You often speak about the skin’s ability to regenerate and renew. What treatment result has left you most in awe of that process?

Without a doubt, my experiences with advanced chemical peels have been nothing short of remarkable when it comes to witnessing the skin’s ability to renew and regenerate. Both personally and with my clients, I’ve seen incredible transformations, from significant lightening of stubborn hyperpigmentation to a noticeable thickening and strengthening of mature, thinning skin. The results never cease to amaze me!

With over 20 years in the industry, what have been the biggest changes you’ve seen in how clients approach skincare?

This is a tricky question because, over the years, I’ve noticed that client approaches to skincare haven’t shifted dramatically, if anything, they’ve remained surprisingly consistent. I remember when microdermabrasion was the treatment everyone had to have, and now it’s hardly ever requested! What I’ve learned is that each client’s approach is unique: some want nothing to do with a daily skincare routine, while others are committed to a 10-step ritual morning and night. I’ve worked with clients looking for a quick fix, willing to invest in whatever might deliver instant results, and others who are ready to put in the time, dedication, and teamwork to achieve truly healthy, beautiful skin.

You’ve built such deep relationships with your clients, what’s one story or moment with a client that’s stayed with you over the years?

I’m not sure I can pinpoint just one specific story or moment because my career has been filled with so many meaningful experiences. I’ve had the honor of working with clients who first came to me as teenagers, then watched them graduate, head to college, start careers, get married, and even begin families, it’s the most rewarding thing to witness. I’ve also been privileged to walk alongside clients through challenging seasons of life, offering a listening ear, support, and words of comfort. And, of course, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with clients who trust me with their skin, follow my guidance, and partner with me in the daily commitment it takes to resolve their skin concerns and achieve healthy, beautiful results.

Your “Plump Me Up Skin Oil Cleanser” has become a client favorite. Can you walk us through the inspiration and formulation process?

Creating my own oil cleanser was never part of my original plan. Years ago, I learned about the incredible benefits of oil cleansing and began incorporating my own custom blend into treatments in the spa. At the time, I was working alongside my mom, an aesthetic nurse who has a way of pushing me outside my comfort zone and inspiring me to grow. She encouraged me to start producing my blend and offering it to clients, and that’s how my Iconic Aesthetic Plump Me Up Skin Oil Cleanser was born. I was so passionate about its transformative effects on the skin that it quickly became a favorite among my clients, earning a permanent place in their routines. To this day, it’s a true labor of love. I create, bottle, label, and distribute each one myself from my home. It’s my little passion project… and my baby!

As a skincare minimalist, what’s one step in a routine you would never skip, no matter how busy life gets?

This is a tough one, oh man! There are a few steps I’d hate to live without, but if I had to choose just one, it would be my Iconic Aesthetic Plump Me Up Skin Oil Cleanser. Not only is it amazing for cleansing, but it’s incredibly versatile. It’s naturally rich in Vitamin E, which helps heal the skin and provides powerful antioxidant protection, and it’s packed with linoleic acid to calm inflammation. Plus, it can even double as a moisturizer so if I could only have one product, this would be it!

What first sparked your love for skincare, and do you remember the moment you knew this would be your life’s work?

Believe it or not, I wasn’t always passionate about skincare! My very first job was in a spa, an experience I’m incredibly grateful for but I was constantly told to “push product, push product” on my clients. The problem was, I never saw real results from the ordinary skincare lines we carried. How could I confidently recommend expensive products that didn’t truly transform my clients skin? At that point, skincare felt more about pampering and relaxation which absolutely has its place, but I also wanted to address the real skin concerns my clients were coming to me for.

Everything changed when I transitioned into the medical side of aesthetics. That was the moment I fell in love with skincare for real. I began working with medical grade treatments and products like tretinoin, Vitamin C serums, hydroquinone, chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling, and the transformations I saw were remarkable. Not only did the skin look better, but its integrity and health improved dramatically. That’s when I knew I had found my true passion.

Beyond glowing skin, what do you hope your clients take away from their time with you at Iconic Aesthetic?

I hope my clients leave my treatment room with more than just glowing skin, I want them to walk away feeling truly heard, cared for, and valued. My commitment is to do everything I can to address their concerns, provide the highest quality treatments and advice, and approach every appointment as a true partnership. No matter their skin condition, we are a team, and I take their trust, time, and investment very seriously. On a physical level, I want them to see improvement and feel confident, but just as importantly, I want them to know they are already beautiful and exactly where they need to be in their life and skincare journey.

Marie Matteucci
Beauty Columnist | @my.spa.stories

Amber Nichole Ortiz