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A
Hey, guys. Welcome back to Skin Anarchy. Today's conversation is very special because it sits at a very fascinating intersection where clinical skin care science meets ritual energy and luxury wellness. My guest is someone who has built an entire brand around that philosophy. Leila Kass, the founder and president of Nesco Skin, which is a globally recognized skincare brand that is sold in over 40 countries and featured in more than 1000 luxury spas and resorts around the world. Today, we're diving into the 14 year evolution of the brand and the science behind their new gold repair skincare collection and why Lila believes that skin care should nourish not just the skin, but the entire human experience. So welcome back, Leila. I'm so excited to have you back on the show.
B
Thank you so much for having me back.
A
Yeah, I'm really excited to dive in, you know, and I. What I find really fascinating about your background, Lila, and the first time you were on the show, we kind of spoke about this as well, is that you're not just a founder, you're a practitioner, and you've worked directly with thousands of faces over the years, you know, and I really want to ask you, like, how did that experience, like that real hands on experience shape the way you think about formulation?
B
Thank you so much for asking the question. I think when you work with skin every day for that long, you start to see things very differently. You know, everyone's skin behaves differently, but it responds to the right structure and the right support and it reflects what happens internally, like stress, lifestyle, everything. It always shows on your skin. And that's really what shaped Nesco for me. I didn't start with a trend. I started with what I was seeing every day in the treatment room. And that's the knowledge that I took with me throughout my career. You know, when I looked at the industry, I saw a lack of depth in formulation. So I took a different approach. I waited. My clients were saying this week, like, yeah, you've definitely waited. It's been 14 years since I launched my, you know, my brand, as you mentioned, you know, because I really wanted the time to. To perfect it on my terms and in alignment, I think, with what I believe Skin truly needs. After 14 years building the brand, before launching Skincare, I wanted every ingredient to have purpose. You know, as an esthetician with 26 years of hands on experience in this industry, I'm proud to say that I led our formulation process very intentionally based on what I truly wanted for my skin, but also what I feel like Skin Truly needs. You know, I was strict about what goes into our formulation. So things like, you know, there's no unnecessary fillers, no other fragrance, and we're very mindful of the ingredients that are commonly known to be hormone, you know, disruptors such as phthalates, parabens, and forever chemicals. So it was really intentional process. You know, our products are clinically tested and everything is created essentially to be part of a system. Everything I always dreamed about creating, I feel like I've achieved in, in, in this newest launch.
A
I love that. And that's so important. You know, you, you, you touched on so many important points there. And it's an important distinction to understand because many skincare brands, they start in a lab or even worse, a marketing room, you know, and yours is starting in the treatment room, which is amazing. I really, really like that approach. The brand, it's been around for over a decade at this point. That's huge. Congratulations on that. That's absolutely huge.
B
Thank you. Yeah, so much.
A
And then being carried in like over 1000 luxury spas, I mean, that's a huge milestone. I'd love to know, like, what were the key milestones, you know, that really shaped Nesco's growth over the past 14 years?
B
Oh, that question is. I can go, I can go on and on because I feel like every, every, every milestone shaped, shaped the next, if that makes sense. But I will kind of try to consolidate. I think the first real turning point for me was when luxury spa started reaching out. Like we launched the brand in, and very early on, estheticians were using the masks. You see my global best selling gold repair mask, you know, that was like my OG that everybody wanted to get their hands on and because they were seeing the real results. That kind of validation, I think, coming from the professionals without heavy marketing, you know, just me, myself and I talking to each individual spa director, you know, told me that we were building something that actually worked where it matters the most, which is in the treatment room. And then myself being in the treatment room obviously saw the same, same results. But I think the evolution and the milestone came that after that we really decided to target different skin benefits. So we actually expanded into multiple collections. I know you love them. We have Diamond Radiance, we have Amethyst Hydrate, Rose Quartz, Antioxidant Green Jade Calm, and most recently, all reformulated and relaunched Pearl Renew collections. That really kind of expanded the brand to be really seen as a treatment category. Like, every collection has its purpose, but over the time, I think my commitment to my clients, my commitment to always being Current came from this need to always think of my client first and I focus on refinement. I'm never comfortable just staying with what I know is working. I always want to do better for our customer. And as a result of that, that actually probably the last. Since last time I came on the show, I think was two years ago. I think since then I think a lot has changed as far as like we had major upgrades for the brand. We've reformulated our masks across the six collections to be more advanced. We've invested in 11 clinical studies, independently verified through expert grading, instrumentals, the whole thing. And of course we launched a body care, which is why I came out last time when I was with you. And now the next evolution of the brand, which is really a dream come true. I wanted to mention also last year actually, I know you love the spiritual side of my brand, right?
A
Yeah, I love how you integrate like so many things.
B
Well, last year I actually recorded our guided meditations where I incorporate, you know, science backed by neural beats, alpha theta, love frequency and then chakra based frequency that's now part of every single Nesco mask meditation experience. So, you know, as I always say, we are scientifically crafted and spiritually grounded. So really focusing on both pillars of the brand science and that spirituality. So clients can now grab my mask, scan a QR code and listen to my voice as I gently guide them through a beautiful healing ritual each time they mask.
A
I am obsessed with that, Leila. I am obsessed. Like, I genuinely. And I think you and I have had these conversations. Right? Right. Like off air, like, and it's like this is like my dream skin care ritual. Like, I like, literally, I've never understood why, you know, because like people talk about self care, right? And they, and they self care, but it's like, well, where is it? You know, like, where is it? And that's. This is exactly the kind of like integration that I'm like, oh my gosh, like where, like we need that, you know, and especially when you think about skincare and what it does for you, like your entire nervous system and you know, all of those things. So, oh my gosh, I'm so obsessed with it. I love that. And now you're launching something that I feel like is a huge, major, major moment for the brand, the Gold repair skincare collection. I really want to dive into that. In your opinion, why was this the right time for Nesco to introduce a complete skincare ritual instead of like the individual hero products? Because you have amazing products, like standalone even. They're so phenomenal, you know, in the quality and the efficacy and all of that.
B
Definitely. Well, I always say I didn't rush this. This has been a long time in the making and very intentional from the be. And I think for us, the time really did matter. You know, our clients were ready. They've been using our masks and serums for years. But they always kept asking, like, layla, I want your full routine. Like, when do you, you know, when are you going to have your cleansers and your moisturizers? You know, I want to bring your Nesco ritual into my everyday life. And at the same time, you know, you know, we are professional brands, so we work with a lot of luxury hotels and spas. They wanted to complete the Nesco fac, you know, something cohesive and elevated that they can actually offer their guests. And as a professional first brand, we couldn't just deliver that with one single skew. We had to give them the full system, which is why I created the full gold repair skincare collection. Gold has been always our bestseller. You know, it felt it was very natural place to expand it into the full ritual. And I say pay homage to my humble beginnings when I launched my gold face mask. But I think, yeah, I just wanted to wait. You know, it. It didn't come. It came with years and years. 26 years of experience working with real skin. Not in theory. So I just wanted to make it perfect. And on a personal level, I. I feel like I was ready for it. I was ready to bring my own cleanser into a shower and exfoliate with my own exfoliator. I'm just selfishly, I wanted my own skincare the oldest time, and I just. Yeah, it's very organic. It's intentional. It's built without compromise. Every single formulation was developed from scratch. It's been a very long, exciting four years in making. I'm very excited to be on the other side now talking about it.
A
Yeah, no, I really, really love it. And the whole concept, for me, it just. I don't know, it just makes so much sense. And I really love that you. You've, like, you know, kind of taken a full dive into the full ritual, you know, rather than just a single product approach. Because I feel like, especially in this industry, we kind of miss the mark there, you know, and we forget that there is this entire part of skincare that's. It's a ritual, it's a feeling. It's a moment, you know, for yourself and when you're trying to figure out the steps, you know, like what do I use? First, second, third, like that, that it loses something when you're in that thing, you know, like I'm trying to figure it out on your own. So I love that it's a collection. It's. You don't have to guess anything and, you know, let's dive in though. You know, I want to dive into technology and really, you know, get into it because you mentioned gold, and you're right, gold is, it's incredible ingredient. And you know, you're, you've developed something new. It's called GP8X technology. Can you dive in and tell us and explain to us what this does? How does it work on the skin and all the details?
B
Absolutely. So for us, GP8X technology is about how we help the skin function better. It's not just what we put on the skin, but how the skin actually responds. So it stands for our gold peptide energy exchange system, which combines gold bioactive peptides, plant stem cells and pro collagen supporting actives in a very intentional way. The peptides act as intelligent messengers which help to improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity. And the gold itself actually plays a key, stabilizing those actives and supporting how they deliver on the skin so you get better overall performance.
A
That's interesting. Yeah, because gold has been used in skincare, you know, in the past, but there wasn't a lot of context, you know, to like, how it was being used. Your approach is, is much more molecular. It sounds like, how does gold actually, like, enhance that peptide delivery, though, and that cell communication, if you could kind of dive into that.
B
So with our peptide technology, it's actually, we use gold which helps the peptides stabilize and help them get where they need to go so the skin can actually respond to them properly. In our formulations, peptides are very naturally delicate, so when they're protected and stabilized, they're able to perform more consistently on the skin. Gold also helps guide those peptides more precisely on that surface so they can interact more effectively. Think of it as like the peptides, like messengers, they tell the skin to repair from and support elasticity. So it's really important part of that cellular communication. And yeah, very, very exciting for us to be able to use that gold as a delivery system, essentially.
A
And I love this because I think this is going to like, really reframe the conversation. Right. For a lot of consumers as well, because there's not a lot of transparency that goes into this kind of stuff, you know, in terms of stabilization and like, what that means in the realm of like signaling your cells. And, and that's a huge, huge part. And I think that's what really draws me into this entire concept that you've built is that you are focused so heavily on stimulating collagen, you know, making sure that you're getting actual visible results. And so let's dive more into that part, especially the pro collagen stimulation and you know, the actual skin repair aspects. If you can kind of dive more into that.
B
What's unique about our system is that we use gold wrapped peptide matrix which helps stabilize these peptides and deliver them more. And that's important because peptides help signal in the skin so they improve the appearance of firmness, as I mentioned earlier, elasticity and visible lines over time. So when those signals are more consistent, you can see the skin looks more smoother, more resilient. And that's all kind of part of the GPS technology for us. For example, rich and light creams are clinically shown to improve the appearance of, of those markers like firmness, you know, elasticity and visible lines in just four weeks, which is very, very exciting. We very well known peptides, like signaling peptides that support collagen and firmness and the neurotransmitter peptides that help soften the appearance of expression lines. So it's not just one mechanism, it's multi peptide system working together and that's I think where you're going to see the difference. With the gold repair skincare, it's a visible improvement. Smoother texture, improved firmness and the reduction and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
A
Wow. I really like that. I like that you've combined like and the peptide logic is really interesting. I'm glad you brought that up like the distinction because I mean I've seen this a lot happen, happen a lot in the industry where like people don't explain. Right. Like they don't explain like where, where do these peptides go and work and like what are they actually doing? And I think a lot gets lost in that. So it's really important to have that distinction and, and really kind of dive into that science bit of it. And you also incorporated plant stem cells. You know, it's not just peptides. You have stem cells in there. And I would love for you to kind of dive into the alpine rose and the solar vitus if you can talk about those two botanicals.
B
Absolutely. I think before I go there, I just want to mention one more thing as well, like which I think is really important for, for your audience is you know, through nesco's clinical portfolio, we really focus on eight major skin quality pillars. So it's a truly a breadth of, of validation that's very rare in prestige skincare. You know, we focus on hydration, on firmness, elasticity, texture, pigment, that's another one. Redness, barrier and radiance. So with, with the peptide matrix and now with the plant stem cells, it's truly creating this full experience, like results that are instant but also that build over time. So with, so with the plant stem cells, for me, the plant stem cel really about resilience, right. We hear about plants themselves, but what do they do? And so over the years I've seen that it's not just about correcting the skin. I know with my own skin, it's about helping function better long term as we age. Right. Because I feel there's so much fear about aging. Like we're all going into the same destination, might as well support and protect and take care of our skin. So we at Nesco have chosen alpine rose and Sola vitalis, which is grape, another word for grape, along with goji, Goji plant stem cells, which are very intentional because these plants are naturally, they thrive in extreme environments. For example, alpine rose, you know, it grows in very high altitudes, harsh conditions, that's constantly adapting and protecting itself. And the grape and goji are exposed to intense sun, oxidative stress and dry environments. So they develop very strong defense mechanism. And so being part of my GPX and my skincare, it's really helping skin become more resilient, helping to defend, to recover and adapt more effectively. And I think that's the shift in the skincare. For me, it's not just about the repair, it's about building the skin to become stronger and more resilient over time.
A
Yeah, that's really, I like that because, you know, right now we're seeing an interesting shift, I think, in the skincare space where everybody's so focused on longevity, but we don't talk about what that means. Right. Like we don't dissect it. And so just hearing you explain the technology, it's so intuitive because you're using the, you're using components that are bioactive. But there's a logic to it. It's not just like randomly throwing in ingredients. And I've seen this a lot. You know, I've seen this happen a lot. And that's why I'm saying this is that people don't realize, like longevity is a beautiful space to enter. But then the logic also has to evolve. And has to adapt, and it has to be very, very critical and, you know, pinpointed. And that's exactly what I'm seeing that you've done here, you know, is that you've really thought this out. And I. I love that. It's amazing.
B
Thank you. Appreciate that. I really do. No, and it's an exciting time.
A
It's a very exciting time. Yeah. And, you know, the idea of resilience is just, you know, as important as repair. So that's why I think longevity is important. You know, it's an important topic right now, especially in skin health. I want to ask, how do these ingredients help strengthen the skin's ability to adapt to things like environmental stress?
B
That's a great question. I think, kind of. To continue from what I was saying earlier, what these ingredients do is support the skin's natural defense system. Right. So it's better equipped to handle this daily stress. It helps the skin strengthen its barrier and provide antioxidant protection, which is critical when you're dealing with things like UV exposure, pollution, environmental stress. I mean, we are constantly providing our skin with all of these things that can cause stress on the skin, but also on the inside. Right. We feel it. So when the skin and spirit, as I say, are always constantly under stress, it can't function properly. Like, your skin just can't function properly. It becomes more reactive, more dehydrated, and more prone to inflammation. So by supporting these defense layers, you are helping the skin stay balanced and more stable over time, and that's what helps the skin adapt. So with Nesco, without GP edx, without masks, without intact rituals, we try to really support the person as a whole. Like, if you're gonna. If you're having a stressful time, like, give yourself the gift of time. Put on your Nesco gold face mask, put on your Nesco guided meditation, relax, unwind, and then take care of your skin. And I think often it's very separated. So for me, that's again, like, one of those questions where longevity, you know, connects to the soul. That's what I see it as.
A
Yes. I love that. I love that quote. I'm gonna use it.
B
I was listening to a podcast, Jay Letty, and he was saying, like, you know, mindfulness is like, where your, you know, body. You know, your mind and your body are in the same place. And how often are we putting on a cleanser? But we're thinking about our kids and what we have to do. Like, every tension should have every moment of, like, for me, every moment with yourself being Cleansing, putting on your, you know, your Nesco moisturizer or your Nesco mask is a moment to take care of your health. Like, disconnect. And I think, I think that's where the magic lies with us is like, we really talk a lot, you know, a lot about that, which I think is why you also love, as you were mentioning.
A
Yeah, no, I think it's, it's brilliant, honestly, because there's so many reasons I could rant for hours about this because I'm very passionate about the topic. And it's really something that you have to have something in your everyday routine that brings you into the presence, you know, in the present moment. And skin care, to me, just, just the obvious choice of that, like, it's, I don't. That's why I've never understood why in the industry, we've, we've chased trends for so long, right. Instead of focusing on, like, like, let's just work in a way that in every minute that you're doing something for yourself, you are really grounded in a place that's like, present and you're with yourself and what, whatever that means for you, you know. So that's why I just, I don't know, I really, really love the idea, you know, at large. But I want to, I want to go a little further because we're talking about the science, and I think it's, it's really important to keep diving into this because no one wants to dive into science these days, you know, and when, when you're thinking about skin health, there are major pillars, and one of them is barrier support. And I've seen that in your products across the board. You know, I've been using them for a long time. Right. So, like, since the first time you and I spoke, I've been using Nesco. And the barrier support is very, very strong in what you've created. You know, hydration, lipid balance, all of these are very important topics. So talk to us about why is barrier health such a central pillar for modern skin care? And why should we be focusing on this about.
B
Absolutely. I think barrier health is everything. Like, if the barrier isn't functioning properly, nothing else really works the way it should. So when the barrier is compromised, you know, you see it immediately. Dehydration, sensitivity, inflammation, accelerated aging. And I think at Nesco, we've done a really good job at always supporting that barrier health. In fact, with my clinicals, with my gold face mask, it's actually clinically proven to increase skin hydration instantly by 177%. So you can just imagine what continues use does to the skin. So modern skincare, which I see us as like modern skincare, it starts with restoring that balance, making sure the skin is hydrated and then it's supported and protected first. And across our entire GPS skincare, from the cleanser to the cleansing balm, to the creams, oils, eye cream, we are very intentional about using ingredients that support that barrier, such as your hyaluronic is squalane nourishing plant oils like prickly pear. We have pomegranate cloudberry oils. I mean they're just beautiful. And for that specific reason, to support lipid balance and help reinforce that skin barrier. So, yeah, very, very exciting. Our face oil is amazing. It's actually clinically proven also to, to give you that instant radiance. So one of my favorite, it's for
A
sure, I think that's like one of my favorite parts about the entire line is that you just see results immediately. I literally am obsessed with the Black Pearl resurfacing Serum. Like, I am obsessed with that product. Like, I'm just going to shout that out like for everybody because across the board you have all the products you create. Like, you see instant results, but then your skin actually like responds over time. Like if. And this is like, I really want our listeners to like, understand that because it's like, you guys have got to start investing in skincare where, yeah, you want instant results, but like, you keep using them and you start seeing a huge difference. You know what I mean? Like, you are seeing the change happen. And that's where brands like Nesco to me, stand out so strongly, you know, in such a robust way because you see the results. But then you're like, I know this for the long haul, I'm setting myself up for success as I go down, you know, with this ritual and with this routine. So I, I'm just obsessed with it. I. I love your entire life so much.
B
Thank you. Thank you. Means a lot.
A
So I want to ask you one thing, because you have a Reiki background and you understand Reiki very well, and I think we spoke about this the first time right when you came on. But I want to know, like, how did your Reiki practice really influence the way you design the full skincare experience?
B
Yeah, so Reiki has been part of my Life for over 20 years, and it's an energy and healing modality. And so I actually charge all my products with, with Reiki energy as part of my spiritual pillar of, you know, of my brand. And for me Reik has always been a practice that shaped that very deeply. So it's taught me to slow down, to become more intentional, and to understand that energy, touch and presence all matter in my own daily life. And that's what I actually wanted to translate in the treatment room. I saw it when people were tense, disconnected, overwhelmed. The skin often reflected that. And when they relaxed, when they felt safe, cared for, present, their skin responded differently. So over time, I stop seeing skincare only as one physical process. Of course, as you know, as we just discussed, ingredients really matter, technology matters, but the state of someone while they're going through it matters as well. So Reiki shaped everything I do. Energy healing is part of my essence, part of my brand. It's the intention from my heart, from my soul, that I put into this brand with the intention to help others feel good about themselves and truly has become the foundation of my brand. You know, I don't just create products that are effective. I want to create experiences that help people come back to themselves. When I think of nesco, I say it's an experience, like kind of what you were mentioning. Like, people look forward to connecting with our brand because it reminds them to slow down. And so Reiki is the heart of nesc.
A
Go. I love that so much. And you know, especially right now, I feel like the world is so, it's spinning, you know, for so many people. And I feel like this could not have come at a better time because every single day, like I go on social media and I'm like, there's so much stress in everyone's life right now. You know what I mean? Like, people are genuinely struggling. I think we, we forget that there are, there's so much value in like understanding how energy works, you know, and like, what that means and like, how do you really incorporate energy work into your life and your routine? And, you know, that's like a topic that I think it gets brushed under the rug, you know, in the beauty industry because it's such a fast paced industry. So it's always moving, it's always changing. But this is fundamental. You know, it's a, it's a fundamental psychological component of skincare rituals, self care rituals. And, you know, I really want to ask you, do you think consumers today are craving that deeper connection with their routines? I mean, what do you feel like in terms of when you read the industry at large?
B
100%. I mean, everything you just mentioned, you know, it's really, I think people are craving that more than ever. Like, we're living in this very Fast overstimulated, very performance driven world. And I think people are generally looking for ways to slow down and to reconnect with themselves. I know I'm, you know, like one of them. I just came from a big trip and I. But I also understand the power of your mind and the intention of saying, you know what, I worked really hard for the last seven days, I'm now going to give back to myself and I'm going to protect my mind, you know, be able to protect your energy. And for me, you know, skincare is one of the few simple ways people do every single day. So it's naturally becomes an opportunity for that connection with yourself. What I think has shifted is that people don't only want efficacy anymore, they still want results, of course, but they also want meaning comfort. Right? And I hope that the routine that we give them will help provide them with that emotionally, not just cosmetically. And that's what I try to explain to my clients is like, don't just buy my skincare because we tell you it's going to do X amount of things. Of course it will, but like buy it as an investment to take care of yourself, to, to have your weekly masking rituals, have your beautiful routines and kind of be a little selfish with your time. Schedule yourself and protect your mind starts with an intention. If we wake up in a bad mood and we take that all day long, we're going to stay that way. So sometimes it's okay to start your day all over again in that moment and protect your energy. For me, it's all connected, honestly. Energy, skin, health, it all works together in synergy. So you have to try help your skin and your spirit as much as possible to stay in that balance.
A
No, it's so valid though, right? Because it's been proven. Like it's scientifically proven. Yeah, like, and that's why I think I get lost sometimes when we are always chasing trends because it's like guys, like what's proven is proven, you know, like energy and the way it works and like what it does to yourself cells, what it does to water, what it does to the entire like composition of your body. This is all proven by science. Like it's not, it's not just like a feel good thing anymore. This is real, it's, it's part of the efficacy, like it's built into the efficacy of products, whatever they are, whatever industry you're in, you know, and that's why I think this is why like what you're doing and the way you're shining a light on this. The ritual of all of it is so, I think, critical and you unique. You're not letting it go under the rug, you know, and I really, really appreciate that as a consumer.
B
Thank you. I feel the same way. I'm very excited, and I hope that more people really stay open to that. Right. Like you say, it's proven, but I think sometimes people still don't get it. Like, so. And I always say, like, don't overthink it. Right. Just have a go in with an intention. That's very important. Going with the intention and be open. Let the energy do its thing. Like, everything works. Step.
A
Absolutely, absolutely. So in terms of the gold repair ritual, I. I want to talk about results because I. I know people would love to know that. I mean, what kind of results should people expect over time? Can you walk us through some, like, you know, like, hallmark things to look for?
B
Yeah, yeah. So the first thing people usually notice is hydration. The skin just feels more comfortable, more balanced, and more supported. And that really starts from the beginning. So the cleansing balm and the cleanser, they leave the skin feeling very soft, very fresh, nourished without stripping it, which is very, very important and what I wanted to develop. And then as you move into the exfoliator, you can see more smoother texture and a bit more brightness come through. And I usually recommend using exfoliation maybe two to three times a week. The face oil will give your skin that immediate glow, while also helping support the barrier and lock in moisture over time. So you're going to get immediate, immediate benefits. But then also, consistency is super important to give you those clinical benefits that we were able to prove in our studies. And then with the creams, that's where you can start to see more visible changes in firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality over time. You will love the eye cream. The eye cream helps smooth, brighten. It helps to refresh the eye area so everything looks more lifted and awake. It's great for dark circles. And then alongside that, also, obviously our existing products, our masks and targeted serums, they deliver more immediate, like, targeted results depending on your skin needs, such as hydration, radiance, resurfacing. Like you mentioned your favorite black pearl, which is also one of mine. So, yeah, like, you can really customize your routine. And what I say, you know, what matters is consistency, you know, because everything is designed to work together. The skin keeps improving the longer you stay with the routine. But I always say if people have their favorites, that's totally fine. Just stay Consistent with the products that you love.
A
Yeah, I love that. I love that you're talking about consistency. I think that's the one missing piece that we don't really think about as consumers. We're like, oh, I'll use it like, once a week and I'll be good, you know, but it's like, you have to stay, like, on a regular routine. Like, that's how you're going to see actual results over time. That's. That's huge. I'm glad you brought that up. You know, one thing I do want to ask the. It's. And I asked founders this question sometimes is that, you know, how do these products fit into real life? I think it's a real question because, you know, in terms of customization, right. Of someone's routine depending on different skin types, different needs, different lifestyle choices, like, how does the gold repair ritual really fit in for everybody? If you can kind of walk us through that.
B
Yeah. So as I was saying earlier, I think customization, it's. It's very common. The way I've created my, you know, my brand is that you have your gold Repair skin care essentials, like your eight, eight products that are daily essentials. And then when it comes to customization within our line, you have your masks and then you have your serum. So you can easily change depending on what your skin is going through seasonally. But everything starts with the same foundation, cleansing, treating, hydrating, and protecting. Right. That's like the four non negotiables. And then you layer depending on your skin and your lifestyle. For example, if somebody has drier or more depleted skin, they might lean more into the cleansing balm, the face oil and the rich cream for extra nourishment. And then if you have. If you want more lighter texture, you know, you might use the cleanser and the light cream, and then adjust how often you exfoliate. So everything is customizable. I think for more mature or stressed skin, layering becomes very important. Like, I love to layer, wear my serums, my masks, and even the richer textures like rich cream and face oil. I love doing that at night because that's when the skin truly repairs when you're sleeping. And so, yeah, I think we've created it that if you're looking for your daily essentials within the Bold Repair skincare line, you can choose your favorites. And then again, depending on where your skin is at, you can come into our treatment category, which is our collagen masks and serums, to truly, truly customize. And that's, you know, Essentially, how we're doing our NESCO facials, because we now are launching beautiful NESCO Gold repair facial. We're launching at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia. We just launched a Fairmont, Micoba, Mexico. Yeah. So there's a lot of spas that are going to be actually bringing the NESCO Gold repair firming and lifting facial to their menus, which is very exciting.
A
Yeah. That's amazing. Congratulations. I'm so excited.
B
You.
A
Yeah, I mean, it's so. It's so cool to see a brand like yours come into such a huge space, a space on the spa side, you know, because I think it's. It's just a different approach, you know, And I've had this experience. I think all of us love the experience of a spa. But then, like, then you. You're able to bring it home with you, you know? Like, that's what I. I think is just so beautiful about Nesco is that you're. You're bringing home, like, this entire feeling and this. Like you're recreating something for yourself, you know, that's, like, so sacred and it's time and, you know, for yourself. And that's the focus. And so I'm just. I'm obsessed with that. And I want to ask you, though, like, are there standout products in the collection that you. You know, that you've noticed that people tend to fall in. In love with, like, first above others. I mean, any favorites that you can kind of point out for our listeners, like, where they can go to first?
B
Absolutely. So I would say there's always a few that people connect with right away. The face oil is definitely one of them because you can see that immediate glow and radiance, and it feels very luxurious on the skin. The masks have always been our global bestseller, so people already know and love that instant hydration and that visible glow they give. And then the creams, I mean, both light and the rich textures are just beautiful. I can see clients using them AM and pm. Like, I love my light cream under my makeup. It's beautiful. But then also, I was just in Vegas, and it was so dry, and so I was using. Using the rich cream under my makeup, and it looked beautiful as well. So I think, like, again, we call it like, skin tuition. Like, listening to your skin to see where you're in that moment. I have a feeling that both moisturizers are just, like, really loved eye cream. You. I don't know if you tried it yet, but the eye cream is another one because it's very targeted. People will see the brightening and smooth winning effects fairly quickly. So, yeah, you're probably asking the wrong person because I love them all.
A
No, I wanted. I know. I was like, she's going to tell. Because I mean there, there are so many good ones though. Honestly, there's like so many good. And for everyone listening, like, you guys really do have to like figure out what are you going for first. Because every single product, and I'm not just saying this, like genuinely, every single product is so well thought out and it's meant to do what it's saying it's going to do. So if you need your skin to calm down, the Jade serum is going to calm your skin down.
B
Exactly.
A
Like, it's not fluff. And that's my favorite part about it because you're a brand that is like giving people an experience, but you're like not compromising on efficacy at all. Just. I'm such a fan, Layla, I literally
B
can't thank you for it. I think if I can just say a couple of words and I think that's really where authenticity matters. And like you said, you know, not being on trend, like I've been in beauty for 26 years, Nesco has been around for 14, and I'm just now bringing skincare. I could have done this long time ago, but I wanted to wait and bring you the best. Like that I feel industry needs and that again, that intention is so important. You know, we are Nesco Skin. We're still a family owned business, we're fully self funded. Like I don't have to answer to anybody, which means that I want to make it as perfect as possible. And I think there's power in being an esthetician, working with skin, working with thousands of faces over over two decades. Like there is, there is a big powerful moment in that because your intuition, your knowledge of skin really plays a part and you know, more power to estheticians in this business because we deal with skin all day long. And I'm just, yeah, I'm just excited to share with this with the world. It has truly been a care dream since I was a young girl. Like dreaming, like manifesting. I remember putting skincare packaging on my vision board like probably 15 years ago. So it's very exciting time and I'm so honored that you put me on your platform to tell my story because I think you clients will absolutely love this.
A
I mean, I'm just so excited that you're bringing your vision to life. And I think that to your point about estheticians, I Do want to say this, like, it blows me away. How much estheticians know compared to any other, like, professional in this space? Like, I mean, you have seen things that there's no one else, like, even like from the medical side. I really believe this for my core. Like, can't figure everything out. You know what I mean? Like, you have to see it, feel it, you have to do it. And that's where I think it's like a brand like this really speaks because efficacy is. Isn't just how many X amount of people, X amount of professionals signed off on it. It's real results made from real experiences. You know what I mean? Like, the, the crafting of products has to come from a real place. And that's why, like, that's why I said what I said about every single product in the line is going to do something for you because it's literally from your experience, you know, like from working with people. And I don't know, I just think that's it's so powerful to. And important to highlight that because. Because right now we are in that space, right in skincare, where everyone's demanding efficacy. Everyone's like, I want my products to work well. Well, go to the people that know skin. You have to vote with your dollars. You have to vote for the products that are going to give you results at the end of the day, and they're going to come from individuals that have spent, like you said, two decades doing this. You know, like, you've put your life into this. So, I mean, I'm just, I'm such a fan of it. I, I think it's a, a beautiful thing. And for everyone listening, if you want to check out the brand, which you really should scroll down in our show notes, you will see the link and I really urge you, you know, just, just browse and find something you love and just dive in. It's a beautiful, beautiful brand.
B
Thank you. We make it very easy on our nesco.com there's actually in quiz they can do and we also have a AI customization. We can take a photo and then we will prescribe products as well. So we try to make it easy for you to, you know, to begin your journey.
A
I love that. Well, thank you so much, Leila. This has been amazing as always. I always love you.
B
Me too. Thank you back. I'm so grateful and excited. Thank you.
A
I love it. Thank you so much. And if I were listening, please chime in, let us know what you think and if you've tried any of the nesco products. I'd love to hear from you and hear what your favorites are. Thanks so much.
Host: Dr. Ekta
Guest: Lejla Cas, Founder and President of KNESKO Skin
Date: April 14, 2026
In this insightful episode, Dr. Ekta sits down with Lejla Cas, returning guest and founder of the luxury wellness brand KNESKO Skin. The conversation explores KNESKO’s 14-year journey, culminating in the launch of their most ambitious project yet: the Gold Repair Skincare Collection. With a focus on the intersection of clinical science, ritual energy, and luxury, Lejla discusses her practitioner-led approach to formulation, the innovative GP8X gold peptide technology, and the intrinsic connection between skin health and overall well-being. The episode delves into the science behind gold-infused products, spiritual rituals like Reiki, and why skincare must nourish both the skin and the spirit.
"I didn’t start with a trend. I started with what I was seeing every day in the treatment room." (01:23)
"We are scientifically crafted and spiritually grounded." (06:41)
"Peptides act as intelligent messengers which help to improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity. And the gold itself actually plays a key, stabilizing those actives and supporting how they deliver on the skin..." (11:23)
"Think of it as... the peptides, like messengers, they tell the skin to repair and support elasticity... gold as a delivery system, essentially." (12:20)
"It’s not just about correcting the skin... it’s about helping function better long term as we age." (15:26)
"I actually charge all my products with Reiki energy as part of my spiritual pillar... it’s the intention from my heart, from my soul..." (25:04)
"...consistency is super important to give you those clinical benefits that we were able to prove in our studies." (32:38)
"There is power in being an esthetician, working with skin... your intuition, your knowledge... really plays a part..." (38:36)
"We are scientifically crafted and spiritually grounded." — Lejla (06:41)
"I started with what I was seeing every day in the treatment room." — Lejla (01:23)
"It’s not just about creating products that are effective. I want to create experiences that help people come back to themselves." — Lejla (25:35)
"Energy, skin, health, it all works together in synergy. So you have to try help your skin and your spirit... to stay in that balance." — Lejla (29:14)
"...if people have their favorites, that’s totally fine. Just stay consistent with the products that you love." — Lejla (32:46)
Lejla and Dr. Ekta underscore that the future of skincare is not just in potent ingredients and immediate results, but in the crafting of meaningful, grounded rituals that honor both science and spirit. KNESKO’s story is a testament to the power of practitioner heritage, intentional formulation, and integrating energy work for holistic self-care. The Gold Repair Collection is the brand’s answer to consumers desiring luxury, efficacy, and true mind-skin connection.
For more information, check out KNESKO’s website for personalized assessments and explore their AI-driven product recommendations.