A Look Inside Gressa Skin
Image by Gressa Skin
“I often say that GRESSA is a fusion of science, love and art all bottled up in a beautiful violet glass bottle. And it really is just that: years of formal education, tradition of ancient medicine, and my heart and soul poured into it creating the beauty behind each formula. ”
I am going to take you on a journey of discovery with the wonderful Svetlana Sanchez of Gressa Skin. Gressa Skin is an incredibly beautiful company born of passion and dedication to creating exquisite products that are kind to your health, and our world’s well-being. My first experience with Gressa was when I stumbled upon rave reviews of the Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation. I do not wear a whole lot of make-up but when I do I love coverage without feeling as though my skin is not my own. The first time I wore the Minimalist Foundation I was complimented on my complexion everywhere from the Grocery store to my evening walk with my pups. When I took the foundation off at night my skin looked healthier. I was in awe of what a beautiful product it truly was. The ingredients of the formulation are what originally drew me to the foundation. The first ingredient is organic broccoli seed oil. Broccoli seed oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants and has a unique combination of essential fatty acids. It is also a natural plant based source of retinol, and thus leaves your skin revitalized. Broccoli seed oil is followed by a sea of other amazing ingredients, barberry extract, lemon balm, neem, elder flower just to name a few. I loved the purity of the ingredients. These are herbs I use daily for salves, teas and tinctures. They are ingredients I put in my body and thus feel confident putting them on my body. Svetlanas background in biochemistry is evident in the way she formulates her products. She combines her scientific knowledge with her holistic healing traditions and creates products that are elegant, clean, and effective. I am happy to give you an introduction to Gressa Skin from Svetlana herself. Enjoy!
Image by Gressa Skin
GRESSA was rooted in me before I completed a degree in Biochemistry, before I became a skincare collector and even before I moved to the United States from Russia fifteen years ago. It is deeply rooted in my familial ways of treating disease and ailments. The desire to heal other runs through my veins. Traditional herbal medicine is not a new trend to me. It is the only way I know how to take care of myself and my loved ones. Upon completing my Health degree with Biology and Chemistry concentration, I took a leap towards exposing my creations to the world. GRESSA (compilation of Gregory my father’s name and my middle name, Svetlana, Sanchez) was a line before it even had an official name. I made soap the old ‘hot process’ way, made salves and balms to cure my own and my loved ones’ ailments. I have always been called ‘the healer’ by my family and friends for that reason. If anyone in my family was ill, they would call me to ask what alternative measures to take to recover. Over the years, the knowledge that I gained through being the family apothecarist fueled the passion to dig deeper. I wanted to share what I had learned, to keep learning further and to inspire others to reflect upon their daily actions that affected their health, wellness and beauty. The rest is history! I often say that GRESSA is a fusion of science, love and art all bottled up in a beautiful violet glass bottle. And it really is just that: years of formal education, tradition of ancient medicine, and my heart and soul poured into it creating the beauty behind each formula. When creating the GRESSA concept my intention was to transcend green beauty. I wanted to take the stigma and stereotypes out of the word ‘green’. I wanted my product to represent what every woman deserves: an efficacious line that is couture yet remains uncompromising of purity. It is a brand that celebrates glamour and sex appeal and still remains free of silicones, preservatives, etc. My dream is to invade every woman’s bathroom, purse and nightstand with a beautiful glass bottle or jar filled with more than just skincare but a beautifying experience that elevates and inspires her to be authentic, unapologetic and fearless.
I am so thrilled to share these words from the gorgeous Svetlana. She represents everything I love. When she speaks to me about taking the stereotypes out of the word “green” I want to jump up and down and say YES! Her products have an effortless elegance about them, they bring glamour while remaining sustainable, vegan (all except for the renewing polish which is vegetarian), organic, and downright beautiful! I encourage you all to try some of her product line and then let us know what you think! Hope you are all having a beautiful week and I look forward to bringing you more amazing innovators every week!