As a skincare founder, I’ve spent years learning what truly nourishes my skin. Through research, formulation, and personal experience, I’ve identified three essential elements my skin consistently craves.

1. Water: The Foundation of Hydration

Nothing transforms my skin quite like proper hydration. When I maintain my eight glasses a day, I notice immediate differences: plumper skin and a natural glow no highlighter can replicate. Once a day, I also add an electrolyte to assist with my hydration, and my new favorite is either Cure (lemon flavor!) or pure coconut water from the grocery store.

Water works from the inside out, supporting the skin’s natural functions. It’s the simplest skincare tip, yet often overlooked and in my case, sometimes forgotten!

2. Ziba’s Brightening & Hydrating Face Mask: My Skin’s Weekly Ritual

My passion for skincare began with the ancient Persian beauty rituals I learned from my grandmother. These cherished traditions inspired me throughout my professional career in dermatology and cosmetics.

Ziba’s first product, the Brightening & Hydrating Face Mask, fulfills my dream of honoring my heritage while introducing treasured Persian ingredients rarely found in today’s products. Created through collaboration with a cosmetic chemist, esthetician and dermatologist, and tested by over 60 diverse consumers, our formula thoughtfully blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. I use this mask 3 times a week at night, and it leaves my skin feeling fresh, smooth and bright – the glow I need!

3. Whole Foods: Beauty From Within

My skin thrives on antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients from whole, unprocessed foods. Berries, avocados, and leafy greens have become staples in my diet—not just for overall health, but specifically for my skin’s vibrancy. While I am a sucker for a good slice of pizza or a bag of chips, I try to keep an 80/20 approach, where I eat whole foods 80% of the time.

These three elements form the foundation of my skincare philosophy. They’re simple yet transformative. When I honor what my skin craves, it rewards me with its healthiest, most radiant state.

Special Offer for the Community

We loved being included in the recent Sweat for Smiles charity event – Strut Strong: A Women’s Day Celebration – and we can’t wait to hear what attendees have to say about our new face mask! For those who couldn’t attend, we are offering a unique discount to the Sweat for Smiles community – 25% off your entire order through April 9th with the discount code, SWEATFORSMILES.

By Shayda Teymourpour, founder of Ziba Skincare, www.ziba-skincare.com, @zibaskincareco