Q&A with Skin Specialist Rachel Bryant
The start of a new year often means the start of new healthy habits. Whether it’s implementing a workout regimen into your schedule, indulging in self-care, or finding a healthy balance in the kitchen, January is the perfect reset month. We took the time to interview one of our favorite Skin Specialists in Manhattan to give you more insight on the importance of taking care of your skin. Rachel from Paul Labrecque Salon goes into detail on her work and how to get your skin through the tough winter months.
How did you land at Paul Labrecque? (What was your professional background?)
I was very lucky to have the opportunity to be trained by Joanna Czech herself. I was working as her apprentice in Dallas before ultimately moving to New York. After Covid I found Paul and Brian who welcomed me into their team Paul Labrecque.
What is it about your job that you love?
I love when clients come back and we see their improvements. Going through bad skin periods is very difficult and when I can help them feel more confident that’s what makes me happy.
What kind of results should you expect?
Every facial is hyper- customized to address what the clients concerns are but you can always expect to leave clean and hydrated with a calm unified complexion. I don’t use any heat in my facials so that clients aren’t left with any excess redness even with extractions or heavy massaging involved.
How often do you recommend getting facials?
That’s the typical average our skins life cycle is 23-30 days so ideally getting a facial in that time frame is going to give you the best results.
What are the benefits of getting facials?
I have realized people lack routine with their skin. Having an Esthetician to keep you accountable is what’s going to make sure the skin is at it's best. Getting a monthly facial is going to help with keeping your comedones clean, overall unification of tone, tightening by stimulating elastin and collagen production, and so many other benefits depending on what we are trying to correct.
What are your favorite kinds of facials to do?
My favorite facial to give would be the Sapphire Facial utilizing the Sapphire Oxylight machine because I have no limitations to what product or technology I can use in the treatment room. Also, it will give the clients the best results because of the lack of limitations. I can really do exactly what the skin needs such as LED therapy, Diamond dermabrasion, Oxygen infusion etc.
What does the skin need most in the winter?
It’s important that the skin stays protected through the harsh climate. Using products that help protect the skin's lipid barrier is essential.
*The skins barrier is a layer of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids produced by keratinocytes in the stratum corneum.*
What are the best treatments to get done this winter?
Whenever the weather is colder, and we aren’t outside or in the sun as much, it is a perfect time to get a peel in. Peels are essential for the skins cell turnover rate and for keeping skin fresh, hydrated, and youthful.
3 products can you not live without this season?
I probably wouldn’t survive the winter without Creme Mask Vernix, Creme Dermo - RL and Bio Kiss by Biologique Recherche. I am naturally very dry so having these three hydrating products in my arsenal is my secret weapon against the cold.
How do people find you? What days are you there?
You can find me at the spa Wednesdays-Sunday (every other Sunday) and you can always follow updates on our Instagram @paullabrecque or my personal Instagram @skinbyrachelnyc
Contributor — Abigail Leonard