My skin transformation in just 2 weeks after a visit treating a cystic acne breakout.
This is my true testimony to the evolution of my skin that wouldn’t of been this amazing without the woman featured above. I went through a battle with cystic acne the last few years. Being a beauty content editor at a media platform had me testing out new products every week and my skin was suffering. However I attended an event for clean beauty and received my first facial with Cynthia. She was more than eager to help assess my skin and start coming to her regularly. Not only is she an amazing aesthetican but a friend who wants to see me do well in my modeling career. Within a half a year my skin has done a complete 360 turn around due to her recommending the dermal infusion facial for me along with extractions and a list of products that truly helped change my skin. Check out her words of wisdom below & I highly recommend reaching out to her with any of your skin concerns.
M: Where did your passion for skincare stem from?
CR: Even at a young age, I was always intrigued by skin care. Growing up I loved browsing through beauty magazines for skin care products. One of my dreams growing up was to be a Neutrogena model for a face wash AD. I loved shopping with my mom and sneaking off to the cosmetic isles. In my teenage years I was obsessed with learning about what the best products for blackheads and breakouts were since that’s what I was going through at the time.
I grew up in VA and decided to move to NYC after college. A few years in, I was working my way through the real estate industry. I slowly began to realize I really didn’t love it and was unhappy. NYC has a way of inspiring you to go beyond what you think was possible, take risks and chase your dreams. That’s exactly what I did. I quit the job that I had worked hard to build a resume for and go back to school for aesthetics. It was one of the most terrifying decisions I ever made, but it turned out to be the best decision of my life! After finishing school, I worked in different facets of the industry. I worked very hard, a 7 days a week schedule. I was willing to do what it took to get experience. I was able to gain enough experience to then work for several successful dermatologists in the city. Those years I grew and learned so much about myself, the industry and acquired so much knowledge about skin care. I then reached a point when it was time to spread my wings and opened my own private practice. The journey thus far has been amazing and filled with such incredible people. I am truly so excited for what’s to come!
The ability to change someone’s skin and monitor his or her improvements together is very fulfilling. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I made a difference for someone. It is an incredible feeling! That is what is most important to me. I love helping my clients feel confident and great about what they see in the mirror. Educating them on what is right for their skin, approaching it on an individual basis. Not a generic cookie cutter approach.
M: What are the main concerns people come to you about concerning their skin?
CR:I see clients for every skin type and concern. The 2 most common inquires are for acne and rejuvenation. I think speaking with your clients and understanding their lifestyle is very important in order to determine the best treatment for them.
M: Your current skincare regime?
CR: My current regime changes all the time because I am constantly testing products. I am literally a human guinea pig for the sake of skin care science. Some staples that never change are proper double cleansing every night, a vitamin C or antioxidant serum, eye cream and sunscreen.
M: Top 3 very important skincare tips?
CR: I will do one better; I will give 5 skin care tips that everyone should follow because there are too many to list!
1. Wear sunscreen every single day.
2. Always wash your face at night.
3. Use antioxidants every morning, like a vitamin c
4. Never skip an eye cream morning and night
5. Use an exfoliater at least once a week
Honorable mention is to make sure to use a makeup remover every night.
M: Is there any new technology you might be excited and/or offer for treatments?
CR: There are always new technologies and advancements coming out constantly. It is my job to research and see if it’s the real deal or fad. Currently, I am introducing my micro current massage gloves to help sculpt and lift the face muscles. It has been a miracle worker. You always have to stay ahead of the curve and provide your clients with the best products and technologies.
M: Tips for aiding cystic acne?
CR: Cystic acne is not easy to treat. Seeing a doctor in combination with my treatments always works the best. I do have clients who have tried the medical doctor route and weren’t happy with it and or clients who don’t want to be on prescription medications at all. Luckily, I have had success in treating them as well. The most common treatments contain ingredients such as Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid, Sulfur, Topical and Oral Antibiotics, Vitamin A Derivatives such as prescription Tretinoin and Light Therapies. Most of these treatments require a medical practitioner or skilled esthetician. Reducing inflammation, killing acne causing bacteria, and regulating oil production can all be combined together to treat the acne.
M: Can you get rid of blackheads without extractions?
CR: Blackheads are the number one skin complaint I receive. There is no way to completely get rid of them forever. They will always come back. You can however prolong them from forming and reduce the amount you accumulate. Products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acids, lactic acid and retin-a help. It is also important to use physical exfoliation such as scrubs and enzymes. The best option really is combining all the above along with professional extractions. A common cause I see on a regular basis is using skin care products that aren’t right for your skin, which is something I help all my clients with.
M: Where can people contact you or schedule a visit ?
CR: I respond to every DM and email personally. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, but I want to make sure I personally interact with all my clients. No receptionist here. You get the full Cynthia Rivas Experience, so I appreciate the patience when I do get backed up. To book an appointment, email is the best way to get in touch with me. Again, it may take a little to go through my inbox, but I respond to every email. Without you guys, there is no Cynthia Rivas Skin Care! I appreciated all the inquiries and love. It makes my day! My IG is @Cynthiarivasskincare and my email is Cynthiarivasskincare@gmail.com. My website is coming soon, www.cynthiarivasskincare.com. So please be on the lookout!