Medical Aesthetician, MA

We sat down with Elizabeth Morse, LA, MA, Medical Aesthetician at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Petoskey, to talk about the skincare obsession that unexpectedly turned into a career, why she believes no two treatment plans should ever look exactly alike, and the technology she’s most excited about in aesthetics today. From microneedling and laser treatments to regenerative skincare and customized treatment plans, Elizabeth is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, glowing skin in a way that feels realistic, approachable, and uniquely their own.

Tell is a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I live in Boyne City, Michigan. Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my son, who is one year old. We love being outdoors and spending time with family and friends whenever we can.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
I’ve always loved wellness and self-care, but skincare was something I personally struggled with for years.

During the COVID pandemic, I suddenly found myself with a lot more free time as work and school shifted online. I became completely fascinated with skincare and skin health. The more I learned, the more I realized I wanted to turn that interest into a career.

As soon as restrictions lifted, I enrolled at Douglas J Aveda Institute in East Lansing, became licensed, moved to Northern Michigan, joined Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center, and the rest is history.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer? If so, which ones have been your favorites?
Absolutely. Microneedling and IPL have made the biggest difference in my own skin. I’ve seen noticeable improvements in overall skin quality, tone, and texture from both treatments.

I’m also a big believer in seasonal facials. They’re one of my favorite ways to keep skin healthy, refreshed, and glowing throughout the year.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
Customization.

Every patient is different, and that’s what makes aesthetics so rewarding. Whether someone has a specific budget, concerns about downtime, is completely new to aesthetics, or has years of experience with treatments, we can create a plan that fits their needs.

I love that we can use the same technologies and treatment modalities to achieve completely different outcomes depending on who we’re treating and what their goals are.

What types of treatments do you specialize in or love performing the most?
Microneedling is my favorite treatment to perform.

There are so many ways to customize it through treatment depth, patterns, and settings to address different skin concerns and goals. It’s incredibly versatile, and it’s also one of the treatments where I consistently see patients achieve meaningful improvements over time.

It’s rewarding because the results are both visible and long-lasting when patients stay consistent.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
One word: dullness.

I hear it from patients of every age. Living in Northern Michigan, especially through the long winter months, many people feel like their skin has lost its glow.

Whether it’s through skincare, facials, IPL, or other rejuvenation treatments, a lot of what I do is focused on helping patients restore brightness, vitality, and overall skin health.

What’s your favorite combination treatment or treatment plan to create noticeable yet natural transformations?
I absolutely love our Foundation Trio treatments.

The combination of IPL, Forma, and a facial checks so many boxes for patients. IPL helps improve discoloration, Forma addresses skin laxity and firmness, and the facial supports overall skin health and hydration.

Together, they create beautiful, natural-looking improvements that help patients look refreshed without looking treated.

What’s your favorite patient success stories?
Honestly, many of my most memorable patient experiences involve laser hair removal.

I’ve worked with patients who struggled with unwanted hair for years, and the confidence boost they experience after treatment can be incredible. It’s one of the treatments where patients often become emotional because it has such a meaningful impact on their daily lives.

Seeing someone feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Celebrities and overdone cosmetic work often make clients nervous about treatments. What do you say to assure them that results can still look natural?
I think it comes down to trust, ethics, and having an honest provider.

One of the biggest differences between natural-looking aesthetics and overdone aesthetics is having someone who’s willing to say no when something isn’t in a patient’s best interest.

At Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center, we take a very conservative and natural approach. We focus on realistic goals, honest conversations, and creating results that enhance someone’s appearance rather than completely changing it.

What do you think patients often misunderstand about aesthetics?
Many people think treatments are one-and-done.

I often compare aesthetics to going to the gym or getting a haircut. You wouldn’t expect one workout or one haircut to last forever, and the same applies to skincare and aesthetic treatments.

Healthy skin requires maintenance, consistency, and a long-term approach. The best results happen when patients view aesthetics as part of their overall wellness routine rather than a one-time fix.

Is there a treatment or techology that has surprised you most with it’s results?
IPL has probably impressed me the most.

The technology has advanced tremendously, and the results we’re seeing for discoloration, sun damage, redness, and overall skin quality continue to amaze me. It’s especially impressive because patients can achieve significant improvements with very little downtime.

What’s one piece of advice you give every new patient during a consultation?
Be honest.

Sometimes patients are hesitant to point out what bothers them because they think it sounds silly or assume we won’t understand. But the more open and honest you are about your goals and concerns, the better we can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

The best treatment plans come from collaboration and communication.

How have you seen the field of aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years?
The biggest shift I’ve seen has been the rise of regenerative aesthetics.

When I joined Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in 2021, RegenCen was still in its early stages. I remember hearing conversations about regenerative medicine and wondering how big it could really become.

Now it’s one of the fastest-growing areas of aesthetics and wellness. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how forward-thinking that vision really was.

Patients today want treatments that are personalized, regenerative, and focused on long-term skin health, and I think that’s a very positive direction for the industry.

What do you think the next 5-10 years will look like in aesthetic medicine?
I think we’ll continue seeing patients become more educated and engaged in their skincare and wellness routines.

We’re already seeing growth in at-home devices, advanced skincare products, and more personalized treatment plans. I think the future will involve a stronger partnership between professional treatments and at-home maintenance, creating a true year-round approach to skin health.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the CSLC team?
When I relocated to Northern Michigan, Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center immediately stood out.

The moment I walked through the doors, I knew it was a place I wanted to be part of.

What I love most is the balance between individuality and collaboration. Everyone brings their own expertise, style, and perspective, but we work together constantly to provide the best care possible. That collaborative environment is something truly special.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence means being your best self.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, and when you’re confident, you’re able to fully participate in the experiences that matter most. Feeling good about yourself shouldn’t distract from life. It should help you enjoy it more.

What’s a skincare product you can’t live without?
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.

If I could only recommend one product, that would be it. It’s an incredible vitamin C serum that helps brighten skin, improve overall tone, and support healthier-looking skin.

What I love most is that it’s both corrective and protective. It helps address existing concerns like uneven tone and dullness while also helping defend the skin against free radical damage and environmental stressors that contribute to visible aging.

My skin always looks healthier, brighter, and more radiant when I use it consistently, which is why it’s a staple in my routine.