How Winning The Skin Games Changes Everything for an Esthetician

You can collect advanced certifications and take weekend masterclasses, but nothing alters your career path quite like standing on the stage at The Skin Games. It is widely considered the Oscars of our industry for a reason: it forces you to prove your worth. But what happens after you fly home, unpack that massive trophy, […]
How to Tell Between Hormonal and Stress Acne and Build a Protocol That Works

Two clients walk into your treatment room with active breakouts. Both are adults. Both have tried over-the-counter products with limited success. Both are frustrated. But when you look closely at the location of the lesions, the morphology, the timing, the pattern, you begin to see that their acne is telling two different stories. One is […]
Michael Razzano’s Historic Journey to Esthetician of the Year

In the high-stakes world of professional aesthetics, The Skin Games (TSG) is the ultimate proving ground. This year, the energy in Dallas was electric as the competition celebrated its landmark 10th Anniversary. But the night belonged to one man who turned years of “almosts” into a historic “always.” Michael Razzano didn’t just win; he shattered […]
The Science of Pain-Free Sugaring

It’s the question that echoes through every trade show aisle: “I’ve almost stopped sugaring because my hand hurts. Is this just part of the job?” For many estheticians, the fear of carpal tunnel or chronic wrist pain is enough to make them put down the paste for good. But according to Jarratt of Keko Botanicals, […]
Inside the Scoring: What Judges Are Really Looking for in the Skin Games Face Massage Competition

Whether you’re officially registered or still deciding if you should compete, understanding the scoring system is one of the most powerful ways to prepare for The Skin Games Face Massage Competition. This is not about “just giving a great massage” — it’s about executing with intention, professionalism, creativity, and strategy under a clearly defined judging […]
The 2025–2026 Skin Games Finalists Have Been Chosen

ACNE FINALISTS (2025–2026) Cathy JohnsonDeanna IrvinEmma Hollenback-BettsGenice GonzalesJamie-Nelms AsareMelissa RiveraMichael RazannoMoto KinjoRahma SiguerdjidjeneTammy HangTyler Card (11 finalists due to scoring tie) AGE MANAGEMENT FINALISTS (2025–2026) Amanda SchneiderAnalisa HickeyBrenda HogsettJamie-Nelms AsareJessica FigueroaJuan SilvaKelsey BatesMichael RazannoNakisha HamiltonTerri BerryZoie Locatis (11 finalists due to scoring tie) COMPASSION FINALISTS (2025–2026) Tamny DuncanMary JenkinsTerri BerryAlehandra HarguthAlison O’NeilAshanty Avila COMPROMISED SKIN […]
Content Ideas Inspired by The Skin Games
If you’ve been following The Skin Games (TSG), you know it’s far more than just a competition. It is a masterclass in transparency, professional growth, and the “Art of Restoration.” For an esthetician, the problem isn’t usually a lack of skill—it’s knowing how to translate that magic in the treatment room into a digital presence […]
Sugar Myth Debunked – Why Bacteria Can’t Stand the Heat (or the Sugar)
In the world of hair removal, there are few topics that spark more debate than sanitation. If you’ve been in the industry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard the whisper: “Isn’t sugaring unsanitary? You’re using the same ball of paste on the client—how is that clean?” It’s a fair question, but according to […]
A Judges’ Panel Discussion on Acne and Age Management (2025/2026 Season)

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 […]
DIY vs. Professional Skincare: What Enthusiasts Need to Know

In the age of TikTok trends and Pinterest “kitchen chemistry,” the line between a professional treatment and a home remedy has become increasingly blurred. We’ve all seen the videos: someone mashing up an avocado, adding a squeeze of lemon, and promising a “miracle glow.” While the appeal of DIY skincare—lower costs, “natural” ingredients, and total […]
From Competition to Coverage: How The Skin Games Creates Media Opportunities

When beauty professionals and brands step into The Skin Games, it’s more than just a competition — it’s a stage. For Players, Sponsors, and Judges alike, the event is a chance to showcase talent, innovation, and authenticity in a way that the press can’t help but notice. Why Media Coverage Matters A single feature in a […]
How to Build Connections That Last at The Skin Games

Hey Skin Fam! You know that feeling when you just click with someone who totally gets your passion for skin? That shared spark, that mutual drive to learn and grow? That’s the magic of connection, and it’s absolutely at the heart of The Skin Games. This isn’t just an event; it’s a vibrant, living community […]