Yolanda Edwards: On All Things Skincare
The start of Skin Sanctuary Beauty Talks with my friend, Yolanda Edwards
(Yolanda Edwards & her dog, Prune, at Hotel Il Pellicano)
Today, we're kicking off our Beauty Talks series with a true connoisseur of culture, a maven of style, and a dear friend: Yolanda Edwards. As the brilliant mind behind the divine travel publication, YOLO Journal (and her fabulous Substack), Yolanda curates an exquisite world of travel and the lifestyle that accompanies it. Beyond her impeccable taste, Yolanda is a truly lovely, generous, and kind person, and I'm incredibly grateful to her for agreeing to this interview.
Why You Need To Know Yolanda:
Yolanda Edwards is know to anyone deeply entrenched in the worlds of travel, fashion, and lifestyle. Her journey into the realm of global exploration began not with grand adventures, but with a simple, childlike wonder. This early fascination blossomed around the age of 14, sparked by foreign magazines whose captivating fashion story locations ignited a fervent desire to see these places for herself in real life. Through her work as a piano teacher, forging friendships with well-traveled peers, and meticulously filing New York Times travel articles, Yolanda carefully planned her first solo trip to Europe at ju st 16—a journey that set the trajectory for a life dedicated to exploration. In Yolanda’s words “Travel changed my life”.
Her extensive career in magazines, spanning esteemed titles like Condé Nast Traveler (where she later became Creative Director), W, Cookie, and Martha Stewart, further honed her eye for compelling narratives and stunning visuals. It was during her tenure at Condé Nast Traveler in the mid-90s, that the seed for YOLO Journal was planted. She became convinced of the need for a publication that captured genuinely unique global destinations through the eyes of curious individuals, rather than filtered through press releases.
(YOLO Journal along side husband’s, Matt Hranek’s, WM Brown Magazine at SoHo News International)
When her dream job at Traveler unexpectedly ended in 2018, Yolanda seized the opportunity to bring her long-held vision to life. She recognized a wealth of untold stories from interesting people traveling in creative ways, and thus, YOLO Journal was born—a platform for honest, personal recommendations from passionate, creative, and often non-writerly travelers. The title, a playful nod to her own nickname, encapsulates the magazine's core philosophy: "You only live once," so let's make every journey count. While Yolanda herself travels extensively—(sometimes nearly 300 days a year)—her role transcends personal travelogues; she sees herself as a curator of others' authentic experiences, fostering a vibrant community of travelers who are eager to support small businesses, independent hotels, and venture off the beaten path, knowing the positive impact their time and travel dollars can have.
I specifically sought out Yolanda to start this interview series because of her truly unique perspective. Not only does she possess a deep love for all things skincare, but she also travels more than anyone I know, making her the perfect person to shed light on maintaining a radiant complexion on the go.
So, without further ado, let's dive into Yolanda's skincare wisdom!
Skincare on the Fly: Efficiency is Key
For many of us, skincare can be a leisurely ritual, a moment of self-care. But for a globetrotter like Yolanda, efficiency is paramount. When asked about her current skincare routine, she quickly revealed her pragmatic approach. "It's a quick and efficient one!" she shared. "I wish I had the time, or rather, would build in the time, to make it last longer! I remember a friend from my Conde Nast days who would talk about her layering techniques and I was fascinated, and envious."
Yolanda's routine is streamlined and effective: After a shower, she applies Plated Calm Serum, allowing it to penetrate while she moisturizes her legs. Next, she uses Faith Balancing Gel, followed by body lotion on her upper body, and finishes with Revision Derm Protect Barrier Defense. When significant sun exposure is on the horizon, she wisely opts for iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50 instead of the DermProtect, finding that the combination of a moisturizing cream and SPF can be "too much" for her skin during the summer months.
iS CLINICAL Eclipse SPF 50+ Sunscreen
(Yolanda’s Routine.. love the ISDIN European Oil SPF! Also love the lotion from Hôtel du Couvent)
The Holy Grail: Healing and Rejuvenation
Every skincare enthusiast has that one product they can't live without, the one they consistently repurchase. For Yolanda, that coveted spot is held by Plated. She raves, "I love Plated—it really helped with healing these nasty scars I had from removal of a squamous cell cancer." The Plated brand specializes in anti-aging skincare that utilizes proprietary Renewosome technology, harnessing the power of exosomes, tiny messengers, to promote skin repair and rejuvenation, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots, and redness, and improve overall skin health. I am a huge fan of the brand.
Click here to learn more about Plated
Evolving Routines and Trusted Recommendations
Given the nature of her work and the constant influx of new products, Yolanda's routine is ever-evolving. "I change products a lot," she admits, "part of that is because I get sent products to try—and sometimes I fall in love with them." However, her current staples are not gifted. "None of the products I am using now are gifted—my facialists at Dangene Medical Spa (Dangene, Audrey, and Talia) told me to try this routine, and it's really working." While she has always loved Vintner's Daughter oil, she considers it "more of a winter product" for her skin.
The Ultimate Skin Reset: A Professional Touch
Even the most diligent skincare routines can be challenged by the rigors of travel. When her complexion needs a serious boost, Yolanda's ultimate "skin reset" ritual involves a visit to her trusted aesthetician. "Honestly, I head straight to Dangene, who cleans my skin like nobody else," she says. "I can never seem to reboot on my own as well as when I go back to NYC and see her." When a trip to New York isn't feasible, she opts for a moisturizing mask, a long bath, and plenty of sleep, a combination that usually helps her skin recover.
Navigating Skincare While Traveling
Adapting a skincare routine to different climates is a common concern for travelers. Yolanda's primary defense against the sun is a simple yet effective one: "I try to wear a hat as much as possible because I find that sunscreen isn't so great for my complexion—I'll get little red spots or whiteheads that I would never have gotten if I was just wearing a hat." She emphasizes the importance of sticking to her routine while traveling and rarely indulges in hotel facials. "I find that they want to push products on me and change my routine, and I'm just not into that," she explains. "I'd rather have a massage!"
A French Affair: Stocking Up on Beauty
When it comes to stocking up on skincare and beauty finds, one destination holds a special place in Yolanda's heart: France. "France always!" she exclaims. "They have something for every single thing—and always in a package that looks scientific!" It seems the French pharmacy experience is as captivating as their culture.
Challenging Skincare Myths: The Importance of Vitamin D
In a world saturated with skincare advice, Yolanda challenges a common belief: the constant need for sunscreen. "I don't believe you need to have sunscreen on all of the time," she states. "I think vitamin D is so important and we are so deficient in it because we're all so afraid of the sun. I know that isn't a popular idea, but I just think we all need to wear more hats and have some sun exposure." It's a reminder to consider a balanced approach to sun exposure and the vital role of vitamin D.
I agree with her about a balanced approach, of course SPF is very important however a few mins of sun here and there without protection won’t kill you! (but… I’m still reapplying my SPF 70)
The Value of Trust: Professional Treatments
When it comes to professional facials and spa treatments, Yolanda prioritizes trust and familiarity. "I'm very into going to someone I know and trust—like Dangene, or Onda," she explains. "I don't like going to new places unless someone I really trust says I have to give someone new a try." It highlights the importance of building a relationship with a skilled and trusted aesthetician.
The Ultimate Skincare Indulgence: BBL Lasers
If given the opportunity to indulge in one skincare luxury, Yolanda's choice is clear: BBL lasers. "I think BBL lasers are incredible," she shares. "Maybe not when you're having them, or for a couple of days afterwards, but give it a week, and everyone will say your skin looks so fantastic." It's a peek into a powerful treatment that offers significant results.
For those not in the know, a BroadBand Light (BBL) treatment utilizes intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to address a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, redness, and uneven skin tone. This non-invasive procedure works by delivering broad-spectrum light that stimulates the skin's natural healing processes and collagen production, ultimately leading to a more refined and rejuvenated complexion. These are the more gentle lasers that are non-ablative, meaning they do not remove or destroy the top layer of skin. This means little down time and overall the BBL laser is a fabulous option for a glowing complexion.
A Lifelong Love Affair with Skincare
Yolanda's love for skincare didn't stem from a single "aha!" moment but rather from a lifelong appreciation for products and a personal journey with skin health. "I've always been super into products—never into makeup," she reveals. "Because I started having basal cell carcinomas in my late 20s, I was always at the dermatologist, and then when I was pregnant, I wanted to make sure I was putting on products that weren't filled with nasty chemicals." This led her to Dangene, whom she began seeing years and years ago and who has consistently provided her with "great guidance on my skin."
A huge thank you to Yolanda Edwards for generously sharing her incredible insights into skincare, travel, and finding that perfect balance between self-care and a life on the go. Her practical yet refined approach to beauty offers a refreshing perspective. It's truly inspiring to see how she prioritizes trusted advice and effective solutions, proving that a radiant complexion can absolutely be maintained, no matter how many stamps are in your passport.
I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the skincare philosophy of a true travel icon!
What are your go-to skincare tips when you travel (masks, mists, lotions, or potions)? Share your thoughts and routines in the comments below, or tell me if there's a skincare myth you've always wanted to debunk!
***Written from a very dyslexic mind, please forgive any typos***
Shop Yolanda’s Favorites:
(*Some items are not available in the US)
CHANTECAILLE | Pure Rosewater Mist-
A lovely and gentle hydrating mist, perfect for mid-day touchups… especially in an acrid Summer environments.
Plated Calm Serum is excellent for accelerating skin healing and significantly reducing redness, especially after cosmetic procedures. Its advanced Renewosome™ technology effectively soothes irritation and minimizes scarring for a visibly calmer, more even complexion.
Revision Skincare DermProtect Barrier Defense-
Revision Skincare DermProtect Barrier Defense is an intensive moisturizing cream that deeply nourishes dry, sensitive, and mature skin by strengthening its barrier, rebalancing the microbiome, and providing continuous 24-hour protection and regeneration.
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum is a truly luxurious and effective face oil that I adore for its ability to deeply nourish and revitalize my skin, leaving it incredibly soft and radiant. It feels like an indulgent, concentrated treatment that consistently transforms my complexion, especially during the colder months when my skin craves extra rich hydration.
Augustinus Bader- The Rich Cream-
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is a true luxury and consistently one of my favorite moisturizers because it delivers unparalleled hydration and a visible transformation to my skin. Its TFC8® technology makes my complexion feel incredibly nourished, plump, and remarkably rejuvenated, making it worth every penny.
Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen- (US formulation SPF 40)
Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen is a standout for its incredibly lightweight, non-greasy formula that feels more like a hydrating serum than a traditional SPF. It provides excellent broad-spectrum protection without leaving any white cast, making it universally appealing and a joy to apply daily.
Comfort Zone SUN SOUL FACE & BODY AFTER SUN-
Comfort Zone SUN SOUL FACE & BODY AFTER SUN is a soothing, lightweight cream-gel that helps to counteract redness and rehydrate skin after sun exposure, extending your tan.