Our founder, Oresta was recently interviewed on Medium and shared her 5 tips for healthy skin, her 25 year journey in clean beauty and thoughts on beauty and aging. Read the highlights of the interview below:
Oresta Korbutiak, esthetician and founder of ORESTA Clean Beauty Simplified, has been a leading force in Canada’s clean beauty scene since 2001. Her journey began in her mid-20s, battling cystic acne and discovering the profound connection between diet, wellness, and skin health. This personal transformation led Oresta to pursue skincare studies and become a licensed esthetician, where she was alarmed by the harmful ingredients in skincare products. Determined to educate and empower women to make healthier beauty choices, she opened Ottawa’s first organic spa and beauty boutique.
What are your “ 5 Things Anyone Can Do to Have Healthy, Radiant”?
Achieving and maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion at every age and stage is all about skin health.
- Keep it simple: Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. While it’s tempting to want to overuse actives on the skin to speed up results, overloading is overwhelming your skin which can cause irritation and damage to the skin barrier. I like to keep it simple and start with a gentle cleanser, a toner, serum and moisturizer, and of course SPF.
- Reduce inflammation in the skin. Inflammation is the root of all skin concerns, from acne to sensitivity, pigmentation and premature aging. Incorporating calming ingredients to strengthen your skin barrier will make all the difference.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate but not just by drinking a lot of water. Everyone’s skin is dehydrated, winter and dry air exacerbate it. Transform dull, dry skin by incorporating a nutrient-rich toner. Spritz directly onto the skin to restore hydration, plump the skin and allow for better product absorption. Choose a toner without alcohol to avoid the drying, astringent effects that strip your skin of its natural moisture.
- Cleanse your face nightly with a non-stripping cleanser. Even if you don’t wear makeup, cleansing at night allows you to remove the day’s buildup of impurities and to prepare your skin to regenerate and repair as you sleep.
- Wear sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is about protecting your skin health and shielding it from damage, discolouration and keeping it resilient. Sun protection is key for glowing, healthy skin.
Can you describe a holistic approach to skincare that encompasses not just topical treatments but also lifestyle and wellness practices?
At ORESTA, skincare is a holistic journey that nurtures not just the skin but the whole self — body, mind, and spirit. We combine holistic facial treatments with a thoughtful lifestyle and wellness practices that promote radiance and vitality, at every age and stage. We believe in simplified beauty that incorporates plant-based skincare that respects a healthy skin barrier while delivering results-driven nourishment.
We believe that glowing skin comes from within, emphasizing a positive mindset and nutrition for wellness. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and whole foods helps combat inflammation and supports the skin’s natural health, while staying hydrated keeps it supple and resilient. Movement and mindfulness are key. You are as old as you feel. Whether we’re incorporating pilates, yoga, walking, or breathwork, these practices reduce stress, improve circulation, and support your skin’s vibrancy. Prioritizing sleep allows the skin to repair and regenerate. This is an overlooked but essential part of a holistic approach to skincare.