BEHIND THE GLOW

interview

Farhana Usman is a skin therapist, educator and aesthetician with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. In 2007 she launched her own skincare brand, ‘Evergreen Herbals’, which soon became a well-known skincare brand in salons and beauty shops all over Pakistan.

“This led GIZ, a reputed German NGO, to hire me as a master trainer/skin therapist to give classes to their students on aesthetics, skincare and haircare. I have also mentored and trained students of NAVTTAC (National Vocational and Technical Training Commission). Becoming a trainer did not stop me from advancing my own skills. I continued my training under the mentorship of different dermatologists such as Dr Seema Hirji and Dr Adeel ur Rehman,” elucidates Farhana, who now work as a consultant in different clinics and salons on an appointment basis. In an exclusive interview with You! Farhana talks about the importance of skincare and facials. Read on…

You! What inspired you to get into skincare?

Farhana Usman: When I was in school and later in college, my mother always encouraged me to take short courses during our summer breaks. I always found myself more inclined towards courses related to beauty and skincare, so I think it was a natural progression.

You! How important are facials in keeping one’s skin firmer?

FU: Facials play an extremely important role in boosting collagen, improving blood circulation and hydrating the skin. This helps keep the skin firm, which in turn gives a more youthful appearance.

You! What kinds of facials do you offer to your clients?

FU: I mostly offer HydraFacials, microneedling, galvanic and high-frequency facials. I also offer a treatment that I like to call the ‘cocktail facial’, which addresses multiple issues caused by hormonal imbalance. The products used in the facial may be changed or added depending on the client’s age and their skin’s specific needs.

You! What’s so special about your facials?

FU: I believe my speciality is working on the inner layers of the skin and not just the topmost layer. I first check the client’s skin and then suggest a suitable facial according to their skin type. You could say there is a personal touch involved in my facials which makes them so special (smiles).

You! What are your three favourite skincare products?

FU: My three favourite products are those that contain Vitamin E, a collagen-boosting ingredient and sunscreen. In short, a skincare routine should include a gentle cleanser, a Vitamin E serum, a moisturiser and sunscreen.

You! What is one common mistake women tend to make in skincare?

FU: One common mistake women often make is overusing glycolic acid-based products or products containing kojic acid in an attempt to ‘whiten’ their skin. They believe these products will lighten their complexion; however, what actually happens is that the first layer of the skin becomes damaged, which is what creates the temporary whitening effect.

You! What do you suggest to women who are over 40?

FU: My suggestion to women over 40 would be to take their skincare seriously. Women in their 40s are usually going through perimenopause, which causes hormonal imbalances and various side effects. This can also lead to mood swings and may make them feel internally insecure. Facials can help them relax and potentially support hormone balance. A good facial and an improved skincare routine also help repair the skin which can be particularly important for this age group.

You! Any skincare tip for young girls?

FU: Keeping a good sleep cycle, staying hydrated, avoiding stress as much as possible and regularly applying a good SPF are some tips I give to my younger clients.

You! What is the one skincare product women of every age should be using?

FU: Any product that provides deep hydration is beneficial for women of all ages. Moreover, you should take care of CTM – cleansing, toning and moisturising.

You! What is the biggest skincare myth - what should we know?

FU: Many women are generally obsessed with the idea of having fair skin and in doing so, use skin whitening creams, thinking they will become ‘gori’ overnight. The truth is that these whitening creams are actually harmful to the skin. Healthy skin has nothing to do with fairness and there is no link of beauty and skin tone. If someone wants a fairer complexion, they should know that only a certain degree can be achieved without severely harming the skin and body.

You! Do you recommend using sunscreen daily in winter?

FU: Yes, absolutely. Sunscreen protects us from sun exposure and UV rays, so it should be used every day, even in winter. However, it’s important to note that a sunscreen only provides protection according to the SPF indicated on the product. After a few hours, its effectiveness decreases and leaving it on for too long could have adverse effects. Therefore, you should wash off your sunscreen after a couple of hours and reapply to maintain proper protection and avoid any side effects.

You! How important is sleep for healthy skin?

FU: One should get at least 7-8 hours of sound sleep every night so that muscles, tissues and hormones can relax. Sleep triggers the release of beneficial hormones such as collagen which helps the skin look smoother and firmer. Additionally, as sleep helps you relax, it also helps regulate cortisol and balance the production of estrogen and melatonin. All of these are important for keeping your stress levels down and preventing undue breakouts and premature aging.

You! Are there any emerging skincare trends that excite you?

FU: The use of ampoules and serums - such as those containing hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide or rosemary - is particularly exciting. These products are extremely beneficial when applied correctly within the proper skincare routine. They can even be applied directly under an appropriate moisturiser. Therefore, I now advise my clients to avoid heavy creams or creams with high molecular weight so that their skin barrier remains soft and the ampoule or serum can penetrate effectively and do its work.

You! Are you in favour of cosmetic treatments like Botox?

FU: I am not in favour of such cosmetic treatments, as they do not offer a permanent solution and need to be repeated every 3-6 months. They are not only extremely expensive but also time consuming, since you cannot wash your face for up to 48 hours or go out in sunlight. This is why I put so much emphasis on facials (especially from an expert) and beauty exercises, as they help your skin in the long run and can prevent the need for cosmetic treatments such as Botox.

You! You are an educator too. Tell us, what does a beauty educator do?

FU: A beauty educator provides awareness. They teach their students how to treat the skin, how to handle tools and how to sterilise them. They are also responsible for teaching beauty ethics to their students, such as how to do their job more responsibly, with deep understanding and how to groom themselves appropriately. Beauty educators also teach their students skin anatomy and provide hands-on practice with different techniques such as micro needling, facials and chemical peels.

You! What is the most challenging aspect of a beauty educator?

FU: The beauty industry is ever evolving and keeping yourself updated with the latest techniques and trends, and then providing your students those skill sets, can sometimes prove challenging.

You! What are your future plans?

FU: Firstly, I would like to start my own aesthetic clinic. Secondly, I want to re-launch my skincare brand, Evergreen Herbals. (Due to COVID I had to shut down my skincare business in 2020). I also want to collaborate and open a state-of-the-art beauty institute where knowledge can be imparted to aspiring beauticians.

Farhana’s pictures credits:

Photography: Hussain Pairt

Hair and makeup: Angie’s salon

Coordination: Umer Mushtaq