Unlock Your Radiance: Expert Skincare Tips for a Holistic Glow with Amanda Beisel of Forget Beauty
Welcome to a special two-part series dedicated to helping you achieve a luminous glow, not just on the surface, but from the very core of your being. While I often share my insights on nourishing your body through food, I understand that true radiance also stems from nurturing your skin with expert care. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with Amanda Beisel, the visionary creator behind Forget Beauty and the renowned SKN Clinic in Vancouver, to bring you unparalleled wisdom on external skincare.
In this comprehensive post, we dive deep into my exclusive interview with Amanda. Prepare to gain access to her impressive wealth of knowledge on all things skin-related. The skincare world can often feel overwhelming, with its endless terminology, countless products, and myriad options. Amanda, however, simplifies it all. She shares invaluable tips on everything from the crucial role of serums versus oils to her personal morning and nighttime routines. Whether you’re a skincare novice looking for a starting point, curious about her favorite skin-boosting foods and supplements, or simply eager to elevate your current regimen, Amanda’s expertise will guide you.
And there’s more! We’ve teamed up for an exciting giveaway on Instagram, offering you a chance to experience some of Forget Beauty’s magic firsthand. You’ll find all the details at the end of this post. Be sure to check back on Thursday for Part 2 of our series, where I’ll share my nourishing Green Goddess Glow Bowl recipe, specially crafted to complement Amanda’s holistic skincare philosophy.
Meet the Skincare Visionary: Amanda Beisel and the Genesis of Forget Beauty
It is with immense pleasure that I introduce you to Amanda Beisel! I’ve been a devoted user of Amanda’s products – formerly known as Skin Addix – for many years. If you’re in Vancouver, you might even share my enthusiasm for these transformative formulas. In fact, her products were among the very first I incorporated when I finally began taking my skin health seriously. (Oh, to think of my younger, more naive days, believing sunscreen was merely an option – it truly makes me cringe now!) So, having the opportunity to sit down with Amanda and ask her my most burning questions, then share her profound expertise with all of you, is an absolute thrill.
Like Amanda, I firmly believe that true beauty and vibrant health radiate from the inside out, both literally and metaphorically. She possesses an extraordinary genius for seamlessly blending emotional well-being with physical health, elevating skincare from a mere routine to a profound act of self-care and self-love. Her insights are truly transformative, and I trust you’ll find her knowledge as incredibly useful and inspiring as I have.
Amanda’s Journey: From Acupuncture to Pioneering Holistic Skincare
How did you get into skincare, and how long have you been in this field?
My journey into the world of skincare began in 2008, just a year after I completed my diploma in acupuncture from Chinese medicine school. I decided to take a leap of faith and open SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic. At the time, I had no formal business plan and had never even set foot in a dedicated skin clinic or spa. However, I possessed a clear vision and an unwavering determination. Fuelled by a deep passion for people, natural medicine, and the art of skincare, my goal was to create a sanctuary where individuals could rejuvenate not only their skin but also their mind and body. SKN Clinic was envisioned as Canada’s first holistic skincare clinic, pioneering the integration of Eastern medicine principles with Western aesthetic treatments. Over the past nine years, we have continuously evolved our treatment menu, meticulously crafting unique services and packages. Today, with immense gratitude, I can proudly say that SKN Clinic has become one of Vancouver’s most sought-after destinations for top-tier skincare advice and treatments, cultivating a highly loyal following of incredible clients from across the region and beyond.
A few years into building the clinic, I felt a powerful inspiration to develop my own skincare line. I envisioned a series of products that would brilliantly merge the purity of natural ingredients with the efficacy of high-grade active compounds. Ultimately, I wanted a line I could wholeheartedly endorse and recommend, with 100% trust in every single formulation. This vision materialized as Skin Addix Cosmeceuticals. Very recently, this beloved line underwent a beautiful resurrection, emerging with a refreshed look, an expanded vision, and a heartfelt new mission under the name Forget Beauty. The only elements that remain unchanged are the trusted, effective formulas themselves. 🙂
The Heart Behind the Brand: What Inspired Forget Beauty?
What was the inspiration behind Forget Beauty?
The profound inspiration for Forget Beauty truly blossomed over a period of three years, starting in 2014. Despite the considerable success of my business, I began to feel a distinct sense of emptiness, which propelled me on a deeply personal quest. This journey involved several transformative trips to South and Central America, coupled with two years of intensive study alongside two shamanic masters in British Columbia. Through these experiences, I arrived at a profound understanding: I needed to intertwine my innate love for people and skincare with the essential practice of soul care. The ultimate goal was to forge a heart-centered brand, wholly dedicated to the mission of self-love. Over my many years in this field, I had borne witness to the immense suffering women often endure – the endless self-inflicted and societal judgments that we face daily. This observation led me to a deep and empathetic understanding of the inherent vulnerability beneath the universal human quest for beauty.
Thus, I took Skin Addix, which was previously a straightforward skincare line, and infused it with my entire heart and soul, bringing Forget Beauty vibrantly to life. Forget Beauty transcends the typical skincare line; it is a sacred space where I passionately share my extensive expertise in skincare, alongside a heartfelt curation of amazing wellness and soul-nourishing products. Furthermore, it offers a wealth of articles, practical tips, restorative rituals, and guiding practices designed to empower women to awaken the profound self-love that already resides within them.
Building Your Foundation: Essential Skincare Products & Routines
What is the 1 product(s) you think every woman should include in their skin care routine?
Without a doubt, the Awakened Hydrating Serum is liquid magic for the skin. It is meticulously formulated with a potent blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and a unique Chinese herbal blend. This serum is designed to penetrate deeply, reaching the dermal layer, where it actively prevents and resolves dehydration while bathing and nourishing your vital collagen. It’s no surprise this product consistently flies off our shelves.
For those just starting to invest more in their skin, what would you recommend starting with?
I strongly advocate for beginning with the fundamental basics, ensuring the skin is thoroughly hydrated and deeply nourished at every level. At Forget Beauty, we term this crucial initial phase “Hydration Before Activation.” Envision your skin as a vibrant garden: the very first priority is to supply it with essential nutrients at its deepest layers, allowing healthy, radiant skin to genuinely grow and flourish. Far too often, this crucial deep layer is overlooked, leading to malnourished skin. Forget Beauty directly addresses this common issue with our innovative water-based serums, specifically formulated to penetrate where it matters most.
When embarking on a new skincare routine, your first step should be a high-quality cleanser that effectively cleanses without being overly drying or stripping to the skin. Following cleansing, apply a potent water-based serum, such as our Awakened Hydrating Serum, to deeply nourish the frequently neglected dermal layer. Conclude your routine with a meticulously formulated moisturizer that contains effective water binders and essential nutrients, like our Immersed Nourishing Moisturizer. And, of course, during the day, always finish with a physical SPF to protect your skin from environmental damage.
Additionally, it’s vital to incorporate exfoliation into your routine approximately twice a week. We are firm proponents of acid-based exfoliation because it provides a more thorough and significantly safer exfoliation compared to traditional scrubs, which can sometimes be too abrasive. Once you have consistently followed this foundational program for about a month, your skin will be perfectly primed and ready to introduce Collagen-Promoting Actives. This marks the beginning of what we call the Activation Phase. You can discover much more detailed information about this entire process on our comprehensive website.
For those new to professional skin treatments, a customized Medi-Facial is an excellent starting point. This allows your experienced SKN practitioner to tailor the facial precisely to your unique skin needs, concentrating on a deep cleanse and effective exfoliation, while also infusing the skin with a generous dose of vital nutrients. This process truly resets and awakens the skin, creating a fresh, receptive canvas that is ideally prepared to benefit from a results-driven daily skincare routine.
When you’re ready to elevate your skin treatment game, Dermapen Micro Needling is, in my professional opinion, the most effective skin treatment currently available. Its remarkable ability to stimulate natural collagen production, prevent skin thinning, release essential growth factors, and visibly improve skin texture and pore size, all contribute to significantly enhancing overall skin health. It literally helps to slow down the rate at which your skin ages. An additional, highly valued benefit is its complete safety. The days of sacrificing your health for the sake of vanity are truly a thing of the past.
You mention exfoliating 2 times per week. Is it bad to exfoliate more often?
It’s crucial to avoid over-exfoliating your skin, as this can easily lead to irritation, redness, and cause your skin to become reactive and sensitive. Depending on your specific skin type and individual needs, a maximum of three times a week is generally acceptable. However, consulting with a skincare professional about your particular skin requirements is always the best approach. Many reputable clinics offer complimentary skin consultations, which are a great resource for personalized advice.
Amanda’s Personal Skincare Regimen: Morning & Night
What are your morning and night time skin care routines?
Morning: My day begins by cleansing my skin with the Forget Beauty Cleanser – which will be available very soon! Following that, I apply the Adorned Rose Toner with a cotton pad, and of course, I love to mist it over my heart chakra for a moment of self-connection. Next comes my absolute favorite product and an indispensable staple in every skincare routine: the Awakened Hydrating Serum. To boost its brightening and protective properties even further, I mix half a scoop of the Illuminated Vitamin C powder into this serum. I complete my morning ritual with the Immersed Nourishing Moisturizer and my trusted physical sunblock, Elta MD Physical 41.
Nighttime: In the evening, I naturally cleanse my skin again and then apply the Rose Toner. For my nighttime serum, I swap out the Awakened and Illuminated for the Empowered Collagen Revival Serum, finishing with the Immersed Nourishing Moisturizer. A couple of nights a week, when my skin craves an extra dose of love and nourishment, I incorporate the Nurtured Replenishing Oil underneath the Immersed Moisturizer. Twice a week, I also exfoliate using the Uplifted Exfoliating Gel. Furthermore, to specifically target my hormonal breakouts, I use the Transformed Detoxifying Toner on my chin a few times throughout the week.
Demystifying Skincare: The Critical Difference Between Serums and Oils
I’ve always been curious about the oils. For those with oilier skin, would you still want to use an oil?
If you have genuinely oily skin, I would strongly recommend prioritizing water-based serums over facial oils. In my extensive experience, this approach yields far superior results. Oily skin types, particularly those prone to breakouts, can often become more congested and problematic with the excessive or incorrect use of oils. A common issue we frequently observe at SKN Clinic involves clients who have transitioned to an oil-heavy skincare routine and subsequently seek guidance because it hasn’t delivered the expected improvements. Typically, they might have started cleansing with coconut oil and using various oils as the primary base of their skincare regimen, only to find themselves with congested skin, actively seeking advice on how to improve their complexion. While oils certainly serve a valuable purpose in skincare and can offer wonderful benefits, like all potent ingredients, they must be used in balance, and it’s essential to remember that skincare is never a one-size-fits-all solution.
I have to admit there are so many terms and sometimes I get confused about what is what and whether they’re actually necessary. What’s the difference between serums and oils? And are they really important?
One of the most frequent sources of confusion within the skincare industry is the widespread misuse of the term “serum.” Clients, and even some brands, often refer to oils as serums, which is technically inaccurate. In my professional opinion, a true serum is always water-based and contains a concentrated dose of active nutrients that are specifically formulated to penetrate deeply into the dermal layer of the skin – this is where your vital collagen and elastin reside. The dermal layer is also the primary site where dehydration originates, which is precisely why I consistently educate my clients on the critical importance of incorporating a serum rich in hyaluronic acid into their routine. Forget Beauty is renowned for its powerhouse serums, which are meticulously formulated with high-quality active ingredients in a pure water base, ensuring optimal penetration and efficacy.
Conversely, an oil is simply an oil. Many skincare companies, driven by marketing trends, now label oils as “serums,” which can be incredibly misleading for consumers. If you ever find yourself feeling confused, the simplest solution is to pick up the bottle and examine the first ingredient listed. If “water” is at the top, you are holding a true serum. If, however, the first ingredient is an oil, then it is, in fact, an oil, regardless of what the product’s name suggests.
Distinguishing clearly between these two product types is incredibly important because your skin’s health and the effectiveness of your routine genuinely depend on it. Serums possess the unique ability to penetrate to the deep dermal layer, a depth that traditional oils and moisturizers typically cannot reach. If this crucial layer is neglected – which, unfortunately, it often is – the skin will inevitably become malnourished, lacking the essential hydration and nutrients it needs to thrive. I would argue that this is a notable flaw within the natural skincare world: it often relies too heavily on oils, consequently missing a critical component for true skin health – water-based serums. I plan to delve into this topic in much greater depth in an upcoming blog post on the Forget Beauty website.
Nourishing from Within: Amanda’s Favorite Skin Foods & Supplements
What are your favorite skin foods?
I am a self-confessed superfoods junkie, constantly researching and experimenting with new nutritional powerhouses. My ultimate favorite skin food is microalgae – specifically, spirulina. I would confidently argue that it is the most nutrient-dense food on the entire planet. Spirulina actually mimics our own hemoglobin, making it an absolute essential for anyone with low iron levels or a propensity for anemia. Beyond that, it’s a phenomenal detoxifier, a significant energy booster, and in my firm opinion, it genuinely elevates the entire functioning of your body. When every cell in your body is “high-vibing,” your skin will radiate a natural, undeniable glow. I incorporate spirulina into my morning smoothies, green juices, and I also take it in capsule form. My personal favorites include Blue Green Protein by Moon Deli, Blue Majik by E3 Live, and I am currently exploring another promising brand called F3 Forte by Bio Nutrition.
What do you think of collagen and other supplements?
As mentioned, I’m a passionate superfoods enthusiast, always on the lookout for the next best thing. Right now, I have three absolute favorite super supplements that I swear by: withinus TruMarine Collagen, The Blue Green Protein by Moon Deli, and The Super Elixir. I discovered The Super Elixir a few months ago; it hails from Australia and is nothing short of amazing. This incredible blend is packed with 45 organic, bio-live, cold-pressed nutrients. It dramatically increases energy levels, significantly improves digestion, effectively alkalizes the body, and visibly enhances skin health. I’ve received countless testimonials from people who have experienced relief from digestive issues, chronic fatigue, and a host of other ailments. I actually combine all these super supplements into my morning smoothie, and afterward, I feel like I could put on a superhero cape because I feel SO GOOD! 😉
Achieving Healthy, Glowing Summer Skin
What’s your top tip for healthy, glowing summer skin?
During the summer months, our skin is naturally more exposed to the sun and various outdoor elements. Therefore, my foremost tip is to ensure adequate protection in the form of a physical SPF – meaning one that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Topical Vitamin C is also incredibly important during this time, as it offers vital protection against UV damage, noticeably brightens the complexion, and provides potent antioxidant defense. Using a daily water-based serum, such as our Awakened Hydrating Serum, which is rich in antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing nutrients, is key to repairing and feeding the deeper layers of the skin where collagen resides. This should be used alongside your Vitamin A Serum, like our Empowered Collagen Revival, applied at night. The sun, unfortunately, loves to degrade and break down collagen, so a diligently followed skincare routine is truly your best defense against photoaging and environmental damage.
Life Wisdom: The Best Advice Amanda Beisel Has Ever Received
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
This might sound a bit unconventional, but the most profound piece of advice I’ve ever received came from my incredible Shamanic Teachers, Gail Carter and Marilyn Keefer. They taught me the powerful practice of going to my “womb space.”
In Shamanism, we have a specific term for your Womb Space – and yes, it literally sits exactly where your womb is located. Our womb space is understood to be the energetic center that holds our inherent power, our creative potential, our deepest wisdom, and our undeniable truth. When life inevitably leaves you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or perhaps a little lost, all you need to do is find a moment of silence. Place your hands gently on your womb space and engage in deep, intentional breathing for a couple of minutes, consciously focusing your awareness on this sacred area. Once you begin to feel a more peaceful state settle within you, simply sit in that space of calm. From this profound stillness, clarity and inner peace will naturally emerge.
You will be truly surprised at the insightful answers that surface when you intentionally take the time to go within and embrace silence. You can think of this practice as silencing the often-loud ego, allowing the subtle, wise whisper of your higher self to be heard clearly. All the answers that align with your highest good are consistently found within this sacred internal space. We simply need to learn how to consciously connect and turn inward, ideally on a daily basis, to access this wellspring of wisdom.
Enter Our Exclusive Giveaway & Connect with Amanda!
Last but certainly not least, Amanda has generously decided to give away two incredible gifts! You could win the powerful Awakened and Illuminated duo, along with a $100 gift certificate to SKN Clinic! Two lucky individuals will get the chance to experience this magic for themselves. 🙂
The contest is currently running on Instagram. To enter, click here to visit my page. On the image featuring Amanda, you can enter by:
- Liking the photo.
- Following both @forgetbeauty and @lindsaypleskot.
- Tagging two friends in the comments.
The contest closes on Sunday, July 30th, at 9 PM PST. Good luck!
Thank you so much, Amanda, for graciously sharing your profound insights and inspiring us not only in our skincare routines but also in our journey of self-care and beyond! For more invaluable tips or to simply say hello to Amanda, be sure to follow her on Instagram @forgetbeauty.