Beauty Boss: Gregory Dylan, Award-Winning Esthetician and Founder of Gregory Dylan Skincare

Gregory Dylan.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Gregory Dylan, award-winning esthetician and founder of Gregory Dylan Skincare—a line of skincare products that are inspired by the professional treatments he offers at his West Hollywood studio as well as the needs of his clients, who also test and report back on his formulas before he finalizes them.

A beauty expert with over two decades of industry experience, Dylan has worked with esteemed brands and retailers such as Nordstrom, Sephora, and Dr. Dennis Gross, among others. After opening his West Hollywood studio, Dylan quickly received numerous awards and accolades for his results-based, customized treatments that are known for their fusion of classic European esthetic techniques combined with the best of modern technology.

Since launching his own skincare line in 2019, Dylan has continued to expand and grow his collection of products, which are categorized by color for different skin concerns including blue (anti-fatigue and brightening), pink (anti-aging and repair), and green (balancing and purifying). He works one-on-one with his team of chemists and laboratories that also manufacture products for some of the world’s leading beauty brands.

We chatted with Dylan, who shared his journey in the industry, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.

How long have you been an esthetician and what drew you to the industry?

I’ve been an esthetician for 25 years now! I was always so drawn to beauty products. I remember growing up in the ‘80s and walking through the cosmetics department—everything looked so chic and fabulous. In junior high, I was the kid walking around with GQ and Vogue! In high school I would give my friends all sorts of beauty tips I had learned—I loved it!

Then I got a part-time job working in a salon and I loved the energy and environment. That’s when I really learned the power behind helping someone look and feel their best, and I learned more about what an esthetician is. I thought, wow… a whole career that revolves around these amazing skin treatments. I was hooked. A few years after I graduated, I went and got my license for esthetics!

When did you open your studio in West Hollywood?

I opened the studio in 2013. It has gone by so fast. Luckily at the time, I was able to make a splash in a fairly short period of time and create a nice reputation for myself. The studio is a very special place to me, it is truly like my second home.

Do you offer any signature treatments?

I have certainly been selective about my offerings over the years, but I do try and introduce new treatments without adding anything that I find too fad-like or gimmicky. I love nano-infusion and peels, and have taken on some of the Korean specialty treatments like Sculpla and V-line. However, my signature treatment, The Grand Prix, has remained my most popular. It’s very thorough, incredibly effective, and is based on layering multiple modalities of exfoliation for maximum benefits without the downtime. It also includes LED and Oxygen. It’s a stellar treatment!

Dylan opened his West Hollywood Studio in 2013 and has received numerous awards and accolades for his ability to treat all skin types with glowing results.

What do clients enjoy about coming to you?

I truly believe that what my clients love about coming to me is that in addition to the results, it’s like visiting a friend (who happens to be a whiz at skin care!) Like I mentioned, the studio is like a second home to me, so you truly are a guest and while you’re there it is all about you. I take the time to get to know my clients, their lifestyles, and of course their concerns and goals for their skin. It’s a very relaxed and welcoming setting and they trust me and my expertise.

When was Gregory Dylan Skincare founded?

While I think it’s actually been in the works in my head for a couple of decades, I launched the brand in 2019 with my first serum, Skin Slept In, a fatigue-fighting serum for all skin types.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

While I always wanted my own line, the inspiration behind the line was primarily two things: the needs of my clients and what I would want in my perfect regimen as an expert. And what’s been so wonderful and unique is that my longtime VIP clients are the ones who help test the products! They get little lab samples and use the products, provide feedback and insight, and truly help in creating that perfect final piece of skin care.

Does your line have a hero product?

I always say that it is Skin Slept In because it was the first. It’s a really lovely formula that brings that daily glow to the skin!

Dylan offers results-based, fully customized treatments that are known for their fusion of classic European esthetic techniques along with the best of modern technology.

What are your favorite products from your brand?

Since they’re like my children, I love them all! But my current favorites are the newbies. The combination of my C and Be Seen, which is a vitamin C serum, and Vitamin A-List, a retinol treatment, have been so effective and I have just fallen in love with the results. Of course I think if the products could talk they would tell you that my favorite is my new beauty oil, Dream Sequence, which is about to launch. I’m obsessed—it is so delightful and nutritious for the skin yet light and silky and just adds the most radiant glow!

Where are your products sold?

They have been primarily available at the studio and on my website. However, I have just recently decided to sell to other retailers and clinics, so I am seeking out great partners who are looking for unique and niche lines. I actually just opened at a new location called Revive Skincare by Jaelyn Chathams in Bismarck, ND and I am also available at Tranquility Salon in Valencia, CA. While I’m a smaller brand, I offer lots of support and have some great collateral to help drive sales. I always say, “Act like a big brand!” even if you’re a small one!

Future plans for the brand?

Right now it’s about promoting the brand’s awareness and expanding its client base. Of course I would love to see it grow, but partners will need to be the right fit so that the brand maintains its integrity and niche. And of course there will be a couple of new products later this year as well to round out the collection, which I am excited about!

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by my fellow estheticians, especially those who are small business owners. It is truly a labor of love. Estheticians just give and give and are so passionate about what they do, even if it means putting themselves last. Owning a small business is so insanely demanding and challenging, even more than ever after Covid. Many are still trying to come back from this huge, years-long upset and it’s really inspiring to see how many just keep pushing forward, doing what they love and making skin beautiful.

Gregory Dylan Skincare is a line of products that are inspired by the professional treatments that Dylan offers at his West Hollywood studio as well as the needs of his clients, who test and report back on his formulas before he finalizes them.

Secret to success?

Being authentic and not being afraid to do things a bit differently. So much of what we see in beauty brands becomes predictable and homogenous. It’s OK to do things in your unique way and let yourself shine through.

Beauty secrets?

I have tons and I put most of them on social media! I’m a firm believer in sharing all of the best tips and tricks, no gatekeeping! I’m always looking out for new products and special finds that I love. From body to hair, nails and skin, my 25+ years in the industry has really honed my ability to seek out the best. Follow my Instagram @gregorydylanbeauty—I promise it’s a lot of fun and the outfits are pretty cute too!

Wellness tips?

There is nothing more self-caring, rejuvenating and soul-nourishing than a wonderful trip to a foreign land. Experiencing other places, cultures and people fulfills you in a way that is truly different from anything else. It can also be so inspiring and centering. And of course, it forces you to have down time away from work and create balance—and we need that in our lives!

Best advice?

Don’t give up. It sounds simple, but it can be very hard to keep going sometimes in this modern world. Especially in our industry. But you don’t give up. You keep going. You can fall down, make mistakes, re-invent yourself, but the most important thing is to not give up!

How do you like to relax?

I love to get lost in a great book, it’s one of the only ways I really disconnect from everything so it’s a great escape. I love keeping tabs on what I’ve read and my “to read” list on GoodReads, it’s so fun. I get excited for my next trip to the bookstore. Besides that, I am most relaxed with a big fluffy blanket, my dogs Wolfgang and Alfie, and my husband Matt beside me. If it’s cold enough for a cozy fire, even better!

For more information and to book your next facial, visit Gregory Dylan’s website and follow him on Instagram: @gregorydylanbeauty

[Images courtesy of Gregory Dylan]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk