Couture Conversations

Ourself Skincare

• Couture Med Spa • Episode 25

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What if your skincare actually reached the layers where change happens? We sit down with Alex, a seasoned aesthetic industry pro, to unpack how Ourself’s biotech roots and TRV tiered release vesicle push big, hard-to-deliver molecules like peptides and hyaluronic acid deeper—10 times deeper than conventional formulas—without needles or harsh enhancers. The result: faster glow, firmer skin, and simpler routines that still outperform crowded vanities.

We trace the founders’ lineage from SkinMedica and Alastin to a new mission focused on delivery science. Alex breaks down the elevator-like TRV system in plain English, explaining why elasticity, collagen, and hyaluronic acid live below the barrier—and why most products never get there. Then we tour the lineup: a gel-to-foam Daily Purifying Cleanser that preps without sting, an HA Replenishing Eye Serum that lifts, brightens, and smooths, and the hero HA Replenishing Serum often dubbed “filler in a bottle” for its multi-active, single-step payoff. We also compare Daily Renewal Cream vs Rich for barrier support and smart hydration across skin types.

Pigment gets the high-science treatment with Complexion Brightening, featuring the new MI9 peptide to block pigment messaging and tranexamic acid delivered deeper than before, alongside vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol. Expect visible shifts in as little as two weeks without hydroquinone-level irritation. And for a finish that people actually notice, we cover Replenishing Lip Filler 2.0—clinically showing 0.61cc of volume in two weeks—plus the Lip Conditioner that seals moisture for soft, healthy lips without the sting of traditional plumpers.

We also get practical: medical grade versus over the counter, why confocal microscopy and punch biopsies matter, and how the 80-20 rule makes homecare the insurance policy for every facial, laser, or injectable. If you’re ready to streamline your routine and still see real change, this conversation brings the science and the receipts.

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share with a friend who loves skincare, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Welcome And Why We Test Brands

SPEAKER_01

Hey everyone, welcome back to Couture Conversations. I'm Lindsay, your host, lead aesthetician here at Kator Med Spa. This is the podcast where we dive deep into all things beauty, skincare, and self-care, bringing you conversations with experts, brand reps, and industry insiders who are shaping the future of aesthetics. Today I am so excited to have a very special guest joining me, Alex. She is the brand representative for a skincare line that we have recently brought into Couture Medspa. It's called Ourself. If you haven't heard of them yet, you're going to want to take notes because this line is truly changing the game when it comes to medical grade skincare. Everyone, welcome, Alex.

SPEAKER_00

Thank you, Lindsay. Thanks for joining me today. So exciting.

Alex’s Path From Teaching To Aesthetics

SPEAKER_01

So when it comes to skincare, we carry a couple different brands at Couture Medspawn. We've kind of gone through a few and we really pride ourselves in making sure that we, when we bring in a new skincare line, when we bring in a new brand, that we test it out on ourselves, we try it, we take in all the data that the brands had given us, but really like to put that feel on it ourselves and make sure that, you know, we love how our skin feels with it, what it does. You know, we really put that effort into making sure that we are recommending something to our clients that we love ourselves and that we feel give the results that, you know, you can come in and show us all these papers and all these things of how great it is. Um, but to have that physical touch, that physical feel to see what it does with our skin. Um, you know, it it is really something that we pride ourselves in and making sure that we are offering the best in products that we've truly tried and love to our clients. And um is a brand um that is relatively new and we've got to test out um quite a few of the products, and all of us fell in love with them right away. Um, loved everything about it, the transformations that we'd seen in our skin. So we were absolutely like, all right, we have to offer this to our clients. So um yeah, so Alex is gonna give us all the background, all of the information about it. So if you're looking for a new skincare line or you're just a skincare junkie like me and you want to try all the things, um, see what's new. You know, skincare is always evolving and there's always something new out there. So let's get into it. Okay. All right, so Alex, so before we get into the brand itself, give me a little bit of um background and your connection to aesthetics.

SPEAKER_00

So I kind of had a different start with the um getting into aesthetics. I was a teacher. So I taught for 10 years kindergarten. Uh I have two little girls, and it was around COVID time that I decided to kind of make the switch. It opened up the ability for me to look for something different. And so my first job in aesthetics was at Obaji. I did inside sales, um, and I loved the pace. Um, it was just so much fun, something totally different. But I was getting to teach in a different way. So from there, I had one really amazing year, and I got a phone call one day from a company that was you uh newer and incredible, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. So you've heard of a last in skincare. So I went over there and had three incredible years. I won President's Club and Rookie of the Year, and their science. You talked about papers and you know, data and all of that, and they had it all. So from there, um, it got purchased by Galderma similar to the time I came on board. Um, so it was just growing bigger and bigger. And then that kind of led me. Um, there was a before and after picture of these eyes at ourself. There was two weeks, and the crepiness on this elderly woman's eyes was nearly gone. So after seeing that, I kind of got interested and I was like, hmm, what are they doing over there? So that led me to look more into the science because coming from such a strong company, I wasn't going to go anywhere unless it was worth the while. So that's kind of how I ended up uh been here. It'll be a year in January, but six years total coming in 2026 in aesthetics.

SPEAKER_01

Nice. So, what made you make the switch? Why why was uh skincare the switch from teaching?

SPEAKER_00

It's a good question. Um, if I can be honest, I think all of us are kind of still somewhat trying to figure out what we want to be or what we want to do, or like what are we interested in? And my sister was in the industry. So she I kept talking to people, and you know, um, I just think that she told me, I think you'll really like it. And so it I a lot of it's who you know and getting that opportunity. It's not easy to get into this profession and medical grade skincare sales at all. So who you know is important, but getting into it, it's it's fun, right? You get to be with adults all day. For me, it was totally different. I'm like, I get to be with adults, I get to have lunch, I get to go to the bathroom when I want to go. Um, but skincare is a lot of fun, and there's no skincare emergencies. That is very true. Yeah, it might seem like it sometimes, but like you're not shaping a little person's life, so it's it's a lot less stressful. So, what keeps you passionate about skincare after all these years? Oh, um, the ever-evolving industry. I mean, you brought that up already. I think that there's always something new happening. And to be on the edge of something brand new, I for decades we've had so many, and it's there's so many different companies. Yeah, I think you brought that up too, is just I think everybody's still looking for that skincare that's gonna change their skin. So I feel like I landed at a place where I get to help people with that.

SPEAKER_01

That's gotta be a good feeling.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, yeah. And that's why we love skincare products. It's the same thing as anesthetician. I feel like I can successfully recommend something that is gonna change their skin, that they're gonna see the those results with, which is really nice.

What Makes Ourself Different

SPEAKER_00

It is. And I have a husband, I don't think I've ever mentioned this to you. He had, excuse me, um, had really bad acne growing up. And I saw even when I first started dating him, he would wear t-shirts to cover it up. Um, so I just always had a soft spot for him dealing with that and his confidence. Um, so even, you know, you just feel for people if you can make them feel better about themselves, that's that's a big deal.

SPEAKER_01

All right. So the path to ourselves. So getting into ourselves a little bit, what stood out about ourself? Um, I know you talked a little bit about like the clinical data in the before and after picture that you saw, but what makes them so different than um any other line that you've worked with or that you've seen so far?

SPEAKER_00

So when people come in to talk to you, Lindsay, I'm sure most of the topic is around ingredients. And that's because that's what we've had, right? We have these wonderful ingredients. I mean, peptides are a thing. Um, everybody kind of uses the same type of ingredients, but being able to get those into the skin versus them sitting on the skin is what differentiates ourselves. And not needing the chemical enhancers that are irritating or um physical methods. So injecting, lasering, microneedling. The products get into the skin and absorb without any of that. So that was huge. I'm like, whoa, this is something completely different than I've seen. So think of like filler in a bottle.

SPEAKER_01

Who doesn't want that?

SPEAKER_00

Sign me up.

SPEAKER_01

So can you give us a little backstory on how ourselves was founded?

SPEAKER_00

Absolutely. So the same people that created Skin Medica back in 1999, so Scott Glenn helped with TNS Growth Serum, which is cool. That was the first high science company back in the day. Um and then they were looking for the next need. So moving forward, Scott Glenn and Laura Natsuki worked together to start elastin skincare. And elastin's all about pre and post procedure, if you've never heard of them before. Um, so really came and changed the market. It's there's something available for pre and post you could put on immediately. Um, that's anhydrous, so it's not gonna cause any irritation in the skin. Um, so from there, Galdorma purchased and acquired elastin, and they were looking for their next thing to do in the industry. What was the next thing they were gonna solve for? And really, delivery was what came about. So they worked for a while with um different people looking at different studies and publications, and they came across somebody out of Canada who was delivering vaccines, insulin and erectile dysfunction drugs transdermally or without a needle. So they took that concept and worked it into anti-aging, and that's how ourselves was born. Um, so the they are biotech industry pioneers, and they also started so Quidel, which was the first COVID test, and um DEXCOM, if you know anybody that has insulin monitoring. So they're really good at what they do, and they're always looking to solve a need in the market.

SPEAKER_01

That is very cool technology. Right.

unknown

Yeah.

Founders And Origins Of Ourself

SPEAKER_01

So let's talk about the innovation. So can you tell us a little bit about? So you're talking about delivery system, um, the technology and the formula, that delivery system that is so important to ourselves.

SPEAKER_00

Sure. So the TRV is what our delivery system is called. It's the tiered release vesicle. And what it's able to do is deliver 10 times deeper than anything else that's out there. Um, it uses large molecule ingredients, so hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, um, peptides. So peptides and hyaluronic acid are larger molecules. And something else interesting is they are negatively charged. So the skin's also negatively charged, so they want to repel each other. So it's always been a struggle to get things like that in the skin. That's why I talked about some of those other methods that get used. Um, but with the TRV technology, it's like an elevator. So it takes those large ingredients and we can put more things into one bottle, simplifying the routine and get them all the way down. So if we were getting in the elevator together and we were different ingredients, we could drop off all of our friends all the way down to the basement or the area where our elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid all are housed to make really a difference in the skin. So we're seeing really beautiful results fast. And it's exciting.

SPEAKER_01

So for anyone who doesn't know, why is it so important that ingredients are being delivered deeper into the skin?

TRV Delivery Technology Explained

SPEAKER_00

So good question. Um I mentioned elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. So those are kind of the components in the skin that give us what we need. So elastin gives snapback. So, like with grandma, if you wish she was to pinch her skin, it'd take a minute for it to go back to where it needs to. Um, but we want it to bounce back. But we lose elasticity and it's a terrible situation. I want to say, wasn't it in the womb is when we stopped building it? Yes. That's what they said. It's so sad. Um, so yes, if we're losing it, we want to be able to replace that. And our peptides that we're able to get down there are going to help with that because they do specific jobs. And then also collagen is like the cushion or the mattress in the skin. And hyaluronic acid is amazing. It's giving that plump volume and hydration. So if we can't get the ingredients down where they need to be, it's kind of um what are we doing? Just sitting on top of the skin. Sitting on top of the skin. Giving nothing. Right. And the outer, I'm glad you brought that up because the stratum corneum's job is to keep things either in or out. And if we can't get past there, then you're wasting your money.

SPEAKER_01

Yes. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Wasting your money. That's why people are still looking for the next best thing.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Because the cream, you know, it might feel good when you put it on topically right there for like an hour or so. And then later you're like, Why am I feel really dry throughout the day? Or you're not seeing any changes in your sin because it's just sitting there. Exactly. Doing nothing. Yeah. So what would you say has been some rewarding things about working with a startup company?

SPEAKER_00

I'll tell you what, I feel like I got my wings back. I love being able to create things for my accounts, and we don't have everything that we might need yet. We're a new brand. Um, so also getting to influence everything from marketing to products to um if you know something's not maybe going right, we get to pivot and people listen. Um, it's just fun being in a new brand because it's a smaller group of people, but we all want the same thing. So everyone's really working hard too.

SPEAKER_01

What are some of the challenges you've had with a new brand?

SPEAKER_00

I'd say, you know, people haven't heard of the name ourself before, potentially. So getting that brand recognition out there, um, sometimes, you know, in this in today's world, I'll text somebody or DM them, and it's hard to get somebody to have you come in to talk about the products, let's be real. So um I wish my excitement, it's hard to get the excitement um spread through text or something, and because they have so many things on their shelf, they might not give me that opportunity to really everyone's coming in saying, Oh, I have something different. How many times have we all heard that? Yeah, but I really do. So let me tell you. Right, right. So I think that's a challenge if you want to call it that.

SPEAKER_01

So speaking of the name, how did ourself become the name?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, right. Because it's kind of a different name. Um I'd say the biggest thing is we want people to feel the best version of themselves. So that's kind of where ourself came from. And it's a good reminder in today's world not to feel guilty for taking care of yourself. Because if you don't, nobody else is going to.

SPEAKER_01

So are there any fun behind the scene moments or any like success stories in the early days that you have?

Why Depth Matters For Results

SPEAKER_00

Definitely success stories, but a funny one. Recently, I came with my Hulkin bag. So if you guys don't know about Hulkin, I definitely you should look it up. Um, I'm obsessed. I roll in and everybody's like, oh, I love your bag, but not about the bag. I brought a mallet, and it's kind of weird to come in a skincare rep with a mallet, but my husband, so sweet, he sent me with it to build my director's chair for the lip lab. So here I am hammering with this mallet, and um Zed, the owner, was like, oh, watch out for Alex. So now it's kind of like our little joke. Um, so that was a funny one. But um success stories, I we see them and hear them all the time. And I think the most consistent thing is the glow. Right? That's the thing that caught my attention. I didn't mention this, but a lot of people um from a prior brand came over before I did to ourself, and I noticed their skin had this radiance, and I was just like, oh, what is something is different. And that's kind of the consistent message that we see in here is oh wow, like 10 days or two weeks, people start giving you compliments and asking what you're doing. So I think um that's been great.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I can say that's very on par because uh Diane, so our owner, she um I didn't know, but she had been consistently using just the RSelf products. And I'd seen her and I was like, girl, your skin is looking so good. And she's like, I'm just using R Self. And I'm like, that's it, that's all that you're using. And she's like, that's it. I'm giving it, I'm giving it my try. I'm using all this stuff. And her skin was glowing, and she had no makeup on, had no procedures done, anything recently. Like her skin was just glowing. It looked so good. So very much on brand with what you're saying. That glow is just like your skin looks great.

SPEAKER_00

And that's the question we get asked a lot is you know, did you do any treatments? No, it's just the skincare, and it happens so fast because we're getting those large molecules down where they need to go so badly. Um, and it's changing the skin.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, it's exciting. Yeah. All right. So now that we've been talking about it, let's actually talk about some of the products. So we're gonna deep dive into all of the products that they carry ourselves. Um, so I will let you take it away, Alex. But we can start with the um daily purifying cleanser. So if you guys are watching on YouTube, she's gonna show you. Before she gets into it, I will tell you. People always laugh at me because my absolute, if you ask me like what my favorite product is, most people are gonna be like, oh, it's uh, you know, a vitamin C or some type of serum or you know, something really cleansers are my favorite. I'm obsessed with cleansers. I'm a cleanser girl. I love a good, like, gel creamy cleanser that gets everything off my skin. I don't know, I just love cleansers. I the first time I tried the R self cleanser is actually when you guys came in, and we just used one of the little sinks in our um spa room, and I put a little bit on and I was like, I love this. I need to try it. My hands felt so soft after I'm obsessed with it. It's such a good cleanser. So take it away. Tell us about the purifying cleanser.

Startup Wins And Challenges

SPEAKER_00

So, this is the daily purifying cleanser. Not only is it incredible, as you mentioned, but it's so pretty. It looks um really nice even in the counters. It is so pretty. I have to pause for a minute and talk about our packaging because they knocked it out of the park. You guys will see as we're explaining. But the daily purifying cleanser is a gel to a foam. You really only need about a half a pump. Would you agree? Yes. Oh, yeah. Use a whole pump, you can like wash your whole body with it. I know my husband will go and take a whole pump, and I'm like, what are you doing? Stop wasting it. That's right. Uh, you gotta control yourself, man. Um, but this has lactic acid as well in it, which isn't um listed in the main ingredients, but I like that because it's antimicrobial and um it in general prepares the skin for the next step. It's pH balancing, um, no fragrance, no smell to it. So that's good for everybody. It's gentle enough to use every single day, um, morning and night. And I also love it. Yeah, it's very gentle.

SPEAKER_01

It takes everything off very well. Yes. It's a great cleanser.

SPEAKER_00

I get in with like all near my eyes, get all that mascara off.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, it's never burned my eyes. It's never anything. It's very gentle.

SPEAKER_00

I agree.

SPEAKER_01

But effective.

SPEAKER_00

It is. I and I don't think you're the only one who said this is their favorite. I never got excited about cleansers until this one. Yeah. So it's definitely worth a try.

SPEAKER_01

It's a good one to get excited about. It is, yeah. All right. So next we are gonna talk about the eye cream. Okay. Let's see if I can get that one to you. There we go.

SPEAKER_00

All right, so the HA replenishing eye serum is phenomenal. It has that TRV technology that we were talking about, so we're ensuring it's getting where it needs to go. Um, it's full of peptides, hyaluronic acid. It also has a booster so that the body produces its own hyaluronic acid and something that protects it from the breakdown. So, as um, with anything that we put in our body, there's enzymes that want to attack it and break it down. So, protecting from that. It has jasmine and hawthorn flour extract to help with dark circles and lifting the lid, believe it or not. So, for me, I've always suffered with a little bit of a droopy eyelid and it does give a really nice lift. Um, and as you're aware of, dark circles are just really hard. A lot of times, we can only do so much, but the improvements are there. We have some really stunning photos at eight weeks where it's very much lightened. So, if you're looking for that all-in-one eye cream, this is it. Um, you really can't go wrong. It also has niacinamide and vitamin C, brightens everything up, takes redness away. Crow's feet are improved. So, everything that we want in an eye cream, and again, with everything I'm gonna talk about, you need the tiniest amount. So, like the size of a grain of rice. I don't know if you guys can see that or not, but that's about all you need. And I think um I always say use your ring finger because you tap the lightest with it. You want to just press it on gently underneath, pat it under the eye, put it on your eyelids, and even above the brow bone for a little smart. Okay. Yeah. To try that little one. Yeah. Anything else?

SPEAKER_01

Um, have you gotten to use this one? I have gotten to use that one. Yes. Yeah. It's very, very lightweight. The your eyes feel so hydrated around the area. Um, I'm definitely gonna do it above my brow bone now. Um, but a little bit there, it a little bit goes a long way, like she said. So it'll last you for a really long time. It does. That one is um you use that one morning and night, right? Correct. Yes. Everything's morning and night.

SPEAKER_00

Perfect.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

The Glow: Early Success Stories

SPEAKER_00

Everything's morning and night, um, except sunscreen.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

All right. And then the next one, I'll hand you this one. This is gonna be the HA replenishing serum. This is kind of like your guys' hero product, right?

SPEAKER_00

Absolutely. Yes. So everything I mentioned that was in eye is basically in this bottle. If I could tell you it was filler in a bottle, this, you know, this would be it. It is my island product. It's the one that gives that ourself glow. So, really love this product. It is thinner and it has a different consistency because of the teared release vesicle technology. Um, we're used to that emollient, rich, heavier feel to the skin. So when you use this, one pump's enough for the entire face. And really, what I would do is just tap it around, pad a little bit, and then leave it be. You can also use it on the neck and decollete too, but it's proven to firm, smooth, hydrate, um, brighten the skin, neck, and decollete as soon as two weeks. It's like, forget it. I can't, I'm this is I can't go without it. I just can't. Like, I will not miss morning or night with this. And it eliminates so many different steps because again, peptides, hyaluronic acid, uh, vitamin C, and niacinamide are in here. So thinking of your regimen, I mean, it can take out how many different steps, not only saving you money, but maybe, I mean, you're an aesthetician. Wouldn't you like them to come do another treatment with you? Yeah, absolutely. Because it opens up their budget. And in today's world, who wants to do so many steps anymore? We're all tired, we're busy. It's like, let's just make it simple.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, everyone loves a good simple skincare routine. You know, you'll get your one person here and there that's like, nope, I want all my 10 products, and that's fine. Do your thing. Most people with time, with like you said, money, everything. If you can simplify the routine, and it's easier to make sure that they do it consistently because you're not using 10, 12 products, you're using your cleanser, your few. Like it makes it so much more just easier to be consistent with it, which I love.

Product Deep Dive: Cleanser

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, for sure. And how many people fall off the bandwagon because they're not seeing those results? Um, so when we start seeing the benefits, we're gonna continue. Um, so I do love that about this product. Fast results. Yeah, it's a good one. Simple.

SPEAKER_01

All right, and then the other two, we'll do these ones together. So these are gonna be the two, the daily renewal cream and the daily renewal rich.

SPEAKER_00

And I know which one you love.

SPEAKER_01

I do.

SPEAKER_00

So these are our moisturizers, daily renewal cream and daily renewal cream rich. The biggest difference is the rich one is gonna be for more mature skin types. It also has shea butter and carob fruit extract, whereas this one, they both have antioxidants, peptides. So they would be like a hero in any other brand because they use the technology that we've had for, you know, four decades. So for the price and what they do, you're really getting a nice product. I put them on right after the HA everywhere, even my eyelids. You can use one, two pumps, it doesn't matter, however much you need. Um, but they really help with the skin barrier and hydration and locking in everything that we've done with our serums. So they work well together in harmony.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, moisturizers are so important. A lot of people kind of sleep on those, but everything evaporates off of our skin. So we want to lock it in there. Yes. Keep it in.

SPEAKER_00

And sometimes, don't you agree that people that have oily skin tend to try to avoid it when really it's helping to balance the skin out and really is what they need.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah. So if you have an oilier skin type, like as an esthetician, I'm probably gonna recommend the daily renewal cream. It's gonna be a little bit more of a lighter weight, it's not gonna feel thick and heavy. And then, yeah, someone who is on the drier side that needs a little bit more, like you said, that shea butter, that richer feel is where you're gonna go. And that's what I do love about skincare, is it is so customizable that you can still, you know, make sure all skin types are covered. So definitely I love both of those.

SPEAKER_00

And the lighter one has a ginger root extract, which is nice for more oily skin types. Um, and then at night, too, if you're looking for just a little bit more, you can put on the rich. So just or if it's cooler out.

SPEAKER_01

Yes, yeah. When it starts getting those drier months, you want to maybe switch it up if you need. And then before we get into the last one that we have here, um, we don't have a bottle of it out, but the complexion brightening.

Product Deep Dive: Eye Serum

SPEAKER_00

Yes. So the newest product we just launched, and it sold out in four weeks. So the it the excitement is real, just you know, back in stock. It's amazing. It has the tear release vesicle technology, but also a new peptide that was created by Robert Love, our peptide guru. He created MI9, and the point of it is to block the receptor cell that creates pigment. So there's different ways that we get pigment, whether it's hormonal or um UV exposure, or it could be from injury. And so there's a lot of different things that we need to do. It's probably one of the hardest skin conditions to combat. Do you agree with that? Oh, I completely agree.

SPEAKER_01

It's it's my biggest pain for myself is pigmentation. Yes. Um, it is. It's very difficult. And you have to be super consistent with it. You're always kind of, I don't want to say fighting it, but you're always kind of fighting it. But yeah, it's something that almost everyone struggles with. Like you said, whether it's browns or reds, any type of discoloration, it's one of the hardest things to correct.

SPEAKER_00

Definitely. So with this new MI9, it's think of like a baseball mitt with the ball in the glove. So there's it's stopping the ability for that pigment to start. Um and on top of that, we have tranexamic acid. You've never gotten that in the skin before. Um, so the ability to get that down and really calm down inflammation and reds that are going to cause those browns. Um, so that's a kind of unique combo that we have. And it has niacinamide, vitamin C, as well as retinol. So everything to not only prevent but correct pigment, which is huge. So we're seeing results as soon as two weeks with this one, which is unheard of with a non-hydroquinone, um, non-irritating product, because there's a lot of pigment products out there that a lot of us stop using. And then we're back to square one. So with this, you can use it even if you're going to be treated with lasers up until the day of your laser treatment. And then, depending on your provider's suggestions, if it was ablative or non-ablative, you can start that back up as soon as your skin's healed.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I will definitely say it is I because I've been using it for a little while now and it is not irritating at all. I love the texture of it, like the feel of it going on your skin. It's so nice. It feels so good. So yeah, I've definitely been loving it for sure. I struggle with pigmentation a lot on my forehead, and then I tend to get a lot of uh post-inflammatory erythema, and I feel like it has definitely helped lighten those areas um a lot quicker. So I'm loving that one. That's great to hear.

SPEAKER_00

I did you do any before and after photos?

Hero Product: HA Replenishing Serum

SPEAKER_01

I did. Well, I took a before. I haven't done any of my afters yet, but yeah, I have done them before. So yeah, I'll send them to you. Thank you. All right, so the last one we will talk about. This is probably this is the first product that I saw. Um, I have a friend who is an esthetician um and she uh has her own clinic and she was posting about the uh, so this is gonna be the I never remember the actual name of it. I call it the lip filler, but it's not. Um, and she was posting about it, and I was like, oh, this looks like fun and different. And I had never seen the R Self brand. And so that's kind of how I'd first um had heard about it. Um, so yeah, tell us a little bit about this product because it's so different and fun. I love it.

SPEAKER_00

It really is, and this is actually the second version of it. So you weren't wrong. It used to be called lip filler, it's now called replenishing lip filler. So this is the 2.0 version. And if you have ever considered getting lip filler, maybe you're afraid of needles, this is an alternative option for you. And you can get uh so Dr. Carolyn Jacobs did a study for us and showed 0.61cc of volume in the lips after two weeks. So that's equivalent to over a half a syringe worth of hyaluronic acid in the lip tissue, which is unheard of with a topical. So really exciting. I think this is one of the most unique products that we have. Um, granted, I love everything, but this really blows people's minds because even after the first time they apply it, they'll see changes. And a lot of us forget our lips. So, again, this is a topical lip filler, if you will. It's needle-free. And all you have to do is apply two layers morning and two layers night consistently to keep that volume. And it's different from those lip plumpers at Sephora because you hold the volume. If you miss a time or two, it's not gonna be gone. Um, but if you stop, you have until about two weeks before you go back to baseline. So it's totally a different experience. Sorry, I keep knocking this over. Than um the plumpers we've used at, you know, the stores I won't name, that burn really bad and dehydrate our lips, and then we wonder why we ever bought them.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, I will definitely say when you put it on, so I've used like lip plumpers before and they just like burn really bad and they turn red all around your mouth, and you're like, oh, this is not a good look. That does not do that at all. No, it just gives a nice, subtle like plumpness. They just look full. We love recommending it to, like you said, clients who are like on the fence about like if they want to do lip filler or they're nervous. Um, we love recommending it to clients who come and just get uh a lip flip. So for anyone who doesn't know, a lip flip is where we'll put uh neurotoxins just kind of in the top part of the lip so it relaxes the muscle, kind of just flips up that top lip. So it gives you the appearance of a little bit more volume. Um, but you know, maybe they're not ready for like lip filler, they just don't need it. But the um our self-replenishing lip filler will just help keep that plumpness. Like she said, using it over time, it's gonna help fill that. We also love recommending it to clients who do get lip filler because then they can use it consistently. It's gonna help kind of give the longevity for those results, just add even a little bit more until they're ready to get some more filler. Um, so it's great for anyone. Because, like you said, I do think we would neglect our lips so much. We have things for eyes, we have things for all these different things, but our lips are usually just like, oh, here's some dropstick when we know that's just gonna dry our lips out more. Um so yeah, and then um, so tell us a little bit about the conditioner as well. Of course.

Moisturizers: Cream Vs Rich

SPEAKER_00

So because the lips can't sweat, we lose so much hydration. I never really thought about this before. Um, but so to lock in that hydration, this is working, this is the treatment, you know, that's giving the hydration, the volume, definition, color, all the things we want in our lips, lip health, and then the lip conditioner has hyaluronic acid, has vitamin E and botanicals in it. It's super soft and silky on the lips. Um, and it's locking in that hydration. So, same thing with the moisturizers and what they're doing with the skin. This is the same thing, and you can apply this anytime you want throughout the day. Keep it in your pocket because you're gonna want it. Um, but yeah, it before bed, clear is my jam. I put it on after my treatment, and in the morning I wake up very hydrated. So that's been a more than anything with this product. Yes, we like all the benefits that it's gonna give the volume and definition, but for me, the hydrations game changing. I'm terrible at drinking water. I think I'm not the only one. Um, and I know that's a factor in dryness. Um, I always have peeling, dry, flaky, bleeding lips. So this has been, it's just really changed my lip health. Yeah, it's a really unique product.

SPEAKER_01

We we love it. Nice. Yeah, so check out any of these products. We have um carry all of these at Couture. Um, love them so much. So I know we've kind of discussed it, just talking about all the technology and everything that goes into this, but what would you really say is the difference that you would like people to understand the difference between over-the-counter products, something that they can just grab at any store and products, you know, we'll call them medical grade, clinical grade, whatever you want to call them. But what's what's the biggest difference? And what do you wish people really understood about that?

New Launch: Complexion Brightening

SPEAKER_00

So being medical grade or science-backed, we have to have studies. You have to have that proof. We can't just make claims saying, oh, it's going to do these things when really it's not like we talked about it sitting on the surface of the skin, or um, the TRV has changed the topic um of delivery. So we use confocal microscopy, which is a big word. Um, but basically what it is, it allows us to measure the depth of the hydration. We're getting actual product down where we talked about um we have publications, we do punch biopsies. I think that's a big deal to look at those stains and show you can clinically see the skin has been improved. Um, but there we're gonna make changes. So if you want change in your skin, you need to go with those type of products. And I'm sure you talk to your patients about this a lot, but the 80-20 rule 80% of skin care is done at home. You touch your face hopefully two times a day, morning and night, whereas your providers or or your treatments are done maybe 20% in office, whether you're going monthly for your facials and your microneedling, if you do that, or um three to four months for your filler talks, things like that. So it's really important to have a good skincare routine and maintain what you're doing in office.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah, it's like it's your insurance and everything that you're spending all this money doing in-office treatments. Um, I always tell my clients too, like, if you, if you know, budget is an issue as well. And I totally understand that if you can't do an in if you're choosing between like an in-office treatment or like a couple skincare products at home, I would rather you get those skincare products to use at home to use consistently. And then maybe we'll kind of save up that budget and then we'll, you know, work that in there and getting that in-office treatment because those are important. But using good quality skincare consistently at home, you are going to see changes. I promise you. Like you will see those changes that you're looking for. Definitely. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

I love that you say that.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

I love skincare.

unknown

We know, we know.

SPEAKER_01

Um, so tough question for you. Okay. If you only had to pick one product, I know they're all great. What's your favorite one? What's your like? I can't live without one.

SPEAKER_00

Well, I do have to say I have worked at lines where there's always some that you don't like, but like you mentioned, I there's not a bad one here. Um, I kind of already told you guys my favorite. Um my island product is that HA Plus replenishing serum. It is just all-encompassing, it simplifies everything. And as a busy mom, I'm in bed so fast and I'm done with my routine, and it's given me the porcelain. I know my skin's not perfect. A matter of fact, I'm going through it at the moment, so forgive me for that. But um, it's just I feel better about my skin than I ever have, and it's due to the HA plus replenishing serum.

SPEAKER_01

All right, so before we wrap it up, we're gonna end with a fun little rapid fire so the listeners can get to know you a little bit better. Okay. All right, you ready? Yeah. All right, morning or nighttime skincare routine? Both.

unknown

Good answer.

SPEAKER_01

Coffee or matcha? Neither.

SPEAKER_00

Tea.

SPEAKER_01

Okay, how do you make it through the day? Tea and Coke. Yeah. Favorite skincare treatment. Ooh, derma plane. Uh, one beauty trend that you wish would go away.

SPEAKER_00

I can't stand influencers recommending and people buying what they say. Listen to your professionals.

SPEAKER_01

Thank you.

SPEAKER_00

Listen to Alex.

SPEAKER_01

What's your guilty pleasure TV show? Oh, I like Amazing Race. If you could raid one celebrity skincare cabinet, whose would it be?

SPEAKER_00

I'm not a big celebrity person, but the person that comes to mind is Demi Moore because she's gorgeous. Uh- I don't know. I don't know what her skincare is like, but she's probably got a good one. Probably. You're right. She has good skin. She's gorgeous.

SPEAKER_01

We'll go.

SPEAKER_00

All right. And finally, what does self-care mean to you? Oh, self-care can be so many different things, but I think it's just really focusing on taking care of yourself, um, whether that be skincare, having a cup of tea, taking a walk, whatever that means to you, so that you can be in your best head space and feel beautiful, um, so that you can take care of those that you love.

SPEAKER_01

All right, Alex. Well, thank you so much for joining us today. I hope you had fun. I did. I did.

SPEAKER_00

It wasn't so bad. Yeah. So you told us that's scary.

unknown

No.

SPEAKER_01

Well, thank you so much for uh bringing us all this information about ourselves. I know Kator is super excited uh to be carrying this line and to being able to offer it to our clients. And we are looking forward to, you know, what else might be coming down the line. I don't know. But um we are loving it, we are enjoying it, and thank you so much for sharing all of your um insights on the brand and all of the information. Um, so if you would like to try any of these products, we do carry them at our Katour Metspot locations. Um, and if you liked this episode, please don't forget to like and subscribe, share with anyone who you think um you might want to hear about all these cool products. You can find us on uh YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, all the things. So until next time, hope you guys have an amazing day.