Ildi Pekar’s client list includes supermodel Miranda Kerr.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I’ve been a beauty editor for 10 years, so I’ve heard and seen it all. I have researched almost every common ingredient, product and method. I tried new treatments. I’ve seen social media flooded with skincare advice from many sources. Content creators! Brand Founders! An old college classmate who insists he’s discovered the secret to perfect skin is the serum he sells in his spare time!
There was one universal truth that guided me through it all: The only way to cut through the noise and get effective skin care advice is to go to the experts. I’m talking about qualified people who understand the science of skin and have years, if not decades, of practicing it aka dermatologists and aestheticians.
There’s no shortage of amazing experts to turn to, but lately, I’ve been dying to talk about all things skincare. Ildi Pekar, licensing expert, brand founder, and head of NYC’s Ildi Pekar Wellness Studio. He has been a leading dermatologist for over 20 years and is often referred to as a “supermodel aesthetician” because his client list has included the sculpted faces of Miranda Kerr, Irina Shayk and Ashley Park. Recently, I was finally able to ask him my burning questions, and boy did he provide answers. Ahead, see some of Pekar’s best skin tips, from the power of honey products to the “piano finger” facial technique.
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Pekar’s client list also includes supermodel Irina Shayk.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
First, what is your skincare philosophy?
I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, where I learned from a young age how important it is to take care of your skin and keep it healthy. My philosophy is simple: Each treatment should be adapted to your skin type, your lifestyle and your needs.
Some of our clients have been with us for over 20 years – they come every week – and they never get the same treatment twice. I believe in honesty and building trust. When someone is at my desk, they know they are in knowledgeable and caring hands.
We are always exploring new trends and trends, but we also respect the traditional, time-tested methods. Combining the new and the old is where the magic happens. The goal is simple: to make you feel good, look good, and bring out the best in your skin.
What’s one thing you keep seeing people get wrong about skincare?
The biggest mistake I see is people chasing quick results. It happens all the time—too many products, too many treatments at once. The skin is a living organ, and it doesn’t respond well to that kind of excess weight. It needs a rhythm, not a revolving door. Consistency is where the real magic happens, and the sooner you start respecting and caring for your skin, the more rewarding it will be in the long run.
Are there any special ingredients that you like or wish more people would use in their recipes?
Honey. Always honey. I am and will forever be a honey girl.
Honey has been used for thousands of years, and even now it doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s antibacterial, deeply hydrating, full of enzymes and antioxidants, and it’s long-lasting. You can mix it, hide it, spread it. It belongs in everyone’s cabinet. It’s one of those ancient ingredients that modern skincare is trying to replace, and it doesn’t need to.
On the other hand, are there any recent ingredients that you think have been passed up?
Of course – trends come and go. That’s the nature of this industry. Now, there are several ingredients everywhere: PDRN (salmon DNA), exosomes, and NAD. Let me be clear. They are not bad tools. In fact, they can be very powerful when used correctly. Matter is not a compound in itself; it is how it is used and sold.
These are very complex, expensive devices. They need to be well organized, carefully organized, and specific storage conditions. So when I see salmon DNA serum for $9, it raises a red flag. It is often misleading, sometimes wrong, and creates unrealistic expectations for customers.
I also see medicines that are not well balanced – too heavy, too sticky, or too many active ingredients. This can lead to irritation, breakouts, and a damaged skin barrier.
It is not a matter of avoiding methods altogether. It’s about understanding them, respecting the science behind them, and using them in a thoughtful, professional way.
Ashley Park is another celebrity who has been a Pekar customer.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
You are a supermodel aesthetician! Do you have any tips or tricks to replicate the supermodel glow at home?
First rule: Don’t try anything new the night before the big event. Your skin should feel safe, not shocked. The night before, do a gentle exfoliation to smooth and cleanse. I love Sanitas Brightening Pads ($74). Then follow with a light hydrating mask, and let your skin rest.
In the morning, I don’t clean. I want to keep all that water in the skin. I go straight in with the toner and saturate the skin well so it’s a little moist. While your skin is still damp, use a light serum—a gel-based one, not a heavy oil. Now, this is where the magic happens. Take an ice cube and slide it over your skin in a circular motion until your skin feels cold. Cold helps reduce inflammation, tighten the appearance of pores, boost circulation, and wake everything up. It instantly makes the skin look more youthful.
Once your skin is cool, go in with your favorite lotion and apply it. Do not apply makeup. I call it “piano fingers.” Tapping helps push the product deeper, boosts blood flow, and provides a subtle, smoothing effect. (I’m sure you’ve heard of hot and cold or fire and ice treatments. This is a simple version of that at home.) The result? Skin that feels tighter, lifted, hydrated, and glowing. Try it. The result may be temporary, but it works every time.
Let’s talk about seasonal skin care. Many people like to change their skin care routine with the seasons. Do you think this is necessary? If so, what would you suggest switching to for spring and summer in particular?
Your skin doesn’t work the same way in January as it does in July. In summer, everything should feel lighter. Your skin is exposed to heat and humidity, and it needs to breathe. What felt rich and comforting during the winter can start to feel heavy and sweltering now. This is where I like to bring in vitamin C. It gives you that extra layer of antioxidant protection, especially when you spend a lot of time in the sun. It makes sense.
If you tend to have dark spots or uneven pigmentation, [there are] two tools I keep coming back to. First, tranexamic acid remains my first choice. It works, it’s reliable, and unlike many light jobs, it has zero photosensitivity risk. Use it in the morning or at night. Azelaic acid is another favorite of mine for the same reason. It does the job quietly without making your skin sunburnt. Day or night, it plays well.
SPF… I know not everyone likes it, but now is the perfect time to find one that you actually enjoy wearing. The right SPF makes all the difference.
Aside from products, do you have any tips or tricks for achieving beautiful skin this spring and summer through lifestyle, habits, etc.?
Spring and summer skin is really about letting go. The skin doesn’t need more. It needs to be reorganized. A simple spring cleaning can do more than just produce products. Even a simple peel—if done correctly—can feel more like relaxation than a treatment.
Somewhere along the way, “chemical peel” became a scary phrase. People visualize redness, peeling skin, and hide indoors for a week. It was then. Modern peels have evolved to the point where you can walk away looking like you have a great face – a little shine, a smooth texture, such a beautiful glow.
At this time of year, it makes sense. Winter leaves the skin dull and dull without a proper moisturizer. The peel removes that and gives you a clean slate going into the spring. Your serums absorb well, and your skin feels manageable. It doesn’t have to be aggressive to work.
But to be honest, it’s the little habits that stay with me. Sometimes, I make tea—chamomile, ginger, or turmeric, whatever I feel drawn to. [I] freeze it and use it as an ice cream in the morning. It stimulates the skin.
Buy Ildi Pekar’s Supermodel Skin Edit
Ildi Pekar
Radiant Honey Moisturizer
This 100% raw honey moisturizer is the ticket to glowing skin.
Ildi Pekar
Creamy Honey Cleanser
The same goes for this raw honey cleanser.
Ildi Pekar
Cell Repair Serum
This serum uses nanotechnology and contains a powerful combination of vitamins, herbs, and acids that are safe for the skin. It’s also infused with vitamin C5, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid for overall skin benefits.
This dreamy mouthwash is infused with organic Sicilian lemon.
Skin Health Care
Bright Peel Sticks
Here are some simple yet effective exfoliating tools recommended by Pekar.
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