At Joy Garden Botanicals, we believe that the best skincare doesn't just sit on the surface—it works in harmony with the body's natural rhythms. Recently, we had the pleasure of chatting with Emily Aragon, a Licensed Esthetician and the founder of MySkinMyFace in Whittier, California.
Emily's holistic approach to restorative skin treatments is deeply aligned with our own philosophy. Below, she shares her journey from a severe eczema flare-up to discovering the healing power of our TCM-inspired formulations.
A Holistic Philosophy: Skin as a Mirror of the Self
For Emily, a facial is more than a topical treatment; it's a nervous system reset.
"Chronic stress and internal imbalance often manifest through the skin," Emily explains.
At the core of her practice is a "look inward first" mentality. She creates a safe space where healing begins internally and radiates outward, making the choice of topical products a critical final step in the healing journey.
The Quest for TCM Wisdom: Why Chrysanthemum & Snow Mushroom?
Emily's discovery of Joy Garden Botanicals began with a very specific search for two powerhouse ingredients inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
- Chrysanthemum: Known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Snow Mushroom: A nature-derived hydration hero that holds 500x its weight in water.
"I love both of those ingredients internally for their restorative properties," says Emily. "I started thinking: if they're powerful internally, why not externally as well?" After searching for a formulation that honored these ingredients without harsh additives, she found Joy Garden.
The Ultimate Test: Healing a Compromised Barrier
As a professional, Emily is her own "guinea pig." When she first tried our product, her skin was at its most vulnerable—suffering from an eczema flare so intense that even water caused a burning sensation.
First Impressions: Texture & Scent
- The Feel: "Elegant and intentional. It was lightweight but not watery... it absorbed beautifully without a greasy residue."
- The Aroma: "Subtle and clean. As someone who treats sensitive skin, I'm very cautious about fragrance. This felt calm and professional."
- The Reaction: "It didn't sting or irritate at all. Instead, it felt comforting and stabilizing."
Visible Results: Resilience Over Coverage
After consistent use, Emily noticed her skin wasn't just "coated"—it was rebuilding. The redness faded, the tightness subsided, and her texture became smoother.
"It delivers deep hydration without heaviness... I often say it feels like liquid gold for the skin because it brings comfort, glow, and stability all at once."
Why a Professional Recommends Joy Garden
Despite being a boutique brand, Joy Garden has earned a permanent spot in Emily's treatment room. She recommends our products to her clients for:
- Barrier Repair Phases: For those whose skin feels reactive or "stripped."
- Long-term Resilience: Even for healthy skin, to maintain balance.
- Clean Science: Emily appreciates our plant-based preservation system and lack of synthetic fragrances.
A Final Word from Emily
"The biggest difference is the effectiveness. You feel it almost immediately. It's one of my favorite hydration serums—honestly, it's tied with my Skin Water from VO Beauty. They complement each other beautifully."
