Lia Yoon is exactly the calm, knowledgeable, friendly and highly skilled nurse practitioner you want to oversee your skincare goals and to administer the procedures that help you achieve them. As the founder of Radiant Lab in Encinitas, Lia’s aesthetic office is a serene space that soothes any pre-procedure anxieties. Radiant Lab is a North County favorite medspa offering a relaxing atmosphere with highly effective treatments.
In this week’s Meet A Mom, we chat with Lia to learn more about Radiant Lab, her expertise in aesthetics and her life as a North County Mom!
Tell us about your journey through the nursing profession and how you landed on the North County skincare gem, Radiant Lab.
My journey into aesthetics started with a strong foundation in healthcare. I began my career as an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse, where I developed a deep appreciation for patient care and the science behind healing. I later earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and now have more than 11 years of experience working as a Nurse Practitioner across several specialties, including dermatology, family medicine, pediatrics, and orthopedics.
That diverse clinical background gave me a holistic perspective on health and wellness. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to aesthetic medicine because it blends science, artistry, and preventative care in a unique way. I saw an opportunity to create a practice that focused on natural results while also helping patients improve the long-term health and quality of their skin.
Radiant Lab Medical Aesthetics was born from that vision. I wanted to create a space where advanced medical technology meets a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to skincare. Many patients tell us they love how approachable and down-to-earth the environment feels. Aesthetic treatments can feel intimidating for some people, so it’s really important to me that Radiant Lab feels welcoming, comfortable, and judgment-free.
In addition to my medical training, I’ve always been passionate about overall wellness. I hold certifications in homeopathy and as a Lactation Educator, Nutrition Coach, Personal Trainer, and Women’s Fitness Specialist. My background in both ballet and martial arts also shaped my appreciation for fitness, balance, and the connection between movement, nutrition, and overall health.
I’m also passionate about supporting women through the postpartum journey. As a Lactation Educator, I understand the physical and emotional transitions that occur after pregnancy and enjoy helping moms feel strong, supported, and confident during that stage of life.
When did you launch Radiant Lab?
Radiant Lab launched in 2024.
What is the Radiant Lab mission?
Our mission is to help patients age backwards naturally, without surgery or downtime by using advanced regenerative technologies that stimulate collagen production and support the body’s natural healing processes.
We focus on treatments that improve skin quality and long-term skin health rather than quick fixes, and we spend a lot of time educating patients so they can make informed decisions about their skincare.
How is your approach to skincare different from other medspas in North County?
Our approach focuses heavily on regenerative aesthetics and long-term skin health.
Instead of chasing trends, we take a personalized approach and create treatment plans that work with the body’s natural biology. We invest in advanced technologies like Sofwave and LaseMD Ultra that stimulate collagen and improve skin quality with little to no downtime.
Many of our patients are busy moms, so we intentionally focus on treatments that fit easily into real life. Most procedures require minimal downtime, allowing patients to return quickly to work, workouts, and family life.
Radiant Lab is also launching the Radiant Collective, a membership community for patients who want to take a proactive approach to skin health and wellness. Members receive exclusive promotions, preferred treatment pricing, and access to special events throughout the year.
Within that community, we created the Radiant Mama Collective, a special group designed specifically for moms that focuses on postpartum wellness, regenerative treatments, and self-care that fits into a busy lifestyle.
What are some of the most sought-after treatments that you offer at Radiant Lab?
Some of our most popular treatments include:
- Sofwave for collagen stimulation and skin tightening on the face and body, as well as cellulite smoothing
- LaseMD Ultra laser treatments for improving tone, texture, pigmentation, pore size, and overall skin quality
- Laser hair restoration using the Kerafactor peptide system, which can help address hair thinning and postpartum hair shedding for both men and women
- Pure Impact muscle toning, which can support injury recovery, postpartum core rehabilitation, pelvic floor strengthening, and building a lean, toned physique
- Customized medical weight loss plans, including GLP-1 prescriptions when appropriate
What’s the best part of providing your services to the North County community?
The most rewarding part is seeing how confident people feel when they’re happy with their skin. Often it’s not about dramatic transformations, it’s about subtle improvements that help someone feel refreshed and comfortable in their own skin.
I also love building relationships with patients over time. North County has such a supportive community, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to grow Radiant Lab here.
Describe the laser skincare treatment offered at Radiant Lab.
One of the advanced treatments we offer is LaseMD Ultra, a fractional non-ablative laser that improves skin tone, texture, and overall skin quality while stimulating collagen production.
How is the fractional non-ablative laser treatment different from others?
Fractional non-ablative lasers create microscopic channels in the skin that trigger the body’s natural healing response and collagen production.
These micro-channels also allow us to deliver powerful skincare serums deeper into the skin for enhanced results.
Because it is non-ablative, the surface of the skin remains intact. This means significantly less downtime, allowing patients to return quickly to work, exercise, and daily life. Another major advantage is that LaseMD Ultra can safely be used on all skin tones and skin types.
Why do people get laser treatments?
Patients often seek laser treatments to improve skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines, minimize sun damage and pigmentation, shrink enlarged pores, and stimulate collagen for healthier, brighter skin.
Describe a Sofwave treatment at Radiant Lab.
Sofwave is an advanced ultrasound treatment designed to stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness.
The treatment delivers ultrasound energy to the mid-dermal layer of the skin where collagen is produced, which helps tighten and lift the skin naturally over time.
Why do people get Sofwave treatments?
Patients love Sofwave because it provides noticeable lifting and tightening without surgery or downtime.
In addition to facial treatments, Sofwave can also be used on the body for skin tightening and cellulite smoothing. Many moms are especially interested in Sofwave treatments for the stomach area after pregnancy or weight loss, as it can help tighten skin and improve firmness during postpartum recovery.
Men book with you too! What treatments do men connect with?
More men are becoming interested in skincare and preventative treatments, which has been great to see.
Many male patients choose treatments that improve skin quality while keeping results subtle and natural. Laser skin rejuvenation and laser hair restoration are particularly popular with men looking to maintain healthy skin and address early hair thinning.
With Mother’s Day approaching, do you find Radiant Lab treatments make popular gifts?
Absolutely. Many people enjoy gifting experiences or self-care treatments for Mother’s Day. Skincare treatments are a thoughtful way to help someone relax, refresh, and take a little time for themselves.
What treatment do you enjoy performing the most?
I especially enjoy treatments like Sofwave and laser resurfacing because they work with the body’s natural regenerative processes. It’s exciting to see how collagen production gradually improves the skin over time.
I also enjoy the educational aspect of aesthetics, helping patients understand how their skin works and how different treatments support long-term skin health.
What feedback do you hear most from your clients?
Many patients say they appreciate how comfortable and welcoming the environment feels at Radiant Lab. Aesthetic treatments can sometimes feel intimidating, so it’s rewarding to hear that patients feel relaxed and supported when they come in.
Another common piece of feedback is how natural the results look. Our goal is always to enhance someone’s features in a way that still looks like them, just refreshed and confident.
Lia and North County
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Iowa, but I absolutely love living in North County. The beach, the weather, and the community make it an incredible place to call home.
Tell us about your life as a North County Mom.
North County is such an amazing place to raise kids. Between the beaches, parks, and outdoor activities there’s always something fun to do.
Tell us about your daughter.
I have a 5-year-old daughter who is full of energy and curiosity. She loves animals, dancing, and helping me in the kitchen when I’m trying out new recipes.
How do you juggle being a business owner and a mom?
It’s definitely a balancing act. I try to stay organized during the week so that when I’m with my daughter, I can really be present and enjoy that time together.
Being a mom has also shaped the way I think about wellness and self-care. Moms often spend so much time caring for others that they forget to prioritize themselves. At Radiant Lab, we try to create treatments that are efficient, effective, and easy to fit into a busy schedule so moms can still feel confident and supported in their own health and wellness.
Favorite North County family destinations?
We love spending time at the beach and visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. My daughter absolutely loves seeing the animals there.
Favorite staycation or daycation locally?
One of my favorite staycation spots is Carlsbad Village. It’s such a charming coastal area with great restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and easy beach access. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon walking around, grabbing a coffee, and enjoying the ocean air.
Favorite restaurants or coffee spots?
For coffee I love Lullabar. It’s a great spot for moms because the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to stop in with kids.
For dinner in North County, Fish Boon is a favorite. Their sushi is incredible, and the sashimi is always extremely fresh and beautifully prepared.
What are some of your North County business shout-outs?
- StretchLab Del Mar and StretchLab Solana Beach: Both are fantastic for assisted stretching and mobility work, which can be incredibly helpful for busy parents looking to stay active and prevent injuries.
- K2 Health Center: A great local resource for integrative health and wellness.
- C/V Beauty Collective: A wonderful collective of beauty professionals offering a variety of services.
- Courtney Helms Health & Wellness: An excellent practitioner focused on supporting women’s health and overall wellness.
How do you relax after a long day?
Working out, especially Pilates or a barre class, is one of my favorite ways to reset after a busy day. I also love cooking with my daughter and spending time together as a family.
Be sure to reach out to Lia to book your complimentary consultation.
By Maria Felicia Kelley
Founder & Publisher of The North County Moms
@thenorthcountymoms | @1MariaFelicia
More features on The North County Moms:
Meet a Mom — Patti Weinberg, Owner of Stage Door Dance
Meet a Mom — Mackenzie Rubish — North County Winner of Roku’s The Great American Baking Show
Get to Know Dr. Breanne Reid — Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Meet Nutritionist Francesca Orlando — Healthful Living SD
Meet María Felicia Kelley, Author & Founder — The North County Moms
