Leslie's Skin Tips

With nearly three decades of hands-on experience in the world of professional skincare, Leslie Morand brings a rare depth of knowledge to every tip, treatment, and teaching she shares. From the operating rooms of plastic surgeons to the treatment rooms of luxury spas , wellness centers— and everywhere in between — Leslie has spent 28 years mastering the art and science of skin and facials.

A Career Built on Expertise

Leslie's journey began in a european based luxury spa then on to a high-stakes environment of plastic surgery practices, where precision, clinical knowledge, and results-driven care were non-negotiable.

She went on to work with some of the most prestigious luxury spa brands in the industry, refining her technique and deepening her understanding of what truly transforms skin — not just temporarily, but long-term.

Along the way, Leslie channeled her expertise traveling to France in 2008 and studying at a labotory that produces skincare products, into creating her own botanical skincare line,

Leslie Morand Skincare — a collection of plant-based, hormone-conscious formulations designed to deliver real results for real skin.

Transformative Facials, Rooted in Science

Leslie is known for her signature approach to facial treatments: deeply therapeutic, non-invasive, and tailored to each client's unique skin biology.

 Her facials go beyond the surface, addressing the root causes of skin concerns through advanced techniques, premium botanicals, and a holistic philosophy that honors the skin-body connection. Now her boutique facial spa is located in Solana Beach California. 

Empowering the Next Generation of Estheticians

Today, Leslie is passionate about sharing everything she's learned with fellow estheticians who are ready to elevate their practice. Through her facial masterclasses and professional training programs, she teaches advanced facial techniques and treatments in a way that builds genuine confidence — not just technical skill.

Whether you're a new esthetician looking to stand out or an experienced practitioner ready to master the next level, Leslie's trainings are designed to meet you where you are and take you further than you imagined.

Skin Tips Straight from the Treatment Room

This space is where Leslie shares the insights, rituals, and professional secrets she's gathered over 28 years — distilled into practical, actionable guidance you can use every day.

From ingredient education to facial treatment protocols, trends in the beauty industry. Answering common skin questions that have been asked.  

Leslie's Skin Tips is your go-to resource for skincare wisdom rooted in real clinical experience.

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Peptides are a common topic these days. Did you know peptides in skincare have been used for over 20 years. Here are several peptides that as an esthetician for almost three decades I use in the facial treatment room and in my skincare line

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The Power of Peptides in Skincare

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin that keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful. As we age, our skin produces less of these proteins, leading to fine lines, sagging, and loss of radiance. Peptides work by signaling your skin to produce more of what it's losing — making them one of the most clinically validated anti-aging ingredients available.

Peptides & Actives in the Leslie Morand Skincare Line

In our Eye Serum Wrinkle Cream, we use a precision blend of peptide technology and botanical actives:

• Ulevity™ (Anti-Gravity Tetrapeptide) — Reinforces the skin's firming architecture to lift, define, and sculpt facial contours
• Rubixyl® (Cell-Signaling Peptide) — Visibly smoothes deep lines and crow's feet by signaling skin renewal
• Beautifeye™ (Persian Silk Tree & Holy Herb) — Clinically shown to lift the upper eyelid by up to 91%; reduces puffiness, dark circles, and sagging
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — Rebuilds ceramides and skin proteins for improved barrier function and firmness
• Mung Bean Sprout Stem Cells — Protect collagen from environmental damage and photo-aging
• Liposhield™ / Phyto-Melanin — Shields skin from HEV light (blue light from screens)
• Carob Seed Extract — Accelerates recovery from barrier damage and redness

Every ingredient is chosen with intention — plant-powered, hormone-conscious, and clinically supported.

Want to go deeper? Read our full guide: Peptides in Skincare: The Anti-Aging Ingredient That Actually Works

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10 Essential Summer Skin Tips for longevity 

Before diving into the full ritual, here are our top tips for keeping skin healthy, balanced, and glowing all summer long:

1. Never skip SPF — even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover. Apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning as the final step in your routine.
2. Reapply every two hours outdoors. SPF breaks down with sun exposure, sweat, and water. Set a reminder and keep your Tinted SPF in your bag.
3. Cleanse twice if you've worn SPF all day. A single cleanse often isn't enough to fully remove sunscreen. Double cleansing ensures a clean base for your repair products.
4. Hydrate from the inside out. Skin loses moisture faster in heat. Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating mist like our Antioxidant Mist Toner throughout the day to replenish topically.
5. Avoid peak UV hours when possible. UV index is highest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you're outdoors during this window, reapply SPF more frequently and seek shade when you can.
6. Don't skip your antioxidants. Free radical damage from UV exposure accumulates over time. Antioxidant-rich products — like our Antioxidant Mist Toner — help neutralize this damage before it shows up on your skin.
7. Cool skin down before applying products. After sun exposure, let your skin temperature normalize before layering on serums and creams. Applying products to hot, inflamed skin can reduce their effectiveness.
8. Use a repair masque weekly during summer. Heat, UV, and environmental stress take a cumulative toll. A weekly treatment with the Detox and Repair Masque helps reset and recover your skin barrier.
9. Be gentle with post-sun skin. Avoid exfoliating, retinols, or harsh actives on days when your skin has had significant sun exposure. Focus on calming and repairing instead.
10. Book a professional facial mid-season. A Solana Beach Oxygen Facial or Holistic Facial gives your skin a deep reset — addressing inflammation, dehydration, and uneven tone that builds up over the summer months.

Step 1: Protect — Tinted SPF

Sun protection is non-negotiable on the longest day of the year, and our Tinted SPF makes it effortless. It shields your skin from UV damage while evening out tone, so you get protection and a natural glow in one step. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you're spending the solstice outdoors.

Step 2: Cleanse It All Away — Purifying Cleanser

At the end of a long day in the sun, SPF, sweat, and sunscreen residue need to come off completely. Our Purifying Cleanser thoroughly removes SPF buildup along with dirt and oil, leaving skin clean without stripping it — the essential first step before any repair work can begin.

Step 3: Replenish — Antioxidant Mist Toner

After cleansing, skin needs a boost of protective hydration. The Antioxidant Mist Toner delivers a lightweight layer of antioxidants to help defend skin against environmental stress and free radical damage from extended sun exposure — perfect for refreshing skin throughout a long solstice day or right after coming inside.

Step 4: Barrier Repair— Calm and Repair Creme

Sun-exposed skin needs more than hydration; it needs calming. The Calm and Repair Creme is formulated to soothe irritation and support the skin's natural repair process, making it a versatile step for both daytime and nighttime use. Apply it in the morning under SPF to create a soothing base, or layer it on in the evening to support overnight recovery after a day spent outside.

Step 5: Barrier Repair — Detox and Repair Masque

If the sun got the better of you, the Detox and Repair Masque is your go-to. This treatment is designed to be used after sun exposure to help calm sunburns, detoxify the skin, and support recovery — making it the perfect once-a-week (or as-needed) reset during peak summer months. For an intensive overnight treatment, you can also sleep in the masque — apply a generous layer to clean skin before bed and let it work its magic while you rest, waking up to calmer, more recovered skin by morning.

Bonus: Solana Beach Oxygen Facials for Deep Repair

For a deeper level of summer skin repair, book a Solana Beach Oxygen Facial. Oxygen facials are known for their hydrating, healing, and brightening benefits — ideal for skin that's been overexposed to sun, heat, and salt water. The treatment infuses the skin with oxygen and nutrients, helping calm inflammation, restore hydration, and leave skin looking refreshed and revitalized after a summer of sun.

Customizing Your Routine by Skin Type

Not all skin responds to sun exposure the same way. Here's how to tailor the solstice ritual to your skin's specific needs:

• Sensitive or reactive skin: Prioritize the Calm and Repair Creme morning and night, and reach for the Detox and Repair Masque at the first sign of redness or irritation. An oxygen facial is especially beneficial for calming inflammation without harsh actives.
• Oily or combination skin: The Purifying Cleanser is your best friend after a day outdoors — it removes excess oil and SPF residue without over-drying. Follow with the Antioxidant Mist Toner to rebalance.
• Dry or dehydrated skin: Layer the Antioxidant Mist Toner while skin is still damp before applying the Calm and Repair Creme to lock in maximum moisture. Consider booking an oxygen facial mid-summer to restore deep hydration.
• Mature skin: Extended sun exposure accelerates the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone. The antioxidant and repair steps in this routine are especially important, and a holistic facial can help address cumulative sun damage with targeted treatment.

Why Holistic Skincare Matters in Summer

At Leslie Morand Skincare, we approach summer skin from the inside out. Sun exposure doesn't just affect the surface — it triggers inflammation, depletes antioxidant reserves, and disrupts the skin's natural barrier. A holistic approach means pairing the right topical products with professional treatments that support your skin's deeper repair mechanisms. Our Solana Beach facials are designed with this philosophy in mind: botanical ingredients, oxygen infusion, and hands-on techniques that work with your skin rather than against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reapply SPF on the summer solstice?

Dermatologists recommend reapplying SPF every two hours when outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating. On the solstice — the longest UV-exposure day of the year — consistent reapplication is especially important. Our Tinted SPF makes touch-ups easy without disrupting your look.

Can I use the Detox and Repair Masque on a sunburn?

Yes. The Detox and Repair Masque is formulated to calm and support recovery after sun exposure, including mild sunburn. Apply a generous layer to clean skin, leave on for 10–15 minutes, and rinse gently — or sleep in it overnight for deeper repair. Follow with the Calm and Repair Creme for added soothing.

What is an oxygen facial and how does it help sun-damaged skin?

An oxygen facial delivers a pressurized stream of pure oxygen infused with botanical serums directly into the skin. For sun-exposed skin, this means accelerated hydration, reduced redness, and support for the skin's natural healing process — without any downtime. It's one of the most effective post-summer treatments available.

How soon after sun exposure should I do a facial?

We recommend waiting 24–48 hours after significant sun exposure before booking a facial, to allow any surface inflammation to settle. If your skin is actively sunburned, wait until it has calmed before your appointment. Our estheticians will always assess your skin at the start of your session and adjust the treatment accordingly.

Your Summer Solstice Skin Ritual

This solstice, give your skin the same attention you give the rest of your summer plans:

1. Apply Tinted SPF before heading outside
2. Cleanse thoroughly with the Purifying Cleanser at day's end
3. Mist with the Antioxidant Toner for ongoing protection
4. Use the Calm and Repair Creme day and night to soothe and support recovery
5. Treat with the Detox and Repair Masque after sun exposure or sunburn — or sleep in it for intensive overnight recovery
6. Book a Solana Beach Oxygen Facial for deeper repair and hydration

The longest day of the year deserves skin that can keep up. Protect it during the day, repair it at night, and treat it to a professional reset with an oxygen facial whenever it needs extra care.

Ready to Give Your Skin the Care It Deserves?

Shop the full Summer Solstice Skincare collection or book your Solana Beach Oxygen Facial or Holistic Facial online. Our estheticians are here to help you build a summer skin ritual that works — for your skin type, your lifestyle, and the season ahead.

Build your summer skin routine with the products featured in this guide:

• Tinted SPF 30 Sunscreen
• Calm and Repair Crème
• Book a Solana Beach Oxygen Facial