Beauty Interview with AskCares Owner/Founder Olga Babakhanian

Today we are doing something a bit different—an interview with Olga Babakhanian, the owner/founder/head esthetician of AskCares in Studio City. She’s doing what a lot of us dream of doing in running her own brand and has the secrets you need to achieve the glowing skin you've been dreaming of. 

Olga Babakhanian/photo credit @AskCares

Do you believe any woman can have great skin, or do you think genetics plays a big part in determining skin quality?

I think that genetics plays a big part in our skin type, the way of aging, the amount of collagen, and elastin. But you can control the skin condition and prevent any skin problems looking at your parents’ skin at an older age!

What are the most important parts of a skincare routine?

The most important part of the skincare routine is CONSISTENCY, as with everything else in our lives:) The success of good skin is the using of correct professional products and visiting your esthetician once in 1-2 months.

“Our mission is to help everyone with skin concerns not only through our services and products, but also the advice we give and by changing the skincare industry for the better.”

What are the latest technologies in the beauty and cosmetics industry you use in your practice?

At AskCares we use machines and techniques that can stimulate natural work of the skin, such as cell turnover, collagen, and elastin production, boosting our own hyaluronic acid. Some of them are Fibroblast Skin Tightening, Microcurrent technology, RF lifting, micro-needling, hand sculpting face massage, etc.

Cosmetic skin fillers and injections rise in popularity but you vote against them? Why? 

I think that fillers and Botox don’t do great work for the skin and muscles in long-term concern. Yes, it’s very tempting to get rid of the wrinkles right away, but it’s not a healthy way for the skin to be plumped for some period of time, or for the muscles to be stopped, muscles have to work (contract).

Plus, capillaries are struggling each time you have injections done. Almost all my clients who constantly do injections have dilated capillaries problems. So, it's a choice of everyone, my mission is just to deliver more information about it.

How to know that it is time to see a skincare professional/esthetician?

As soon as you see your skin dull, pores are clogged, losing elasticity, maybe some breakouts, uneven skin tone, you are welcome to AskCares or any other skincare provider you trust! 

What is your favorite beauty routine for skincare? 

My favorite beauty routine is peeling. From the light one to the strong one. I believe in exfoliation but, as always, it has to be limited, balanced, and rationally picked by your esthetician.

Are there universal products that women need to have in their skincare routine?

Definitely, you should have a gentle cleanser, a toner, a serum, day and night cream, and a few different masks. As for ingredients, the most important are vitamin C, retinol, and AHA acids. Peptides, Phyto stem cells have become very popular as well, and also a must-have sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. 

What kind of stories do you love hearing from customers?

Anytime I get one of those emails where someone tells me my services, products or advice has somehow touched them and made their day, improved their skin, made them laugh, or made them think, I can feel my job is being done right.  That’s the best feeling, and the reason I do what I do.