Medical Aesthetician, MA

We sat down with Jensen Auclair, LA, MA, Medical Aesthetician at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Traverse City and Suttons Bay, to talk about her passion for skin rejuvenation, why great results start long before a patient walks into the treatment room, and the role education plays in helping patients feel confident in their skincare journey. A Northern Michigan native with a love for sailing, Petoskey stone hunting, and helping people understand their skin, Jensen believes some of the best aesthetic outcomes come from consistency, collaboration, and a personalized plan built to last.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
I was born and raised in Traverse City and still call it home today.

Outside of work, I love spending time on the water, especially sailing during the summer months. I’m also a big fan of hunting for Petoskey stones, exploring Northern Michigan, and spending time with my cat, Poppy.

What inspired you to purse a career in aesthetics?
I’ve always loved skincare and aesthetics, even from a young age. Whether it was skincare products, beauty treatments, or helping people feel more confident, it was something I naturally gravitated toward.

What surprised me was how much I enjoyed the educational side of aesthetics. Before pursuing this career, I actually considered becoming a teacher. While that wasn’t ultimately the right path for me, I realized I still loved helping people learn and understand new things.

Aesthetics gave me the opportunity to combine both passions. I get to educate patients about skincare, treatments, and skin health while also helping them achieve results that make them feel more confident.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer? If so, which ones have been your favorites?
I’ve tried just about everything I offer, and I think that’s important because it allows me to accurately explain the experience to patients.

My favorite combination is microneedling with PRF, rotated with Hydrafacial treatments. If I had to choose one treatment, microneedling would probably be my favorite because of the improvements it creates in skin texture, tone, and overall skin quality.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
One of the biggest things I emphasize is what I call the 80/20 rule.

About 80% of your results come from what you’re doing consistently at home, while the remaining 20% comes from the professional treatments you receive in the office.

Patients sometimes want to rely entirely on treatments, but skincare is really a partnership. The most successful outcomes happen when great in-office treatments are paired with a consistent home routine.

What types of treatments do you specialize in or love performing the most?
Facials and skin rejuvenation treatments will always be my favorites.

Facials were one of the first services I learned as an aesthetician, and they’ve remained a passion of mine ever since. I also love microneedling because it’s such an effective treatment for improving overall skin quality and stimulating healthy collagen production.

Helping patients achieve healthier, stronger skin is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
I really see the full spectrum.

Some patients are dealing with acne and breakouts, while others are focused on age spots, texture concerns, skin laxity, or signs of aging. One of the things I enjoy most about aesthetics is that every patient is different, which means every treatment plan is different as well.

What’s your favorite combination treatment or treatment plan to create noticeable yet natural skin transformations?
Two of my favorites are the Foundation Trio and RegenGlo.

I love that these treatment plans address multiple concerns at the same time. We can target pigmentation, stimulate collagen production, improve skin firmness, and support overall skin health in a way that creates natural-looking improvements.

They’re great examples of how combining treatments strategically can often produce better results than relying on a single treatment alone.

What’s one of your favorite patient success stories?
It’s hard to choose just one, but some of the most rewarding transformations I’ve seen involve acne patients.

Through customized treatment plans that included treatments like VI Peels, facials, and medical-grade skincare, I’ve watched patients gain confidence as their skin improved. Acne can affect so much more than appearance, so seeing those changes happen over time is incredibly rewarding.

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 often remind patients that many of the people they see every day, including providers and staff members, have received aesthetic treatments themselves.

The difference is that good aesthetic work isn’t obvious.

Our goal isn’t to change someone’s features. It’s to enhance what already exists and help patients look refreshed and confident. When treatments are done thoughtfully and conservatively, the results should look natural.

What do you think patients often misunderstand about aesthetics or filler?
Many people assume that every filler, every treatment, and every result is the same.

The reality is that products, techniques, placement, and treatment plans vary tremendously. A bad result isn’t necessarily representative of aesthetics as a whole. The provider, the plan, and the approach all matter.

Is there a treatment or technology that has surprised you most with its results?
PRF has probably surprised me the most because of how many different ways it can be used.

I’ve personally experienced benefits from PRF for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and even joint discomfort. It’s one of those treatments that continues to impress me because it supports the body’s natural regenerative processes in so many different areas.

How is CSLC different than other med spas?
One of the biggest differences is our consultation-first approach.

We spend a significant amount of time getting to know patients, understanding their concerns, discussing expectations, and educating them before treatment ever begins.

There are multiple touchpoints throughout the patient experience, and every interaction has a purpose. I think that level of communication helps patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their treatment decisions.

How have you seen the field of aesthetics evlove over the last 5 years?
I’ve seen a major shift toward regenerative aesthetics and greater customization.

Patients are realizing they can achieve beautiful results through treatments that support collagen production and overall skin health rather than focusing exclusively on traditional injectables.

I think the industry is becoming much more personalized, which is exciting because it allows us to create treatment plans that truly fit the individual.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the CSLC team?
The people.

Before I started here, I already knew some members of the team, and I had heard wonderful things about the culture. Once I joined, that reputation proved true.

Everyone is supportive, collaborative, and genuinely invested in helping each other succeed. It’s a group of talented women who are constantly learning from one another, and that’s something I value tremendously.

What’s a beauty or skincare myth you love busting?
One misconception I’ve become passionate about correcting is the idea that every acne patient should avoid microneedling.

As we’ve continued our education and training, we’ve learned that microneedling can actually be an incredibly effective tool for many acne patients when used appropriately as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sometimes the things we believed years ago evolve as new research and education become available.

What’s your coffee order?
An iced dirty chai with oat milk. Simple, but it’s my favorite.