Creating a spa at home

Skincare specialist Vicki Morav takes a philosophical approach to her work and life in the time of the coronavirus.

Dubbed “New York City’s best-kept secret,” skincare specialist Vicki Morav blends her expertise, the latest technology and active products with an understanding of her clients’ individual needs. But her greatest strengths may be her psychological acuity and her philosophical approach to life. Her Upper East Side practice is designed to offer a reflection of this and an oasis of calm. Recently, we had an opportunity to chat with her about life in the time of the coronavirus and what we can do to keep our skin healthy (and ourselves sane) in a spa-like atmosphere at home:

Vicki, thank you for taking the time to talk with us via e-mail. How are you coping with the virus restrictions?

“I am embracing it, because being upset takes me out of my creativity.  Thinking that the restrictions are for the best interests of everyone makes me feel less resistant to them.”

What effect does the stress of this time in particular have on the skin?

“The effect of stress is tremendous at this time. It is such a chain reaction — being stressed, releasing stress hormones (that act like cortical steroids), activating the adrenals that release chemicals.  The body has to work overtime for the elimination of chemical buildup that has a very negative effect on the skin (causing acne, dialated capilaries, melasma, rosacea…. ) An overactive adrenal function affects the brain that is the conductor of our entire system. Meditate, everyone. Meditate.”

Even though we’re all presumably home, people seem busier than ever. What are the one or two things we should do each day for healthy skin?

“Yes, my days seem crazy busy.  I’m not sure how I had a nonstop work schedule and still accomplished all that I do now.  At the least, proper cleansing and moisturizing is the bare minimum, although I don’t find that enough. I love to layer products and create chemistry for the best results. I also recommend exfoliating and masking a few times a week with various ingredients, because that is essential for plump, healthy skin.”

What are the minimal products we should use each day?

“I am definitely not a minimalist. But will do my best to minimize for you only:

Cleanser — Forlle’d Hyalogy Creamy Wash; Toner — Forlle’d Hyalogy P-Effect Peeling Lotion; Antioxidants — MBR CEA City & Sky; Serum — Valmont Hydra 3 Regentic Serum; Moisturizer — Forlle’d Hyalogy P-Effect Nourishing Cream; Sun Block — MBR Sunblock High Protection Cream SPF50; Exfoliant — MBR Enzyme Cleansing Booster; Mask — Valmont Prime Renewing Pack.

Please design for us a spa treatment we can do at home.

“First step: Create an ambiance for yourself that includes candles, crystals, music, intense, essential oils and diffusers. Cleanse with a creamy wash, then rinse well.

“Exfoliate with MBR Enzyme Cleansing Booster for two to three minutes. Massage in a circular motion and rinse well.

“Forlle’d Hyalogy P-Effect Peeling Lotion:  Apply with a cotton pad all over face, neck and décolleté.  Keep it on for five minutes. Don’t rinse.

“Valmont Regenerating Collagen Mask Treatment:  Apply on top of the peeling lotion for 30 minutes.

“Remove the mask and apply Valmont post-collagen serum from the package, followed by MBR CEA City and Sky, Valmont Hydra 3 Regentic Serum and Forlle’d Hyalogy P-Effect Nourishing Cream.”

Why did you choose skincare as a profession?

“I was very young when I got into skincare. I never really thought it would be for the rest of my life. In the beginning, it was fun and I always loved caring for clients. Over time, the more I worked and learned through true experience, the more passionate I have become for my job and profession.  I developed acne in my mid-20s and that led me on a journey of self-discovery as well as acquiring the priceless knowledge of living through that true experience.

I turned to medicine that failed me, but it led me to discover nutrition, genetics and the attributes of a hormonal, chemical and spiritual body. I embarked on the amazing ride we call life, and through my experiences I was able to connect to my deepest, most passionate self and, in turn, help others. I still learn every day.  The body is made up from so much more than we ever think of. The more I experience, the better I become.  Passion and desire are the drivers of my daily life.”

What are you looking forward to post-coronavirus?

“I think COVID-19 made us face our deepest, most vulnerable selves. We are being faced by the unknown and that forces us to rise up, to grow and to expand our human capacity.

“I really look forward to a more conscious world — a world of greater awareness,  a place where we can truly share and influence humanity in the most profound ways. I look forward to a cleaner, greener world; to unity, passion and compassion; innovations and cures.

“In my field, I look forward to educating and creating awareness surrounding all that we need to know about healthy living, psychology, philosophy, energy work, crystal work, health, nutrition, genetics, the hormonal body and so much more.

“The skin is a live organ.  It is affected by everything we feel, eat and process both externally and internally. Expanding our horizons will help us live better lives and create a greater world.”

My passion is limitless and sharing teaching serving is my greatest desire.

All products mentioned above, as well as additional favorite products of Vicki’s can be purchased on vickimorav.com. For customized skincare and hair-care regimens, write Vicki at info@vickimorav.com.

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