March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate, we’re talking to a unique group of women who are experts in the field and use advanced beauty in their professional skincare practice. They not only talk the talk, but they also walk it, too! They help clients look and feel their best and believe that well-being is greatly improved by taking an inside-out approach. Today, we’re chatting with Esther Fieldgrass of EF MEDISPA.

For more than a decade, Esther Fieldgrass has been at the helm of EF MEDISPA, the first medical spa in the UK with locations in Kensington, Chelsea, St. John’s Wood, Richmond and Edgbaston. Considered a pioneer in the overall aesthetics industry, she first became interested in healing therapies when she lived in Hong Kong. There she became a Certified Intuitive Healer and Reiki Master. Over the past four decades, Esther has helped her clients merge inner wellbeing with a youthful, rejuvenated complexion. She has honed and applied her healing skills and knowledge to the beauty industry, utilising innovative treatments and techniques to revitalise the face and body.

Medico Beauty: Self-care is becoming a new buzz word. Often clients feel they lack enough time for themselves. What advice do you have for getting started?

Fifteen minutes of mindfulness a day is great for self-care – it could even be in the evening soaking in a magnesium salt bath to detox and relax the mind and body. I think you need clear intentions of what you want to achieve, I always say healthy mind, healthy body. Gut health and nutrition are also key: What you put into your body also impacts your mind and skin.

Medico Beauty: What is your favourite wellness ritual?

Twice a year I like to go on a 14-day water fast at my favourite health spa (under medical supervision) – it’s amazing for rebalancing and healing the body! I usually restrict my diet and focus on cleansing the body with water, but this can also be done on a vegetarian diet. Typically, the fast starts with a session of colonic hydrotherapy to clear waste and I start each day with a cup of hot water, a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Throughout the 14 days, you need to be drinking a minimum of 3 litres of water a day, I also enjoy drinking a cleansing liver tea alongside this. When doing a fast like this, you need to be watching your blood pressure, making sure it doesn’t dip too low or too high and plenty of rest is advised. It’s a great time to rehydrate the skin - where possible try to go makeup free.

Medico Beauty: How do you recover after a stressful day or in the moment of a serious meltdown?

I meditate twice a day in the morning and evening to clear my mind and destress the body.

Medico Beauty: What personal achievement are you most proud of? 

My two sons!

Medico Beauty: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Be proud of your achievements and have self-belief – other people won’t necessarily do it better than you.

Medico Beauty: How did you get started in the field of Advanced Skin Health and Wellness?

It wasn’t until the early 2000s that I really became interested in anti-aging and aesthetic treatments. After spending 13 years living in Hong Kong from 1983, I was introduced to traditional Chinese medicine, which focused on inner health for outer beauty, a motto I now live by. When I came back from Hong Kong, I was a bit older and became interested in how to freshen up my skin and appearance. I soon realised that there was a lot of technology coming out that I wanted to learn more about.

Medico Beauty: What single discovery do you believe has made a difference in treating skin concerns?

Laser technology. However, nowadays there have been amazing advancements in the use of growth factors for healing the skin. This can help numerous conditions such as acne and scarring.

Medico Beauty: What’s the best way to get started with using active ingredients?

Decide which products you want to use and go to as many training classes as possible. Each product line will most likely have a different protocol and you need to be knowledgeable in each of the ingredients and how it will react on the skin.

Medico Beauty: Have you had any beauty or skincare disasters?

No, but I’ve had some inflicted on me! I try everything in my clinics before I allow any products or treatments to be used on my clients.

Medico Beauty: What skincare advice do you have for those on a budget or who would like to save money?

Often less is more! When talking to clients, many get confused with the number of different products and ingredients available on the market and they often pile on products which they don’t need. Everyone needs a good cleanser, antioxidant, hydrator and SPF. For those getting a little older, a night serum with Retin A is great for the regeneration of new skin cells.

Medico Beauty: Tell us about any new exciting projects you’re developing in 2019?

We have lots of exciting projects going on! I’ve just launched my own skincare range, OMNI By Esther and I’ll be expanding on the line later this year. We also have some exciting new treatments launching in EF MEDISPA, including the Temporal Lift and Fit & Firm – stay tuned! Don’t forget to join me on my new podcast, The Beauty Biz where we chat to a host of industry experts in health, wellness, and beauty.

Medico Beauty: How do you see advanced skin health evolving in the future?

It will become more bespoke and tailored to the individual. I also think we’ll see a big increase in the use of human growth factors and stem cell therapy.

Medico Beauty: What is your favourite face mask right now?

The CosMedix Bio-Shape Firming Face Mask.

Medico Beauty: Favourite CosMedix hero product?

The Affirm Serum and the Illuminate & Lift treatment for the neck and décolletage.   To learn more about Esther Fieldgrass, visit EF MEDISPA or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. And, of course, subscribe to her podcast, The Beauty Biz!