I transitioned into aesthetics after a 14-year career in Architecture. I've always been around and had an interest in skincare, thanks in part to my mum putting me on a cleanse and moisturize routine by the time I was 10 years old. I grew up in a family with a strong Chinese Medicine background; my grandfather practiced as a Chinese Doctor so I've always been around herbs, acupuncture and learning the effects foods can have on the body. Thinking back, I used to watch him do a daily facial massage routine and he had the most beautiful skin! The importance of taking a holistic approach to skincare and aesthetics came into focus for me when I began experimenting with products that were too aggressive and left my skin unbalanced and unhealthy. It was a two-year healing process during which I started researching ingredients and exploring Reiki, various hands-on techniques, energetics, and aromatherapy.

What are your favourite parts of being a skin expert?

First and foremost I thoroughly enjoy meeting our beautiful clients and the interactions I have with them. Talking through a skin concern and having that "a-ha!" moment together. A client who leaves the clinic happily refreshed with glowing skin, and new knowledge to keep that glow going, makes my day. I'm so happy and blessed to have found a way to use my hands, brain, and heart in a way that can benefit others.

What is your daily skincare/beauty ritual?

I love taking time for a simple but effective regular evening routine of cleansing, toning, serum and moisturizing. A few times a week exfoliation and masking gets thrown into the mix. I enjoy feeling and listening to what my skin needs on any given day and adjusting my products or routine to suit. I incorporate a massage to release tense muscles and increase lymphatic flow. It's the best way to set myself up for a good night's sleep.

What’s your #1 live-by-it tip?

Hydrate! Our bodies produce their own oil but we are not able to produce our own water, and we need a balance of both for our skin to be vibrant and healthy. It is so important to make sure we are hydrating both internally and topically to ensure our organs can function properly and our skin is juicy and plump. I stick to drinking cool water with fresh mint during the summer to refresh, and warm water during the winter to nourish. Topically I love using an aromatic floral water as a toner.

What's your favourite DIY skincare recipe?

Not so much a DIY recipe, but a method of application for toners or floral waters to really get hydration into the skin: Do a liberal spray directly onto the face or hands and gently press all of that liquid into the skin using fingers and palms. If it soaks in really quickly repeat the process a few times to make sure the skin is well saturated before proceeding with the serum step. The gentle act of pressing also works on activating lymphatic flow.

What's your favourite botanical and how do you like to use it.

There are so many fabulous botanicals out there, but I would have to go with rose. It has the amazing ability to support and balance so many conditions energetically, psychologically, internally and topically. It can cool while being nourishing, astringent or moistening, uplifting but grounding, fluid/energy/blood movement regulating and heart centering. Rose floral water (hydrosol) is my go-to for toning or a cooling eye compress. Dried rose petals in a tea blend or added to a mask are also wonderful.

If you weren’t an aesthetician, what would you be doing?

I would be working as an Architect, doing my best to make beautiful, thoughtful and functional buildings in Toronto!

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Follow your intuitive path. It may be hidden at times but it will always pop back into view.

What do you think is the biggest skincare myth?

That any kind of intense exfoliation is a cure-all. Everyone's skin is different and can handle different methods and intensities of exfoliation. My motto for exfoliation is gentle and regularly, rather than harsh and infrequently. It is important to be aware of how your skin is responding to a certain product or treatment and gauge if that will be healthful or detrimental to your skin's health in the long term. As with all things in life, balance is the key.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I've had the good luck to be able to travel to Whistler, BC frequently during all four seasons. I will always return in a heartbeat. No matter the time of year there are so many ways to get out into nature and be active. I'm an avid climber and timid skier. Surprisingly there is a strong beach vibe up in those mountains during the summer, with so many small beaches and decks on cool glassy lakes. My goal at some point is to load up the car with my husband and dog and make the long drive out and stay for a while. It is my happy and relaxing place.

Book your appointment with Danielle HERE!

___________________________________________

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

DISCOVER THE MANY USES FOR OUR MULTITASKING PRODUCTS

BRIGHTEN YOUR COMPLEXION WITH AN HERBAL FACIAL STEAM

SERUMS, MOISTURIZERS, BALMS | WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE + HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU