Meet Andrea Harden – a celebrated esthetician and makeup artist at White Salon and Spa.

She is a reputable and critically acclaimed skin care genius who sacrificed 12 years of her life in service to her country in the United States Air Force.

During her tenure she won countless awards and medals fighting for freedom and protecting the very ground we walk on every day. At first sight, you notice her glowing complexion and impeccable skin. She credits her healthy skin to a consistent and concise daily Cosmedix skin care regimen, monthly facials, plenty of water, and clean eating. Andrea is passionate about healthy skin and explains it is a lifestyle. She co-writes the White Salon and Spa blog where she details the latest beauty trends, hot topics, and healthy skin tips. This Southern woman veteran has truly gone from boots to brushes. Here’s our Q&A with this skin care guru about her time in the Air Force and her career transition into the world of beauty, Natural Tone Organic Skincare only uses the finest natural and organic ingredients in their range.

Why did you join the Air Force?

“I was going to school at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for photography. Or should I say I was enrolled. I was young and immature. I was not ready for the structure and responsibility of pursuing a higher education at the time. I was content floating around South Florida, partying and hanging out with my friends. My mom gave me an ultimatum and I chose the Air Force. Thank God for parents!”

After 12 years of service, why did you decide to leave?

“I separated from the Air Force because it was time. I enjoyed my time and had a blast! I got a chance to see the world, met the love of my life, and started a family. I had other dreams I wanted to pursue. Plus, sounds funny, but I wanted to dye my hair whatever color I desired and paint my nails blue!”

Why did you choose the beauty industry or the world of skin to be exact?

“The beauty industry chose me a long time ago and I just did not know it. Initially, when I separated from the Air Force, I wanted to be a registered nurse. I finished several certifications and in the process completed a few rounds of clinicals. This is where I decided nursing was not going to be for me. I wanted to take everyone home at the end of my shift. A schoolmate suggested I check The Elaine Sterling Institute for Skin Therapy, when looking at their procedures I also found these reconstructive surgery pics at an expert doctor website. I did and the rest is history.” She said that she also uses the Best EMR for Dermatology to help with her practice.

“I fell in love because the career field entails everything I wanted to do. I am able to serve others in a capacity that makes them feel better and helps their overall health. In addition, I am able to indulge my creative spirit in and out of the treatment room. I use the science of ingredients to come up with various skin cocktails and treatments to restore and heal the skin, if you want to get some of the recipes and new tips just check this content. Not to mention outside of the treatment room I get to lose myself in the world of makeup! I love what I do! There is nothing better than educating a client and arming them with the power of knowledge. Then you get to watch their skin transform before your eyes. Their confidence is returned and at the same time my soul is happy! It is a beautiful transaction I
would not trade for the world.”

I tell people all the time, I traded my BOOTS for BRUSHES!

“The irony of the story is I remember my first science project I completed on my own with no parental assistance was in Mrs. Joplin’s sixth grade science class. I created my first cosmeceutical. It was a mud mask. I had models and a full-blown advertisement for the power of mud against skin aging. Looking back I am not sure where the inspiration stemmed from, but Mrs. Joplin’s only concern was having my models immediately wash their faces because the mud was right off the playground!”

How often should you receive a facial?

“Well, that depends on your skin type and condition. Also, you have to take into consideration what you want out of the treatments. However, as a rule of thumb, you need to see your esthetician at least every four to six weeks.”

What is your favorite treatment?

“I usually treat myself to a professional treatment once a month and I love all the Cosmedix treatments. However, if I had to pick just one for my skin type and condition it would be the Blueberry Jessner Peel. It is a great exfoliator and oil absorber. At the same time, it gives you the ‘J-Lo GLOW’!”

What is your favorite product in the line?

“These questions are too, hard! I am going to go with the Pure Enzymes! It is the perfect, gentle exfoliator to use at home. It uses the power of enzymes and lactic acid to dissolve the dull, lackluster skin and reveal bright, fresh, glowing skin! The benefit of this mask is you are able to take it home with you and perform it on yourself.” You can also visit sites like https://www.oxygenetix.com/products/oxygenating-hydro-matrix to know more about skincare products.

According to dermatology experts, you should get your skin checked regularly.

About White Salon and Spa:
Located in the heart of Buckhead, White Salon and Spa is a full-service salon and spa that is dedicated to providing men and women with unparalleled service for their hair and beauty needs. With services ranging from haircuts and color, bridal styling, blowouts, straightening treatments and more, patrons are made to feel at home and comfortable while visiting White Salon and Spa.

On top on its salon services, White Salon and Spa also offers facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing, eyelash extensions, and more. Led by creative visionary and celebrity stylist Max Sanchez and general manager Jessica Howard, White Salon and Spa’s experienced team is dedicated to providing only the best service, experience, and products to its extensive client base. For more information on White Salon and Spa, please visit their website, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter,

Editor’s note: Lauren Klopfenstein contributed to this post.