Skin specialist makes skin care her art
By CORNELIA SEIGNEUR
February 16, 2006

Marina Volod owns DermaEsthetica, a European-style clinic in downtown Lake Oswego
Tucked away on First Street in downtown Lake Oswego is DermaEsthetica, a European skin care clinic, owned and operated by Marina Volod, who emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States in 1989. After eight years in the skin care industry in California, she settled in Lake Oswego in 2002, opening her own business.

With a name like Marina, did you grow up near water?
My name is Italian, and it means "sea breeze," but I didn't grow up near the water. My parents told me that they gave me this name because they loved the way it sounds. But I always felt that my name somehow reflects my love of being around water. I enjoy its eternal beauty and constantly regenerated energy.

What was growing up in communist Russia like?
I lived in a creative people's world, (her mother was an opera singer, and her father was a violinist) and my parents made sure that I would be sheltered from everything negative. Education was a priority.

While working in California's skin care industry, did you brush up against famous people?
I worked in Beverly Hills for a well-known plastic surgeon and had the privilege to work with many famous movie stars, but I can't mention their names due to confidentiality.

Tell me about your educational background and training.
I graduated from the prestigious Russian Academy of Arts, then followed my dream to study skin care. I earned a degree as a paramedical skin care specialist.

How did you get into skin care in the first place?
I was just always fascinated by people's skin, and I saw a lot of people were concerned with their skin. I wanted to help people look better and feel better, and I liked the medical aspect of it.

How is the skin care industry different here than in Russia?
It takes only four to six months to become an aesthetician in Oregon, while it takes two to three years to become a skin care professional in Russia. Skin care is a part of health care in Russia.

How does your background influence your skin care services?
When I lived in Russia, we didn't have a lot of choices for skin care products, so we learned to use what nature offers to improve our skin, such as recipes and potions made from natural fruits and oils. I bring this traditional natural approach to skin care into my clinic.

What are the most common skin care issues you deal with?
Hyperpigmentation. Many of my clients between the ages of 45 and 65 were exposed to the sun early in life without protection and are dealing with pigmentation now. And related to the pigmentation problem is dehydration. My major message: Use sunscreen every day. Skin care is not a luxury anymore; it's a part of health care.

What brought you to Lake Oswego?
One day on my way to Seattle, I was passing by Portland and fell in love with this city. I really like green trees, pure air, simple outdoor pleasures and the family-oriented lifestyle. Lake Oswego feels like a small European town.

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