The Skin Games isn’t just a competition. It’s a launchpad. Year after year, players who lean in, show up, and engage walk away with far more than trophies—think magazine features, educator roles, new job offers, brand collaborations, and even book deals.
So how do you make sure you’re one of them? Here’s the playbook, built from the wisdom of past winners, judges, and mentors who turned their Skin Games journey into life-changing opportunities.
1. Treat Everything as Content
Aggie Zeng, 2023–24 winner and now a judge, said it best: “Everything is content.”
- Record your consultations, your prep, your wins, and even your nerves.
- Share before-and-afters, behind-the-scenes moments, and your journey in real time.
Gem: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The messy, authentic parts of your story are what connect most with audiences.
2. Say Yes (Even When It’s Scary)
Nearly every panelist echoed this: say yes.
- Yes to competing.
- Yes to filming yourself.
- Yes to joining Zooms and panels.
- Yes to opportunities that stretch you.
Gem: Comfort zones don’t create exposure—visibility does.
3. Engage Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does)
Stephen reminded players that exposure isn’t automatic. The most successful players:
- Engage with posts, brands, and fellow competitors.
- Ask questions and connect with sponsors and judges.
- Use the support team—Skin Games leaders are just a DM or Zoom away.
Gem: You get back double what you give. Engagement is the multiplier.
4. Claim Your Accolades—Big or Small
Kelly Wolcott, judge director and Dermascope columnist, stressed this: visibility = credibility.
- Include “Skin Games Finalist/Player/Judge” in your bio.
- Share old case study content—if you posted once, post again.
- Leverage awards (or even being a finalist) for press releases and client marketing.
Gem: People respect what you’ve achieved—even if you think it’s “just a little thing.”
5. Know Yourself Before Saying Yes
Dominic Brandt, Esthetician of the Year 2022–23, urged players to ask:
- Who am I?
- What’s my mission?
- Who do I want to serve (clients, brands, other estheticians)?
- What’s my non-negotiable?
Gem: Exposure only matters if it aligns with your bigger vision.
6. Make Your Journey the Story
Dontel “King of Content” Williams shared a golden rule: “Show the journey, not just the finish line.”
- Share the late nights, family sacrifices, and struggles.
- Highlight your client transformations.
- Let clients speak for you—testimonials are more powerful than self-promotion.
Gem: Imperfections are relatable. They make your wins mean more.
7. Build Real Connections
Tiffany’s story proves the power of community:
- She went from a new esthetician to an international educator in two years.
- That happened by walking up to people, being authentic, and saying yes.
- She also credits the Players Club as her “industry family.”
Gem: Relationships last longer than any single award.
8. Think Strategically Like a Sponsor
Carol DeZarn showed that players and sponsors succeed the same way: by planning ahead.
- Weekly team check-ins.
- Branded shirts, photos, and group presence.
- Mentorship and training to prepare players before the event.
Gem: Strategy creates visibility. Think beyond your case study—plan your exposure too.
9. Create Legacy, Not Just Wins
Chelsea Oslund turned her player journey into a legacy as a judge, mentor, and educator.
- She mentored her staff into becoming award-winning estheticians.
- She leveraged accolades for school partnerships, client trust, and team recruitment.
- She used press releases and photo shoots to elevate her spa’s image.
Gem: Your exposure isn’t just for you—it can uplift your clients, staff, and entire community.
Final Takeaway
Exposure at The Skin Games doesn’t happen by accident. It’s created through mindset, action, and connection.
- Treat everything as content.
- Say yes to opportunities.
- Engage, ask questions, and build connections.
- Claim your accolades proudly.
- Align every opportunity with your bigger vision.
Because here’s the truth: whether you walk away with a trophy or not, the real prize is the platform. How you use it will determine how far your career can go.
Action Step: This week, post one piece of content from your Skin Games journey—past or present. Tag @TheSkinGames, share your story, and claim your spotlight.