Medical Aesthetician, MA

We sat down with Amber Peters, MA, to talk about her more than two decades in aesthetics, her approach to helping patients feel comfortable with aesthetic care, why she loves Hydrafacial treatments, and the value she places on the long-term relationships she builds with her patients in East Grand Rapids.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you enjoy outside of work?
I live in Hudsonville with my husband, and I have a daughter who is going into her senior year of high school. Right now, we’re doing lots of college tours and getting ready for that next chapter. She also plays volleyball, so we spend quite a bit of time traveling for that.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, reading and tackling DIY projects around the house. I’m almost always painting or working on something!

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
My mom was actually interested in aesthetics before it became as mainstream as it is today. She would go to a plastic surgeon’s office for treatments, and sometimes I would go with her. Being exposed to that world early on really sparked my interest and curiosity about skincare and aesthetics.

How long have you worked in aesthetics?
I’ve been in aesthetics for almost 24 years and have been with the Grand Rapids practice for about 10 years.

I started my career in a spa, back when med spas were first beginning to emerge. We offered full-service experiences with massages, pedicures, facials and other treatments. I had always envisioned myself eventually working in a more medical aesthetic setting, but looking back, I’m really grateful for that spa background.

It taught me to be mindful of the experience I’m creating for each patient. I want treatments to deliver results, but I also want patients to have a moment where they can relax and feel cared for rather than feeling like we’re rushing to the next appointment.

Have you personally tried treatments CSLC offers? Which are your favorites?
Over the years, I’ve tried just about everything! I love neuromodulators, and Hydrafacial has become a new addiction since joining CSLC. I also really love the results from HALO treatments, even if having the treatment itself isn’t necessarily my favorite part.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
Aesthetics can feel intimidating, especially for someone who is new to it. There are so many treatments, products and options that it can quickly become overwhelming.

I think it’s important for patients to know that we can meet them where they are. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. We can start small, gradually build a plan over time or keep things simple. That’s part of our job as providers: helping patients understand their options and determine what actually makes sense for them.

What treatment do you most enjoy performing?
Hydrafacial is probably my favorite. I love that I can give someone a treatment that feels relaxing while also delivering visible results. They get to have that enjoyable experience and then leave with fresh, glowing skin.

What are some of the most common concerns patients bring to you?
One of the things I hear most often is, “I feel like I suddenly aged 10 years.”

Sometimes patients can’t pinpoint one specific concern. They just feel like their appearance has changed seemingly all at once. Especially for women, hormonal changes can play a role in how they feel and what they’re noticing, which makes having both the aesthetic and regenerative sides of care available especially valuable.

Is there a particular part of your work with patients that feels especially rewarding?
Rather than one specific success story, what stands out to me is the number of patients who have continued coming back to see me over the years.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have patients who trust me with their skin, return regularly and allow me to become part of their routine. You develop relationships with people over time. As much as I try to educate them and help them along the way, I learn from my patients, too. I don’t take that privilege for granted.

What do you think patients often misunderstand about aesthetic treatments?
There can be a lot of confusion about what different treatments actually do. Many people don’t understand the difference between Botox and dermal fillers, for example, or they worry that trying one treatment is suddenly going to make them look dramatically different.

That’s not the goal. We want to enhance what someone already has while allowing them to continue looking like themselves. Creating an obviously overdone appearance generally doesn’t happen from simply trying one thoughtful, appropriately selected treatment.

Education helps take away some of that intimidation. Once patients understand what each treatment does and why we might recommend it, the entire process becomes much easier to navigate.

How have you seen aesthetics evolve in recent years?
I think the industry is moving toward a much more natural approach. We’re seeing greater interest in biostimulators like Sculptra and more comprehensive facial balancing rather than focusing exclusively on one small area.

Even with neuromodulators, treatment has evolved beyond simply treating the forehead or around the eyes. Providers can look at the face more comprehensively and create balance while still maintaining someone’s natural features.

What does confidence mean to you?
Believing in yourself. Life can be hard sometimes, and confidence is having that belief in yourself as you move through it.

What’s a skincare myth you love busting?
That dermaplaning makes your hair grow back thicker or increases hair growth.

Dermaplaning is first and foremost an exfoliation treatment. Removing the fine facial hair is an added benefit, but dermaplaning does not change the hair follicle or cause the hair to grow back thicker.

What’s one skincare product you think belongs in almost everyone’s routine?
Retinol, or some form of vitamin A.

I think everyone can benefit from something that encourages healthy skin cell turnover. I’ve seen the difference consistent retinol use can make over the years, especially in longtime patients. It can help maintain smoother, brighter-looking skin over time.

What’s your coffee order?
I’m pretty simple. Black coffee. Straight to the caffeine!

And finally, what does your ideal day of rest and recharge look like?
Anywhere warm, preferably under an umbrella with a good book.