Meet Holistic Esthetician Partner, Linda Leeds from Simply Skin

February 15, 2022

This is the first in our series of blogs where we introduce you to some of our brand partners. We’re selective in who we partner with, selecting women who are passionate and share our vision and philosophies that align with our core values. We're honored to have Linda join us and share her story.

Linda please introduce yourself….

Hi, my name is Linda Leeds. I became an esthetician in 1999 at the age of 50. Through the years I've tried many products. Last year I found Blue Haven Holistics!! I've never been as excited about a skincare line as I am this one. I've always wanted the best for my client's skin. I've been most inspired by pure, organic plant based products. Blue Haven Holistics exceeds my expectations!!!

What inspired you to become a holistic esthetician?

I was inspired to transition to a holistic esthetician by my clients. Some years ago, I noticed that many of my younger clients were asking questions about ingredients and wanting to know more about what and why and how organic was better!

I wanted to offer all my clients the best options, so I studied, and researched and was convinced to go the holistic route! I've been so happy about it since, and so have my clients.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Most people don't know that I befriended a homeless man in my neighborhood 6 years ago, and took him into my home after he had open-heart surgery. He had no where to recover, so he stayed with me for a few months. I found an apartment for him, and he's still there today!!

I love strays! People and animals. God gave me a heart for the homeless, and animals. I don't look for them, they find me! I love their stories, and always do what I can to help them.

Typically, what age group do you most often see in your practice?

My clients range from 9 to 97 years young. Most however are between 25-83 years young. I have birthday facials and tea parties for little girls and their Mom's...it's such fun!!

A tea party, cupcakes, and a facial, the perfect combination!

Could you walk us through a typical holistic facial treatment and what to expect?

My facial treatments start with conversation about the client's skin, and their routine. The products they use, and what they're unhappy with. I ask if they're allergic to any products. Based on that, I choose products for their facial.

I cleanse twice, once with an exfoliating product. Next I steam with a resurfacing mask. Then for 8-10 minutes I massage the shoulders, neck and upper back with warm oils and hot stones. Next is checking for whiteheads and blackheads, and extracting them. After that I use a toner and then a facial massage with a nourishing oil. A finishing mask is next with a scalp, hand and arm massage. To finish I use a moisturizer for their skin type. This takes an hour.

My favorite products are:

Vitamin-C Cleansing Grains
Passion Fruit Cleansing Melt
Fruit Enzyme Exfoliation Tonic
Fruit Enzyme Resurfacing Mask
Hibiscus Honey Enzyme Mask
Azul Facial Oil

These products smell so amazing, and the rich natural colors are beautiful!!! I'm in LOVE!!!

What is the most frequent question you get asked relating to skin care and what’s your answer?

The question I'm asked most often is "what can I do for this dry skin"

I find out if they exfoliate, how they moisturize, what they use, and if they've ever had oily skin. If they used to be oily, there's a chance they've got a buildup of dead skin clogging their pores, and need aha acids to refresh their skin. Glycolic acid, lactic acid and fruit enzymes do the trick every time!! Blue Haven Holistics has all the right ingredients!!!

What do you consider to be the fundamentals of a skincare routine and why?

I have found through the years as an esthetician that the most beneficial step in my clients routine has been a mild exfoliation. Fruit enzymes are key in digesting dead skin cells on the skin, pineapple, papaya, and all alpha hydroxy acids make skin glow!! Blue Haven Holistics has the best I've ever used. The gorgeous natural blue skin resurfacing mask is my favorite!!

A facial fit for a queen!

What are your top 3 ingredients that you look for in a skincare product and why?

I love vitamin C in the products I use. It's beneficial in helping with skin discoloration, inflammation, and fighting damage from free radicals in the skin.

Fruit enzymes are a favorite because they mildly exfoliate and resurface the skin.

I love salicylic acid for dissolving oil in the pores, it's in most acne products, and works well for clogged pores.

What are 5 skincare ingredients you would never use on your skin?

The five ingredients I wouldn't use are:

Petroleum jelly, too heavy and pore clogging for most skin types.
Formaldehyde, as it is irritating to the skin and a known carcinogen.
Artificial fragrances, as they can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Parabens because can interfere with hormone production.
Denatured alcohols, they are harsh and strip the skin of natural oils.

Why did you choose to retail and incorporate Blue Haven Holistic products into your treatment room?

I found Blue Haven Holistics last year when I was looking for cleansing grains. I looked at all their products, and had to have them!!! The ingredients are so pure and they are richly colored from pomegranates, berries, spirulina, and all things beautiful and natural!!

Birgit has produced an incredible line of products that cleanse, tone, moisturize and nourish the skin the best I've ever used!! I'm in love with all of them!! I'm so grateful for her and her wonderful company. And she loves animals!!! Thank you Birgit!!!