Higher Education is a skincare brand encouraging consumers to ‘love the skin their in,’ at a consumer-friendly price. Founded by skincare industry vet and former esthetician Deb Nash, Higher Education Skincare was established in 2018 to give new generations easy access to high-quality, clean and safe skincare products that will actually be useful in their daily lives. More than a beauty brand, Higher Education Skincare is a lifestyle brand that believes taking care of your skin in your youth provides for healthy skin in your future.

On June 17th, 2021 Higher Education Skincare introduced their newly housed products in bold, bright packaging 100% made from previously recycled materials, the redesign is part of Higher Education’s sustainability initiative to be a fully eco-conscious beauty brand. Since its initial launch in 2018, Higher Education’s mission has been to provide intelligent skincare to an intelligent generation.

Identify LA got the opportunity to speak with the in-house educational dermatologist Dr. Cox on the skincare brand that is adjusting the price tag when it comes to quality skin care.

Identify LA: What would be the Mantra behind the brand Higher Education Skincare?

Dr. Cox: Our mantra would have to start with our belief in you, the consumer.  We believe you are smart and curious with a desire to be educated about the health of your skin and how to care for it. We want to help you learn about your skin type, define any skin problems, and provide clean products that address both the health and appearance of your skin.  We believe that when you are armed with this knowledge and the correct products for your individual skincare needs, you will achieve the glowing results that enable you to take on your future with total confidence. 

IDLA: What makes Higher Education Skincare different from other companies?

DC: Higher Education Skincare puts an emphasis on learning about skin health, maintenance and treatment and then choosing the best individualized skin program. They make it easy to choose a program that is very inclusive and easy to adhere to daily. Highest quality, clean effective products at an affordable price are the hallmark of the company.

IDLA: What is the biggest misconception about skin care?

DC: In my experience, it is really three things.  The first is that expensive products are better. Not true.  The second is that just because a product works for a friend, it will work for you.  Not true. We each deserve skin care that is tailored to our individual needs. The third would have to be the idea that more products are better- I have patients drop 20 products on my desk, looking for clarification on how to use them.  We can usually throw all but 3 or 4 out with simple education on purpose and usage. 

IDLA: What one product is my “go-to” product?

DC: O.K. - I am going to say “go-two”. Ask any dermatologist and we would tell you that sunscreen is your most valuable anti-aging, skin-health-maintaining product. Higher Education Skincare Spring Break is a great daily product. After that, a retinol product – such as that found in Higher Education Skincare’s MBA – used daily, is important to repair existing sun damage, treat acne issues and improve the appearance of our skin.  

IDLA: What “transforms” your skin?

DC: I tell my patients that there is no “magic wand” but good skin care habits, consistency and using the correct products for your skin will result in long lasting, healthy appearing skin. It is worth putting in the time to educate yourself regarding your skin type, your individual skin care needs -- Higher Education Skincare’s website is a great resource. Once you’ve determined a simple, easy to maintain skincare routine and found the correct products for your skin needs it’s just a matter of consistency. It’s not only skin deep – feeling comfortable and confident about our skin helps us to feel confident in ourselves and all we do.

About Dr. Cox:

Dr. Cox has been practicing in Newport Beach for 24 years. She enjoys all aspects of her field including medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic cases. She is one of the few dermatologists in the area who has also completed a residency in Pediatrics as well as one in Dermatology. Dr. Cox grew up in Reno, Nevada, and graduated from University of Nevada medical school before doing an internship and residency at Oakland Children’s Hospital – one of the largest and most prestigious children’s hospitals in the United States. While in pediatrics, she became interested in the field of dermatology and proceeded to do her Dermatology residency at Stanford University. She is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology.