Liz Munn, founder and owner of SkinPro Studio, has been an esthetician for many years. Sitting in the studio’s waiting room, she spoke about what drives her work: the belief that life is short, and you should spend it doing what you love.
That realization led her to explore plant-based skincare, a path that would eventually inspire her to open her own studio. The shift gave her creative control and allowed her to approach skincare with an individualized, ingredient-focused philosophy.
“A lot of people have tried and failed with traditional skincare techniques,” Munn said. “We get folks who are interested in trying something different. I see people as individuals; one jar isn’t going to work for everyone the same way.”
Many of the ingredients used in SkinPro’s products are grown by Munn herself in her garden on Johns Island. One of her earliest formulations was the Helichrysum Blend Facial Cream, made with Helichrysum italicum, a Mediterranean flower known for its restorative properties. She either grows the plant locally to create floral waters or imports it from India when using it as a more active compound.
“Look at plants as medicinal ingredients,” she said. “If they’re grown under specific conditions and harvested at the right time, you get a better product. Here in Charleston, being below sea level, the Helichrysum develops different chemical qualities.”
Munn went through 35 versions of the cream before finalizing a formula she was satisfied with. She explained that Helichrysum has a natural steroid-like effect, without the long-term collagen breakdown associated with typical synthetic steroids.
In addition to developing skincare products, Munn offers a wide range of treatments at SkinPro Studio alongside her husband, Hank, the studio’s massage therapist. She has studied Chinese medicine extensively and incorporates techniques such as Tui Na, a therapeutic massage technique based on facial pressure points.
“It’s just like acupuncture or reflexology—points on your face correspond to systems in the body. It helps reset the body,” she said.
Another method she uses is microcurrent therapy, which applies a low-level electrical current to stimulate collagen production.
“I tell people it’s like a workout for your face,” Munn said. “It helps your cells generate more ATP.” For conductivity, she uses a homemade glycerin blend that penetrates the skin more effectively than conventional glide gels.
Munn remains deeply engaged in the study of plant science and skincare innovation. As we stepped outside the studio, she pointed to a mulberry tree growing on the property.
“These are considered the fountain of youth in Chinese culture,” she said. “They’re packed with antioxidants.”
Munn regularly takes classes and keeps up with the latest developments in the esthetics field.
“I’m a massive learner,” she said. “Nothing moves faster than skincare.”
