Medical Aesthetician, MA, Phlebotomist

We sat down with Paige Turkelson, LA, MA, Medical Aesthetician and Phlebotomist at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Traverse City, to talk about the importance of creating a safe space for patients, why simplifying skincare often leads to better results, and the laser hair removal success story she’ll never forget. With a passion for education, training, and helping people feel comfortable in their own skin, Paige believes aesthetics should feel approachable, empowering, and never overwhelming.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m 31 years old and live in Traverse City with my husband of 5 years and our Aussiedoodle, Cash.

Outside of work, we’re almost always outdoors. We love hiking, paddleboarding, golfing, and spending as much time outside as possible. Northern Michigan is such a special place, and being active outdoors is a huge part of why we love living here.

What inspired you to puruse a career in aesthetics?
I’ve always known that I wanted a career where I could work closely with people and make a positive impact on their lives.

What drew me to aesthetics is the opportunity to help someone feel more confident while also creating a space where they feel comfortable, cared for, and supported. My goal is that when a client sits in my treatment room, that little portion of their day becomes the best part of their day.

I want people to leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Tell us about your background before joining CSLC.
I’ve been a licensed aesthetician since 2017.

Before joining CSLC, I worked at Sephora as an Operations Manager and Trainer. While I wasn’t actively practicing aesthetics at the time, that experience taught me a tremendous amount about skincare, education, leadership, and training.

Looking back, it helped shape the provider I am today and reinforced how much I love helping others learn and grow.

Have you personally tried the treatments you offer? Which ones are your favorites?
I’ve tried almost everything at this point.

If I had to choose my absolute favorites, it would be Dysport and microneedling. Those are two treatments I would genuinely pay for out of pocket even if I didn’t work here.

They’re reliable, effective, and consistently deliver beautiful results.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments? 
Sometimes less is more.

One of the things I love doing is simplifying the process for patients. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re presented with a long list of treatments and products.

Instead, I like to focus on what patients actually see in the mirror and what concerns them most. From there, we can create a straightforward plan that’s realistic, effective, and easy to follow.

What treatments do you specialize in or enjoy performing the most?
Laser hair removal will always be one of my specialties. I’ve been performing it since my first day at CSLC, and I absolutely love it.

Beyond that, I gravitate toward treatments that create meaningful transformation. Microneedling, Morpheus8, and other collagen-stimulating treatments are some of my favorites because they create such impactful changes in skin quality over time.

How do you incorporate regenerative aesthetics into your treatment plans?
PRF is one of my favorite regenerative tools.

Whether I’m using it topically with microneedling or recommending PRF injections for under-eye rejuvenation, it offers a natural way to support collagen production and tissue health.

One treatment I personally love and frequently recommend is PRF for neck rejuvenation. It can create beautiful improvements in an area that many people overlook.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
In Traverse City, we see a lot of acne concerns, particularly among younger patients.

We also treat a tremendous amount of pigmentation, sun damage, and discoloration. IPL is one of our most frequently performed treatments because so many people are looking to improve overall skin clarity and tone.

What’s your favorite combination treatment for natural-looking skin transformations?
Microneedling and Hydrafacial.

I love alternating the two treatments about two weeks apart and performing them as a series. Together, they improve hydration, skin texture, collagen production, and overall skin health.

It’s one of my favorite long-term treatment plans because it works for so many different skin types and concerns.

What’s one patient success story you’ll never forget? 
One that immediately comes to mind is a laser hair removal patient I started treating shortly after joining CSLC.

She was transitioning and came into her first appointment feeling very shy and nervous. Over time, we built a relationship, and she became one of the clients I looked forward to seeing most.

Watching her become more confident, more comfortable, and more herself was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that aesthetics isn’t always about appearance. Sometimes it’s about helping someone feel safe, seen, and comfortable in their own skin.

Many patients worry about looking overdone. What do you tell them? 
I always remind them that every provider in our office receives these treatments too.

The goal is never to look overdone. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself.

At CSLC, we prioritize natural results, honest recommendations, and patient education. If something isn’t right for a patient, we’re comfortable saying so.

That’s one of the reasons trust matters so much.

What do you think patients misunderstand most about aesthetics?
That it’s one and done.

Aesthetics is a process, especially when it comes to skin rejuvenation. I often explain it using a house analogy.

As aestheticians, we’re building the foundation. We’re stimulating collagen, improving skin health, and strengthening the structure. Then our injectors come in and fine-tune the details.

Both pieces matter, and the best results happen when those treatments work together.

Is there a treatment or technology that’s surprised you most with its results?
Morpheus8.

It’s one of the most misunderstood treatments in aesthetics because there are so many stories online about poor outcomes. But when it’s performed correctly and customized appropriately, it can create truly remarkable improvements in skin quality, texture, and tightening.

It’s a powerful tool when used thoughtfully.

What’s one piece of advice you give every new patient?
Invest in your skincare.

I tell patients all the time that approximately 80% of their results come from what they do at home. Professional treatments are incredibly important, but good skincare is what protects and maintains those results between visits.

How is CSLC different from other med spas?
Education.

The level of training, continuing education, and commitment to excellence here is truly exceptional.

We care deeply about educating our patients, setting realistic expectations, and helping people achieve meaningful results. We also offer a uniquely comprehensive approach, from skin rejuvenation and injectables to regenerative medicine, hormones, and wellness.

We can truly support patients from the inside out.

What do you love most about being part of the CSLC team?
The people.

Our team genuinely feels like family. We support one another, challenge one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.

Working with a group of talented women could easily become competitive, but that’s never been my experience here. It’s one of the most supportive environments I’ve ever been part of.

How have you seen aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years?
The biggest shift has been toward regenerative treatments and skin health.

Patients are increasingly interested in collagen stimulation, PRF, biostimulators, and natural-looking outcomes. They’re moving away from the idea of dramatic transformation and toward healthy, well-maintained skin.

As an aesthetician, that trend makes me incredibly happy.

What do you think the future of aesthetics looks like?
I think we’ll continue seeing advancements in regenerative medicine, peptides, skin health, and overall wellness.

People are becoming more interested in how they feel, not just how they look. I think aesthetics will continue moving toward a more holistic approach that supports both.

What’s a skincare myth you love busting?
That shaving, dermaplaning, or laser hair removal causes hair to grow back darker and thicker.

We can officially blame our grandmothers for that one.

What’s a skincare product you can’t live without?
Anything from Plated.

I’ve been incredibly impressed with the entire line.

What’s your coffee order?
An iced vanilla latte with oat milk.

And your dream destination for rest and recharge?
Anywhere warm, on a beach, with my husband and my dog nearby.

That’s all I need.