On a recent episode of Watch What Happens Now, JLo fessed up to using Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream religiously for the last 10 years. At 45, Jenny’s been around the block a couple of times but her skin sure doesn’t look it, thanks to a relatively simple organic salve and a recent adherence to a vegan diet. (Mazel to Andy for his on-point investigative beauty journalism)
Organic skincare labels are sporting formerly food-specific terms such as cold-pressed, sustainably-sourced and non-GMO to address the growing number of consumers who (like Ms. Lopez) crave beauty routines as clean as their Paleo, raw or vegan diets. Leading the charge towards this clean approach to skin is esthetician Kristina Holey whose new San Francisco skin clinic just opened. Kristina also hosts regular East Coast pop-ups that sell out in minutes.
She discovered the intimate spot for her West Coast clinic thanks to fellow holistic skin guru and friend Julie Elliott whose skin and body range feature heavily in her treatments. In Fiore has amassed a following that includes makeup artist Gucci Westman and fashion insider Yasmin Sewell. Julie will create a few exclusive formulas for Kristina that will only be available at the new clinic.
Kristina’s facials featuring custom oil blends and gentle decongesting massage have earned raves from the Butchers Daughter/Juice Press set, Lizzie Fortunato and members of the Ralph Lauren design team are clients.
Holey chooses the most unadulterated thoughtfully-sourced raw materials for the highest healing potential possible. Many of the cold pressed oils and hydrosols she uses are not only certified organic but when applicable Non-GMO Project Verified, a stringent process that ensures ingredients such as soy, herbs and vegetables extracted with alcohol or glycerin are free of genetically modified organisms.
Holey is equally commited to diet and lifestyle counseling doling out carefully considered nutritional advice and product recommendations. She favors small-batch beauty offerings like essential oil blends from In Fiore, Kahina Giving Beauty cleansers produced by a Moroccan woman’s co-op, Marie Veronique products and Bio Kult probiotics.
Probiotics are key to the Holey philosophy, she notes:
“We need a healthy digestive system to promote healthy endocrine function- which really is the most important factor for healthy skin. By keeping the digestive system functioning optimally we can reduce inflammation,
promote detoxification/liver cleansing, immunity, and general body harmony.”
Holey’s emphasis on ingredients and bodily function stems from her unique background as an engineering grad and her two-year stint studying product formulation at the prestigious Institut Supérieur International du Parfum, de la Cosmétique et de L’Aromatique Alimentaire (ISIPCA) in Versaille. While her chef husband worked the kitchen at foodie haven Bones in the 11th arrondissement, Holey rounded out her skincare education with real-world experience under the tutelage of the Parisian facialist Joëlle Ciocco.
Holey uses her thoughtfully sourced raw materials in unique applications that marry her science, culinary and French influences. A recent appointment began with a buzz-inducing drink of tea spiked with sage, artichoke and holy basil to promote detoxification. My skin was then cleansed with an argan oil-based cleanser mixed with drops of anti-microbial tamanu and black cumin seed, followed by a gentle exfoliation with dried rose petals and iris root. Holey forgoes water and instead removes residue with a soothing dashi-like broth of antioxidant-rich tea, thyme and dried seaweed that immediately makes me crave Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop, probably not part of any skin wellness diet.
An application of marine collagen, grapefruit and rosemary follows. Holey gently kneads these extracts into my skin with the pads of her fingers concentrating on my expression lines. After donning rubber gloves she goes to town massaging the interior of my mouth covering most of my cheek area. According to Holey facial massage, “stimulates the entire face, creating heat and increasing blood and oxygen supply while moving muscles and toning them in different ways.” I have to say, I don’t hate it. In fact, I’m pretty down with it as I feel a lot of tension release even though Holey’s touch is incredibly gentle.
She finishes up with a heavenly hydrating mask of diatomaceous earth with aloe vera, chlorella, manganese, propolis extract, and various essential oils. It is soothing, hydrating and mineralizing. I noticed decreased puffiness, a more sculpted jawline and yes, a glow that would make La Lopez proud.
To extend the results, I’ve religiously followed Holey’s recommended product regime which includes the best facial oil known to man otherwise known as In Fiore Calme, a blend of grapeseed (Non-GMO of course) and rosehip seed that absorbs instantly and smells like spring.
For more information please visit Kristina Holey or email kristina@kristinaholey.com
Photography by Jane Houle