The Skin Games (TSG) recently kicked off its 2025–2026 Judges Panel Discussion series, sparking a season of deep dives into professional aesthetics. These discussions, which became a massive hit last year, offer the community a unique chance to connect with judges, absorb their expertise, and experience the heart of the TSG mission.
This season features a dynamic 50/50 split of returning and brand-new judges, forming a prestigious international panel with experts joining from the UK, Finland, Canada, and beyond. The inaugural session focused on two of the industry’s most vital pillars: Acne and Age Management.
The Acne Panel: Knowledge, Mentoring, and Custom Care
The discussion began with the acne panel, featuring returning judge David Valance and newcomer Aisha Wetburn.
Meet the Judges:
- David Valenzuela: Founder and CEO of WISH Skin Health. With a career spanning back to 1995—including roles at Aveda, Dermalogica, and as CEO for Face Reality—David is a powerhouse in the industry. His current focus is rooted in acne treatment through healthy barrier function.
- Iysha Wedderburn: Known as the “ESTIE Auntie,” Aisha is the owner of Sparkle and Shine Skincare. Starting as a makeup artist in 2014, she transitioned into aesthetics at age 40 to focus on skin health from the inside out. Today, she is a dedicated mentor helping both estheticians and nurses master skincare fundamentals.
A Passion for Mentorship
David highlighted that while acne is the #1 skin condition in the U.S., it remains one of the most undereducated sectors in aesthetics. He sees TSG as an essential platform for bringing diverse perspectives to light.
Aisha echoed this, reflecting on her early days in the industry when a lack of mentors forced her to learn through trial and error. Her mission now is to empower others so they don’t have to walk that path alone.
“One size fits one. Every person is unique; their skin, ecosystem, and microbiome are unique to them. The myth that acne treatment is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach needs to end.” — David Valenzuela
Diving Deep: The Root Cause of Acne
Both judges emphasized that success in treating acne requires looking beyond the surface.
- Aisha’s Success Strategy: Stay committed to who you are and never compare yourself to others. She encourages professionals to investigate “meat and potatoes” issues like diet and internal health, often referring clients for blood work to find the root cause.
- Challenging Cases: Aisha recalled a severe case involving a client’s mental health, where discovering food allergies through blood work finally led to clear skin. David shared a story of a 16-year-old on epilepsy medication—learning to manage those specific side effects allowed the esthetician to achieve incredible results.
Age Management: Holistic Skincare and Community
The second half of the discussion shifted to Age Management, featuring Jordan Ward and Triny Lefever.
Meet the Judges:
- Jordyn Warren: Owner of Jordyn Warren Aesthetics and a lead judge this year. As a licensed esthetician and Reiki Master, Jordan brings a holistic approach, connecting the dots between the skin and the nervous system. Her favorite modality? Microcurrent, which she has mastered over 13 years.
- Trinnie Lefevre: Owner of TL Aesthetics and co-creator of the Lefi Box. A former TSG “player,” Triny has competed in almost every category imaginable. This year, she brings her experience as a competitor to the judging table, focusing on the “mystery” of acne and age management.
The “Mystery” of Skin
Triny noted that treating skin is often like solving a puzzle. Whether it’s acne rosacea or a compromised barrier, she stresses the importance of an in-depth consultation to identify a client’s specific triggers.
For Jordan, the transition into age management was personal, becoming a focus in her mid-30s. She believes the community aspect of The Skin Games is what makes it special—providing a space for professionals to share victories and frustrations with those who truly understand the treatment room.
Final Thoughts
The discussion concluded with a sense of gratitude for the community TSG has built. It isn’t just a competition; it’s a global network of healers and experts dedicated to raising the standard of the industry.