For three decades, Linda Ross has been caring for the skin of some of Beverly Hill’s most evocative celebrities—though she doesn’t extract and tell. Known by her clients (a coterie that ranges from film stars to Olympic Gold Medalists to socialites) for her effective facials that produce startling results, Ross claims that her motivation comes from knowing that she makes a difference.
“I see both a physical glow and inner confidence shining through as their skin improves,” she tells me. Ross attributes her deep connection to animals with her intuitive abilities as an esthetician. “It’s important to know whether or not someone is enjoying a treatment,” she says. “I can feel that.” When clients mentioned product fatigue, after so many brands were launching mega-step product rituals, Ross decided to develop a regimen that eschewed the recent industry standard, which calls for multiple merchandise, repeated layerings, and complicated instructions.
“Why not make something that works as well for men as women? Why do we need a different cream for the cheeks than the eyes?” she asks. Accordingly, she developed a uni-sex, four-step process, a simple, accessible daily skincare ritual for all ages and all types of skin. “Beautiful skin can be easy,” she says. Her goal-achieving products, made in small batches, are eco-conscious and incorporate lesser known beauty secrets, such as royal jelly and propolis, used by the ancient Egyptians, an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent.
“The idea for starting my own skincare business came about when I discovered how difficult it was to find a deep pore cleansing facial.”
We caught up with Linda (masks on) to find out more.
When did you become entranced with skin and helping others find their best face?
I have always been drawn to beauty and fashion, but I never thought I would work in either of these fields.The idea for starting my own skincare business came about when I discovered how difficult it was to find a deep pore cleansing facial, one where the technician really knew how to remove debris from the pores during extractions. My thoughts were: If I was having a hard time finding this sort of facial treatment, then others were, too. I knew If I were going to pursue this, I needed to lean how to provide great results.
You’ve said, “Give me 90 days, and I can change your skin.” Tell us more.
Our products have no acids, so it takes a bit longer to see results. But, the ingredients work synergistically with the skin over time. When someone new starts using solely our products, they tell me they get inquiries and compliments from friends within three months.
What are the Linda Ross four steps for home care?
Based upon my years of experience, I determined that it isn’t about multiple steps. Instead, what matters is the type of ingredients and how they affect the skin. So, I created my core products with this in mind: Cleanse to gently remove all dirt, and balance the skin’s ph. My Cleanser is full of restorative ingredients, such as kelp. Exfoliate to polish away the top layer of dead skin cells, preparing it for better product absorption. My Microderm Scrub uses magnesium oxide crystals as the key ingredient. The polisher also contains grape-seed oil (which hydrates, boosts collagen repair, and alleviates sun damage), and avocado oil, a bastion of renewing vitamin E. Protect and Seal with my Propolis and Royal Jelly Cream. Thank the bees for this unique concoction of natural intelligence. Harnessing the curative knowledge of the past, the velvety cream includes both propolis (the resin-like substance bees use to sanitize the hive) and royal jelly, the product young bees create to feed the queen. Used for centuries as a beauty and health remedy, these ingredients are anti-fungal and have antibiotic properties, not to mention amino acids to restore the skin. The cream aids in skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea.
I love your Skin Tightening mask. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
This mask is designed to draw the blood flow to the surface of the skin, delivering the nutrients contained in the blood flow and giving circulation to the face. This circulation helps to eliminate fine lines for a few days, and assists with lightening dark circles under the eyes. It’s our best anti-aging mask, providing immediate results.
Where to Find the Products
I accept clients for facials in Beverly Hills on a referral-only basis these days. But, I partner with a number of spas, which offer facials with my products. I’ve trained the teams at such hotels as Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. My four-step skin program’s products can be purchased directly from the spas. For Belmond El Encanto, call (805) 770 3545 or email: spa.ele@belmond.com. For The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, call (650) 712-7000 or email: RCHalfMoonBayleads@ritzcarlton.com.
Becca Hensley
Becca Hensley is Editor at Large for Insider's Guide to Spas. Based in Austin, she writes regularly about travel and spas. She believes a good story draws you in like laughter in a crowded room, and challenges you to do it justice. Her work appears regularly in Austin Monthly, Travel Channel, Toronto Star and National Geographic Traveler.