Your Personal Skin Coach

Kristen Baggett at Resort Skin & Wellness

Interview by Jordan Staggs

“I fell in love with skincare after receiving my first facial while I was enrolled in cosmetology school back in the early ’90s!” says Kristen Baggett, licensed facial specialist (LFS) and aesthetician at Restore Skin & Wellness in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. “I came home to tell my mother all about this amazing facial I had just experienced. I was immediately hooked for life. I completed my education as a cosmetologist and went back for my aesthetician degree. Working in aesthetics opened my eyes to the impact this field can have, and that’s what’s kept me passionate all these years. I love helping people feel comfortable in their own skin, and that’s truly what set the foundation for my career as an aesthetician.”

AA proud local of South Walton for twenty years, Kristen has an extensive medical background that allows her to combine clinical precision with artistic skin care, crafting customized treatment plans for each individual. VIE was thrilled to chat with her about her work, the ins and outs of skincare, and how anyone can make changes to their daily habits to improve skin health and beauty!

VIE: In your own words, what is an aesthetician?

Kristen Baggett, LFS: Think of me as your personal skin coach. I’m here to help you navigate products, treatments, and routines, while educating you on what your skin truly needs. Whether we’re targeting acne, aging, texture, pigmentation, or simply maintaining a beautiful glow, my role is to safely guide you toward healthy, confident skin.

I focus on treating the skin with customized, results-driven services such as facials, chemical peels, microneedling, HydraFacials, and other advanced treatments. My job is to assess your skin, understand your goals, and create a plan that supports long-term skin health, not just quick fixes. My favorite treatment is microneedling; however, you can’t beat a HydraFacial with dermaplane!

VIE: Terms like “microneedling” and “chemical peel” can sound intimidating. What can you tell us about these, and how can clients be properly prepared for them to ensure things go smoothly and achieve the desired effect?

KB: Even though terms like “microneedling” and “chemical peel” can sound intense, they’re actually very safe, controlled treatments when done by a professional. Microneedling simply creates tiny microchannels to boost collagen, while chemical peels use gentle exfoliating solutions to brighten and smooth the skin.

Preparation is key. I always recommend keeping the skin hydrated, pausing retinol a few days beforehand, and avoiding sun exposure. During the consultation, we walk through what to expect and how to care for the skin afterward. When clients understand the process, the treatments feel far less intimidating—and the results are always worth it.

VIE: When did you first start working at Restore Skin & Wellness? What sets the clinic apart from others in our region?

KB: I began working at Restore Skin & Wellness in Santa Rosa Beach in 2025, and from the moment I joined the team, it felt like home. After more than twenty years in the aesthetics industry, I had a clear vision of the kind of environment I wanted to be part of—one that balances medical-grade results with a genuine personalized approach to care. Restore has that rare blend.

What truly sets Restore apart is our philosophy: we don’t rush, we don’t guess, and we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every treatment is intentional, customized, and rooted in education. We also pride ourselves on creating a peaceful, welcoming space where clients immediately feel at ease. Our team collaborates closely, combining advanced training, medical oversight, and a warm bedside manner to deliver treatments that are both effective and deeply supported. It’s that balance of clinical excellence and genuine connection that makes Restore unlike anywhere else.

VIE: Do you feel there are often “trendy” treatments that people come in asking for each season or year? What are some of the trends you’re seeing in the industry?

KB: Yes—there are definitely “trendy” treatments that come and go each season. Social media and celebrity influence often spark curiosity, and clients will come in asking about whatever is getting buzz at the moment. Right now, the biggest trends in aesthetics focus on natural, healthy-looking results.

Collagen-stimulating treatments like microneedling are extremely popular, as are combination therapies that stack treatments for better results in less time. I’m also seeing a strong shift toward skin-barrier repair and overall skin wellness. Clients want long-term improvements, not quick fixes.

The biggest trend, though, is personalization. People are moving away from one-size-fits-all treatments and toward skincare plans tailored specifically to their goals and lifestyle. Our job is to help guide them beyond the hype and toward what will truly benefit their skin.

VIE: What are some tips for keeping our skin healthy and radiant at home in between visits?

KB: Healthy, radiant skin truly starts with what you do at home in between your professional treatments. Consistency matters more than anything, and a few simple habits can make a huge difference. Some of my top tips include:

• Keep a consistent daily routine. Cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing SPF every single day is the foundation of good skin. You don’t need twelve steps—just quality, consistent care.
• Never skip sunscreen. SPF is the most important anti-aging product you can use. It protects your results and prevents uneven tone, fine lines, and long-term damage.
• Use medical-grade skincare when possible. Professional products penetrate deeper and create real change in the skin, helping you maintain the progress we make in the treatment room.
• Don’t over-exfoliate. More exfoliation doesn’t mean better skin. In fact, too much can irritate and weaken your barrier. Gentle, intentional exfoliation goes a long way.
• Hydrate—inside and out. Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized with products that support your barrier function, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
• Listen to your skin. If something feels too harsh or your skin is becoming reactive, scale back and simplify. Your skin will always tell you what it needs.
• Maintain regular appointments. Your at-home routine works best when paired with professional care. Treatments help reset the skin, while home care preserves your results.

VIE: Living on the Gulf Coast, what should we look out for to help protect our skin from the elements?

KB: Living on the Gulf Coast means our skin is exposed to strong sun, humidity, and heat nearly year-round, so protection is essential. Daily SPF is a must—UV rays reflect off the sand and water, making sun exposure even more intense. Adding a vitamin C antioxidant serum in the morning boosts defense against sun and heat-induced damage.

Because humidity traps sweat, oil, and sunscreen on the skin, a thorough cleansing routine helps prevent congestion. It’s also important to support the skin barrier with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, especially after beach or pool days.

Finally, be mindful of heat exposure. Overheating can worsen redness and melasma. Hats, shade, and skin cooling afterward go a long way. With a few intentional steps, your skin can stay healthy and glowing despite the coastal elements.

VIE: What are you most looking forward to for 2026?

KB: I’m really looking forward to 2026 as a year of growth, both for my clients and for myself. The skincare industry is evolving quickly, and I’m excited to continue expanding my education, incorporating new technologies, and offering treatments that deliver even more personalized, natural-looking results. What excites me most, though, is deepening the relationships I have with my clients. Watching their confidence grow, seeing their long-term skin goals come to life, and being part of their wellness journey is truly the best part of what I do.

VIE: Thank you, Kristen!

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Visit RestoreSkinWellness.com to learn more or book your appointment!