Looking Fab
With gorgeous clients including actresses Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams, along with model Karlie Kloss, beauty spa facialist Joanna Vargas is a top resource for looking flawless, no matter your age. With two children of her own, ages 7 years and 11 months, she shares with us what every mother should know about natural ingredients, hormonal skin and the latest technologies.
Soothe Moves
What can you do for pregnant, out-of-whack skin?
Joanna Vargas: "The best thing to do for a pregnancy-related problem is to infuse your skin with tons of soothing, calming products while using extra care when you get a treatment or facial. I like to use calendula, rose, chamomile, cucumber and ingredients that cool the skin. Anything that causes the skin to peel or burn could cause permanent damage to a mom-to-be's delicate outer layer. I even use this one on my baby daughter."
To buy: Jurlique Calendula Cream, $37
Time to Heal
How can your skin change after pregnancy, and what can you do about it?
"Post-pregnancy, many women feel as if their skin has gained a lot of extra pigment while continuing to break out. I love this mask, because it really cools and heals breakouts at once."
To buy: Eminence Probiotic Masque, $54
Juice Cleanse
What one product does every mom need, and why?
"My Daily Serum, which contains an ingredient naturally derived from the Larch tree called galactoarabinan—which not only causes major cell turnover, but also is an anti-inflammatory. It’s based on my love for green juices—it’s literally a green juice for the skin. It’s great for pregnant ladies because it oxygenates and supplies essential nutrients that stimulate a sluggish lymphatic system in the face. If your lymphatic system doesn’t work properly, your face will be very puffy and will break out, so it's super-important that it’s functioning correctly."
To buy: Joanna Vargas Skincare, $85
Early Protection
What is the best age to start teaching kids about proper skin care, and what should they start with?
"I taught my own kids early. My son has never been to the beach without a shirt, and he always uses SPF. I do stress that children should wash their face after sports because if this habit is not started early, the skin becomes acneic very quickly in teen years! I love California Baby for SPF, because it’s gentle and doesn’t irritate."
Throw in the Towel
What is the best thing to do and use for a teen with acne?
"My biggest advice is this: Instead of wiping your face with a bath towel, use a paper towel instead. If they are breaking out and they use the same towel on their face for a few days, it will spread the bacteria and make the breakout even worse. A paper towel can be thrown away after use, so it’s great. It teaches them proper hygiene with their skin."
RELATED: How Teens Can Tackle Skin Care
LIghts Out
After having kids, what awesome treatments can you do in lieu of turning to injectables?
"My favorite treatment is LED Light Therapy. It erases both deep lines and sun damage. I love it—it’s like having a magic wand in the treatment room with me!"
Natural Wonder
Why are products with natural ingredients so important?
"I think good nutrition for the skin will always yield you the best skin you could ever imagine. The body assimilates organic and natural ingredients so much better than ingredients with chemicals. It just makes sense, doesn't it?"
RELATED: Natural Skin Care Treatments
Face Fruit
What are some of the best organic ingredients to look for?
"Avocado oil is awesome because it has so many vitamins and really hydrates the skin like nothing else. I also like gogi and acai berry for the vitamin C__."__
RELATED: The Latest in Body and Hair Oils
Sun Situation
Where do you fall on the sunscreen debate: Is total skin protection more important than an SPF-free 10 or 15 minutes a day for vitamin D?
"Personally, I take vitamin D as a supplement and skip the sun."
Green Queen
Are there any supplements that are amazing for skin, or do you think you can get it all from the right foods?
"Chlorophyll is an awesome supplement that makes you glow from the inside out. It is like having three servings of greens in one shot. I take this one because it’s mint flavored—I even get my son to take it!"
In Treatment
What's the most exciting thing about skin care/skin treatments for you right now?
"I think LED is something that really excites me because the benefits are endless. I have clients who started out with thin, saggy skin who are really experiencing a huge change. Their skin is thicker and way more toned. It’s great because it makes it possible to give someone a real face lift—without going under the knife!"
