We are honored to introduce Kat Bullard, an oncology-trained esthetician and skin therapy specialist who shares Starling's deep commitment to gentle, supportive skincare for sensitive and compromised skin.
Kat received her advanced training in oncology esthetics from Oncology Spa Solutions and Greet the Day, and she is a proud member of the Society for Oncology Esthetics.
Her expertise in supporting skin health during cancer treatment has led her to serve as a guest presenter at both Carson Tahoe Hospital and the Conrad Breast Center at Renown, where she has educated patients on caring for their skin during and after treatment.
Raised in Northern Nevada and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. Kat brings a thoughtful, personalized approach to skin therapy. She believes that every person’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not be right for another. Her recommendations are carefully tailored to help skin thrive—especially within the challenging climate conditions of Northern Nevada, where she resides.
Before entering the world of skincare, Kat worked as an ophthalmic medical assistant specializing in retinal imaging, giving her a strong medical foundation and a deep respect for the science behind skin health.
At the heart of Kat’s philosophy is a belief that healthy skin is resilient skin. Her goal is to help each client create a personalized path to radiant, balanced skin—no matter the season or circumstance.
We are extremely grateful to partner with Kat who shares our mission of supporting sensitive skin with compassion, science, and integrity.
Get to know more about Kat:
Nathalie: We are so excited to partner with you at Starling! Can you share your personal journey that led you to specialize in oncology esthetics?
Kat: It’s truly interesting to look back and see the different experiences that quietly led me to where I am now.
When I was 29, my mom passed away from cancer. She was someone who deeply inspired me through her dedication, resilience, and compassion. My mom was a first-generation immigrant and a nurse. I cherished the stories she shared about her work — like when she would pray for mothers during delivery, or when she held the hand of someone beyond recovery and spoke words of comfort to them.
After walking through her battle with cancer, I followed in her footsteps into the medical field. Like my mom, I found a deep sense of purpose in patient care. I loved getting to know my patients, learning from their stories, and walking alongside them through their challenges.
When I later went back to school for esthetics, one of my instructors shared her experience in oncology esthetics. This was the moment everything connected for me. I realized I could use my skills to offer compassion to those facing cancer in a different way. I may not be walking with patients through medical treatment, but I can provide comfort, and a sense of being cared for through a gentle facial.
Nathalie: What is your guiding philosophy as an esthetician working with individuals
undergoing cancer treatment?
Kat: While working with someone navigating cancer treatment, it’s important to remember that even if they look well on the outside, their body may be under a great deal of stress. Certain cancer treatments can increase the risk of drug-related skin toxicities, and some individuals can be at risk for developing a debilitating condition called lymphedema. Because of this, treatment protocols must be carefully adapted. Massage pressure, stroke direction, heat, and ingredient selection all require thoughtful consideration to ensure safety and support.
The skin often becomes more fragile, reactive, and easily compromised, which means it needs extra care and support. At the core of my skincare philosophy is the belief that healthy skin function is the foundation of everything. During cancer treatment, the focus shifts away from aggressive correction and toward barrier support, hydration, protection, and minimizing additional stress to the skin. In this way, we can also address signs of skin aging by addressing skin health.
Nathalie: As an expert in sensitive skin, what specific services do you recommend for clients who are immune-compromised or seeking safe skincare alternatives?
Kat: For individuals who are immunocompromised, it’s important to seek care from an esthetician certified in oncology esthetics. This training focuses on reducing infection risk and adapting treatments and products to safely support compromised skin. I also encourage clients to consult their oncology team before beginning any new wellness or cosmetic services during active treatment.
Sensitive skin is not a single category — there are different subtypes and triggers. There is also little regulation around terms like “sensitive” or “hypoallergenic.” As the FDA has noted, these labels can mean whatever a particular company wants it to mean.
Because of that, I focus less on marketing claims and more on ingredient integrity. For sensitive or compromised skin, I prioritize treatments that strengthen the skin barrier, maintain hydration, and reduce inflammation to support skin health and function.
That philosophy is also what I value in the brands I choose to work with — thoughtful
formulation, transparency, and ingredients that actively support skin health.
Nathalie: Can you describe some of the treatments you offer that are game-changing for
sensitive skin? How can our long-distance clients replicate these at home?
Kat: One of the most impactful treatments I offer for sensitive skin is red light therapy. While it’s currently very popular, its clinical use dates back to research conducted by NASA in the 1990s to support wound healing and tissue repair. Red light therapy at specific wavelengths is proven to reduce inflammation that can often accompany sensitive skin. These wavelengths are also beneficial in stimulating collagen for wrinkle reduction. It’s really quite amazing. The quality of the device will determine the results.
I was trained using devices from LightStim, which are well-regarded in clinical settings.
For clients undergoing anti-cancer drug therapy, it’s important to consult with your oncology team before using light therapy, as some cancer treatments can cause significant photosensitivity.
Consistent use of appropriate products for your skin is essential for sensitive skin. Practicing good skin habits like removing makeup and cleansing before sleeping is more important than you might realize.
Nathalie: What motivated you to partner with Starling Skincare, and how do you feel our values align in promoting safe, toxin-free skincare?
Kat: We’ve joked before that we really found each other. From the beginning, it felt clear that we share the same core values.
One of the biggest is intentional simplicity in formulation. When I give skincare talks at cancer support groups and local hospitals in Northern Nevada, I often educate on reducing exposure to potentially harmful ingredients in personal care products. One practical strategy I recommend is choosing products with fewer, simpler ingredients. I believe this approach benefits not only those undergoing cancer treatment, but everyone — especially as we see a concerning rise in skin sensitivity across the U.S.
When you consider how many products we use daily, and how many ingredients each one contains, it’s startling to consider how many different substances we are putting on our bodies each day. Perhaps our products are contributing to our skin problems.
Another shared value is awareness around allergens in skincare. As food allergies have
increased, many food companies have removed common allergens like nuts and gluten. Skincare hasn’t followed the same path. Many formulations still contain ingredients derived from common allergens, and for some individuals, that may be an overlooked trigger for skin concerns.
While these values feel clear to me, they aren’t yet common. It took time to find a company that truly aligned with this philosophy. When I found Starling, it felt like a natural fit.
Nathalie: What are your favorite Starling products, and how do they complement your approach to skincare for your clients?
It’s pretty hard to choose! Starling has some great products. Revive & Super Start can be transformative for inflamed or barrier compromised skin. These oil serums are rich in skin-calming, superfood fatty acids and they can calm and repair angry skin when used in a routine that is right for your skin needs. Super Boost is also wonderful for providing gentle hydration and calming for sensitive skin.
Nathalie: Where is your spa located, and how can clients easily find you for personalized
skincare consultations?
Kat: My solo skin therapy practice is based in Reno, Nevada. Innate Skin Therapy is a haven for those with sensitive skin, those navigating skin changes during cancer treatment, and anyone seeking a lifetime of skin wellness. My focus is on providing a more intentional, science-based holistic approach to caring for the skin.
You can also find Kat at facebook.com/innateskintherapy where she shares thoughtful insights and well-researched guidance on what truly supports long-term skin health.