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Overloaded skin? This award-winning facialist says you’re probably using too much
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We asked Irish facialist to the stars Olga Kochlewska for her top skincare tips, from her favourite cleansers, serums and moisturisers to small lifestyle changes that make the biggest difference.
In a world of skincare overwhelm, it’s hard to filter through the noise and know exactly what your skin needs. This is the problem that many of Olga Kochlewska’s clients face when they step into her clinic, Skin by Olga, in Dublin 4.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she refreshingly advises them that “less is more”. In fact, all you need is a three-step solid skincare regimen to build a healthy skin foundation that will help you avoid unnecessary injectables and invasive aesthetic procedures.
About Olga
Facialist to the stars and crowned the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards Best Facialist in 2024, Olga Kochlewska is an expert in her field. Originally from Poland, she fell in love with aesthetics from a young age, and went on to study cosmetology in university.
“I was always into skincare because I used to have a problem with my skin, with acne. My dad used to bring me to lots of dermatologists, who always gave me lots of harsh topicals and medication, which only dried out my skin.”
It was only when she finally found a solution that Olga became inspired. “I come from a small city, and there was one lady, our first cosmetologist and beauty therapist, who finally helped me with my skin. She was so well educated, and she gave me some creams that worked… and I just dreamed of being like she was.”
During Olga’s cosmetology course, she realised she had found her true passion, and in 2002, her close friend brought her to her first Biologique Recherche (a globally renowned skincare brand) seminar, where she made invaluable connections with world-famous facialists. After studying under them in France and the US, in 2016, she decided to open her first clinic right here in Ireland.
Now, celebrating her clinic’s tenth anniversary this year, Olga has built an exceptional reputation as an expert facialist. Combining carefully perfected techniques, effective skincare products and innovative technology, she helps clients take back control of their skin and find confidence again.
Olga’s recommended skincare routine
So what skincare steps does Olga recommend? Start with a return to the basics with a simple three-step routine, using cleanser, serum and moisturiser. “Nowadays, we use too many layers on our skin,” Olga explains. “Sometimes, minimum is maximum. All we need to do is cleanse, protect and hydrate – establishing the right regime in the morning and evening makes all the difference.”
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Serum
Step 3: Moisturiser
Natural facelifts and lifestyle changes
Olga is also well known for her transformative facials that clients have called “natural facelifts” – “we specialise in facials combining unique massage techniques with non-invasive technology like the most in-demand OxyLight, Microcurrent and Biosonix tightening machines as well as the one and only Facial Remodeling Biologique Recherche technology. This creates a natural lift.” For mature skin, she recommends one of these facials every four weeks, though, Olga says, every person is unique so this timeline may vary.
These effective facials, combined with her holistic approach, are what make Skin by Olga truly stand out from other aesthetic clinics around Ireland. “I always work very closely with every single client, approaching everyone uniquely because they each have a completely different story – their skin, lifestyle, genes and everything.”
Listening to her clients, she says, is key, because helping achieve a healthy, balanced complexion is not just about what products you use, but about your lifestyle choices as well. “For me, skin is how we live, so exercise, diet, environment – all of that has a huge impact; I look at the whole picture and make a plan to fix everything together, and that’s what clients love, that personal approach.”
When it comes to her most recommended lifestyle choices to help change your skin from the inside out, Olga says:
- Cut back on sugar and processed foods: “Sugar can cause skin damage and premature ageing in our cells. It can also increase breakouts, which is what I’m seeing in a lot of young people who eat too much chocolate and sweets. Processed food and frequent weight gain and loss are bad for your skin as well.”
- Cleanse before and after a workout: “When we go to the gym, our skin can harbour lots of bacteria, so I always recommend using a gentle cleanser before (to remove make-up) and after a workout, followed by a full recommended skincare routine.”
Exciting things to come
As a leader in her industry, Olga always has her finger on the pulse, so it’s no surprise that she has big plans for her clinic’s ten-year anniversary this year.
“I constantly educate myself and the people I work with; we never stop learning. We bring unique brands to Ireland, and my goal this year is to continue improving my clients’ skin in every way I can – including launching my own line of products. I’ve been designing skin products for the last three years, so I’m hoping they will be ready for our birthday.”
Hesitant to call her new line “skincare” per se, Olga says they are bigger than that – “I asked myself: ‘what is missing for modern skin?’ It’s something that fills this gap and that everyone can use on a daily basis, offering a gentle solution to help restore overloaded skin”.
Stay tuned for Olga’s exciting new product launch. If her products are anything like her expertly honed and bespoke approach, we know we’ll be first in line to try them out!
Follow Skin by Olga on Instagram for more of their tenth birthday celebrations. To learn more, visit skinbyolga.ie.
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