I finally stopped trying to pop every single blackhead I see

Back when I started, maybe 5 years ago, I felt like my job wasn't done unless I got every last one, even the tiny ones that weren't ready. I'd spend an extra 15 minutes on a client's nose, leaving it red and angry. The turning point was a regular who looked in the mirror after a facial and said, 'My face looks like it lost a fight with a bee.' That hit me hard. Now, I focus on the ones that are truly ready to go and leave the rest for next time. It's better for their skin and my schedule. Anyone else have to unlearn that 'perfectionist' pressure?

4 comments

4 Comments

the_simon3mo agoMost Upvoted

Good for you, that's a tough habit to break.

michael6693mo ago

Totally get that need for perfect results! Honestly, what helped me was setting a timer for each area. When it goes off, I move on, even if I see a few that aren't ready. It felt wrong at first, but clients actually heal faster and come back happier. Letting go of that "must get everything now" feeling was a huge relief for my own stress too.

hollyl253mo ago

Wait, you actually STOP when the timer goes off?

parkerbrown1mo agoMost Upvoted

I actually read a study in a nursing journal that found people who cleaned until the timer went off had way better patient outcomes than those who just cleaned until it looked good. Something about how the human eye can miss a lot of bacteria that you can't see. The timer forces you to be thorough in a way that your gut feeling just can't match. Kind of changed how I think about my own cleaning routines around the house too.