Courtney Allen is all about making people feel good from the inside out. Once an ER nurse, the founder of the cosmetic dermatology clinic Canvas Skin has seen patients at their most vulnerable moments. It’s these lessons that guided her journey to skincare. Today she’s on a mission to boost her patients’ confidence and happiness. Allen spoke with us about Canvas Skin and why less is more.
Your journey into skincare is quite interesting because you started out as an emergency room nurse. Can you walk us through the transition?
Throughout my career journey, I have embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, starting from a young age. At just 15, my parents instilled in me the importance of hard work, and that lesson has shaped my professional life. My true career started in the emergency department as an ER nurse — a role that profoundly influenced who I am today. The intensity of that environment taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the human experience. It was here that I developed a deep understanding of patient care and the impact we can have on people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. Alongside my work in the ER, I pursued my passion for aesthetics by providing Botox treatments through a mobile Medspa company. This dual experience allowed me to blend my clinical skills with my desire to enhance patients’ confidence and happiness. After my time in the ER, I transitioned to the PACU, specializing in general and plastic surgery. This role not only deepened my nursing skills but also played a crucial part in my journey towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
I was dedicated to my studies and completed my master’s program while working, driven by a passion for dermatology and plastic surgery — fields where I could witness the joy of transformation firsthand. Though my initial attempts to secure a position in dermatology or plastic surgery didn’t pan out, I found myself in pain anesthesia. This experience further enriched my understanding of patient care and pain management. Nine months later, I was thrilled to step into a medical dermatology role, which eventually led me to bridge into cosmetics — a specialty that truly captured my heart. The culmination of these experiences ignited a passion that encouraged me to take a bold step: opening my own clinic. This venture has allowed me to create a space where I can offer comprehensive care and foster happiness in my patients’ lives. Each chapter of my career has been marked by hard work, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference, and I am excited to see where this journey continues to take me.
What brought you to skincare? And how do you compare the two roles?
My medical background in dermatology bridged me into medical grade skincare. Quality skincare goes hand-in-hand with getting skincare treatments. For instance, you lose the full purpose and wrinkle prevention of Botox if you don’t also use a retinol or tretinoin to stimulate cellular turnover. My medical dermatology background, combined with my passion for the aesthetic industry, inspired me to create the Canvas Skin skincare line. Now, our patients can be treated as a whole and sent home with products that will help them maintain beautiful skin. I hardly ever compare treatments to skincare because I truly believe customers should do both! You’ll see more immediate results with treatments, and then skincare is the cherry on top that keeps the skin in tip top shape and clients feeling like their best selves.
What sets your products in the Canvas Skin line apart from other brands?
Our products are expertly developed by scientists and skincare specialists to deliver medical-grade quality while being paraben-free, fragrance-free, propylene glycol-free, and non-comedogenic. At Canvas Skin, we prioritize using high percentages of active ingredients that truly deliver results.
Take our Lucent Vitamin C Serum, for example: it features 21% L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of Vitamin C that offers stability without oxidizing or emitting odors. The serum’s silky, non-greasy feel ensures a comfortable experience, making it easy for our customers to incorporate it into their daily routine. I believe in the necessity of Vitamin C for protecting and enhancing skin health, and our goal at Canvas Skin is to make using it a seamless and enjoyable part of everyday skincare.
What is one important skincare tip you can give to readers?
The two best skincare tips are to embrace “less is more” and prioritize quality over quantity. When it comes to skincare, medical-grade products stand out because they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients specifically formulated to improve skin health. This makes them more effective than many over-the-counter options.
Consistency is also essential. Sticking to a regular skincare routine and incorporating professional treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser therapy can significantly boost cellular turnover. This combination not only enhances the effectiveness of your skincare regimen but also helps achieve radiant, long-lasting results.
Why is Vitamin C so vital to the health and appearance of our skin?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and brightener. Who doesn’t want brighter skin? More importantly, Vitamin C protects and shields our face from radical ions and pollution in the air. Those things age us, just like the sun, and are just as harmful.
What does your own skincare routine look like? Do you have any favorite go-to beauty?
As a busy mom, simplicity is my jam. I have acne prone skin so I use a high ingredient wash such as our AIRO cleanser, Imera Toner Pad (debris and keep the bacteria down), Citro Scrub, and Retinol.
Why does our skin get so dried out in the colder months, and what are some key things we can do to prevent super dry skin?
Our skin gets dry in the winter because of the use of heat and fireplaces that are fluctuating in your home. Due to the drop in temperature and lack of humidity, our skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips! That’s why it’s important to switch over to a thicker vehicle of a moisturizer in the winter—such as the Canvas Skin Kalo Cream.
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Is there one beauty trend you’ve seen that has made you laugh or shake your head as an expert?
The Olive Oil J-Lo trend. Olive Oil is a heavy comedogenic oil which means it CLOGS YOUR PORES. It can lead to irritation and acne. So, J-LO has everyone out here getting acne now.
