An interview with Rachel Dickman of Carrie Lindsey Beauty
@r.dickmannn
Rachel wears ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey Mask

Tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in a very holistically healing household. My mother practiced reiki and instilled the importance of touch and human connection at a very young age, ideals that helped build the foundation of my practice now.

I worked in the corporate fashion space for 10 years as a Visual Merchandiser for different luxury brands and while I loved my job, the politics & structure of the corporate world drained me. So when I was let go in July 2020 during sweeping layoffs due to Covid-19, it actually came as a huge relief. I started working at Carrie Lindsey Beauty after being introduced by a mutual friend. The idea was to work the front desk a couple of days a week, get out of the house and socialize a little (this is when offices were still 100% WFH). By the end of that first day, I realized I found my dream job. I also gained a mentor in Carrie, and consider myself incredibly lucky.

I’ve now been working as an Esthetician full-time for almost 2 years! Beyond healing your skin, my facials are primarily focused on facial massage. We hold so much tension in our face that’s not being addressed. I start every facial with the question, “How do you want to leave feeling today?”. Facial massage can be a deep emotional release, beyond the benefits of lymphatic drainage, oxygenation, and of course lifting/sculpting.

It's been an unpredictable journey, and I certainly did not expect to start a new career in my mid-30s. But thanks to my partner’s support, friends, CLB & my amazing clients, I couldn’t imagine being happier or more fulfilled in any other space.

What is your own personal skincare regime?

I try to keep it simple for my sensitive & highly reactive skin. The three brands really key to keeping my skin happy are ACTIVIST, Environ & Monastery.

From Environ I use their Vitamin A moisturizer & Colostrum Gel. Everything that defines happy healthy skin is a direct result of vitamin A. I would love to get all my clients on their A boosting products. Colostrum supports my skin’s immune system, desensitizing my more reactive skin from environmental factors.

Monastery is a ritual. Whenever I use it, I find myself massaging longer & taking in the moment. Their Rose oil cleanser is my favorite on the market and about once a week I add a pump of their XX to the mix for a gentle exfoliation and brightening. Aloe is a true hydrating hero with two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (this will be a savior come winter).

ACTIVIST Mānuka is really the foundation of my skincare routine. All of its wonderful healing properties keep my skin calm & happy. I use it as a second cleanse, I mask with it roughly 2x a week and if I have a pimple - it’s a spot treatment! Pure Mānuka Oil is especially great for this. Then there is the Green Botanical Serum, which is my favorite scent on this earth. The blue tansy in it reduces my redness & leaves me glowing!

First thing you do every morning?

First thing I do when I open my eyes? Pull my dog Rosie up for a cuddle. First thing I do once I am out of bed? Enjoy a big glass of water w/ lemon while I boil water for coffee/tea.

Skin care advice you find yourself repeating?

I have too many clients that come in with compromised skin due to using a variety of anti-aging and exfoliating products yet have little to no moisture in their routine.

Proper hydration and moisturizing is key. Not only does it plump the skin, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. But it strengthens our skin barrier and acid mantle, reducing the effects of environmental threats.

Do you have any tips related to aging?

My all-natural, California-sun-raised, no-frills mother, who probably does not even know what retinol is, has only the softest wrinkles. She is 64 years young and just aging radiantly. Her secret? She’s moisturized her entire body every morning & evening since she was in high school. We should all be following in her footsteps.

When it comes to aging naturally or with the help of science, I’m not in any one camp. But there is a piece of me that’s excited to meet my face at 64, and what stories it will tell.

Favorite skin care ingredient?

It would have to be Mānuka Honey with Propolis close behind. Bee magic is a real thing!

Thoughts on the skin care industry right now?

This has less to do with the skincare industry and more the TikTok skincare world. People, please stop getting your advice from anyone that isn’t a skincare professional. I beg of you.

How do you incorporate ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey into your practice and your own personal routine?

Mānuka Honey has long been the cornerstone of my own skincare routine, and it’s now in my practice! I begin by massaging it into the skin, encouraging its healing abilities to penetrate deeper. Then, instead of toweling it off, I leave it on as a mask while I place my client under an LED light for anywhere from 5 - 20 minutes. When I do take it off, any redness is gone, and inflammation is greatly diminished! Skin is happy, healing, brighter & hydrated. I incorporate it into about 80% of my services.