Beauty Boss: Patricia Vernhes, Founder, Practitioner and Formulator of Mojave Desert Skin Shield

Patricia Vernhes.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Patricia Vernhes, Founder of Mojave Desert Skin Shield—a line of biodynamic, climate-adaptive self-care products that are designed to purify, nourish and protect all skin types against harsh elements. Born from her Wellness Space in the Mojave Desert and inspired by traditional Ayurvedic philosophy, the products feature the highest-quality organic, wildcrafted, ethically sourced ingredients and the bottles are sourced from recycled glass.

Vernhes has spent over 15 years researching, studying and consulting in yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki, Vedic science, craniosacral therapy, cognitive therapy, Native American energy medicine, Eastern European and Mongolian Medicine Traditions. She also has extensive knowledge and expertise in various release-and-shift techniques for body, mind and spirit, as well as indigenous traditions and plants.

8 Top Things to Do in Palm Springs in Spring

In addition to her self-care line, Vernes also treats clients at Mojave Desert Skin Shield Wellbeing Space in Pioneertown, California. After opening her first wellness space in 2021, she recently opened a second wellness studio in downtown Palm Springs in 2023. At both places she offers a variety of treatments including her signature service: a 90-minute holistic approach to skin that focuses on the face but also includes work with the eyes, ears, hands, feet and shoulders, as well as general body alignment.

All products are prepared fresh at her desert lab and the treatments also incorporate custom-made formulas and elements according to guests’ specific needs. Vernhes also uses LED lights and Bio-Vital Release Point Massage, which allows deeper adjustments on many levels and is a wisdom she shares during the treatments that guests can take back home with them.

Mojave Desert Skin Shield Opens New Wellness Studio in Downtown Palm Springs

We chatted with Vernhes, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.

When was MDSS founded and what inspired its creation?

It was established in 2015. I moved to the desert a decade ago, having freshly finished my Ayurveda Yoga Therapy studies with Dr Shiva of California College Of Ayurveda. As I began to get to know the local community I realized that the environmental skin damage was prevalent—a lot of young people with dried, sagging, discolored skin, many lesions that needed removal, accelerated aging.

As much as I loved my newly found, solitary, meditative temple life, I knew two things: I came to the desert to find the new path in life, and I wanted to find a solution to skin issues that I myself was hoping to avoid while living here. The amount of toxic ingredients in skin care I found available online and locally was overwhelming, so I embarked on the journey to create them myself.

As this path started to clarify, the local teachers appeared to guide me in their medicine, local plants, clays, working with voice and sound, addressing fascia. And so my desert wellness philosophy was born, based upon service to real people with a deep foundation in belief that radiance and beauty come from wellness within, from an integrated approach, as per Ayurvedic principles. 

Vernhes at Mojave Desert Skin Shield’s Wellbeing Space in Pioneertown, California.

Does MDSS have a hero product?

Nourishing Oil was the first product I ever created and the first product I ever scaled up and launched, along with our Ayurvedic Pulling Oil. I am always fond of them and advise that if you are going to buy just one—make it Nourishing Oil and use it for everything. 

I really love our Cleansing Oil, Chaparral Mist and Desert Nectar Serum. They all originate from the MDSS Signature Fascial sessions I offered in Joshua Tree and in monthly residency in Los Angeles since the beginnings of MDSS in 2015. We just released our Organic Hand Cream and it’s flying off the shelves, which is so sweet to see! 

What are your favorite products from the brand?

I use the entire line daily and every part is essential so it’s impossible to miss any of them to list. I am very excited to launch our Organic Replenishing Cream this spring. It’s not easy to create an organic face cream that feels this luxurious, so I am thrilled how well it came together.

Where are your products sold?

We have a small but growing group of retail partners in the U.S. including some great boutique stores, as well as trusted healing practices which I am very happy to partner with like The Well in NY.

We are expanding but we are being very thoughtful about how we wish to expand. The in-depth knowledge has to follow and I am taking time personally training the sales teams and encouraging them to experience the products for themselves so they can speak from their hearts . 

We have also just launched at Le Bon Marche in Paris. It’s an enormous honor to be invited and to be there. It's been an amazing experience to be here so far. 

Vernhes offers various treatments at MDSS Wellbeing Space that incorporate her products and custom-made formulas and elements according to guests’ needs.

Future plans for the brand?

Intentional, thoughtful growth so we can offer products and sessions and share the wisdom from the desert. It feels so relevant in all climates right now, hence the term: climate adaptive. We are focusing on brand activations, events, masterclasses and treatments around the world . 

Who inspires you?

My family and my team! Their love and support is what makes all of this possible. 

Secret to success?

Authenticity. Kindness. Unwavering faith in what we do. Continuous study and adaptability. Infinite gratitude. 

Mojave Desert Skin Shield feature the highest-quality organic, wildcrafted, ethically sourced ingredients and the bottles are sourced from recycled glass.

Beauty secrets?

Pranayama, clean organic and smart supplements, consistency in self-practice and self-care, being of service in daily life. Love, love, love. It’s all yoga, really. I truly believe radiance comes from within.

Wellness tips?

These beauty secrets are my wellness tips! 

Best advice?

Always imagine the best possible outcome and allow yourself to feel the joy of it happening, before it happens. You are in charge of your emotions, and they powerfully help manifest it into being because you will emit the frequency of realizing them. As long as it serves the greater good, everything will be on your side . 

How do you like to relax?

Walking in the desert with my husband and two daughters. Finding raw quartz rocks on our land, lighting fire, cooking, singing.

For more information, visit Mojave Desert Skin Shield’s website and follow on Instagram: @mojavedesertskinshield

[Images courtesy of Mojave Desert Skin Shield]

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