I get seriously excited about finding like-minded, holistic practitioners in a wide variety of different disciplines that complement the work I do as a Health & Nutrition Counselor. And when that practitioner’s focus just happens to be looking amazing through an inside-out approach, all while using natural, environmentally friendly products, well that’s just icing on the cake. Elena Rubin, of Elena Rubin Skincare, is a truly exceptional holistic facialist, who provides not only an amazingly effective, skin-nourishing facial, but also a wonderfully healing, whole body experience. In addition to her practice, Elena is also the co-owner and founder of Ethos Collective Wellness, a unique collective of wellness practitioners (including yours truly!) in Soho, New York. She shared some of her skincare secrets with us, as well as her truly fascinating path to the holistic beauty world:
When did you decide to go into the holistic beauty industry, and what influenced the choice?
Over three years ago, although I thought about it on and off for two years before finally making the jump. Basically, I was interested in doing something that would simultanously both INTEREST me and NOURISH me. After years of the corporate grind, long hours and high stress of being a management consultant at McKinsey and working on Wall Street as an Investment Banker, I knew I was in serious need of a change. I could no longer ignore the continual hair loss, the 15 extra pounds that wouldn’t go away, my very pale complexion and simply just feeling quite drained from my every day life.
After reflecting a bit, I realized I will always going to work very hard at any job I do — I’m simply passionate about making a positive impact in the world. So, I had better pick wisely! I wanted a field that the more I worked, the more nourished and radiant I would be. Essentially, I wanted to transform my life that was ever increasingly unhappy into a virtuous cycle of both giving and receiving satisfaction.
I narrowed it down by focusing on the places that I felt happiest and most at ease in. And of course, the spa was the first place to come to mind! And, it just kept lingering there. I liked the image of being in a serene and peaceful place dedicated to making people feel better and healthier. So I set about finding a way to just be in a spa every day.
What do you love most about being a facialist?
Solving mysteries! I feel like a skin detective…trying to always figure out what is the root of the issue with my client’s skin. Why is that pimple there, in that exact spot? Why does it look like this and not like that? Why is their skin different since the last time I saw them? What habits did they change? How is this person now versus when I saw them earlier? It’s an endless journey for me to understand people’s skin. I don’t have all the answers but I do know a few tricks and I’m love to just keep asking questions because I always want to understand more about that person, that day, their skin and finding a way where I can make it even better.
What sets your approach apart?
I am probably the world’s nerdiest facialist. I love skin care with a passion and I throw a lot of energy, drive and love into what I do. In fact, I had to cultivate my sense of humor just to balance out how seriously I care about doing the best job I possibly can, each and every time. This is my craft and I’m dedicated to it in a way that most in my industry don’t try to be.
If you had to pick one must-have item from the Elena Rubin Skincare line, what would it be, and why?
My Solace cleanser. It’s very important to get the cleanser right. There is much focus on creams and lotions and other pretty products, but little love and glamorizing of a basic necessity like a gentle, non-irritating, dirt removing, hydrating, skin health promoting, pH balanced cleanser. You’d think there would be more good ones out there in the marketplace but surprisingly, there aren’t. Solace is glycerin and shea-butter base with gentle botanicals and a lovely, sulfate-free foamy texture. It has rave reviews from my clients who try it and feel the difference — their skin simply feels healthier than with other cleansers. And happier.
How do you source your ingredients?
I have a lab with a team of chemists who are just as committed as I am to creating great, effective natural products that respect the skin and the planet.
What are your top three tips for beautiful skin?
Beauty Sleep – there is no replacement for getting enough rest. Sleep is when we do our cellular repair and regeneration. If at all possible, try to sleep at least between the hours of 10 pm – 2 am. I find snoozing during those hours leaves me more rested than sleeping many more hours in a during a different time of the day.
Eat Your Greens – specifically the dark ones. Green vegetables are wonderful at tonifying the liver which filters out toxins in the body. And, they provide many of the minerals and nutrients our bodies need to carry out cellular repair and heal ourselves. My favorites to take in are kale, spirulina and broccoli.
Stick to a Regimen – 80% of great skin comes from the products you use every day. The other 20% comes from what I can do in the Skin Care Studio. It’s important for everyone to have a cleanser, hydrator, day lotion with a mineral sunscreen and a night moisturizer. Many other people also benefit from using specific products to treat their current skin conditions like blackheads, redness or fine lines.
What are some misconceptions people have about skincare?
That it’s your skin’s fault for having skin conditions. It’s not. Your skin is fundamentally, an amazing miracle and it’s doing a great job of dealing with a lot of hostile factors in today’s modern world. I help turn people’s skin around because I teach you how to work WITH your skin to help it do it’s own job better. Many skin care products on the market and habits in our daily lives do the opposite.
Are there any foods you recommend for great skin?
Get your fibrous vegetables every day – they really do make a difference. And, avoid too much meat, sugar and dairy as these can contribute to more breakouts and oilier, more congested skin.
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Check out a list of Elena’s services here… I highly recommend the Signature Facial, it really is a skin-transforming experience!
