’s almost like the name just magically appeared to me and really resonated. Mindful Beauty is a safe no judgment space for you to receive guidance towards skin and soul healing. Mindful Beauty’s philosophy is to support your skin’s natural rhythms while educating, simplifying, and empowering each individual client to become their own intuitive skin healers. I believe with a little intention, we can transform our habitual skin care routines into self care rituals.
Can you briefly tell us about how our skin is a reflection of what is going on internally?
Our skin is a messenger and mirror the body uses to tell us when something is out of balance, whether that be internally or emotionally. We must remember our skin is an elimination organ and if we have stagnation and blockages within, it is going to surface in our complexion.
Best Skin Do & Best Skin Don’t.
Do use a hydrating mist when you are applying your serums/moisturizers.
Don’t forcefully pop, pick, or scratch at your skin.
There are so many skin tools/gadgets: Gua Sha, Rollerball, Cupping, Reflexology Tool, Face Taping, and the list goes on. Is there one you recommend to your clients/us more than any others?
There really are so many tools and I love that more and more people are becoming interested in these holistic skin modalities. I might be bias, but because I have most experience with gua sha in my treatment room, many of my clients also have gua sha massage rituals at home. In my personal skincare routine I do enjoy working with kinesiology tape, especially on my forehead to support the skin and boost the effects of the massage as an alternative to anti-wrinkle injections.
Thoughts on Botox and Natural Botox Alternatives?
Botox and anti-wrinkle injections have a smoothing effect on the skin because the botulinum toxin inhibits neurotransmitter release that signals muscles to contract. In other words, botox paralyzes the muscles and can destroy the nerves. Wrinkles may be gone temporarily, but anti-wrinkle injections can lead to muscle atrophy, sagging and worsened wrinkling skin in the long run due to impaired collagen, poor muscle strength, and blockage of movement.
Wrinkles and sagging skin are often a result of stuck fascia across the entire face, neck, and shoulders. Instead of freezing our faces as a preventative measure, it might be more beneficial to look for ways to release muscle tension, stagnant tissues and emotional blockages stored in the face to encourage flow and movement such as gua sha and facial massage! More on this topic in one of my blog posts.
Thoughts on cosmetic acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture, also referred to as facial acupuncture, is acupuncture that focuses specifically on an aesthetic condition of the patient, usually concerning the face. Like traditional acupuncture it involves strategically inserting ultra-thin, sterilized needles into different areas of the skin with the aim of stimulating blood flow and balancing the body’s Qi (which, when translated, means “vital energy” in Traditional Chinese Medicine). It has grown popular as an alternative to botox, said to promote collagen but also reduce acne by supporting the skin detoxification process. I am not trained in facial acupuncture, and I have not yet personally tried it but I can certainly appreciate what it is all about.
Are microcurrent facial tools safe/worth the hype?
I love microcurrent and use it in the treatment room during my Lift & Sculpt Ritual facial. Microcurrent helps to re-educate the muscles and firm the skin by toning, lifting, and sculpting the face. Electrical signals promote healthy circulation, heal and regenerate the skin. It is great for improving puffiness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, production of collagen and elastin, inflammation, acne and rosacea. The experience is very relaxing and noticeable results begin immediately, and accumulate with regular sessions.
Is Red Light Therapy worth the investment?
Red Light therapy is favored by estheticians and skin enthusiasts because it accelerates skin healing. It utilizes light energy in different electro-magnetic spectrums to stimulate fibroblast growth factors. Red light therapy is a noninvasive way to stimulate collagen formation resulting in a more plump, smooth and glowing complexion. Red light therapy treatments can be enjoyed professionally during your facial visits and maintained from home.
Favorite skincare product for that youthful complexion we all want.
Vitamin C Regenerating Balm is magic nectar in a jar that will bring your skin back to life. Its rich, creamy blend of organic plant butters & oils like rosehip, prickly pear, pomegranate and calendula sink deeply into skin to help retain hydration, radiance, and barrier support, sealing in moisture and preventing trans-epidermal water loss.
This question is from a reader: I’m approaching 45 and want J Lo Skin. Suggestions?
Glowing skin comes from within and our skin is in a constant state of repair and renewal, but if the blood and lymph are clogged with toxic gunk overflowing from the liver, our skin is going to be deprived of essential oxygen and nutrients needed for this repair and renewal process. “No flow, no glow is a phrase often used in the holistic beauty community and it is something I always consider for my own anti-aging lifestyle.
Pink Pitaya is one of my favorite anti-aging skin boosters, known as the fountain of youth fruit because it rejuvenates and brings cells back to life. It slows down and stops liver aging, which in turn will slow down aging of the skin. You can find dehydrated pink pitaya powders you can easily add to smoothies, as well as frozen, or fresh depending on where you live. Replenish by Osmosis MD is one of my favorite antioxidant, protective, and collagen boosting serums to topically support your skin’s glow.
Favorite Non-Toxic Skincare Brands
I’ve curated a mindful selection of skincare products in my online shop from brands like Apoterra, Solara, and evanhealy, and also enjoy Osmosis MD for those who are looking for a holistic minded, medical grade skincare line.
A few other brands I enjoy are:
Living Libations
Three Ships
Osea
Botnia
Laurel
Cosmedix
Eminence
EmerginC
Cocokind – great drugstore find
Non-Scented Skincare Recommendations.
Most brands have a non-scented option in their lineup, I do use products that are synthetic fragrance/perfume free but if you’re looking for products without any natural aroma at all even from the botanicals inside, Graydon skincare is well known for this.
Do we really need to use a toner after cleansing?
Yes, but not in the way that you think. A toner’s job is not to “balance the skin after cleansing”, or to “remove makeup you missed after cleansing”. Most toners will be an astringent that can work to balance oils, or fight acne – which is not something everyone needs. I do recommend using a botanical hydrosol, or mineral mist after cleansing and while applying your finishing skincare products. Damp skin is more absorbent than dry skin and this will also help to retain and lock in moisture levels of the skin.
Favorite undereye product(s).
I use Apoterra’s Vitamin C Regenerative Balm under the eyes often, and love Osmosis’s Illuminate Crystal Under Eye Treatment.
Favorite mask.
I’m a sucker for a face mask and will try almost anything. Lately I’ve been using Apoterra’s Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud and Mineral Purifying Mask often.
Correct order to apply skincare products?
Typically you want to apply your products thinnest-to thickest and remember each step is preparing the skin for what is next. An example would be:
Cleanser
Mineral Mist
Serums
Moisturizer (whether if it is a lotion, cream, oil, butter, or balm)
In the morning you might want to use sunscreen instead or layer over your moisturizer.
And at night time you might want to finish with any targeted spot treatments.
Favorite product for brow growth.
A small amount of castor oil on the brows in the evening has been known to help support hair growth.
Thoughts on the sun in correlation with our skin.
Sun burns hurt your skin, and should be avoided at all costs. However, the sun is incredibly healing and enhances the absorption and function of EVERY single nutrient in the body. The standard Western diet contributes to wrinkles, dark spots, and faster aging more than the sun ever could alone. In a recent Instagram Live, I heard Anthony William explain that the sun actually pulls toxins from the body and draws them towards the surface of the skin. I cannot stop thinking about this and how It can explain why some people develop dark spots, and others do not or why some people have seemingly allergic reactions to the sun. There are multiple factors that contribute to our synergy with the sun, and the way we choose to fuel our bodies can either work for us or against us. Your skin will always reflect what is happening below the surface.
Any info/tips on melasma?
Anthony William teaches us that dark spots are caused by internally produced dermatoxins made of one-half methylated aluminum and the other half a mix of methylated cadmium, nickel, lead, and mercury; different types of age spots depend on the composition of that second half. Skin discoloration can also be a sign of an overburdened viral liver.
An Osmosis product I enjoy to help fight discoloration is Correct Preventative Retinal Serum.
Favorite Suncreen(s).
I have really enjoyed Solara suncare over the past few years, they have many options to choose from, but I carry the Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk in my online Mindful Beauty Shop!
How do we protect our skin from the damaging computer screen light?
Our skin’s job is to protect us from all environmental and exposure factors. Your topical antioxidants in skincare are what is going to help shield and protect your skin from these exposures, and mineral zinc has been said to help block this light too. But really a common factor all these screens have is the EMF exposure too. I would bring in the EMF brain saver shot if you spend a lot of time near screens. And also consider your inner antioxidants from healing fruits that will support and combat free radical damage.
Favorite foods or meal recommendations for healthy skin.
I always focus on a hydrating, healing morning to promote flow from within. I’ve been drinking celery juice for 4 years, and think it is important to eat plenty of leafy greens and beta-carotene rich foods to support the skin. General skin food advice would be to add a variety of fruits to your diet for glowing healthy skin.
What does your morning skincare routine look like?
Since I do have access to all sorts of skincare, my routine tends to vary. Today it looked like this:
Purify Enzyme Cleanser
Infuse Activating Mist
Replenish Antioxidant Serum
Guardian Angel Peptide Sunscreen Milk
Vitamin C Regenerative Balm
What does your nighttime skincare routine look like?
Again, this can always change but one serum I use every night is the Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum by Omosis MD, I also love to double cleanse at night time.
I admire your beautiful tattoos. Is there a safer tattoo ink that you look for when getting one?
Thank you! I did get my sleeve done long before I learned and understood more about heavy metals. There are cruelty free inks available, but all tattoo ink will be depositing heavy metals into the skin that do release into the blood over time. I’m so happy about the latest Brain Saver books by Anthony William with so much information about heavy metals and detoxing protocols.
What does your typical breakfast look like?
I do love my morning cleanse lifestyle, so after my lemon water and celery juice I might have another juice, or brain shot, followed up with a smoothie, maybe some morning melon. My boyfriend and I always shop for “fruits of the week” at the grocery store and like to explore them all when having breakfast together. He has really been loving the Medical Medium’s Apple Cinnamon Smoothie, so we have both been having that a lot lately.
Typical lunch.
On work days my lunches might end up being constant snacks throughout the afternoon because I might not have time between clients for a full lunch time sit down. When this happens I like to have a smoothie blend of banana, coconut water and spinach or barley grass juice powder. But my typical sit down lunch is usually leftovers or really easy breakfast-style potatoes topped with leafy greens, avocado, tomato, cucumber and various other toppings.
Your go-to dinner.
My boyfriend and I really enjoy cooking together. I think making meals for my friends and family is part of my love language so I’m always trying different recipes. We rotate through different soups, stews, pastas, casseroles, and tacos weekly. Potatoes and leafy greens are always a staple.
Favorite go-to drink.
I honestly love water, which might sound boring. But I’m always drinking thyme water or lemon water. Celery juice is always a go-to, Cantaloupe juice or pineapple juice are also some of my favorites.
Favorite form of self-care.
My skincare routine has always been a sanctuary for me. Sometimes growing up, it felt like being alone in the bathroom with my skincare was the only safe space I had to catch my breath and soothe my nervous system. Today I really enjoy my weekly facial routines, and a hot dead sea salt bath always resets my energy.
Lastly, what’s the best beauty tip you’ve learned along the way.
The best beauty tip I’ve learned along the way is that true beauty comes from within your heart. You glow differently when you’re kind and radiate compassion.
Book a Holistic Skin Consult with Katey from the comfort of your home.
Book a facial or brow service with her. She is located in Mississauga, Ontario.
Instagram @facesbykatey
A HUGE thank you to Katey for sharing her vast knowledge with us and taking the time to answer all of our many questions. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I just went to the most educated holistic skin school for a day.
Who else now wants to order too many of the products that she mentioned?! I started by ordering her Vitamin C Regenerative Balm. It looks like a drink for our skin and a great undereye balm.
Thank you so much for joining me here! If it’s your first time on my site, I would love for you to stick around. Xx Riane
Find me on the daily @herhealthystyle on Instagram
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