Following a skincare protocol is one thing. Understanding why you're using every ingredient is something completely different.

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Amanda, owner of Loving My Skin Spa and creator of Skin Nerd Training, to talk about ingredient knowledge, continuing education, imposter syndrome, and how The Skin Games pushed her to become a stronger esthetician.

Amanda has been licensed since 2013 and has built her career around understanding skin on a deeper level. After earning the nickname The Skin Nerd, she eventually leaned into what made her different and turned that knowledge into an education platform for other estheticians.

They talk about moving beyond manufacturer protocols, understanding the intention behind your treatments, and why knowing your ingredients gives you the confidence to adapt as your clients and their skin change.

Amanda also shares her experience competing in The Skin Games. She entered her first year convinced she wasn't good enough, struggled with comparison and imposter syndrome, and ended up becoming a finalist in all three categories she entered. Today, she's an 11-time finalist and OG Legend.

In this episode:

• Why ingredient knowledge matters beyond memorizing protocols
• Turning your niche into something bigger
• Imposter syndrome and comparing yourself to other estheticians
• How The Skin Games challenged Amanda to grow
• Continuing your education as your clientele changes
• Building confidence by understanding the "why" behind your treatments

The Takeaway

You don't have to know everything to be a great esthetician, but you should always be willing to ask why. Keep learning, challenge yourself, and don't downplay the thing that makes you different. That may be exactly what sets your career apart.

Connect with Amanda

Loving My Skin Spa | Litchfield Park, Arizona
Skin Nerd Training: skinnerdtraining.com

Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions

Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions
Podcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions

Prickly Bare

Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians.

Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare
Website: pricklybare.com

If You Loved This Episode

Share it with an esthetician who needs the reminder to stop comparing, keep learning, and lean into what makes them different.