Plant stem cells are still all the rage in personal care—as seen at Lumavera, a Santa Monica, CA independent skin care brand that blends them with antioxidant-rich super-foods. While other cosmetics on the market use water as their first ingredient, Lumavera is formulated with aloe vera to deliver superior hydration and make it different from other skin care in the marketplace, according to company executives.
 
Founder and president David Vargas combines family recipes of farm fresh ingredients with the benefit of PhytoCellTec Argan, the first cosmetic active that can help protect and repair dermal stem cells for revitalized skin, in the beauty products. Vargas took time for a Q&A with Happi about his rising skin care brand. 
 
Happi: How did you start your company and what makes it different from others in the market?
 
David Vargas: In Jalisco, Mexico, where my parents grew up, it’s tradition to make use of the bountiful plants that grow along the salty coastline, in the high mountain plains and deep in the forests and canyons for everything from salads to skin care.  When I had daughters of my own, I became fascinated with the art of my family’s traditional health remedies and the science of modern skin care.
 
By combining the two, Lumavera shares this timeless wisdom with you so that we can all live the promise of healthy, beautiful lives. The ingredients in Lumavera have been carefully selected to deliver the best in nature and science.  Each product delivers a synergistic combination of plant cell technology, virgin botanical extracts, antioxidant super foods and advanced molecular technologies that significantly improve the appearance of skin. Lumavera products are luxurious, results driven and offer an easy and effective solution to looking younger.  
 
Happi: Tell us about your distribution…how will you get into stores and who is your target customer?
 
DV:Since the launch of Lumavera in 2013, we are thrilled to have partnered with world-class spas, dermatologists and plastic surgeons.  There are future roll out distribution plans that include major retailers and various ecommerce platforms. The name, Lumavera comes from the Latin words for light (lumen) and truth (veritas). To me, the principles of truth and light also guide our business. We’re committed to transparency, honesty and quality in everything we do. Our philosophy is that our accounts are partners and not just customers.  We pride ourselves on offering ongoing support and training.  Lumavera is for women and men of all ages.
 
Happi: What are your recent launches and what are their key ingredients/features?
 
DV:Two of our newest products are the Skin Perfection Peel and Oxygenating Masque. The Skin Perfection Peel mimics your skin’s own natural enzyme by exfoliating dead skin cells for a radiant and healthy glow which can be used on the most sensitive skins. Key ingredients include mucor miehi extract, a mushroom extract with exfoliating enzymes that also helps with inflammation; olive leaf extract, a powerful antioxidant twice as powerful as green tea; hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture and zinc PCA, an active that attracts moisture to the skin while decreasing sebum production.
 
The Oxygenating Masque, which won best masque for the 2014 Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa beauty awards, brings new radiance to the skin. A molecular level exfoliating action eliminates impurities, in addition to firming and hydrating skin with the use of specific peptides.  PhytoCellTec Argan (plant stem cells) revitalizes dermal stem cells for collagen and elastin production, accelerates skin’s natural repair process while fighting wrinkles and loss of firmness; aloe barbadensis leaf extract has over 200 constituents consisting of vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides and amino acids. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and calm skin; prickly pear/nopal comes from the cactus family for great soothing and strengthening properties; and of course our signature “veggie blend,” a cocktail consisting of broccoli (sprout cell extract), tomato, carrot, spinach, kale, brussels sprouts and onion—all high concentrations of antioxidants that fights against free radical damage. Also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which have anti-aging benefits along with our “plant blend” of grape seed, licorice root, comfrey, green tea, grapefruit, calendula, and lemon and orange extract which all fight against free radical damage as well as brightening the skin. The two products work wonderfully together as well! Using the Skin Perfection Peel first prepares the skin perfectly for the Oxygenating Masque making it able to penetrate the epidermis.
 
 
Happi: What are your future plans for the company?
 
DV:We know that real beauty goes far beyond the surface.  My promise to you is that I will continue to develop products based on our family’s traditional health remedies, balanced with common-sense nutrition and breakthrough science, so that you too can realize the promise of healthy, beautiful lives.
 
 
More info: www.lumavera.com