Esthetician Spotlight: Victoria Hudson

Meet Victoria Hudson, a licensed esthetician, and discover her expert skin care tips, daily routine, and professional insights for healthy skin.

Our Co-Founder and CEO Ada Polla met Victoria a couple of years when visiting Heyday Manhattan Beach. Victoria shared her challenging skin care journey (which led her to become an aesthetician), and admitted that her skin very sensitive and acne-prone skin does not like new products of regimens. Not deterred by her skepticism, Ada offered to send her some of Alchimie Forever’s most calming, anti-inflammatory, clarifying products – and Victoria (and her skin!) promptly fell in love!

AP:What was your journey to becoming an esthetician?

VH:Growing up, I always struggled with breakout-prone, rosacea-reactive skin. I tried countless acne systems and visited multiple dermatologists, but while many treatments helped clear my acne, they often left my skin barrier compromised due to harsh, irritating ingredients.

That experience inspired me to become deeply educated in skin care ingredients and learn how to effectively treat skin conditions without sacrificing barrier health. Through my own journey, I fell in love with skin care and developed a passion for helping others feel confident in their skin.

I eventually pursued my esthetics license and have been working as a facialist ever since, specializing in results-driven treatments that support long-term skin health while maintaining a healthy, balanced barrier.

AP:Where do you currently practice?

VH:I currently work as a facialist at Heyday in the Los Angeles area, where I provide customized, results- driven facial treatments focused on supporting long-term skin health and barrier function.

AP:How did you discover Alchimie Forever?  What was your first Alchimie Forever product?

VH:I first discovered Alchimie Forever through Heyday’s retail selection, where I had the opportunity to introduce the brand to my clients and see firsthand how well the products performed on a variety of skin types and concerns.

The first Alchimie Forever product I tried was the Kantic Calming Cream, and I instantly fell in love with it. As someone with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, I was especially drawn to its soothing, hydrating formula and barrier-supportive ingredients. It has since become a staple in my everyday skin care routine.

AP:What is your favorite Alchimie Forever product and why?

VH:I love so many products from Alchimie Forever, so it’s hard to choose just one! But if I had to, I would say I can’t live without the Kantic Light Clarifying Cream. It has truly been a miracle product for my acne-prone skin.

I love that it not only helps treat active breakouts but also does an amazing job at preventing future congestion without feeling overly harsh or compromising my skin barrier. I’ve also found it incredibly soothing after hair removal treatments, helping to calm irritation and reduce post-treatment sensitivity.

AP:What Alchimie Forever product do you use or recommend the most to clients?

VH:I see so many different skin types and concerns in the treatment room, but one thing always stays true — my clients love the Kantic Calming Cream. It provides the perfect balance of hydration and nourishment, while also delivering incredible anti-aging benefits, making it a true powerhouse product.

I especially love that even my sensitive, acne-prone clients can rely on it without worrying about irritation or barrier disruption. It’s one of those products that consistently delivers results, and my clients always come back to their next appointment raving about how much they love it.

AP:What is your #1 skin care recommendation to your clients?

VH:My number one skin care recommendation to clients is to exfoliate — but to do it correctly for their skin type and concerns. A very common thing I hear in the treatment room is that clients either don’t exfoliate regularly, or they’re using exfoliants that are too harsh or simply not suited for their skin.

When done properly, exfoliation can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, improving texture, and supporting clear, balanced skin. The key is finding the right type and frequency of exfoliation for your individual skin needs, and that’s where working with an esthetician can make all the difference.

AP:What’s your skin care hot take/unpopular opinion/controversial idea?

VH:My skinc are hot take is: don’t dry your face with a towel at home.

It’s one of the most common post-cleanse habits, but in my opinion, it can do the skin a disservice — especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. Towels can hold onto bacteria, buildup, and detergent residue, and the friction from rubbing the skin can contribute to irritation, sensitivity, and congestion.

Instead, after cleansing with filtered water, I like to let my skin air dry for a minute or two before applying toner and the rest of my skin care routine. I also personally avoid many disposable face wipes or cloths, as some can be treated with chemicals or feel too harsh on the skin.

For me, minimizing unnecessary friction has made a noticeable difference in keeping my skin calmer, clearer, and more balanced.

AP:What’s one thing you avoid at all costs when taking care of your skin?

VH:One thing I avoid at all costs when it comes to my skin care is unnecessary irritants — especially parabens, fillers, and artificial dyes. Since my skin is sensitive and rosacea-prone, I’ve learned that keeping my routine as clean and barrier-supportive as possible makes a huge difference.

I’m very intentional about the ingredients I put on my skin and gravitate toward formulas that are effective, nourishing, and gentle without unnecessary additives.

AP:Can you talk about the connection between self care and skin care?

VH:I believe skin care and self care are deeply connected. Taking the time to care for your skin is more than just a routine — it’s an act of investing in yourself and your wellbeing.

When you feel good in your skin, it can positively impact your confidence, mindset, and the way you carry yourself day to day. There’s something incredibly empowering about feeling comfortable and confident in your natural skin, without needing makeup or anything extra to feel beautiful.

Our skin is the body’s largest organ, so treating it with care, patience, and consistency is a form of self- respect and self care.

AP:What is your favorite form of self care?

VH:Besides giving myself a facial or getting my monthly massage, one of my favorite forms of self care is taking long walks in nature or by the beach. It gives me a chance to clear my mind, decompress, and reconnect with myself while also supporting my physical health. I find it incredibly therapeutic and grounding, and it’s something I try to make time for whenever I can.

AP:Take us through your morning routine.

VH:I love starting my mornings with a nice walk on my treadmill to wake up my body and mind. After that, I take my dogs out, make myself a balanced breakfast, and enjoy a fresh cup of green tea. Of course, skin care is also a big part of my morning routine. I focus on a barrier-supportive routine that keeps my skin healthy, hydrated, and resilient enough to handle my long and busy days.

AP:What are you excited about right now?

VH:Right now, I’m feeling really excited about the future — both personally and professionally. I’m focused on continuing to grow, work toward my short- and long-term goals, and becoming the best version of myself in every aspect of life.

I’m especially excited to keep expanding my knowledge within the skin care industry, continue building meaningful relationships with my clients, and see where this journey takes me.