Hidden Gems: Meet Cielo Ruiz of Cielo Skin + Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cielo Ruiz

Hi Cielo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From a young age, I was obsessed with beauty products—experimenting with makeup, skincare, and anything in my mom’s cabinet. Then when I turned 12, my baby skin left the conversation and persistent cystic acne took over my face, and suddenly, my reflection in the mirror wasn’t mine anymore—it was defined by angry, painful breakouts. I struggled to make eye contact, convinced that people weren’t seeing me—just my acne.

As the years passed, I drifted in and out of jobs that never sparked passion in me. But one idea always lingered in the back of my mind: going to esthetics school. I kept flirting with the idea, but never fully committing, until one day, my boyfriend at the time bluntly said, “Either you’re going to do it, or you’re not.”

For whatever reason, that one sentence lit a fire in me. At 29, I finally took the leap, diving headfirst into a whole new career. The moment I stepped into the world of skincare—learning about ingredients, treatments, and the science behind healthy skin—I knew I had found my purpose. I thrived in the spa environment, soaking up every bit of knowledge and loving it. That was in 2012, and I am happy to say that it still interests me today.

But the greatest reward has been helping others overcome the same insecurities I once had. There is no better feeling than watching someone’s confidence blossom as their skin transforms—because I know, firsthand, how life-changing that can be.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest struggle? Clearing my own skin. How could I help others when I couldn’t even help myself? It was soul-crushing. I’d have moments of clear skin, only to watch it flare up again with every hormonal shift—it felt like an endless cycle. I followed the standard dermatological recommendations, but they weren’t addressing the root cause and the acne kept coming back. That’s when I became determined to understand acne on a deeper level.

I dove into holistic treatments, blending both Western and Eastern approaches, and even pursued a certification in health and holistic nutrition coaching. Through this journey, I discovered that the key wasn’t choosing one method over the other—it was synergy. When I combined traditional allopathic topical treatments with targeted lifestyle and dietary changes, my skin finally began to heal. Now, that is my approach to treating my clients’ skin. It isn’t always a straight line with treating acne and it is truly a unique journey for each person.

As you know, we’re big fans of Cielo Skin + Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I launched Cielo Skin + Wellness just over a year ago, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life has a way of leading you exactly where you’re meant to be. Going solo was never part of my original plan, but when it was time to move on from my last place of employment, everything aligned so seamlessly that I built and opened my business in less than two weeks. It was daunting to take that leap—no guarantees, just blind faith—but trusting the process has carried me through, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I take a well-rounded approach to treating all skin conditions and create my services to cater to everyone—from preteens to men and women of all ages and skin conditions. My clientele is diverse, and I love that I can provide treatments for the whole family. More importantly, I believe skincare and self-care should be accessible and inclusive. That’s why I ensure my treatments and retail offerings are high-quality yet attainable.

Beyond skincare, I’m also a Reiki Master, offering Reiki fusion treatments that incorporate subconscious clearing and energy healing. Although it may sound like it’s for spiritual-minded people only, my approach is pragmatic and I’ve had clients report business growth and developing romantic relationships.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my integrity-based, practical approach—I don’t up-sell products people don’t need or push treatments beyond their budget. My goal is to make skincare simple and inviting while still delivering an air of luxury.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making people feel better. My goal is to create an experience where they can truly relax, unwind, and feel transported—if only for a little while. Life can be overwhelming, and I want every client to leave feeling lighter, more uplifted, and recharged, both physically and emotionally, while also gaining tools to improve their skin.

I’m a firm believer that self-care goes far beyond skincare—it’s about wellness more than beauty. When we nurture ourselves from the inside out, it radiates through our skin, our energy, and our confidence. That’s why so much of what I share isn’t just about products or treatments, but about cultivating overall well-being, because when we feel good, life is sweeter.

Pricing:

• Express Facial $75
• Oxygen Facial $120
• Acne Facial $130
• Firm Facial $155
• Ultra Facial $165

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CieloRuiz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cieloskinwell
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/cieloskinwell
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cielo-ruiz/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cielo-skin-wellness-los-angeles
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cieloskinwell

Image Credits
I took these photos.