Carly Santini is a licensed esthetician and certified laser technician located in Old Town Scottsdale. Her background is in naturopathic medicine, but she made the switch to esthetics as she is passionate about helping people feel confident in their own skin. As a results-driven practitioner, she specializes in facials, peels, and micro needling. She is also a certified Face Reality Acne Specialist who loves educating people both online and in-person about how to take care of their skin.
How did training to become a Dr. influence you into going into the esthetics field?
I had always dreamed of specializing in dermatology and helping people improve their skin’s health and appearance. However, due to the pandemic, I had to teach myself everything, as online medical school made it challenging to receive hands-on training or guidance from instructors. Unfortunately, the stress of medical school led me to developing acne, which sent me on a frenzy trying to figure out what products, treatments, medications, and supplements would help cure me.
That’s when I discovered the field of esthetics, and it felt like the perfect fit. I could use my medical background to help clients achieve their aesthetic goals, while also enjoying a better work-life balance. Since making the switch, I’ve been amazed at all the wonderful clients and opportunities that have come my way.
Why is clean beauty so important to you in your practice?
I completed a course in medical school called 'Environmental Medicine' which provided insight into the harmful contaminants present in our surroundings such as air, food, water, and personal care products. The course highlighted that the responsibility of finding chemical-free products lies with the consumers, as our government permits the use of numerous chemicals in our products, even though they are banned in other countries. Since taking the class in Environmental Medicine, I have become more conscious of the quality of air I breathe, the food I eat, the water I drink, and the personal care products I use on my skin. I did a deep clean of my personal care products after taking this class and got rid of everything with harmful chemicals and I coach my clients to do the same.
The EWG Skindeep website has a database of 87,582 products and you can use it to determine if the products you're using are safe and free from harmful chemicals.
The EU and other countries have banned or limited more than 1,600 chemicals from personal care products. But regulators at the Food and Drug Administration prohibit just nine for safety reasons.
This chart shows a few chemicals to watch out for that can affect fertility.
A few states have taken initiative to protect public health by placing restrictions on the chemicals used in cosmetics. For instance, California and Maryland have prohibited the usage of 24 chemicals in cosmetics and Colorado and California have outlawed the usage of the hazardous “forever chemicals” PFAS.
However, the existing law on cosmetics needs to be amended so that materials that are already banned in other countries no longer appear in the hundreds of products that Americans use.
How did you start to realize your water was affecting your skin?
After relocating from Chicago to Arizona for school, I noticed a significant difference in the impact of water on my hair and skin. The water in Arizona caused my hair and skin to become dry and brittle. It wasn't until I took my Environmental Medicine class that I confirmed these observations by checking the Environmental Working Group website. I discovered that the Scottsdale water contained numerous harmful chemicals in levels exceeding legal limits.
Upon further research, I learned that Chicago's water is cleaner as it is sourced from Lake Michigan, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes, and undergoes strict water treatment processes. In contrast, Arizona relies heavily on groundwater, which has high levels of calcium and magnesium, making it harder. The water treatment infrastructure in Chicago is also more advanced, using ozonation and carbon filtration to remove contaminants, while Arizona uses older methods that are less effective. This is when I knew I needed an in-home water filter which led me to finding Filterbaby.
Filterbaby can filter out up to 99% chlorine and a myriad of other contaminants that can be harmful to the skin barrier.
How does being an esthetician correlate to health and wellness for you?
As an esthetician, I am a firm believer that our skin is a reflection of our internal health. Studies indicate that several factors such as chronic stress, poor gut health, and an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. As part of my practice, I provide my clients with guidance on various lifestyle factors, such as maintaining healthy eating habits, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and other self-care practices that can contribute to healthier skin and overall well-being. By taking a holistic approach to skincare, I strive to address the root causes of skin concerns rather than just treating their symptoms. My goal is to help my clients achieve not only their desired skin goals but also improve their overall health and well-being
What is your approach to healing acne?
As an esthetician with a background in naturopathic medicine, I take a holistic approach to skincare. I believe that achieving clear, healthy skin requires addressing all the root causes, and exploring each one with my clients. Acne, in particular, is a multifaceted issue, and can have a range of underlying causes, including personal care products containing comedogenic ingredients, high-glycemic diets, lifestyle factors, stress, and hormonal imbalances. To help my clients address these root causes, I provide extensive handouts that cover each topic in detail. I also encourage my clients to take an active role in their own skincare journey, by making lifestyle changes and using products that are appropriate for their skin type. While I can't force my clients to change their habits, I empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their skincare goals. Ultimately, I believe that true skincare success comes from taking a comprehensive approach that addresses all the factors that contribute to healthy skin. By working together, my clients and I can create a personalized plan that supports their overall health and well-being, while also helping them achieve their desired skincare results.
What are 3 tips you can share with the Filterbaby community to achieve healthy glowing skin?
My three simple tips that can often be overlooked in a skincare routine but can have a huge impact on your skin are as follows.
Firstly, always remember to wash your hands before washing your face.
Secondly, make sure to shower and brush your teeth before washing your face to avoid any residue from shampoo, conditioner, or toothpaste.
Lastly, it's important to ditch the communal hand towel and dry your face with a new, clean towel every time.
These small but essential steps can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy and clear skin.
We Did The Research So You Don’t Have To:
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/10/personal-care-product-chemicals-banned-europe-still-found-us