A-List celebrity clients such as Oprah, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Michelle Obama all helped propel skin guru Jennifer Brodeur into the spotlight, but her defining moment came much earlier. The wife and mother of three from Montreal is an exceptional entrepreneur and businesswoman who has invested over 20 years of her life into becoming one of the most well known skin gurus.
Ms Brodeur is the owner and founder of JB Skin Guru which launched in 2016, along with her skincare collection Peoni. Earlier, in 2003 she created the very successful Max+, an LED light therapy device, which is used by leading aestheticians around the world. From here, her recognition grew by attracting leading aestheticians, along with an elite clientele following.
Ms Brodeur has years of research from which she has built a solid and successful business. Her expertise in the physiology of skin and as a skin strategist comes from decades studying advanced skin analysis, cosmetic chemistry, oncology aesthetics, nutritional medicine and organic skincare formulation. It’s a testament to her unwavering passion in her field. She has educated and inspired many through her informative Masterclasses that incorporate her personal core beliefs and wisdom.
She is not a fan of exfoliation. She does not believe in focusing on anti-ageing. She does believe in ageing gracefully through foresight and understanding your skin, body and cell structure. Her views on life are simple; to embrace who we are right now and to appreciate being here, for so many others have been denied that privilege.
This lady has risen to many challenges with steadiness and confidence. She has inspired, and she continues to inspire. She is thoughtful in what she does, acting with precision and with a humble but passionate approach. She is a formidable force within the industry, leading a powerful new generation of aestheticians in a direction that is crucially better and more aware. This down to earth lady has so much to share with us all.
When did you realise your interest in aesthetics?
I think it was always there and I just didn’t know it. Growing up, I wanted to be a criminal lawyer. It was in my mid-teens that I became obsessed with skin. Then suddenly without realising it I listened to my instincts and went against the grain. My best friend, Bryony’s, mother, Gillian, was fighting cancer; her love of skin and health was my force.
What would be your most important piece of advice regarding caring for skin, both as a younger and more mature person?
Less is always more. I feel we are in an era where everything is just overdone.
What is the biggest and most common mistake people make with their skin?
Everyone seems to over-exfoliate their skin. I am not sure why. However, the idea that tingling skin that turns bright red is a sign that it’s a good thing still astonishes me. In essence, they are breaking down the skin barrier, which is a bad thing.
What are the major long-term benefits from light therapy, and does it suit everyone?
LED is a non-invasive method, therefore, you are working with the skin and not against it. As a result, you are creating and maintaining healthy functioning skin cells. The technology can be used on anyone, it’s the beauty of this technology. There is no age, everyone can benefit.
What makes the Max+ stand out from the others?
Max+ size and rainbow arm. In 2003 our only competitor was Omnilux. To this day I feel they still are the only ones. Soon after everyone was building bigger, stronger and we never wavered. We were the first to have polychromatic treatments. Back then many companies laughed at the idea, today many of them follow suit.
MAX+ LED light therapy is a painless, non-invasive and very powerful treatment. It can be used as a standalone treatment or incorporated with others, used post-treatment for healing skin rejuvenation, wound healing, pain attenuation and a variety of other conditions.
What is your most significant professional accomplishment?
Apart from my daughters, I would have to say introducing Max to Oprah Winfrey as that was the beginning of something extraordinary.
What would be one of your most indulgent beauty treatments or product, one you could not do without?
I don’t have any beauty treatments. I am very minimalistic and do my own facials. My one indulgence is definitely L’extrait – which is my peoni face oil. I use it on my cuticles, my feet (I know, insane) and my face.
If you could have choose any other career path, what would it have been?
A lawyer.
As a busy woman, how do you relax?
Relaxation is synonymous with getting lost in a good book. When at home, my favourite place to read is in my Hästens bed. Honestly, that’s when my body feels in complete harmony.
What is one of the funniest moments in your business career to date?
So many. I have to admit I love to laugh and have fun while I work. Not a day goes by that we don’t have a laughing fit at the office!
Your Masterclass educates others about the benefits of healthy lifestyles; do you have any plans to come to New Zealand again? And did you enjoy your last visit here?
New Zealand is one of my favourite places. My plans are to be back in 2020, another Masterclass tour with something new. I can’t wait to share!
To experience the MAX+ in New Zealand, contact Liga at Pure Skin Clinic, Auckland.
Studio 3.3 Axis building | 1 Cleveland Rd, Parnell | 022 0788 710 | 09 377 0996 | info@pureskinclinic.co.nz
Words — Donna Malneek
Photography — Andreanne Gauthier
