Joanna Shu: Refresh Skin Therapy

Joanna Shu started Refresh Skin Therapy as a way to treat her own acne rosacea. After going to a medspa for a really expensive peel, Joanna made it her mission to make peels accessible to everyone. Her peels are vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Read on more to find out about Joanna and her brand: 

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and why you started [re]fresh Skin Therapy?

I started this brand because I have a lot of allergies and very sensitive skin. My background is actually in finance, but I hated it. In 2011 I left my job and spent the next two years creating formulas that would work for my skin which at the time was having severe allergic reactions almost every day. Which means, swelling up and itchy red hives. I was allergic to a long list of items including the sun, salt water, tomatoes, red 40, and my own tears. So I would cry and I break out in hives where the tears it been!

What sets your brand apart?

I also suffer from rosacea, which is redness and acne that basically never goes away, but you can manage it, and was starting to get older and show signs of aging. I had the no-win combo of aging skin and acne! Unfortunately, I couldn’t use normal acne or rosacea treatments because of my allergies and sensitivities –  I could really only use water and coconut oil on my skin.

Why are chemical peels beneficial for the skin? 

I had received a gift certificate for a chemical peel at a medspa – and that was the only thing that made my skin look good. It reduced my rosacea, faded my old scars, and I didn’t break out in hives. The problem was, it cost $150, so there was just no way to make that a regular habit!!  It also was strong and somewhat painful, so I pretty much had to hide inside for 2 days while the redness and peeling went down. I looked like I had a really bad sunburn. Once it healed up though, my skin looked the best it had in a long time.

How are you working on growing your brand further? 

I wanted everyone to experience the amazing results I had gotten with a peel, but without the price tag and the insane sheets of skin coming off your face (like a snake!). So I decided to make products for myself that really worked, but without fragrance, preservatives ( whenever possible, or EWG low-risk options if preservatives are required), added colors, and anything that’s really not necessary for the function of the product. I believe strongly in a highly-curated ingredient list with ingredients that I can understand. If you have allergies, you’re always obsessively reading labels – and if you have a reaction to a skincare product with 35 ingredients, how will you know which one of those you’re allergic to?

The first product I started selling is the Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel, and which was created to make peels that you can do at home – using it over time, you’ll get the same good results as a stronger spa peel, it will just take a few more uses. And at around $1 per use, it’s much more affordable.

What’s next for [re]fresh? We are coming out with an Omega Radiance Facial oil with CBD – it is like magic if you have dry inflamed skin, like excema, rosacea, or just general redness. CBD is a powerful antioxidant, and combined with all these omega-3s,-6, -9 it is really great for skin health. Its natural smell is delicious, and a few drops patted on bare skin or over makeup calms skin and gives you a healthy glow. Right now we’re finalizing the launch, but it should be in December/January. Stay tuned!

Joanna’s story is so inspiring. To try out these amazing peels, don’t forget to check to click on this link: refreshskintherapy.com