Serenity and Fire with Krista

Shelf Worthy: Honest Skincare Hacks and the Products We Love

• Krista Guagenti

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You can spend a fortune on skincare and still feel stuck, or you can get ruthless about what actually moves the needle. We sit down with Cayley for a final round of skincare truth telling, starting with our favorite “easy wins” that people don’t talk about enough: Frownies facial patches for overnight expression training and Krista’s “aggressive gua sha” approach for tension lines. We also get honest about the rules we break, because real consistency comes from routines you can repeat on your worst nights, not your best ones.

From there, we pull back the curtain on what it’s like inside Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique, why clients save up and plan their days around services, and how we think about non-toxic skincare, education, and only recommending what’s truly in a client’s best interest. We talk leadership standards, being the example, and how the smallest details shape the way your nervous system settles when you finally get a moment to breathe.

Then we go personal. Cayley shares what “doing it all” looks like as a working mom of three, how support systems actually work in the real world, and why momentum matters more than perfection. We wrap with rapid-fire takes on SPF, lip and scalp protection, LED red light therapy, and the simplest science-backed routine: cleanse, protect your barrier, vitamin C, vitamin A, and sunscreen. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s overwhelmed by skincare, and leave a review, what’s the one step you want to get consistent with this week?

Welcome And Series Setup

Krista

Welcome to Soravity and Fire, the podcast where wellness meets grit. I'm your host, Chris Dequadenti, founder of MST of Luxories Property. Join me as we dive into the intriguing world of biohacking, cutting out friends, and the possible pride and grit of entrepreneurship. And the 30-year journey to create a montime business. To build a sanctuary for those who have been touched by cancer. I'm here to care, talk, inspire dreams, and spark a passion for a holistic looking inside each and everyone. So let's dive in.

Favorite Skincare Hacks That Work

Krista

Welcome back to Serenity and Fire. Okay, so as you know, Kaylee and I ran way over on our last two episodes about everything there is to know about skincare. And we left out some really important stuff. So I brought her back in for a third episode. So we decided to make this last part a third episode. So I'm excited to have Kaylee back again. And we're gonna go ahead and start with our favorite hacks. Yes. Okay, let's do something really fun. What is your favorite skincare hack?

SPEAKER_01

Okay, I know you know this. Frownies.

Krista

I love frownies. Okay, tell tell everybody what a frownie is. I actually wanted her to bring them here with us today and she forgot. So I'll try to do, I'll have her do like a little video post or something and we'll we'll put it in with the show on social so that you guys can see it. But what tell us about it?

SPEAKER_01

Okay, so frownies are like their facial patches, right? And they're all natural and like the adhesive enemies made from like, you know, like vegetables are very good. Um but basically you put like a little bit of water and you like stick them to your face and they come in like triangles and you just like map it to your face and like you're like around your 11s and stuff like that. Um, but it creates a cast and it hardens. And so you wear them at night. Um, and basically it makes it so that you can't wrinkle your face while you're sleeping. Uh, and it naturally like retrains your facial muscles. So this is maybe an alternative to like Botox. Um and you know, but what's nice about it is that you can still you still can move your face. Um you know you still can have those expressions and everything. Um, and it's a lot cheaper, which is nice too. Um, but whenever you first start with frownies, you want to use them every night for the first like month or so. And then after that, um, I just started doing it like a couple times a week. And honestly, I really don't even have to wear them too much anymore. I'm very conscious about it though. So I like everyone's like, Do you focus on not wrinkling your face? I'm like, no, it's just a part of me now.

Krista

I I looked into these because Kaylee was like, you have to try these. It literally looks like people are putting um duct tape on their face. No, there's so no. Obviously, without all of the harmful adhesives.

SPEAKER_01

Well, and the other thing I like to do too is we have the um Neoli Age Corrective Mist. It's like natural alternative um through eminence. And instead of putting water. Yeah, so instead of doing water, I do the natural rotten alternative. So then that's soaking in too. So it's like beneath it. I love this.

Krista

Okay, I am definitely gonna try them. I haven't yet. I'm gonna bring you a box. You can check, you can check them out on linefrownies.com. Yeah. Um, and it's cute too because I think it was created by a a girl and her grandmother.

SPEAKER_01

Yep, yeah. Yep, it's woman-owned, which is really nice, and they've got their like their TikTok and shows you how to put them on and stuff too.

Krista

She's the cutest little thing ever, the girl who's who owns the company. Yeah. Okay, my favorite hack is what I call aggressive gua shaw. You're laughing because I talk about this all the time. So obviously I love gua shaw. Gua shaw is traditionally for lymph drainage.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

Krista

And your pressures are gonna be very light. Um, we need very little pressure to stimulate our lymph system. And um lymph drainage is so great because it helps remove toxins and um inflammation and you know, unwanted um, what am I trying to say? Like water retention. Yeah, like fluid and stuff in your body. And so it's great for that. But what I like to do is what I call an aggressive gua shaw. And with aggressive gua shaw, I this is my Botox alternative. So I do this all around my lips, on my nasal labial folds, on my 11 lines, and on my forehead, and also along the arch of my um eyebrows, because we carry a lot of tension here in this area that we don't even realize. Um, the pressure is very aggressive. So, like with lymph drainage, you're basically going like this, but with aggressive gouachol, you're actually creating um pressure. And I do it up and down and then left and right because our tissues run in so many different directions. And um, I do this every morning, and I've been doing this for I don't know, at least a couple of years, maybe longer. And I definitely think it's working. You guys can tell me what you think, but I can still move my face and have a pressure and I don't have a lot of deep wrinkles. So um, I'm gonna actually post a video about this for all of you to see the whole process, but I would love to get your feedback on it. Now, aggressive goua shaw is one of those things that um you wanna make sure you have a good oil um or a very hydrating moisturizer to put on underneath because you don't wanna um be pulling on thin skin. If you have, you know, thin skin or your skin barrier is damaged. This is not something that you want to be doing. You need to have healthy skin to be doing this. Um, but that's my thing that I love so much. I know you do. I always tell you, but you're not doing, you're not working your lymphatic system.

SPEAKER_01

You're like, I'm not trying to do that.

Krista

Well, and then after I do all of that, then I do actually do from my eyes um over to my ears and then down my neck, I do a really light goua shaw to then help pull all of that inflammation and water retention out of the face.

SPEAKER_01

So I I might have to try, okay.

Krista

You have to. I know it's so great. So those are our two little hacks.

The Skincare Rules We Break

Krista

Um, what is one skincare rule that you personally break? Be honest. That I break. All right, I don't really use a toner. Okay. I don't.

SPEAKER_01

I mean, that's I use an essence. Yeah. I don't do it, I don't know. You don't balance your pH. Oh no, I'm poor pH balancer.

Krista

Okay, mine is you're gonna hate me. Oh gosh. I am so tired at night when it's time to go to bed. I do not do a full cleanse. I do a triad pad cleanse. You double cleanse it's a I do. I do some, I I use two whole pads and I use both sides of the pads to get all of the stuff off. So technically I'm getting cleanser, toner, and hydrator and a little bit of exfoliation. So it's just easy. Like a couple times a week. No, every night. Every night? Oh gosh. I'm just kidding. Without them. So um, so for me, I'm probably not getting my skin cleansed as well as I should. So, but that's my that's my little shameful thing that I do.

What Makes Panacea Feel Special

Krista

Um okay, so now I want to jump into um a little bit about working at Panacea. Okay. So I just have a few questions for you. What do you feel like is the most rewarding part about working at Panacea?

SPEAKER_01

That's a really tough question. Um honestly, our clients. That's probably like my favorite thing, you know, even if I'm like not having like a super great day, you know, the second that I get somebody on my table and they I've sound like Dexter saying that on my table. As soon as I get somebody, you know, and like they, you know, I can just like instantly tell that they relax. And you know, I'll have clients like they're oh my gosh, I can tell from like your first cleanse. I've my one favorite client, she goes, I she goes, I know this is gonna be good. You know, and it's just like seeing like how like excited they are to be there, you know. I mean, people they save up so much money, they take days off work, they schedule time with their friends just to come in, you know, just to get like a couple hours of panacea. And I just feel like it's like it's so special to be a part of that. And then after they're facial, they come out of the room and you know, they just like they come out, oh, that was so nice, you know, they're so excited, their skin looks great, they're relaxed.

Krista

Um, and that's that's probably my favorite part. I love when I'm standing up front and people come up after a service and they like are fumbling over their words because they're just like so relaxed and they feel so great after their services. It's so awesome.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, and then they come and they go, Oh, wow, and I'm like, wait, just be quiet though, because we're in the spot. And it's so exciting. But yeah, no, I hear everybody uh coming out, there massages all their services. They're so excited.

Krista

I know, that's awesome. What do you think, what do you think is the most rewarding part of leading teams, leading your panacea team?

SPEAKER_01

So I I'm very lucky. I've worked with most of the women on my team now for almost since we've been open. You know, my newest aesthetician has been on the team for a year or so. Um it's really been cool to like see like their growth, um, you know, and how much they've learned. And um, most aestheticians there are I've have been, you know, they're brand new asthma and they come in, you know, and they're they're nervous to get started, and just kind of seeing that growth and that change and like when things start to like quick, you know, like click and they're like, oh my gosh, I did this today and I did this, and have you tried this? And um, you know, it's it's very cool to see.

Krista

Yeah, I think I think one thing that's cool for me to see in you is that the level of knowledge and experience and expertise that you and your whole team have, and and what you've been able to teach them over the last three years is really phenomenal. I would put you hands down up against the most tenured, most um rock star estheticians in the country for sure.

SPEAKER_01

Well, that means a lot. Thank you.

Krista

It's true. I mean that sincerely. Um, what is the most ridiculous client moment that you witnessed? Oh, honestly, I'm not a good one for this.

SPEAKER_01

I don't know that I've had a lot of crazy things. Sometimes, like, I don't know if you want to hear this. Sometimes people like like be naked on top of the table.

Krista

But I don't besides that, I don't really know that I'm like you'll be like, okay, I'm gonna step out of the room. There's a hook here for your robe. You're gonna just be face up underneath the covers. Yeah. And I'll step back in in just a couple of minutes. And you come in and they're just like on the table.

SPEAKER_01

And then yeah, and it's okay, you know, because a lot of times people, they're like, I've never done this before, you know, or like, oh, I just I wasn't listening, or I'm so relaxed. I'm like, it's okay, no big deal. I'll give you another minute. Just get under the sheet. But no, honestly, I I love our clients. They I really don't have issues. They're they're very sweet. Everybody's so excited to come in. Like it's just it's a good time.

Krista

What do you love most about being the aesthetics manager and now our sales training manager? Um, I love that my role's very dynamic.

SPEAKER_01

I will say I I don't do well um, like and very like stagnant kind of, you know, like I like to have different things going on all the time, which I very much do. So, you know, I mean, I have days where I'm in the treatment rooms, which I love. Then, you know, I have days where I'm leading trainings for, you know, the team. And then, you know, now that I'm doing sales trainings, you know, I get to help like coach our other managers, you know, to help with their teams and stuff like that too. So I just love that I, you know, I have my foot in a lot of different things and you know, I get to I get to balance that well.

Krista

And I love that you really embody our philosophy of being the example for your team. Like you really whatever you ask of them is nothing that you cannot do yourself.

SPEAKER_01

Oh absolutely.

Krista

Like if you're gonna give somebody advice, it's something that you've already done and you've proven. Yes. So I love that. Well, thank you.

unknown

You're welcome.

Krista

Um, if you could have a magic wand and change one thing at Panacea, what would it be? I'd make it bigger.

SPEAKER_01

Ditto. Honestly, I'd make it bigger. That's like there's really, I mean, I I love that I like working there, it's so much fun because I actually believe in it. And I know that might sound silly, but I I've worked at companies and I've worked, you know, I know so many people that like work for places and they're like, oh yeah, this is what I'm doing. But like I actually believe in what we do. Like I know that it helps people and like coming back to like the non-toxic, like I I know whenever I'm selling people's stuff, you know, like products in the boutique, like it's like, you know, you spend so much time sourcing it and curating like the boutique and spending all that time making sure that you know what we're selling, first of all, produces results, and second, that you know it's non-toxic and it's really important.

Krista

So and it's gonna be valuable for the clients. Like we really emphasize that anything we recommend is only going to be in the best interest of the client. We're not going to recommend things just to recommend things, like it's going to be to enhance whatever it is that they're trying to accomplish. And if there isn't anything, then we're not gonna recommend anything, exactly. Yeah, so I I would make Panacea bigger. Yeah, I agree with that. It's funny because we get people who will give us feedback and they'll be like, you really should make this space bigger and that's basically like, oh, if we could just expand the building expand that third floor. Yeah. Um, what's it like? I guess how do I say this? What's it really like working for me? Like, give the give the nitty-gritty.

SPEAKER_01

Um, honestly, you're such a fun person to work for, but it's it's hard, but not in like a like I can't do this hard, but I'm like, oh my gosh, I tell people, I'm like, I'm like, Krista is the most particular person you'll ever meet in such a good way, though. I'm like, like she cares so much about everything, like all the thought and detail that you put into the spa, like that's like really what it is. And you know, I love that like you again like live and breathe that. You know, it's not just something where you're like, oh, like this is you know what you should do, and then like you go home and swing through McDonald's, you know, kind of thing. Like, you know, like you actually do all of these treatments too, you know, like you come in and do, you know, the hyperbaric, you come in and do LED, like you know, like that's that's very, it's very different, I guess, you know, from owner and owner's perspective. So thank you.

Krista

I think I mean that's so important to me to really be the example and to be able to do everything that I ask everybody else to do, the same as what you're doing with your team, um, and to really just lead the way. And the details are really important to me. I mean, we we have people who are coming in for major um life events, good and bad. And um, when they come, I think they deserve to know that every single piece of their experience was intentionally thought out. So, you know, sometimes that's the good and the bad of being a perfectionist, but you know, that stuff really matters and it makes a really big difference. And you see it in our reviews and our repeat clients and all of the things.

SPEAKER_01

So Oh yeah, when we did our for our photo shooter, there was a cord, and I was like, Hold on, there's a cord. Krista doesn't like cords, let me move it. And I was like, I know she's not gonna like that. What do you think you've learned from me? Oh gosh, a lot. Uh I mean, when I started, I was 24 and I was a brand new aesthetician. I had never led a team or anything like that. I I was in sales, and I've I've learned so much from you and and from Jen too. I mean, it's just been a very cool team to be a part of. Awesome. You have to say that because you're being recorded in a no, I don't.

Mom Life Motivation And Momentum

Krista

Um, okay, let's talk about mom life a little bit because we have so many people who listen to the show who are working moms, are stay-at-home moms, some who are trying to decide if they want to be a mom and work. Um, so you you have three young kids.

SPEAKER_01

I do, yeah. Um being a mom is hard. It's so rewarding, but it's hard whether you choose to stay home um or you choose to work. I mean, you just kind of you have to pick your heart, honestly. It's so rewarding though. I mean, I've done both. I stayed home with our oldest till he was almost two. And um, you know, I I'm so grateful and thankful for that time that I was able to have with him. Um, just personally for me, like I was like, I just feel like I need something else, you know, like I need to be a part of something else. I I want to make an impact. I want to do big things. And so um, whenever I started going back and to work, I just started like bartending a couple days a week for fun, just to kind of get out of the house. I was like, okay, I can talk to other humans and adults, and you know, like so that kind of is where I started. And then whenever I decided to go to aesthetic school, which was very much on a whim, I like went and got a facial, my first one ever, and I walked out and I was like, that's what I want to do. And I called my husband and I was like, I think I want to go to school to do this, and he's like, Okay. And I, you know, I started school, I think I toured that school like that next week, and then I started they were like, You can do it, but today's the last day to sign up, and class starts in like two and a half weeks, and I was like, Okay, sounds good, I'll do it. And my husband's like, You're doing it? I'm like, Yeah, might as well. And he's such a good support system for me. So um, yeah, it's it's definitely um it can be challenging at times, you know. Sometimes, you know, we both have work and the kids need to be here, but um, you know, I have the support system, you know, my husband and you know, my in-laws and stuff like that, they help us so much.

Krista

So I'm gonna put you on the spot because you got a little teary-eyed when I asked the question. Oh what? Tell me, tell me where that's coming from.

SPEAKER_01

Um, I mean, it's definitely always hard, you know, because you you want to be, I think as a mom, your goal is to always be as present as you can for your kids. Um, and you know, that looks different for different moms. Like for me, um, if I am home all the time, like I it's not good for me and it's not good for my kids. Um, so for me, you know, like really balancing, make sure that we have quality time together, you know, like I come home and I'm like, okay, you know, it wasn't, you know, I was doing work today and then now I get to come home and I just get to like relax and enjoy them, it's it's a lot of fun.

Krista

Yeah, I think you do a really good job of balancing the mix. And and I'm always talking on the show about how there's really no such thing as even work-life balance. Like that doesn't really exist. But I do think that as long as you're focusing on, or at least I believe that that doesn't fully exist. But I do believe that if your time is intentional and you're really making the moments count when you have the moments, whether it's at work or whether it's with your kids, then that's what matters. That's what your kids remember.

SPEAKER_01

Yes, exactly.

Krista

Okay, so tell us what is your why? Like what is it that that motivates you to get out of bed every day, do the grind, work, be a mom, all the things. What's your why?

SPEAKER_01

Oh my kids. Um, my my goal is to build something for them. Like I I want to be able to be anything and everything that my husband and I can be for them. So that's that's our goal. So everything that we do is focused around our kids and um, you know, how that they can grow up and you know they can have a good life and um you know they get to do and build and be the people that they want to be, and you know, that we're able to be there to support them.

Krista

So I also think that I mean I I think that's great from a financial perspective, but also from a role model perspective. And being able to show to your kids that you can have goals and dreams and you can achieve them and and you can do it all. Like it might be hard. It's hard. Um and you might have to make some sacrifices, but you can definitely do it all. Yeah. Don't you think? Oh I feel like I do at least. When you're when your kids are older, what do you hope that they remember about this season of their lives and about watching you do it all?

SPEAKER_01

Um, honestly, I just hope that you know that they remember, you know, all the fun that we have together because that's like my focus with them is you know, anytime I'm home, all right, what are we doing? My husband's like, can we just sit down? I'm like, nope. He's like, we can just relax. And I'm like, no, let's go do something fun with the kids. Let's take them to the park, let's go to coastline, let's go to the pool, let's go do something. So um, I just wanna make sure that they remember that you know that we were always been there for them.

Krista

It sounds like um your husband's super supportive. Yeah. I know he's great.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, no, um, he I I don't know where I would be without my husband. So yeah.

Krista

That's awesome. I love that so much. What do you and I especially love that because you know how close I'm together and and how much I just love love. So I think that's so cool.

SPEAKER_01

Oh yeah, we met when we were, well, he's exactly a year older than me. We have the same birthday, so we met when I was 18 and he was 19. So we've been together for 10 years this year. Well, congrats.

Krista

Thank you. What do you do when the kids are sick and you just kind of feel like it's all falling apart? Like, how do you handle all of that?

SPEAKER_01

Um, honestly, that's really more on Alec, my husband. He that's a him. He does he takes care of it. Um, I know everybody is always like, Oh, the mom, you know, mom has to stay home, and mom has to do this, and um mom can't, so mom has to show up to work sometimes. So um, yeah, I know that's where my husband we balance each other out very well. Um, and you know, on the days that I can't be there, he is.

Krista

So, how do you because obviously we talk a lot about the need for self-care and um the need to decompress and disconnect. So, what are your tips and the things that you do to reset and give yourself grace when you're trying to do it all?

SPEAKER_01

Oh, that's hard. I I can be hard on myself. Um honestly, I feel like this is the same answer. My reset is is spending time with my kids, honestly. That's my like that fills my cup. Um, just making sure that you know I'm I'm spending time with them and you know, we have a we have a really good time. Um, I definitely, of course, love getting facials. So shout out to all the girls that work at Panacea because they give amazing facials, and I've had several from all of them. So that's probably honestly one of my favorite things.

Krista

Yeah, I love that for you. And if if you were gonna give one tip to our listen, our listeners, the ones who are thinking about I want to do it all too, like what would be your one tip for them? You just have to do it, you just have to you have to get started.

SPEAKER_01

And you know, it's like one of those things where you keep saying, like, oh, I I want to do this or I want to do that, but like how are you doing it? You know, like movement and momentum is so important, like even if you are sometimes it's maybe the wrong direction, but like moving is like much better than just not doing anything and staying still. And you know what? If it's something that doesn't end up working out or you're not liking it. It then you can kind of turn that around and pivot and change into something else.

Krista

Not being afraid to fail and being okay with like uncertainty. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. Okay.

Rapid Fire Hacks And Product Debates

Krista

We're gonna do some rapid fire questions. Oh, okay. Let's go. Before we wrap up. Okay. So I want your thoughts on the following beauty hacks. I want you to tell me if they're hype or if they're legitimate hacks.

SPEAKER_01

Okay.

Krista

Silk pillowcases. I don't use one. Okay. They can be good for your hair, I guess.

SPEAKER_01

But yeah.

Krista

But keeping your, I mean, if you want to keep your face clean all the time, but you gotta switch them out. Yes, yes.

SPEAKER_01

You have to you have to wash them.

Krista

Um humidifiers. Um, I don't use one, honestly. Me neither. Well, I I don't either, except that we have one built into our HVAC system. So I guess technically we have one in the house. So and I do notice when the house feels more dry. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

So I'm more of like a I guess an air purifier person to get like all the like dust and toxins out.

Krista

I love that.

SPEAKER_01

Washing makeup brushes. Yes, you have to wash your makeup brushes. If you put them on your skin, and I know what you're gonna say, your skin's clean when you put them on. Is that what you say? Oh my god.

Krista

I was gonna say I literally never wash my makeup brushes. It's the grossest thing. I should totally wash my makeup brushes. Yes, you need to, yeah, just to clean everything out. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because you don't know, you're putting it over skin that, you know, if you had a pimple and there's bacteria in there, and like I agree, it's gross. Okay. Um, skincare for hands, including retinol.

SPEAKER_01

Yes, yeah, absolutely. All your skincare. I guess I didn't mention earlier because I'm just like, no, you're supposed to, it comes down to your neck, it comes down to your decollete, and we finish on your hands. Yeah, yeah.

Krista

Um, and we actually apply sunscreen in our manicure services at the spa because of that, unless you're going in to use the amenities, but we definitely want you using sunscreen on your hands. Absolutely. And also the retinols too, and even sometimes brightening products because if you're getting sunspots and sun damage on your hands.

SPEAKER_02

Oh, yeah.

Krista

Um, carry SPF in your car.

SPEAKER_01

Um, no, because of the heat. Um, but I do keep it in my bag. Good. Yes. Um, what about lip SPF? Um, so I use a lip balm that has sunscreen in it. Yes, absolutely. You can get skin cancer on your lips, you can get pigmentation. Yeah, absolutely. What about scalp SPF? Um, well, I'm naturally blonde, so I definitely do. But not that anybody shouldn't, but I'm like, yes. Yes. Or wear hats, please. Yes.

Krista

Okay. The next my next round of questions is about splurge or save. Okay. Splurge or save on drugstore skincare or spa grade luxury skincare. Splurge. Yes. On the spa grade. Yes. How about eye patches?

SPEAKER_01

I don't really use them.

Krista

I don't either. I feel like they most of them out there have lots of chemicals in them. That's the problem, is Eminence. We need a good one. Oh my gosh, Eminence. I hope you're listening, Arcana.

SPEAKER_01

Um, okay, jade rollers. Um, I don't like them. I prefer a gouacha if I'm being honest. I don't know. Yeah. I like them both.

Krista

I I also prefer the gouacha because the rollers can tend to get caught in my hair.

SPEAKER_02

Oh yeah.

Krista

Um, collagen supplements.

SPEAKER_01

Um, I will say I don't know as much about them to answer on it. From my understanding, you still need to supplement on your skin, like topically, though, because it's not going to Yep.

Krista

And also internally. And I do, I personally do think that you want to splurge a little bit on them. You definitely want to do your research, make sure that you have a good quality supplier of the collagens. And there are some that are supplemented with other ingredients too. And you need to know if you need those or if you don't. Some have hyaluronic acid supplements in them, some don't. Um, okay. Red light devices, splurge or safe. Splurge. 100%. On a good one. Oh my gosh. I'm gonna say obviously I'm biased. Light Stim, which is the brand that we carry, and also the manufacturer of our bed, they are hands down the most researched in the industry. They also are the only ones that have FDA approval and an FDA um clearance for their light beds, which is really, really important because that means that not only is it approved for public use, but they've done all of the research to show that it can actually do what they say it can do from a clinical perspective. And that is so uncommon in the beauty industry.

SPEAKER_01

That's so I talk with that about clients a lot with our light stem products. I'm like, you know, a lot of times people or not people, businesses companies, they'll get that FDA approval and then they slap the label on everyone's like, oh, but it's FDA approved. I'm like, yes, but it's not clear. They haven't actually proved that that, you know, they've done the research and that it actually does what it's supposed to.

Krista

And a lot of times that there's devices out there that are no better than like a strip light that you would get at Lowe's that you would like tape up around your room when you're a kid. And some of them even still have UV exposure in them. Um, so there's a lot of different things to look out for when it comes to getting a good LED device.

SPEAKER_01

So when they curve too.

Krista

Yes, because if they're curved, then it typically renders the LED lights ineffective because those are typically those strip lights and not true actual LED powerful lights. So there's so much we can talk about on that. I have another LED episode, but um, okay, splurge or save, facial steamers. Save. I think save too. Um, poor strips, save, save.

unknown

Yeah, okay.

Krista

The next one is um this category is called this or that. Okay. Okay. Retinol or Bacuchial?

SPEAKER_01

Retinol.

Krista

Yeah, same. Um, vitamin C or niacinamide. Vitamin C. 100%. Um, professional treatments or home care? Of course I'm gonna say professional. But so important to do both because if you're not doing at home, that's like 80% of your skincare results. Like if you aren't following up at home with good quality skincare, then what you do in the spa in your professional treatments, it's not really gonna be as effective.

SPEAKER_01

They very much go hand in hand, yeah.

Krista

Yeah, I agree. Okay, morning shower or night shower? Um, night. I'm a morning shower person. Really? Yeah, just because like it makes my hair do weird things when I shower at night. I don't know why. Like it makes it all cute oily and crinkly and it just doesn't style right. So I'm a morning shower. Cold plunge or cold shower? I love the cold plunge actually. So much. Me too. We went to um Montana for my husband's 50th, and we were so fortunate to have this cabin that was on a river, and it was the water was like as cold as our cold plunge. And we were able to like actually just like plunge right in the river every single day. It was so awesome. I love it. I know your nose. Um, minimal routine or 10-step routine? 10-step. Of course. Yeah. This is a like but more is better, but what's your budget? Yes, what's your time? All the things, and if and if those things are not vast, we have products that we can recommend to help give you the maximum results. Um Botox or retinol.

SPEAKER_01

Retinol.

Krista

100% agree on that. Um, again, not that there's not a place for Botox in certain scenarios. I think there is, but it's just not what we do at Panacea. So um chemical exfoliation or physical exfoliation? Chemical. I don't know. I don't know that I disagree.

SPEAKER_01

I just they both need to be together, but if you're going to pick one, yeah.

Krista

I think physical is much more accessible and and safer if you're doing it on your own, yeah. Typically, depending on what you're using, but I don't know. I like them both. I'm torn on that one. SPF 15 or 50. 50. Yep. Um, I actually had my little cousin, she came in to have a skincare assessment, and I was like, Do you use sunscreen? And she was like, No. And I was like, Oh my god, what? You don't? And she's like, No. I'm like, okay, that's the first thing we're doing. And then I had another um one of our marketing girls came in and she wanted to have the vizier done on her. And she was so worried about sun damage, and she's only in her 20s. And I said, Do you use sunscreen? And she said, Yes, I do. And I was like, amazing. I'm like, what SPF do you use? And she's like, 15. Oh, I was like, oh no.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. If you're gonna use a lower one, you definitely you have to reapply more regularly. That's what I think the discussion about it is if you're using a 15, that's fine, but then you you're gonna have to reapply your sunscreen every like hour or two. Yeah, which isn't it?

Krista

Doesn't the 15 mean that um it's gonna give you that potency for only 15 minutes of exposure, right?

SPEAKER_01

From my understanding, it's supposed to the difference in SPF is um how long it's going to protect your skin. So from when your skin gets damaged from the sun, like personally. So if you were to go outside without sunscreen on, if it takes you 20 minutes to burn, then you multiply that by the SPF and that's how often you should reapply it. Okay. So if it's 20 minutes, then you would do you would multiply that 20 minutes by the 15, and that's how often you need to reapply your 15.

Krista

Interesting. Okay. Okay. Um a tinted sunscreen or a traditional sunscreen?

SPEAKER_01

I like tinted, but I typically don't wear makeup. I wear makeup for like special occasion kind of thing. So I like a tinted because I think it helps just to like minimize slightly, but it still feels like me and my skin.

Krista

Yeah, and it still feels light and it still gives you like a teeny bit of coverage. So um heavy weights or cardio? Uh heavyweights. Definitely for me. I'm surprised for you. We usually most people in their 20s are like loving cardio. Oh yeah.

SPEAKER_01

And um, I I used to work at a gym actually whenever I was 18. So I did. So you found the value of it. I genuinely.

Krista

Okay, meditation or rave.

SPEAKER_01

Oh, I'm not a rave girl at all. Mom of three. No. Um, reading or Netflixing? Um, I want to say reading, but it's definitely Netflix.

Krista

Yeah, I know, same. Um, electrolytes or adaptogens.

SPEAKER_01

Actually, adaptogens. I started them this week. Um, I thought you'd be proud. I'm so proud of that. I did start adaptogens this week, and I it's only been a week, but I I'm enjoying them.

Krista

Yeah, we're developing, as you know, some services completely all around adaptogens, and we now have that whole product line of adaptogens in the boutique, but they can do so much to help you adapt to all the stressors in this world. So adaptogens are amazing, but I'm actually a huge fan of electrolytes. Um, I think we don't drink enough water. Um, we're constantly depleting our minerals because we're not getting the right foods, and um, electrolytes can be really balancing for us. So I think most of us aren't getting enough of them. Um sauna or cold plunge? Cold plunge.

SPEAKER_01

I love the cold plunge. I love it so much. And it used to be so hard when you do it the first time I did it. I was like, yep, never doing this again.

Krista

I know it's so exhilarating though. And like your body feels so relieved afterwards and like just I don't even know how to say it. Like exhilarated is the best word I can think of.

SPEAKER_01

The last time I did it with you, I said it for 12 minutes. You're like, okay, you need to get out now. I was like, but uh, okay, I'll get out.

Krista

And also, I think the temperature was on it. You checked it. No. Um LED or hyperbaric?

SPEAKER_01

Oh, that one's hard. Okay, if you have access, hyperbaric, because hyperbaric therapy is like so beneficial. Yeah. Um, so hyperbaric. Yeah. I have an hour and I have to do one or the other hyperbaric.

Krista

Hyperbaric for sure. I agree. Um, cocktails or mocktails? Cocktails. Kaylee's a tequila girl.

SPEAKER_01

I am a tequila girl, yeah. Um, healthy food or junk food? Um, honestly, I try to eat pretty healthy. I and I know this probably sounds like lame, but if you balance it, you know, like I definitely like don't get me wrong, I have chocolate most nights, but um, but like throughout the day, like I mostly I just it makes me feel better. Yeah. If I like have like a couple days where we ate, we eat out too much and you know it's kind of like junkier, I just I don't feel good.

Krista

We just started doing, I found someone who does um home cooked meals and he cooks them, he makes everything with healthy ingredients, he does it to all of our preferences, and then he delivers it to our house. So it's so great because like we usually don't get done working until 8 30, 9 o'clock. Do I? I know, right? And then usually we have no groceries, so it's like 10 30 by the time we're eating, but these are already meal prepped and ready to go, and we just pop them in the microwave, and they're so good. It's been like the best health change, I think, that I've had this year for sure.

SPEAKER_01

Oh, that's nice.

Krista

Um we were door dashing like minimum four to five times a week. Minimum.

SPEAKER_01

Well, yeah. I mean, you guys are busy.

Krista

Oh my gosh. Okay. Okay, you said chocolate. So my favorite milk or dark? Dark. A hundred percent dark. Okay.

unknown

I love dark chocolate.

Krista

Awesome. Okay, so what's one thing that you've been dying to ask me?

SPEAKER_01

Oh, I don't know that I was prepared for this question. I might have to come back to it. Okay. Can't think of anything. I honestly just ask you things. I'm like, I don't know if she's gonna like this question or not, but I love it.

Krista

That's awesome. Okay, one word that describes this season of your life busy. Very much so. Very busy. Kaylee's taking on more roles as the sales training manager at the spa, and we've got some new products and services coming out that she's getting ready to launch, and she's got her babes. Yes, her new house. Like, yeah, this year's been a whirlwind for you for sure.

SPEAKER_01

2026 has been, yes.

Krista

And you're doing so wild. I'm so excited to be a part of all these exciting things in your life. So, what's next for you?

SPEAKER_01

Not that you need anything. I was gonna say, I don't know that I need another next right now. Yeah, I think we're just trying to like balance everything and you know, kind of let it like ride and we'll see how things are going. Yeah. I love

Simple Night Routine And Closing Offers

SPEAKER_01

it.

Krista

So, as we wrap up for today, at the end of the day, would you agree that if our listeners consistently cleanse appropriately, protect their barrier, use vitamin C, use vitamin A, and their sunscreen, that they're doing the vast majority of what science supports for healthy, resilient skin?

SPEAKER_01

Yes, I do.

Krista

Okay, so now imagine that someone who's listening to this episode is completely overwhelmed by all of the stuff that we've just talked about on the last two episodes because it was a lot. Um, and they just don't know where to start. They have five minutes tonight to do anything. What are the three things that they should do before they go to bed?

SPEAKER_01

Cleanse, moisturize, retinol if you have it. Yeah, little exfoliation, nothing too crazy. I mean, I think you just have to you have to get started, and you have to get started in something that's comfortable for you. Because if it's you start too much too soon, you're not going to keep up with it, and it's gonna be, you know, honestly a waste for yourself. So just kind of starting that basic routine and noticing like once you start to notice change in your skin, I feel like you're gonna be like, okay, now what else can I do to help this problem? You know, kind of thing.

Krista

And mine would be um cleanse or use your triad pad. Yes, um, use that one active, whatever it is, um, and then definitely moisturize. But I would try if you don't have an active, then cleanse, moisturize, and LED. If you can get LED into your life, it makes such a big difference. One from a mindset and nervous system protection perspective, but also from a skin healing perspective. So I think it just does so many things all at once. Um, okay, and if there were just one thing that you would want everyone listening today to take away from this episode when it comes to skincare, what would that be? Hmm.

SPEAKER_01

I'd say coming and get a facial. Yeah, come get a facial. Come get it, come see us. Yeah, come see us, come get a facial and you know, like let us let us help. If you have questions, like even if you know you're like, hey, I I don't think I can buy a new routine yet, or I can't add this in, that's okay. But at least, you know, you can, you know, have somebody else take a look and get a good opinion and you know, say maybe it's something that you want to start doing in the future.

Krista

Yeah. And use sunscreen and teach your kids to use sunscreen. Sunscreen. Okay, so as we close out today's episode, please remember that everything shared on Serenity and Fire is meant for general education and inspiration purposes only. The topics we discuss are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalized medical care. So please always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health concerns, laboratory results, medications, and treatment decisions before trying anything we talk about on the show. Your health is unique and your care should be too. Okay, that's it for today's episode. I'm so excited that you came on the show, Kaylee, and that you did these two episodes with me. Thank you so, so much. Thank you for having me. This was fun. I liked it. Do you think you would do it again? Oh, absolutely. Awesome. We'll we'll think of some other good topics. So message in to us. Let me know what else you want to hear about. There's something that we talked about that you want us to dive deeper in. We definitely can do that. But thank you so much for listening to Serenity and Fire today. And if you enjoyed today's episode, please support the show by following us on social, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with those that you love most. And until next time, protect your skin, stay consistent with your skincare, give yourself grace to love the skin that you're in, and keep balancing serenity with fire. I'm Krista Guadeni, and I'll talk with you more in our next episode. At Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique, we don't just offer traditional spa treatments. We create rituals that relax your mind, restore your health, and rejuvenate your spirit. From biohacking technologies to advanced oncology trained care. Everything we do is designed to help you feel on the deepest level. And right now you can experience two of my favorites: a whole body of V light bug or hydrobaric oxygen therapy. Thank you for listening. You'll get 10% off your first session when you use the code Serenity10. What is your fantasy at? Let us help you find it because true wellness isn't a quick fix. It's a ritual.