What is it about science that interests you?

Science is able to give us answers to some of life's questions. Studying it humbled my perspective and helped me to truly appreciate the complexities of our bodies and the world around us.
 
I have always been interested in learning about all things health, wellness, skin care, and science related. After graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles and began working full time at a dermatology office, American Skin Institute. I soon found myself spending hours outside of work researching information about topics the doctors were talking about and working on—everything from cosmetic procedures, MOHS, plastic surgery, and medical-grade skin care lines. I soon realized my real passion lay in skin care and the science behind it all.

How do you like running your own practice?
I love it! There's a lot more risk and stress involved with having my own business, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I think I was meant for this. Being able to create my own schedule, get creative with my services, and watch my clients’ skin, as well as their confidence, blossom over time is the absolute BEST!

Is that the best thing about what you do?
Definitely. Being able to help change someone’s life in such a positive way is number one. Also, I have such great satisfaction in doing extractions. I fully allow my OCD to take over; I don't skip a single pore. Educating my clients is another part of my job that I love.

What or who inspires you?
Women who are successful doing what they love. The show “Shark Tank” (it’s a guilty pleasure). And my boyfriend Gian inspires me every single day with his drive for greatness in life. He’s my biggest cheerleader and always encourages me to be the best version of myself.

What are the common issues that people come to you for?
I find that most of my clients are struggling with hormonal and adult acne, as well as wanting to refine their skin tone and texture.

What is the biggest mistake people make in caring for their skin?
I find that a lot of people use products incorrectly or they use products that aren’t right for their skin tone or type. I work on simplifying, customizing, and educating my clients about how to take better care of their skin.

Here’s a common one: trying to get rid of a zit by globbing on a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment. Yes, it may kill that one zit, but doing this can burn the skin and cause discoloration. This ends up being much harder to fix than the little breakout it started out as. It also leaves bacteria in the surrounding skin that will cause flare-ups. I’m very particular about showing my clients how and when to apply each specific product so they can avoid problems and get the best results. This is key in taking proper care of your skin, especially when using medicated products. A little goes a long way. 

Other than product, what do you think has the most impact on skin?
Diet. When we don’t take good care of ourselves, it shows in the tone and quality of our skin. Indulging in high fat, high sugar, or processed food is a no-no.

Can everyone achieve great skin?
Absolutely. Taking the time to understand your skin makes all the difference.

What advice do you give your clients?
I tell all of my clients to ice their skin after cleansing. Icing has three main benefits: it reduces redness and inflammation, it’s an anti-aging tool, and it lightly exfoliates dead surface cells.

Skin care must-nevers?
1. Apricot scrub, the granules are too large and sharp!
2. Picking, because it leads to scarring and discoloration. I tell my clients if you find that you can’t resist the temptation, only give yourself three attempts. If it doesn’t come out easily, it’s not ready. Either leave it up to the professional or help it go away faster with medicated products and icing.
3. Using makeup wipes in place of washing your face

Top three rules for great skin?
1. Always wash your face before bed.
2. Find a sunscreen you like and apply it liberally every morning, rain or shine.
3. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.

How do you keep up with skin care trends?
I notice skincare trends mostly on Instagram, but I don't keep up with trends as much as I do with science and technology!

How big a role does stress play in skin health?
I think stress plays a significant role in skin health, but not necessarily the stress itself. I think it’s more the consequences of that stress which creates issues, i.e., many people “stress-eat” and this, in turn, contributes to new breakouts or dehydrated skin. Not being able to sleep throughout the night is another consequence of stress that can lead to dark circles under the eyes. Learning how to better manage stress is key.

How do you de-stress?
I love lifting weights or running/hiking outside with my dog! I’ve become more interested in meditation and am hoping to make it more of a practice in my life. Talking with friends also really helps. 

What is your personal skin care routine?
I don’t have a very strict routine with my skin, to be honest. I go by what my skin is feeling that day, but of course, I have my staples, one of them being the Vivant Mandelic Acid Wash morning and night. I love how bright and clean it makes my skin feel. In the morning, I typically apply the Spin Trap C & E serum with a moisturizer and zinc-based SPF. At night, I switch between using retinol and Vivant Daily Repair Pads for exfoliation. Afterward, I apply a peptide serum with moisturizer on top. My skin tends to be very dry.

True beauty comes from: Self-love

I never leave the house without: Chapstick, my phone, and water bottle!

Botox or no-tox?
I get asked a lot about Botox, especially from girls in their mid-late twenties. With injectables more common than ever, it seems like the norm to start getting Botox at 25. It’s now looked at as a “preventive” treatment. In my opinion, Botox hasn’t been around long enough to prove that its long-term use has no negative consequences and is truly safe. I think the best preventive lies in using daily sunscreen starting at an early age; using the right products; getting chemical peels and/or microcurrent treatments can work wonders. That said, I do think a little Botox can be a great esthetic enhancement for older clients with deeper lines and wrinkles.

One of your Yelp reviewers called you the “fairy godmother” of skin care. Is what you do more magic or science?
Pure magic, baby. I take my time customizing each treatment and adjusting home care routines to get my clients the best results. But I couldn’t do it without the science.

What drew you to the Vivant line of products?
The first place I worked as an esthetician was an acne clinic, where we used the Progressive ProPeel on clients. I also read [Dr. Fulton’s book] Acne Rx to understand more about the how’s and why’s of acne. Dr. Fulton’s intellect and his advancements in skincare were what truly what drew me to Vivant. I knew the Vivant Skin Care line and protocols would give my clients the best results in fighting acne and hyperpigmentation.

What are your favorite Vivant products?
I love the Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Wash and the 3% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Toner. I find that these two work synergistically to create brighter, more even-toned skin and clear acne like magic! The Bleaching Serums have given my clients amazingly fast results.