The Pioneer Of Skin Care In The U.S., Christine Valmy, Has Died At 88

One of the founders of the skin care industry in the United States, Christine Valmy, has passed away at age 88. Valmy was an immigrant from Communist Romania, who moved to the United States in the 60s and founded the nation’s first skin care school.

According to the New York Times, Christine Valmy was one of the sole people responsible for building the skin care industry in America from the ground up. Long before her death, Valmy was considered a venerable authority in the skin care industry and one of the most well-respected skin care professionals alive.

Though the skin care mogul died almost a month ago, news of her passing was only recently released to the public. The death was confirmed by Valmy’s daughter, Marina Valmy de Haydu, the director of Christine Valmy international schools. During her life, Valmy lived in various homes across the world, including Bucharest, New York, and Paris.

Skin Inc. reported on the death of Christine Valmy, claiming she died at the Cardiology Institute in Fundeni, Bucharest, Romania.

In addition to her contributions to the skin care industry, Christine Valmy was also involved in a great deal of charity work, according to her daughter.

Originally, Christine Valmy wasn’t interested in skin care and had actually graduated from law school at the University of Bucharest. But the authorities of her Communist home-country wouldn’t allow her to practice law because her family owned property. This sank Valmy into a deep depression, until one her doctors suggested she learn about dermatology and cosmetology. Shortly after, Christine opened her own salon in Bucharest. When her business suffered, Valmy moved to New York to try her luck there.

The United States had very little to offer in the ways of skin care, unlike Europe. There were no skin care specialists to provide facial services or advice. So Christine Valmy decided to take the industry into her own hands by opening a professional school to teach techniques in skin treatment.

“Women were just putting makeup on top of problems,” Valmy’s daughter said. “[My mother] harped on the fact that people have to take care of the living organ that is their skin.”

By the end of the 60s, Valmy had her own line of face creams and skin care products, had founded the American Association of Estheticians, and founded a chapter of beauty therapists called Cidesco.

“It’s like caring for your teeth by brushing them three times a day,” Valmy said.

“Caring for your skin is something you have to do all the time.”

A 2011 issue of Skin Inc. magazine covered the life of Christine Valmy, remarking on the incredible reach of her success in the skin care industry.

“Fortified with an array of equipment and her own formulations for scientific skin care, her fame spread like wildfire…” the article said.

“Today, along with her daughter, Marina Valmy de Haydu, they continue to expand her fame. The Valmy name spans several countries throughout the globe, and the Valmy Academy in New York is still in existence.”

For more on skin care, read about how your skin treatments may be killing you.