Maria:

I’m a first-generation American from a big Greek family. After I graduated from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics, I spent some time traveling, living and working as an aesthetician in Europe. It was an incredible opportunity for me to learn the European skincare traditions, which have had a huge influence on what I do today in my own salon, M. Lekkakos Spa, Salon and Boutique in Wenham, Massachusetts.

It was definitely at a really early age. I have these memories from when I was a teenager—I’m standing in my mother’s kitchen in our home in Rockport, Massachusetts mixing together different ingredients to create concoctions to put on my skin. Growing up, I was always creative, but I think this was the first time that I really got into the chemistry and science behind it all.

Boston’s freezing this time of year! So what do we do? Crank up the heat and bundle up in cozy sweaters. The cold air is already our biggest nemesis because it’s so dry, but adding artificial heating to the mix makes skin flaky and itchy and hair dull and lifeless. You should have a routine to offset this—and if you don’t, that’s a major first mistake. What most people don’t realize is that it’s difficult to undo what may be completely avoidable.

Hydrate! Other than drinking plenty of water, I find that a dewy skincare cream works best for both the face and body. Also, nobody likes chapped lips…use an exfoliant weekly to remove any dead skin cells and follow up with a hydrating lip balm. The FLX Salon & Spa can help. The Vitamin C Infusion is a powerful antioxidant that provides deep hydration and evens your skin’s tone and appearance. This, together with the O2 Lift, which delivers oxygen to the cells and lifts dehydrated skin, will leave you glowing and radiant.

My best advice is to maximize your cleansing routine. When you’re in the shower, shampoo and rinse immediately. Then, apply conditioner and leave it in for the length of the entire shower, rinsing last for the best benefits. Of course, there are FLX Salon & Spa options that will significantly help, too. Both the Oribe Hair Masque and the Kerastase Express Treatments are amazing for hydrating all hair types.

Absolutely. The Thalgo Marine Life line helps balance problematic skin because it’s enriched with minerals and antioxidants that fight free radicals and aging. Another great line is Osmosic, which is a natural anti-aging skincare line that has 17 powerful antioxidants. For hair, I absolutely love Oribe products. Their line has something for everyone and both the quality and performance are unparalleled.

I have a morning and evening routine, which takes about 15 minutes total. I cocktail a hydration masque with an antioxidant serum and apply the mix to my face, leaving it on for about 10 minutes. Next, I apply a toner to keep my skin balanced, followed by a serum that contains hydration, anti-aging and antioxidants. Finally, I apply a collagen eye gel and concentrated 24-hour moisturizing cream. I know it might sound like a lot, but the results are totally worth it!

I shampoo less per week—every three days to maintain natural oils—and then I leave my conditioner on as long as possible before rinsing. Then, once a week, I use the Oribe Signature Moisture Masque to replenish and keep my ends from splitting. If my hair isn’t looking as fresh as I’d like, I apply some dry shampoo and shine cream to add a little extra sparkle all through the winter months.