Can you briefly share a bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to become an esthetician?

I am Lauren C, a Skin Educator in Toronto at Formula Fig Summerhill. I have been in the skincare industry for three years. Growing up, I suffered from severe acne. When I was young, we didn’t have the same access to information about skincare that we have in the current age of social media. I had so many questions that I had to research personally, which sparked my passion for skincare and helping those going through similar skin struggles. 

What stands out to you when working with the Wonder Valley Oil Cleanser?

The first thing I notice (and what guests comment on) is how it feels. The Oil Cleanser has a bouncy, rich texture that really glides over the skin in a massage. It turns milky when water is added, and leaves the skin soft, clean, and not at all slick. 

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to caring for skin?

I’ve really taken Formula Fig’s non-invasive approach to heart. Everyday, I see firsthand that treatments can be effective—even transformative—without sensitizing or leaving a person red and blotchy. If you use the right technology and the right formulas, the skin should continue to improve without disruption or downtime. 

What are the most common skincare concerns you see people come in for and how do you support those unique concerns?

The concerns I hear most from guests are: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and breakouts. At Formula Fig, we have multifunctional, high-tech modalities that help with many concerns simultaneously. Take the red LED light, for example: It helps with collagen production—which improves the look of wrinkles and helps to firm—and  also reduces inflammation associated with breakouts. Another example: Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates, which keeps dead skin from clogging pores and resulting in breakouts, and it also improves texture and product absorption. So, skin is smoother, plumper, and more hydrated. Our treatments are truly comprehensive—no matter the concern, we’re always looking to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.   

What is the benefit of using an oil cleanser in your routine?

Using an oil cleanser has so many benefits, especially when living in the city as we’re exposed to so many pollutants and an unclean atmosphere. With an oil cleanser you can get a more thorough cleanse that will help to better remove the impurities caused by this, as well as help to remove sebaceous filaments and blackheads. On top of all of these benefits, it adds a luxurious spa-like feel to your skincare routine, allowing you to take a moment to yourself to massage the product into the skin, thus helping with blood flow and circulation and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also ensures that your skin will be properly cleansed, leading to better efficacy and absorption of the rest of your skincare products. 

What’s a step in your skincare routine that you never miss?

They are all important: Cleanse, Balance, Treat, Protect. But, if I absolutely have to just go with one, it would have to be SPF. 

What are your thoughts on double-cleansing?

If someone wears makeup or SPF (as everyone should) I always recommend double cleansing. The first step, like an oil cleanser, should be something that really breaks down what you’ve had on your face all day. If that isn’t properly removed, your skin can’t get truly clean and your treatments won’t penetrate. The second cleanse can then get deep into the pores. We always double cleanse in the Pod at Formula Fig. It’s the best way to prep the skin for treatment, and the massage aspect is really relaxing. 

What skin types or customers do you recommend the WV Oil cleanser to?

I’d recommend WV Oil cleanser to any and all skin types including people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or acne prone.

What’s been the feedback from your clients on the Oil Cleanser?

We’ve had amazing feedback from guests post-treatment where guests have expressed how much they enjoyed the use of the cleanser in our treatment rooms. With the ability to purchase it in store, guests are able to bring the spa- like feel into their daily skincare regimen.