A conversation with Satara Arthaud, esthetician and founder of Clear Esthetics
What if your skin breakouts aren’t a failure of your routine—but a signal, an invitation to listen deeper?
In a world flooded with advice about skincare routines, “clean” beauty trends, and the never-ending cycle of product recommendations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially if you’re struggling with persistent acne. In this episode of The Dancing Willow podcast, Elliott sits down with esthetician Satara Arthaud of Clear Aesthetics to explore what it really means to care for acne-prone skin—beyond the trends, the shame, and the misinformation.
Satara brings a unique blend of clinical experience, holistic thinking, and deep compassion to her work. This blog post distills their full conversation into a comprehensive guide for anyone navigating the emotional and physical layers of acne.
Here is the episode for those who would like to listen- Skincare Truths, Acne Myths & Radical Skin Acceptance with Satara of Clear Esthetics
Rethinking Skincare: Not Just Natural, But Acne-Safe
While we all want to use natural clean products, but Satara reminds us that many natural ingredients—like shea butter, coconut oil, or tallow—can be extremely pore-clogging for acne-prone skin. Just because something is organic or nourishing for one person doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.
For those struggling with acne, ingredients matter more than marketing. Satara urges people to vet their routines using tools like the Acne Safe App.
Hidden Culprits: What Might Be Making Your Skin Worse
Some of the biggest acne triggers aren’t found in a serum or moisturizer—but in everyday routines. Here are a few of Satara’s red flags:
- Fabric softeners and dryer sheets: These leave behind a residue that coats your pillowcases and towels—transferring pore-clogging waxes to your skin every night.
- Haircare products: Sleeping with hair masks or wearing oils that touch the skin can be a major trigger.
- Biotin supplements: Often marketed as beauty boosters, biotin can actually increase keratin production and worsen acne in those predisposed.
- Multivitamins and prenatals: Many contain high biotin levels without people realizing it.
- Sleep hygiene & pillowcases: Satara recommends changing your pillowcase 1–2 times per week and wearing your hair up while sleeping.
These details are easy to miss but can make a big difference in reducing breakouts and inflammation.
Why Acne Isn’t Just a Surface Issue
One of the most powerful reminders from Satara is that acne is not just about skin. For many, it’s linked to internal imbalances—especially hormone fluctuations, stress response, or gut health.
As an esthetician, Satara doesn’t diagnose internal conditions, but she collaborates with her clients to explore:
- Whether stress, sleep, or diet patterns are affecting skin health
- If high cortisol levels or irregular cycles could be influencing breakouts
- How liver and digestive health connect to skin clarity
She also points out that even simple adjustments—like drinking water before coffee, adding minerals and protein to breakfast, or reducing inflammatory supplements—can have noticeable effects on the skin.
The Power of Extractions & Professional Care
Many people avoid facials out of fear that they’ll cause breakouts or irritation, but Satara explains the value of professionally performed extractions. These are not the same as “picking” at home—professional extractions are done with care, tools, and skin prep to minimize damage and support healing.
She often sees clients every two to four weeks for acne facials, especially during active flare-ups, and takes progress photos to track subtle but real transformation.
She also emphasizes that acne is not “cured”—it’s managed over time with consistency, support, and awareness of skin’s ever-changing needs.
On Exfoliation, AHAs & Retinol
Satara’s approach to exfoliation is thoughtful and individual. While gritty scrubs often cause more harm than good, chemical exfoliants like mandelic acid (an AHA) can gently break up dead skin, prevent buildup, and support cell turnover.
She recommends:
- Starting 3x per week, in the morning
- Observing your skin’s response before increasing use
- Being cautious with prescription-strength retinoids, especially if the barrier is compromised
“More” isn’t always better. Your skin might benefit more from soothing, hydrating, antioxidant-rich products than aggressive treatments or exfoliants. Especially in high-altitude or dry climates like Durango, moisture is everything.
Skincare as Emotional Work
One of the most resonant parts of the conversation was how emotional acne can be. Elliott shared her own experience with cystic breakouts, and Satara spoke to the “PTSD feeling” many of us experience when acne resurfaces after a calm period.
It’s easy to feel like a failure when your skin flares up. Especially in the wellness world, where we often assume clear skin is a sign of internal alignment, acne can bring up shame, perfectionism, and self-blame.
But acne, Satara & Elliott discuss, often makes us stronger. It teaches resilience, patience, and the ability to show up in the world beyond our outer appearance.
Facial Cupping, Healing Touch & Retreats
Satara also brings her healing gifts to Blooming Rooted Retreat, where she offers facial cupping sessions. Facial cupping supports lymphatic flow, puffiness, and gentle detoxification—and more importantly, it reconnects us to loving touch.
Allow yourself to be nurtured by Satara's healing touch and a calming ritual during the breaks at Blooming Rooted Retreat. Give yourself a change to integrate everything that we are learning and processing with the plants through the weekend with a moment of calm and pampering.
Final Reflections
This conversation with Satara is a balm for anyone tired of feeling defeated by their skin. Whether you’re deep in a breakout, rebuilding your confidence, or simply seeking more clarity around your products—this episode offers both practical guidance and emotional nourishment.
It reminds us that skin isn’t separate from who we are. It reflects our environment, our inner rhythms, and our stories.
And most importantly: you deserve to feel safe, supported, and beautiful in your own skin—no matter where you are on the journey.
Here is the episode for those who would like to listen- Skincare Truths, Acne Myths & Radical Skin Acceptance with Satara of Clear Esthetics
Connect with Satara
Satara Licensed esthetician, acne expert and owner of Clear Esthetics…
Her passion is helping clients achieve their healthiest, most confident skin through personalized treatments and care. Satara believes that skincare is health care and healthy skin is not just about appearance, but about feeling your best inside and out. Clearing acne is not a one-time thing…it’s a journey, and it’s her privilege to go on this journey with you.
Website: Clear Esthetics
Instagram: @clear_esthetics
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