I believe in skin first hence the name of a series of installments in which I interview the skincare experts to find out their best skin tips! Learn from estheticians and facialists who believe in natural & organic skincare about how to best take care of your body’s biggest organ.

Today’s interview is with Tracey Timko, a highly experienced esthetician who works at Moko Organic Beauty Studio in Old City Philadelphia, recognized by Philadelphia Magazine for Best of Philly for 2014 Best Facial  & 2012 Best Holistic Spa. She tells us about her Ayurveda & sound therapy-based facials, thoughts on the infamous K-beauty 10-step skincare routine, how to take battle acne & more.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you started your career in skincare.

My name is Tracey Timko and I’ve been interested in skin care since the age of 10. My dad noticed that I had a bunch of beauty products all over my room, so he took me to a skincare lab nearby in South Jersey. The woman there took me on a tour of how they make their products and I left with my first skincare kit…A simple milk-based cleanser, toner and moisturizer. My dad was in a master’s degree program learning about the “Theory of Ten,” which basically means that what you are interested in around the age of 10, will be your best contribution and what you will love doing throughout your life. It’s interesting since I am still in this field, loving what I do and the doors have always been open and I’ve never had to feel like its “work,” so to speak. I became licensed in cosmetology in 1999 and my passion has always been skincare.

What’s your skincare philosophy?

My philosophy is organic and simple is better. And that skincare is more than just your skin. We are also so fortunate to live during a time when there are so many different varieties of natural, organic products on the market and they WORK!

I like that your facials incorporate Ayurvedic techniques & sound therapy. Tell us more and why you developed this.

I began my journey with Aveda when I was in the United States Coast Guard and whenever we pulled back into our port in Seattle, I would rush to the Aveda concept salon/spa where I was rejuvenated and refreshed. This is why I enrolled at an Aveda-based cosmetology school after my discharge from the Coast Guard because I knew that the concept that Aveda originated from, (created by the amazing Horst Rechelbacher) which is Ayurveda was important to me. Thus, began my love for natural, Ayurvedic remedies for skincare. I also discovered yoga at the age of 19 and it changed everything for me, personally and professionally. The nervous system controls the skin, hence, why stress aggravated the skin, so any remedies to calm the nervous system is therapeutic and should absolutely be part of facials. I received my BA in psychology in 2005 and this has definitely had an influence on how I listen and tend to my clients, from ambience to actual therapies chosen which make for a unique, customized experience for everyone. Spas are therapy.

I taught skincare at Rizzieri Aveda School from 2008-2012 where my dream came true to travel to the Aveda headquarters in Minneapolis, MN and I met and was trained to be a spa coach & educator by Helga Hefner, Aveda’s Global Educator. Her advanced techniques inspired me and I incorporate those, as well. Sound healing became a part of my facials around the time, as well. The brain immediately responds to sound waves and the client is more tranquil, ready for rejuvenation and their 1 hour or 1.5 hour is a mini-vacation. I currently work at Moko Organic Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, PA. We use powdered herbs and Intelligent Nutrients which was created by Horst Rechelbacher and the results from this line are immediate and it’s safe for the skin short and long-term. The skincare line is based on Ayurvedic principles so it’s pretty much edible.

A lot of people know about the Korean 10-step beauty routine. Do you believe in this approach?

It seems to be the basic idea of “exfoliate and hydrate.” Skin types and skin conditions vary so much, so in my experience, not all skin types even need to cleanse everyday and not all skin types can exfoliate everyday, either. Everyone is so unique which is why it’s important to get a facial, almost as a check-up to have the customized experience and proper recommendation. This routine begins with an oil-based cleanser which is what other skin philosophies also involve, in order to pull out the oil, dirt and makeup. (Like attracts like) And it’s similar to what I do, except regarding home care, it would have to be less regimented for the various skin types.

What is one skin-care best practice that you think makes the biggest impact?

One skin-care practice that makes the biggest impact is hydration. Squeeze a little lemon into your water, use a humidifier in the drier months and stop over-cleansing!

For those battling acne & breakouts what do you recommend?

For acne and breakouts, look for products that cleanse and exfoliate with enzymes & with mechanical methods. For example, Intelligent Nutrients has a Glycolic Acid (from sugar cane) in one of the cleansers. This will exfoliate dead skin, brighten hyperpigmentation and keep the follicles clean. In addition to an enzymatic action, it can be alternated on different days with the Refining Micro Polish (natural jojoba beads) to get the additional surface exfoliation and to get the skin acclimated over time to the enzymes. People can easily overdo the exfoliation and this can damage skin in the long-term, even certain ingredients out there are simply too harsh for the skin. They also must treat the skin with antioxidants in serums to protect and strengthen the cells, which can be used alone sometimes and followed up with the appropriate light moisturizer. Acneic clients tend to be dry from using harsh products that strip their acid mantle/barrier and this can have the opposite effect on their oil production AND leave them more vulnerable to breakouts. Whether it’s turmeric, neem oil or benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, look for antibacterial ingredients, too.

Any last skincare tips?

Other than that, always remember that skin is our largest organ and take preventative measures now with regular facials, mindful home care products and take care of the whole self! What we do at Moko Organic Beauty Studio is important to us, reminding our salon and spa clients that they deserve the best that the beauty world has to offer. Beauty has taken on a different meaning. People are aware of ingredients and their effect on the skin and the body. We are fortunate to have this knowledge now!