Get to Know Viviane Aires
Viviane Aires is a licensed esthetician in Philadelphia. She works along side one of America’s best known authorities on brown skin, Dr. Susan C. Taylor. Viviane has been actively training Sephora stores on Dr. Taylor’s new skincare line, Rx for Brown skin. She is my personal esthetician, good friend and fellow Bahiana. I was able to grab her for a few hours on a very cold and damp Philadelphia afternoon for brunch. Among the many things we discussed was our beautiful brown skin. It’s diversity and unique characteristics.
Viviane Aires (center) with Sephora staff.
Xica Bahia: In your opinion, what would you say is the number one concern among women with brown skin?
Viviane: I would have to say hyperpigmentation.
Xica Bahia: What is hyperpigmentation?
Viviane: Melanin is a chemical that determines skin coloration. The more melanin you have the darker your skin will be. Melanin is made in cells called melanocytes. These cells, which are contained in the upper layer of the skin are very reactive in our skin. Hyperpigmentation is caused when the cells are inflamed or over stimulated. When this happens the cells begin to over produce melanin causing dark spots (hyperpigmentation).
Xica Bahia: What are the possible causes of hyperpigmentation and how can it be treated?
Viviane: Heredity factors, hormonal influence and stress. There are many ways to treat hyperpigmentation. Exfoliating treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and skincare products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids that help cast off accumulated dead skin cells are excellent ways to fade hyperpigmentation.
Xica Bahia: Are chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments safe on brown skin?
Viviane: Absolutely. Fortunately, we have more information on these treatments and how they best work with brown skin thanks to Dr. Taylor.
Xica Bahia: Can you briefly describe the difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion?
Viviane: Both of these treatments are non-surgical procedures. A chemical peel is a process through which a chemical solution is applied directly to the skin to dissolve dead skin cells. Microderabrasion is a physical exfoliation process that uses a machine with fine aluminum oxide crystals to gently abrade the skin and remove dead and damaged outer layers of skin.
Xica Bahia: Is one treatment more effective than the other?
Viviane: It all depends on the need of the patient. For those considering such treatments, I strongly urge a consultation with a licensed esthetician or board certified dermatologist experienced with the care of brown skin.
Xica Bahia: I’ve been using the Bright and Even collection from Rx for Brown skin for two months now. I’ve seen a dramatic difference in the texture and brightness of my skin. You’ve been on board since the product launched earlier this year at Sephora. How has the product been received?
Viviane: The product has been recieved very well. It’s wonderful to go into a Sephora store and turn people on to a product that’s been formulated especially for brown skin.
Xica Bahia: The skincare market is over run with products and we are sometimes bombarded with too much information. What products do we routinely neglect from our beauty regimen?
Viviane: An exfoliator and sunscreen. Most don’t realize that a good exfoliator can improve the skin’s texture by 85%. Sunscreen is a must for everyone. There is a common misconception that because we have more melanin in our skin we don’t need as much protection from the sun. Protectection from the damaging effects of the sun is key. It is even more important if you are being treated for hyperpigmentation or using any products that contain an acid. Sunscreen will prevent existing hyperpigmentation from darkening.
Xica Bahia: Before I let you go, what do you enjoy most as an esthetician?
Viviane: That’s an easy one to answer. I like being a part of helping to build self-esteem. Our appearance greatly affects us. Do you remember how you felt when you had a date and all of a sudden a huge pimple appeared in the middle of your forehead?
Xica Bahia: Yes. And I rather not talk about that (smile).
Viviane: Imagine seeing patients with extreme cases of adult acne or severe hyperpigmentation. After consultation and a series of treatments, the change begins to appear. It’s like the person is reborn. That’s what makes it all worth it.
Xica Bahia: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. Now let’s eat!
For more information log on to: Vivianeskincare
Thanks for the great conversation and opportunity to speak about my work.
Viviane is an awesome esthetician, whose inner beauty shines like the sun. Not only is she a genius about our complex and beautiful skin, Viviane is also a phenomenal masseuse. Her talents many, which is the true cause of meteoric rise in the industry.
I met Viviane at Dr. Taylor’s office and she really took the time to understand what my concerns were about my skin. She made very helpful suggestions about things I could do on my own and rolled up her sleeves and gave me a treatment that left my skin glowing for weeks. I owe her a huge thanks and look forward to seeing her regularly!
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