From her early days as a 14-year-old shampoo girl to becoming one of the most sought-after master aestheticians in the country, Sarah Akram’s career has been an extraordinary journey. With over 50,000 customized treatments under her belt, she now counts celebrities like Rachel Zegler and Sheryl Lee Ralph among her clients and serves as a skincare expert and ambassador for Dior Beauty. Despite her packed schedule and life as a mother of two, Akram has cultivated a powerful self-care philosophy. For her, the key to a healthy glow is an “inside job,” where lavish creams and professional treatments are merely the “icing on the top” of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
From Passion to Prowess: A Career Built on Connection
Sarah Akram’s path to becoming a master aesthetician was sparked by a profound moment of connection. At just 14, working as a shampoo girl, she received an expert facial from a professional who rented space at the salon. She remembers thinking, “Oh my gosh, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced,” and from that moment, she was hooked. With her mentor’s guidance, she earned her aesthetician license at 18 and never looked back. Akram’s profound talent for skincare quickly spread through word of mouth, leading her to open her own eponymous boutique, Sarah Akram Skincare, in Alexandria, Virginia.
For a professional who treats skin on a daily basis, it’s perhaps no surprise that Akram is a firm believer in face-to-face connection. She says she doesn’t suffer from “Zoom fatigue” because she intentionally limits her screen time. Her philosophy is that we have become “wed to our gadgets” and are losing a sense of personal connection. To combat this, she sets strict boundaries with her phone and encourages others to do the same. This mindful approach to screen time is a core part of her self-care, allowing her to stay present and connected to the people and world around her.
The Aesthetician’s Arsenal
As a master aesthetician, Sarah Akram has a clear idea of what works for her skin, and she has curated an impressive arsenal of products. For her body, she loves Saltair’s line of products, including their body scrubs and moisturizers. She is also a huge fan of Biologique Recherche, a brand known for its powerful and effective formulas. She swears by the Crème MSR-H Corps, a fantastic tightening cream, and the Lotion P50 Corps, a product that she says has been a “godsend” for bumps on her legs and other areas. For her, these products are essential for achieving and maintaining smooth, lifted skin.
In her daily routine, she also has a few key favorites. She loves Dior’s Le Baume, a multi-purpose product that she uses on her lips, cuticles, and hands. She also has a penchant for a good toner, and the last beauty product she put on today was the Auteur Definitive Lifting Toner, which she uses as a setting spray to provide a dewy finish and help her makeup last longer. These products, from her body scrubs to her toners, are an essential part of her routine.
Subtle Glam and Daily Routines
As she’s gotten older, Sarah Akram’s approach to makeup has shifted from full-coverage glam to a “less is more” philosophy. She says she went through a phase where she wanted all the contour, coverage, and lashes, but now she prefers a more subdued and softer look. Her daily makeup consists of a tinted moisturizer and concealer, a simple base that allows her natural skin to show through. She is a big fan of Dior’s makeup line, introduced to her by her makeup artist friend Ricky Wilson. She particularly loves the Dior Forever Skin Full-Coverage Correct Concealer and the Dior Diorshow Brow Styler, which she says has been a complete “game-changer” for her.
For her, this simple and subtle approach to makeup is about feeling confident and comfortable in her own skin. She believes that true beauty comes from within, and her makeup routine simply enhances what’s already there. This philosophy is a perfect reflection of her “inside job” mindset and her commitment to authenticity in all areas of her life.
Finding Balance in the Chaos of Motherhood
As a busy mother of two—a four-year-old and an eight-month-old—Sarah Akram has little time for traditional self-care rituals. She says that her life at home is “so chaotic” that lighting candles or incense is often unrealistic. Instead, she finds peace in the simple act of watching TV. She loves to sit and watch a good Netflix show to decompress after the kids are in bed, even if it sometimes leads to a late-night binge. For her, this simple habit is the most effective way to unwind.
When it comes to fitness, she has had to get creative. She jokes that her “workout” consists of chasing her daughter and lifting her baby. She tries to be mindful of what she is eating and to make healthier choices. For her, this new focus on nutrition is a way to ensure she lives a long and healthy life for her children. This pragmatic and intentional approach to wellness is a testament to her strength as a mother and a professional.
The Inside Job: A Philosophy of Well-Being
Sarah Akram’s most powerful piece of self-care advice is a reflection of her entire career. She believes that taking care of yourself is an “inside job,” where the most important factors are nutrition, sleep, and managing stress. She acknowledges that all the “amazing creams” and “fabulous facials” she uses and provides are wonderful, but they are just the “icing on the top.” She believes in the “80/20 rule,” where 80 percent of a person’s well-being comes from the inside, and only 20 percent is external.
She encourages her readers to find tools and habits to mitigate stress and to do something for themselves every day. For her, this includes practicing gratitude, which she believes is an “incredibly important” part of a healthy life. Akram’s philosophy is a refreshing reminder that while professional help and luxurious products can be beneficial, the true foundation of beauty and wellness comes from the intentional care we give ourselves, from the inside out.
