I first came across Dr. Manuela Maria Vazquez researching Menopause and found her approach refreshing and modern. Her philosophy is to embrace our bodies changes and to nourish our skin, even the most delicate part of ourselves.
I never heard the term “Pro-aging” before, normally it’s always “Anti-aging” her brand is a new concept in the market, LaMaria is highly received, recommended and trusted by fashion/beauty insiders and most importantly women. After various email exchanges, I’ve come to highly admire Dr. Vazquez and needed to know more about the woman that is leading us on a path of self-acceptance.
Dr. Manuela Maria Vazquez is a mother of three, runs a successful OB/GYN practice and even though she’s been busy, she found time to answer a few questions.
Fashion Icon: My amazing mother. She has always had the most impeccable style. Whether dressing for a dinner party, going to work, or just spending a day with me and my sisters, she exudes effortless elegance. I have always seen her fashion as an extension of her confidence. No matter what she puts on, she makes every outfit she wears look classic and chic. From a very young age, I have a very vivid memory of her telling me: “it’s about quality, not quantity.” She doesn’t have a closet full of clothes, but rather a well-thought-out collection of beautiful pieces that are treasures, evoke memories, and transcend generations.
Favorite Restaurant: True to its name, Café Secret in Del Mar, California is a hidden gem. It’s a sidewalk café that has the best ceviche outside of Peru. In Southern California, there’s nothing better than fresh seafood. Plus, Café Secret is within walking distance to the beach. What better way to top off a delicious meal than with a barefoot walk on the sand and a beautiful sunset. (Café Secret is currently looking for a new venue)
Last book read: I can’t say that I’ve had very much time recently for any pleasure reading. Lately, I mostly get my reading done while snuggling with my daughters at bedtime, meaning that most of the books I read wind up being children’s books. Having said that, the last book that I read was The Berenstein Bears and the Spooky Old Tree…it’s a classic.
If you could live in any piece of clothing, what would it be: As a working OB/GYN, I spend 90% of my week wearing blue scrubs, so I relish any opportunity to wear something else. I am a big fan of the brand Trovata and spend as much free time as I can in their flowy dresses and blouses. Whether I’m chasing after my girls in the backyard or videoconferencing with a colleague, I always look put together while still feeling comfortable. The fact that the fashion designer happens to be my husband is just a plus.
Last purchase before the pandemic: My husband and I bought a trampoline for our daughters the week before the world went into lockdown. It’s been a wonderful distraction throughout the quarantine. They’re 5, 6, and 8 years old, so they have a LOT of energy. The trampoline gives them somewhere to bounce it out. Plus, it’s a great workout for the whole family.
Is it true that a woman’s estrogen product slows down once she hits 30: Absolutely. Estrogen is one of the most important hormones contributing to the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the crucial components to maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. As our estrogen levels start to decline in our thirties and beyond, the estrogen receptors in our skin become depleted and we don’t produce as much of these critical molecules. The resulting hormonal changes and the depletion of estrogen especially impact the skin and lead to dryness, thinning, fine wrinkling, and poor wound healing.
Besides using your products, what other options are there for women to help them stimulate collagen, that are approved by you, example, teas, foods etc.: Obviously, I think that topicals like my Mineira Facial Moisturizer are the best way to get a luxurious daily dose of the ingredients that stimulate collagen production in the skin. Otherwise, the most efficacious treatments to stimulate collagen production are collagen-remodeling procedures, including laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and skin needling.
Oral supplementation with collagen bioactive peptides has also been shown to increase collagen. That said, there is only a limited number of clinical studies that support these claims.
Pro-Aging is a new term, what does it mean: The reality is that we are all going to age, and it is much easier and healthier for the soul to embrace that reality than to work against it because either way, nature wins in the end.
Self-acceptance is an act of self-love, and self-care means recognizing that peace of mind is inseparable from peace of body and peace of spirit. There is so much beauty, joy, and pride that can come with a life well lived, and the women of today are more confident and surer of who they are than they ever have been. They don’t want to turn back the clock to a younger version of themselves; they want to relish the moment they are living in now, and the trials and triumphs that got them there.
Very well said, ladies it’s time to embrace and nourish…..
For more information @LaMaria.com. To follow Dr. Vazquez on Instagram @LaMaria.
Here’s to running around chic….
Run Around Chic 