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Natural Products Effectively Soothe Skin L isa Alexander took an uncommon route to a skin care career. Coming from a six generation California agricultural family, she founded a pickle company, worked in design, launched a clothing line and traveled the world as a professional sailor. She was also a model, and dur- ing her runway days, she frequently crossed paths with people facing skin issues triggered by allergies, harsh products and hectic schedules. "I always had very sensitive skin, so I've always made my own serums and things," says Alexander. "Because a lot of people would ask about my skin, I thought, 'Why don't I take what I know and start a skin-care company?'" Alexander invested nine years in research and development before launching LAFACE Laboratories, par tnering with experienced scientists to formulate luxury products for retail and professional lines. Her company's paraben-free, hypoallergenic creams and concentrates rely on rare active ingredi- ents—Swiss apple stem cells, grape seed extract and a high-quality, time-released Vitamin C from Japan, to name a few. The natural formulas are a hit among individuals with long-standing sensitivities. "It's helpful to people who have undergone chemotherapy, and people who have had eczema, rosacea and serious skin issues," Alexander says. "Instead of using pharmaceu- ticals and parabens and chemical-filled prod- ucts that can strip your skin, we choose stem cells and peptides and ingredients that can basically rebuild damaged cells." LAFACE products also earn praise for their convenience. An eye concentrate replaces three separate products for under-eye circles, puffiness and fine lines; another popular for- mula combines cleanser and toner. "People don't have a lot of time, so each product is multi-functional," says Alexander. She stays busy herself, developing new prod- ucts, designing the packaging and promoting LAFACE in retail and spa locations worldwide. It's a demanding schedule, but one she finds rewarding. "The only thing that matters," Alexander says, "is coming out with prod- ucts that work." LAFACE skin care products are available locally at Spa Aiyana (located at Carmel Valley Ranch), or online at www.lafacelaboratories.com. — Renee Brincks SHORTCUTS HEALTH Lisa Alexander, who launched LAFACE skin care, has had a diverse working background as a pickle company owner, a designer and a professional sailor. 78 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 4 Photo: Kelli Uldall