KDHamptons chats summer beauty with Biba de Sousa, the celebrated celebrity esthetician behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic complexions, has spent over two decades treating the world’s most photographed faces, including Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Emily Blunt. In 2017, she launched her award-winning skincare line, BIBA de Sousa Los Angeles, driven by a need to perfect her in-treatment formulas and deliver results beyond the facial table.

Known as a pioneer in the barrier cream movement, Biba’s holistic yet science-backed approach has made staples like her OG Onerta® Cream Barrier, Plant Stem Cell Serum with Peptides, and Zinc Mask with Goji Berry Prebiotic cult favorites. In an exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Biba to unpack her philosophy on blending modern science with time-tested herbal remedies, the underestimated impact of environmental stressors, and her expert take on crafting the perfect Hamptons skincare ritual.

KDHamptons: What sets your skincare philosophy apart in such a trend-driven industry?

Biba: “I’m a skincare professional first, I’ve been working on skin daily for over 20 years. My brand was born from a need to perfect the treatments I was offering to clients. It’s not that other products weren’t good; I just wanted something tailored to my liking. Plus, I studied under many prominent mentors and have a deep educational foundation. That’s what really sets me apart.”

KDH: How do you blend traditional herbal remedies with modern science in your formulations?

Biba: “My grandmother was an herbalist, so I grew up in a household with herbs hanging in the attic and natural remedies everywhere. I believe in the efficacy of herbs because I’ve experienced it firsthand. When I formulate a product, I think about its purpose; say, a toner needs astringents, or a moisturizer needs antioxidants. Then I pair the right herbal ingredients to match that purpose. I also always include soothing ingredients across all formulas.

KDH: What’s your top advice for protecting skin from daily environmental stress?

Biba: “The number one tip: avoid over-exfoliation. People don’t realize that everything from towel drying to facial massages counts as exfoliation. You don’t need daily acids or harsh scrubs. You need to maintain your lipid barrier, that’s your real protection. Use a well-balanced moisturizer, not just oils. A proper moisturizer is an emulsion of oil and water that supports the skin barrier.”

KDH: For someone spending the summer in the Hamptons, what would your ideal skincare ritual look like?

Biba: “Assuming it’s hot and humid, you’d want to keep your skin clean without stripping it. I’d recommend the Daily Cleanser, which has hydrogenated jojoba beads for gentle exfoliation without scratches. Then use our Hydrating Toner, which is non-acidic, important in summer due to sun exposure. Next, apply our Meta Serum, which is packed with antioxidants to combat environmental stress. Follow that with either the Daily Moisturizer for oily skin or the Cream Barrier if you’re drier. The Zinc Mask with Goji Berry Prebiotic is universal; it detoxes and nourishes at the same time. And don’t forget lip treatment!”

KDH: How do environmental stressors like pollution and light exposure affect skin health?

Biba: “This is a huge topic. In the U.S., we think our environment is clean, but pollution is real, even in places like Los Angeles. I’ve spent time researching the effects of environmental pollutants like particulate matter, UV rays, blue light, and even indoor heating. They all damage the skin barrier by causing something called lipid peroxidation, basically, the oils in your skin’s protective layer break down. That leads to dehydration, irritation, and vulnerability to pathogens and allergens. Blue light is especially complex. It’s used in acne treatments to kill bacteria, but it also damages our own skin cells in the process. I’ve had clients develop pigmentation from overuse of LED masks. And we still don’t fully understand the long-term risks of various radiation types, including UVA and UVC. The damage includes collagen and elastin breakdown, which leads to sagging and irreversible aging.”

BONUS: Tried & Tested

KDHamptons  also tested Biba’s Meta Fascia Facial Tool, saying, “I felt a real lift and tone, like using a guasha but easier to incorporate into my routine.” Biba agrees: “Even if it feels silly, use your hands, use the tool, stimulating your skin is part of the ritual.”  Visit: https://www.bibalosangeles.com

— by Declyn Keiser