Why I Wrote The Esthetician’s Guide to Skincare Basics
If you’ve ever left a facial feeling better, only to feel unsure about what to do next at home, you’re not alone. One of the most common things I hear in the studio is, “I wish someone had explained this sooner.”
After more than 26 years as a licensed esthetician and as the owner and principal esthetician at Monarch Brow + Facial Studio in North Carolina, I’ve worked with thousands of clients across every skin type and concern. Over time, a pattern became clear. Most people aren’t struggling because they aren’t trying. They’re struggling because no one ever gave them the full picture of how skin works and how daily care, professional treatments, and long-term skin health actually connect.
That gap is why I wrote The Esthetician’s Guide to Skincare Basics, Volume I.
This guide is meant to support what we do in the treatment room by giving you clarity and confidence outside of it.
What This Skincare Guide Covers
This guide walks through the fundamentals of skin health in a way that’s easy to understand and practical to apply, whether you’re receiving professional treatments regularly or simply trying to care for your skin more thoughtfully at home.
Inside, you’ll learn how skin functions as a living organ and why barrier health influences everything from sensitivity to breakouts. We cover how to accurately identify skin type, why it’s often misunderstood, and how that misunderstanding can lead to frustrating routines. You’ll also learn why common issues like acne, dryness, and irritation tend to repeat, and how to approach them with more stability over time.
The guide includes clear guidance on building a simplified skincare routine, understanding body skincare concerns, recognizing allergic reactions, and knowing when professional treatments are appropriate. It also introduces a realistic, supportive approach to well-aging that respects how skin naturally changes.
How This Supports Your In-Studio Care
At Monarch Brow + Facial Studio, treatments are never about quick fixes. They’re about supporting skin over time. This guide was written to extend that same philosophy into your daily routine.
When you understand your skin, professional treatments make more sense. You’re better able to maintain results, avoid unnecessary irritation, and make informed decisions between appointments. This guide gives you the context that allows in-studio care and at-home care to work together instead of feeling disconnected.
About the Author
The Esthetician’s Guide to Skincare Basics is written by Angela Hugghins, licensed esthetician with over 26 years of experience, owner and principal esthetician at Monarch Brow + Facial Studio, and creator of Cult of Reason Skincare.
Cult of Reason Skincare was developed from the same treatment-room experience that shaped this guide. The focus is on foundational products, intentional formulations, and routines that support skin without overwhelming it. You can explore Cult of Reason Skincare through the link provided here or during your visit to the studio.
Format and Access
The guide is delivered as a digital EPUB, compatible with all major e-book readers and easily convertible to Kindle format. After purchase, you’ll receive an email with a secure download link so you can read it on your phone, tablet, or e-reader at your own pace.
If you’re looking to better understand your skin, get more from your treatments, and feel more confident about what you’re doing between appointments, The Esthetician’s Guide to Skincare Basics, Volume I was written to support you.
Warmly,
Angela
Licensed Esthetician and facialist at Monarch Brow + Facial Studio in Carrboro, NC. Serving skin expertise to Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, Orange County, NC.