Lines of Experience: Insights from a Skincare Pro
With over 17 years in the beauty industry, Kathy, licensed esthetician and founder of Skin Essence By Kathy Trinh, has built a reputation for results-driven skincare and honest, research-based guidance. Known for her commitment to education and her refined understanding of skin science, Kathy approaches anti-aging with both passion and precision. In this exclusive Q&A, she opens up about her favorite tools, the most misunderstood ingredients, and the one goal she hopes every client achieves.
"Once they feel satisfied with their skin, that’s everything to me." — Kathy Trinh
Q: When did you first start your journey?
A: I've been in the beauty industry for over 17+ years.
Q: What professional treatments or modalities are underrated yet highly effective for anti-aging?
A: Microcurrent and LED treatments are very beneficial, with microcurrent being the most effective. While this treatment doesn't provide instant results, it works long-term and is highly advantageous for our skin at a deeper cellular level. I use microcurrent once a week.
“Microcurrent works deeply—it’s not flashy, but it’s powerful.”
Q: What skin condition or concern do you feel is the most challenging?
A: No doubt—Melasma, Pigmentation, and Glycation. Lifestyle, medication, and stress all affect these skin conditions.
Q: Which experience do you find the most enjoyable and rewarding?
A: I find it incredibly rewarding to give a client a facial and witness the transformation in their skin and how relaxed they become afterward. I particularly appreciate seeing them take the time to care for themselves. Often, as women, we prioritize the needs of others over our own.
"Facials are more than skin care—they’re self-care."
Q: What's your ultimate goal for your clients regarding aging?
A: When it comes to aging, my ultimate goal for clients is to help them achieve the skin they have always wanted or feel satisfied with. Once they reach that point, I recommend continuing the skincare routine we developed, specifically tailored to their skin. Unfortunately, no "fountain of youth" is found in one bottle or key ingredient. Instead, combining all the essential ingredients helps maintain the aging process, just as our bodies require various nutrients to function effectively.
Q: Which ingredients do you believe trigger the most collagen synthesis at a cellular level?
A: I wholeheartedly believe Vitamin A, Vitamin C, peptides, and exosomes are the key. Although exosomes are still in their infancy, they show great promise.
Q: What are the most overrated ingredient or modality in the industry?
A: Hyaluronic Acid is overrated. Yes, it can attract water to hydrate the skin. However, most clients misunderstand that how HA is formulated is vital. If it is not correctly formulated, it will dry out the skin instead, and the client has to consider the environment when using HA.
As for modalities, Hydrafacial is way overrated. It is expensive and does not yield any better results than other modalities.
"HA isn't bad—but it’s misunderstood and overhyped."
Q: You’re known to have a love for reading studies and taking countless courses—even repeating them. Who or what had the biggest impact on your career?
A: I love reading, attending classes, and even retaking them to enhance my knowledge and better serve my clients and myself. Florence Hill Barrett undoubtedly greatly influenced my understanding of skin function. She taught me how cellular mechanisms work and what steps we must take to achieve desirable results.
Q: Which study stands out to you the most from all the research you’ve read?
A: There isn't just one thing that stands out to me; they all do. However, I am particularly fascinated by pigmentation. It involves 150 genes, which is why, even today, no ingredients or treatments can eliminate pigmentation. While it is possible to lighten it, complete removal is still impossible.
Q: If we could peek inside your at-home skincare products, what would we find?
A: Vitamin A and C. It is a golden rule for me when managing aging—also, peptides. Now, I am including some exosomes, too.
Q: If you could only choose one treatment to receive for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: For me, it would be the LED mask. I absolutely love using it, and everyone should have one. The mask stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to improve pigmentation and brighten the skin. One surprising benefit of LED therapy I didn't know before is that it also helps relieve eye fatigue.
"LED masks are underrated—every home should have one."