Q&A with Mila Kunis’ Facialist, Beauty Expert Scott-Vincent Borba

When we think skincare, most of us think of our cleansers, serums, moisturizers and so on. You think you’ve diversified your skincare regime… but everything is topical and applied to the outside of your skin. That’s why we sat down with esthetician Scott-Vincent Borba, skincare expert to the stars; he most recently hit headlines for being behind Mila Kunis’ $7,000 facial for the Golden Globes. Borba says it’s important to not only care for our skin from the outside, but have the right nutrients on the inside.

Haute Living: Tell us what is #1 most important in terms of skin care season to season. What should we know about for our skin in winter vs. during the summer?
Scott-Vincent Borba: #1 is paying attention to your skin’s needs and tending to them through your diet and skincare regimen, no matter the season. I’m a huge proponent of SPF year-round, but pay special attention during the summer.  Turn to a higher SPF, and be certain to reapply. Total-body moisture is also required a lot more in the summer. Winter weather usually can mean dry skin–change in temperatures requires a shift in your skin care routine and an emphasis on hydration (in other words, drink more water!).  Winter is also the best time to relax with an at-home facial! The cold weather causes your pores to close, which can lead to breakouts and blemishes.

HL: I see you have chewable vitamins that are also supposed to help your skin. can you explain further? should we be eating a certain way to make sure our skin looks good?
SVB: Yes, I am a total believer of the “inside-out” approach to skincare.  After all, you are what you eat!  Rather than approach skin only topically, I created a regimen of beauticeuticals and nutritionals that create flawless skin through a healthy balance of state-of-the-art, innovative “firsts” in skin care plus ground-breaking nutritionals that work internally for optimum results. Of course, healthy eating and an exercise regimen is also key, as is topical skincare, but I’ve developed supplements such as Slimming Chocolate Chews and Healthy Glow Illuminating Drink Mix (and so many more) for that added boost.

HL: If we could only use one product for our skin, which is most important?
SVB: This is a really tough question! You should always follow a regimen of cleansing/toning, treating, moisturizing & protecting. If you have to choose just one, I would suggest cleansing!! With the proper cleanser, you can address almost every item on the regimen. A good cleanser will not only cut through excess oils and dirt, but exfoliate, tone, moisturize and provide anti-aging benefits.

HL: Any advice for those with these 3 types of skin? Dry, Oily, Combination?
SVB: Dry skin is an imbalance in the body that causes the skin to lack essential oils. It can be caused by the lack or malfunction of sweat or sebaceous glands. The remedies for dry skin can simply be to drink plenty of water, exfoliate often enough to unblock pores and circulate blood, and protect the skin with a moisturizer. For dry-skin caused by a dry climate like a desert or high elevation, try applying a moisturizing spray. If you have oily skin, try using a mattifying masque once a week.  It’s also important to pay closer attention to staving off breakouts – cleansing regularly and avoiding greasy foods.
If you have combination skin, for an “outside” approach, I recommend cleansing and moisturizing twice daily with a brand that is not overly rich OR overly drying and supplementing your skin with the appropriate boosters.

Scott-Vincent will be holding skin consultations, open to all, in Union Square on Sunday, Jan. 30. For more information on his product line, head to www.borba.com.

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