PURE SKIN BY MAGGIE

Beauty Comes from the Inside Out

Posted on 晚上10:36, under

Ever heard the saying, “you are what you eat”? What you put into your body is revealed both in your overall physical health and the health of your skin. With our busy lifestyles, getting the proper nutrition for beautiful skin is becoming more and more difficult. We grab our meals on the fly. In an effort to be healthy, maybe it’s a salad from a restaurant, or a protein shake while sitting at our computer working on a project. Quick convenient meals unfortunately do not provide all of the nutrition our skin needs; we inevitably miss out on bits and pieces of the well rounded diet.

Most articles we’ve read focus on what to avoid. I’m sure you’ve seen them: fried foods, oily foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other inflammatory (yet delicious!) munchies. But what does our skin need? Quite simply, vitamins and minerals are the building blocks of healthy skin.

Desiring beautiful skin is not enough. A good skin care routine is not enough. Incorporating facials and professional treatments is not enough. Our skin needs the proper fuel to heal, regenerate and perform its natural functions. If we can’t get skin enhancing nutrients from food, then we need to look further.

When looking at supplements to correct specific skin issues, each client’s needs are as unique as their body. But the building blocks we all need are the same: anti-oxidants, vitamin C, healthy oils such as Evening Primrose Oil and others that are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6, etc.

We realize that chugging handfuls of vitamins every morning is not on the “to do” list of everyone who wants a healthier body. We have worked and researched to provide a single product that will meet many of the nutritional components that clients seeking healthier skin desire, with the additional benefits of helping to combat unsightly discolorations that many of our clients come see us to correct. Our new Whitening Capsules are full of ingredients to provide gentle whitening, superior hydration and deep protection. Here is a quick overview of the ingredients:

BioCell Collagen II increases the body’s store of Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful hydrating agent crucial for skin and joint health.
Collagen tripeptides provide amino acids of mini-peptides important to the production of collagen for youthful, hydrated skin.
Grape Seed Extract (95% OPC) are powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants that combat free radical damage – the source of aging.
Vitamin C is the building block of most functions of our body – and we cannot synthesize it, it must come from our diet.
Red Algae Extract protects the skin from the inside from dangerous UV-radiation.

While supplements will never replace a healthy diet and proper water intake, we can see results with time and the nutrients that support our body’s natural functions.

Lighten Up!

Posted on 凌晨1:18, under

Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone are a concern for many women, no matter their ethnicity and no matter the cause. There is hope beyond harsh chemicals or playing the make-up-cover-up game. Natural alternatives provide safe and effective help to even out skin tone and heal the underlying cause.

Peels are an under-utilized option in the battle against scars and skin discoloration. A good peel regime derived from natural and botanical ingredients promotes deep skin healing and reduces the appearance of unsightly hyperpigmentation. Peels work through a process of deep exfoliation, removing more than just surface dead skin cells, going deeper to remove layers of skin to reveal clearer, smoother skin beneath. As skin regenerates after the removal of melanin-containing corneocytes, the appearance of dark spots is decreased. When you discuss peels with your esthetician, also ask them about natural peel options that contain gentle acids that inhibit the formation of tyrosinase. These power-packed acids take the power of a peel to a new level in the battle against hyperpigmentation.

Take skin whitening home with you – don’t leave it at the spa. Your daily skin care regime should be consistent with your goals for your skin. If you want a whiter, more even complexion, choose every skin care product with that in mind. The even skin tone you desire is within your reach, but achieving those results naturally and gently does require time and persistence. Harsh chemicals like hydroquinone are effective, but the damage they do to skin is not worth the visible results in whitening. Your goal in every aspect of skin care should be to nourish skin.

And, as always, when discussing the correction of any skin concern, we will remind you of the importance of prevention. The sooner you start protecting your skin, the less correction will be necessary. Even if you already have hyperpigmentation concerns, start today with an eye to prevention with the use of smart sun exposure, one of the leading causes of skin issues. Make a high-quality SPF product a staple of your daily skin care. We see many clients who skip this step unless they are headed out for extended time in the sun – unfortunately, every minute of sun exposure is “extended” when your skin is receiving UV rays.

Stay tuned for the release of our newest line of skin care products, coming soon! This line is designed specifically for our clients with concerns about hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discolorations. Used in conjunction with professional peel treatments, you’ll want to toss heavy foundations and bare your skin for the world to see!

Pure Beauty Sleep

Posted on 凌晨12:14, under

You know the cliché, “I need my beauty sleep”? It turns out, that beyond just providing the energy we need to get through the day (minus several gallons of coffee), pure beauty from the inside out depends on sleep! So, when you feel like you are being “lazy” by sleeping in or going to bed early, you aren’t – your body, and your skin, are hard at work regenerating cells, absorbing the nutrients of the products you use at night, and waking up refreshed, rejuvenated & luminous.

If you still aren’t convinced, here are more reasons to schedule in 7 – 9 hours of sleep a night:

Blood doesn’t flow efficiently when we are tired, which creates dull skin. Simply getting enough rest regularly refreshes the skin with healthy blood flow.
While you sleep, your body produces an essential element of collagen production (aka, wrinkle reduction) human growth hormone. The first three hours of sleep are the deepest and contain the highest production of human growth hormone.
Facial muscles relax and skin cells regenerate overnight – this is key “anti-aging”, “anti-wrinkle” time.

And how this knowledge should impact your skin care regimen:

The products we place on the skin at night penetrate deeper while we sleep because of the higher cell turnover – this is why skin care professionals recommend different products for night than day.
Metabolic activity below the surface of your skin causes the skin to lose 25 percent more water at night than the daytime. This is why the right night moisturizer is crucial for beautiful skin! (Our CoQ10 & Peptide Hydrating Complex is designed for ultimate hydration, both daytime & night-time.)
Bags under the eyes are not a sign of “lack of sleep”, rather they are a result of fluid pooling while you are laying down at night. Skip overly salted foods and excess alcohol in the evening to reduce these effects. And apply a hydrating eye cream before bed to treat the tender eye area. (Try our Eye Repair Complex to reduce puffiness, dark circles & amp up the hydration!)

An extra little trick – try applying your favorite eye cream to your lips at night. They need hydration too & eye gels & creams are designed to hydrate delicate skin!

Get Out of Your Winter Skin Rut!

Posted on 凌晨12:36, under

With changes in seasons should come changes in your skin care routine! Spring is here (even in Hawaii!) and more than your home needs a good spring cleaning – your skin and skin care routine need to be freshened up as well. With events and wedding season coming upon us, this is the time to start working on skin care that will help clear and hydrate skin.

We have many clients who come to our Honolulu spa during the changing seasons, confused about the condition of their skin and why what they’ve been doing doesn’t seem to be working. They’re seeing breakouts and oily skin and have eliminated skin care steps or think they don’t need moisturizer. Not true! No matter what type of skin you have, dry, normal, combination, oily or acne-prone, we all need hydration – and just drinking extra water is not enough.

One of the secrets to clear, healthy skin is proper hydration for your skin type. For dry to normal skin, a slightly more robust moisturizer is great, but for those with breakouts and excess oil, the best hydration is water based. (If you’ve visited www.pureskinbymaggie.com to look at our products, the water based hydrating pure skin care products we recommend would be any of our serums, Hydrating Mask, and Perfect Matte Moisturizer.)

Winter. Spring. Summer. Fall. With each change in the weather comes change to our skin. Don’t be caught without the proper tools to keep your skin clear, hydrated and radiant.

Mineral Make-up

Posted on 下午3:46, under

With the hype over the past few years, we’ve all heard of mineral makeup. Most cosmetic companies now have their own line because it is so popular. It has taken the cosmetic industry by storm and yet many of our clients still hesitate to switch from traditional makeup. If you are on the list of those that aren’t sure mineral makeup can possibly be better than what you’ve always used, then take a look at our top reasons to make the switch.

It’s healthier. Mineral makeup is better for your skin because it does not contain the chemicals included in traditional makeup. It binds to the natural oils in your skin and doesn’t sink into pores as opposed to traditional cosmetics that contain harmful pore clogging oils that can cause unnecessary breakouts. Bonus – the titanium dioxide in most mineral makeup is an excellent daily SPF protection.
It lasts longer on your skin. We’ve heard all the excuses for not switching to minerals. One of the biggest is a mistaken belief that you can’t get full coverage from mineral makeup and it won’t last all day. The beauty of minerals is their versatility – use a little for basic coverage and add more until you are satisfied with the coverage. A cover up brush is a great tool to help layer a little more just in areas that need special attention. If you prefer the feel of liquid foundation, mix your minerals with your favorite moisturizer for a custom blend. There is no end to the creativity you can have with minerals.
It lasts longer in the container. Traditional makeup has fillers and additives to make it last longer, and an expiration date. Throwing away cosmetics because you don’t use them fast enough is not fun. Mineral makeup requires no preservatives; the ingredients are simple and inert and do not harbor bacteria. (Tip: if you use loose mineral makeup, do not put water in the product container. Remove the amount you plan to use from the container without putting your brush in to prevent bacteria transfer.)
Its quality is in simplicity. Look for mineral makeup that has very few ingredients. This is one product where the less ingredients on the list, the better. Not all mineral makeup is created equal, the quality of the ingredients is important. One of the top ingredients to avoid is talc. While talc is a mineral, it does not adhere to the skin as well as mica and can be a bit cakey on the skin. As with any makeup, test it in an inconspicuous place if you are prone to allergies. There are a few ingredients widely used in mineral makeup that while safe and effective for most people, can be irritants if you have an allergy.

If you’ve been on the fence about minerals, now is the time to get off! When you find the perfect mineral makeup for your skin, it’s impossible to go back. We invest in good skin care products, it’s time to invest in makeup that works with them to produce pure skin and a glowing complexion. Be prepared for compliments on your beautiful skin!

Back Acne Treatment Honolulu-Skin Care for that Hard to Reach Back

Posted on 晚上9:09, under

Summer is here! As if the warming weather and the surge of visitors to our Hawaii home wasn’t enough of an indicator that summer has arrived, the grocery store check out lines are full of magazines touting diets that will make you look great in a bathing suit – in only 2 weeks, no less! They don’t seem to realize that it’s not always a few extra pounds causing discomfort in a bathing suit or backless dress or, for the guys, with shirts off. Body acne can be just as much of a bathing suit deterrent during the summer months as the stubborn 5 pounds we try to lose in April and May.

Body acne or “bacne” does not discriminate by age, gender or hygiene habits and can be more difficult to treat than facial acne simply because it is harder to reach. If you have a roommate or family member who can help you treat it each evening until it disappears, that is great! If not, read on for some tips to treat this difficult area.

Exfoliate. This is key for every inch of our skin. Dead skin cells tend to build up in areas that we don’t exfoliate. A great shower tool is a long exfoliating towel / cloth you can find at health food stores and most drug stores; loofahs and many back scrubbers harbor bacteria and should be avoided. Dry the exfoliating cloth on a towel bar every time you shower so bacteria do not have a moist place to grow. You can also throw this in the washer or soak it in hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria.
Cleanse. Wash your back with an anti-bacterial or acne cleanser formulated for the face. Avoid regular soap and products that strip moisture from the skin and dry out everything they touch.
Treat. If you have a family member who can help you, use acne spot treatments on any back breakouts at night after a shower. Make sure to let the spot treatments dry before putting clothes back on.

“Bacne” is stubborn, but it can be treated both at home and with the help of a skin care expert. At Pure Skin by Maggie, we have modified our signature bio peel to help clients see beautiful skin on every inch of their body. This treatment utilizes natural spongilla crystals blended with vitamins and minerals to penetrate the skin, deeply stimulating the body’s innate healing abilities and collagen production. The crystals remain in the epidermal layer up to 48 hours, extending the intense healing process long past the time you are in the spa.

Hard to reach or not, don’t let “bacne” get you down or keep you indoors! Find what works for you & you’ll soon see beautiful skin everywhere you look!

Skin Remodeling-Honolulu Best Facial

Posted on 下午1:00, under

We see clients come into our Honolulu facial every day that have lost confidence because of skin damage or conditions that they believe cannot be corrected. Our job is to find the solution to their particular needs, help their skin to heal (beyond what our client’s expect!) and bring out their natural beauty. Beauty isn’t just about perfect skin or looking young forever, it is also about the confidence to face the world with a spring in your step because you look and feel your best!

Our bodies have an incredible ability to remodel and heal from both major and minor wounds. Utilizing these natural responses helps us to promote the results that our clients want to see – whether their concern is the visible signs of aging, large pores, acne scarring, surgical or burn scarring, stretch marks, or other damage that has occurred over time.

We are excited to announce a new treatment at Pure Skin by Maggie, our all new Skin Remodeling Treatment. Harnessing the body’s natural responses, this treatment is gentler than a laser with fewer side effects, and produces dramatic results in the surface of skin. Using a controlled, precision micro needling technique, this treatment allows all three phases of natural collagen induction to occur effortlessly. Depending on the condition you want to treat, best results can be seen with one treatment for large pores or six or more treatments for scarring. Without using heat, chemicals or the trauma of a laser treatment, your skin can be smoother & the fresh first impression that you want to show to the world.

What’s with the Sulfate Hype?

Posted on 下午5:22, under

If you are at all interested in natural or alternative health – whether internal or external – you have probably noticed products that specifically say “sulfate free”. Are you wondering what sulfates are and what’s the big deal about avoiding them? At Pure Skin by Maggie, we are committed to not only providing you the best and most pure products and services available but also knowing WHY we avoid certain ingredients. It’s not just what is in the products we use on our skin, but what is not in the products we use that determines their impact.

Basically, we use the word ‘sulfates’ to refer to a group of detergents (or surfactants if you want to use a fancy term) that are used in innumerable products we use on a daily basis. Dish soaps, hand soaps, shampoos, body wash, face wash, toothpaste. Most of the cleaning products we are surrounded by have sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.

What do they do? Sulfates produce the lather that we have come to expect in products intended to clean. Originally, these cleaning agents were only included in industrial strength cleaning products because of their corrosiveness and strength. But as we became used to high lather and expected that, sulfates were added to more and more of our everyday products until we all associated the lather with clean. Kind of scary, huh? From industrial strength cleaning to your skin… They are cheap and give consumers what they expect…right? The fact that they are harsh and strip hair, skin and mouth of invaluable moisture and natural protective barriers doesn’t really come into play for many companies.

We’re not going to get into the toxic by-products produced by sulfates (but just so you know, they are there). Instead, let’s take a look at the effects on our body.

Hair: Sulfate molecules are smaller than the hair molecules, leading to more porous strands, but without the necessary moisture. The sulfates rough up the cuticle of the hair, causing dull, dry, damaged hair and eventually leading to breakage, frizz, unmanageable hair, and they’ve even been linked to hair loss.

Mouth: Toothpastes containing sulfates have been linked to canker sores and lesions. Sulfates eat away at the outer layers of protective skin cells and irritate the tissues.

Skin: Our skin’s natural moisture balance relies on a casing of protective lipids (fats). When sulfates strip this away, the balance is disrupted and skin becomes unnecessarily dry. “Squeaky clean” skin or hair has actually been stripped of its natural moisture.

Basically, sulfates are the cheapest way to get lather. But are they necessary for us to be clean? By no means! The superfluous use of sulfates did not even begin until the 1930’s. What did we do before that? We used natural astringents that cleanse without stripping necessary moisture or protective barriers that are necessary to moisture balance. And these gentle astringents still provide the foaming that we associate with cleanliness.

The next time you go shopping for shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, or other products, take a look at the ingredients. Skip the high-lather, cheap fillers and look for products by companies that are ethical and committed to giving you quality products. Try them – but don’t be surprised if your hair is healthier, shinier, your skin glows and feels vibrant, and your mouth feels fresher and cleaner.

Men’s Facials…Overcoming Initial Objections

Posted on 晚上7:52, under

We meet a lot of men at Pure Skin by Maggie who are a little put off by the idea of getting a facial. It has become more popular in the metropolitan areas of the mainland, but many men are still a little hesitant to try it out.

Sorry to break it to you, fellas, but skin is skin, whether it’s on a guy or a girl, and it all needs to be taken care of. In some ways, your skin gets more abuse than women just with daily shaving. No matter how good the razor, those blades are not nice to your skin. Add in the fact that most of you don’t have a daily skin care routine other than washing your face in the shower – and admit it, you’re probably using the same shower gel or soap that you use on the rest of your body – and rarely use lotion.

We’re not trying to attack what you see as a perfectly normal skin care regime; we get it. Time is short, you like a simple routine, and don’t see the point. But what if we could show you a good reason to at least take the time every so often to treat yourself to a facial? (Not that we don’t also want to encourage you to start using a gentler cleanser and some moisturizer every day…but, one step at a time!)

First, as we mentioned before, shaving is pretty rough on your skin. Aftershave only serves 2 purposes – as an antiseptic (usually witch hazel) and to clot blood if you cut yourself (typically alum). So, those irritations that are there every day are not really being addressed by standard shaving gear. The right facial directly addresses bumps, treats inflammation, and helps skin heal. Your skin can feel incredibly soothed and look as healthy as the day you first picked up a razor.

Next, impurities. Maybe women focus on these more, but we all have them. With all of the toxins that are in the air and the fact that our skin is designed to remove bad stuff from our body, impurities can just get stuck in the middle…in our skin & pores. Facials go deeper and further than your shower gel for a thorough clean that leaves your face refreshed, but not stripped of its natural moisture.

Last, but not least…ahem, wrinkles. None of us want to get older – if we could keep the skin, body & health we enjoyed in our twenties, we wouldn’t really mind aging. Instead, we focus on aging gracefully while reducing the damage of living as much as possible. Wrinkles may be character lines, but better someone gets to know us than just assume from the quantity of wrinkles on our faces. Regular facials can not only reverse some of the signs of aging but prevent them as well. We love to be outside enjoying the sun here in Hawaii, which requires that we take a little more thought to prevent damage and accelerated aging from the sun.

Have we convinced you yet? Are you re-thinking your “less is more” stance? Take a little time to take care of yourself & reap the rewards later. Choose a reputable spa and talk to your esthetician before your treatment to find out exactly what is involved. Pure Skin by Maggie is a boutique spa in the Ward area of Honolulu, and the experience is a bit different than a salon full of women. Come check us out & discover a new way to relax & unwind!

Before…and After Sun Damage

Posted on 凌晨12:10, under

Before After

Watching a client’s skin transform and their self-confidence blossom before our eyes is one of the joys of our business. Pure Skin by Maggie was born from a desire to help others and we love to watch the process!

The client in these photos graciously allowed us to share her story here on the blog & on Facebook. She came to us several months ago with hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage. After eight years using one skin care line, she made a choice to stop and noticed that the brown spots on her face were getting progressively darker. As with many of us, her first stop was the dermatologist’s office who recommended expensive laser treatments. Once again, there was no positive change and the discoloration continued to get worse and to spread.

For this client, we began with a series of four Bio Peels, a treatment that utilizes natural Spongilla crystals blended with vitamins and minerals that penetrates the skin and continues working for 48 hours after the treatment. By the fourth treatment, our client’s friends could tell that her skin looked cleaner and there was a noticeable lightening of the discoloration. We followed the Bio Peel with 4 Vitamin C + E treatments, which moisturizes and nourishes with Vitamin E while the power of Vitamin C goes to work removing discolorations.

In addition to the treatments at the salon, our client committed to a new start on her skin care regimen as well as taking specific vitamin supplements for her skin conditions. By treating both internally and externally, her skin receives all the nourishment and help on a daily basis that it needs to heal. Step one for the daily external treatments? Sunscreen. Every client we see, this is our first recommendation. Sunscreen is a preventative step that many people see as unimportant once the damage has been done. However, it is crucial to preventing the damage from becoming worse. She has also been using Vitamin C serum daily and a serum infusion mask specifically for hydrating and lightening skin twice a week. EGF (epidermal growth factor) capsules are another tool in our arsenal to prevent and correct hyperpigmentation and melanoma. Used once a day, EGF accelerates the growth of new skin cells, speeds wound healing, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

We’ve seen many clients who have had expensive laser treatments with no results or a worsening of their symptoms. That is NOT what you expect when you go to a dermatologist. Contrary to common misconceptions, help from a qualified esthetician can result in change even in difficult skin conditions and sun damage. Natural products that promote healing should be your first step when dealing with skin damage; lasers should be the last resort. Prevention is the first goal of good skin care. However, when damage is there, healing the skin is the goal, not just blasting away the “symptoms” or “results” of the damage. Whenever the skin can heal, obviously with some help, then you can return to a regimen that includes prevention instead of a focus on correction.

Serums…The Ins, The Outs, The Real Scoop

Posted on 晚上9:41, under

Just a few years ago, if you asked someone on the street what a healthy skin care routine consisted of they would probably tell you cleanser, toner, moisturizer. Many estheticians, dermatologists, and even cosmetic companies kept it just that simple. Fast forward to the present, and everyone is talking about serum being a key component to anti-aging and taking care of your skin. What are they and why have they impacted the skin care industry so quickly?

Usually a gel type of liquid, serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients than moisturizer and other products. They are intended to be hydrating and refresh dull skin. When your basic skin care routine is not working anymore and your complexion does not seem as fresh, glowing and beautiful, THAT is the time to change it up and add a serum underneath your moisturizer. They have a big impact and results are rapid.

Serums come in so many varieties, each with a specific purpose. When choosing a serum, look at what type of skin it is intended for and the problems it treats specifically. There are serums just for acne, others for whitening, hydrating, anti-aging, etc. Some serums combine these purposes (hydrating AND whitening), and others are more individual. Be sure to avoid any serums that contain alcohol or denatured alcohol as these defeat the purpose and dehydrate skin.

Once you’ve chosen your serum, there aren’t any special tricks to applying it. Cleanse your face thoroughly, as always, and use an alcohol-free toner. Go ahead and apply serum while your skin is still a bit damp from the toner as this locks in more moisture and the active ingredients of the serum actually penetrate more deeply. Don’t fall into the mindset of “if a little does well, use a lot”. The serum directions should tell you how much to use. Follow the serum with your favorite moisturizer. This last step is important and often neglected. Serum is not a replacement for moisturizer! The purpose of moisturizer is to lock moisture in to the skin and creating a protective barrier to keep irritants out. Serums hydrate, but they do not protect your skin.

Give your skin a special treat with our new Serum Infusion Mask. Added to your daily use of serum, you can choose another ingredient combination to provide a well-rounded approach to your skin care. While you relax either the serums locked in the natural cotton mask penetrate deeply creating an immediate and visible result. We love this method of refreshing the skin while traveling – hydrating the skin so you appear fresh and vibrant instead of dull and tired when you step off the plane ready for business or pleasure. It’s perfect for use right before a special night out as well; this mask does not leave your skin red or tight. The purpose is to treat your skin to something special, not a deep cleanse. Used once a week as part of your beauty routine, your skin will glow every day. Say good-bye to a dull complexion!

Serum Infusion Mask

Posted on 清晨5:11, under

From Guest Blog

I’m a skeptic. I admit it. Even when an expert in their field tells me that something is wonderful, I take it with a grain of salt. So, when Maggie asked me to test the new serum masks that she has developed and write a blog, I was a little wary. I have hyper-sensitive, combination skin, so I tend to avoid putting most things on my face. I’ve found the regime that works and haven’t touched it in a while. Most masks make my face bright red, dry & itchy, so like I said, skeptical.

I’m also not afraid to admit when I’m wrong. Maggie asked me specifically because my skin is so hyper-sensitive (and she knows her stuff). It worked! Not only did my skin not turn red, I didn’t have any negative reaction at all. My skin was incredibly soft for days afterwards and there was a visible difference in the appearance of my usual dry spots.

This mask was so easy to use. I just unfolded it, took the plastic off, laid it on my face, took off the extra “blue” layer and relaxed for 20 minutes…or it may have been longer since I think I dozed off. J Maggie had told me to rub the extra serum from the blue layer and pouch into my neck and I took it further and used whatever moisture was left in the mask and massaged it into my décolletage. One of the reasons my face usually gets so red and irritated is the process of washing off a dry mixture that seems to have bonded to my skin. This was so simple! Next time I go on a trip (which, naturally, sensitive skin tends to get irritated with travel), I am definitely taking this with me!

Maggie had me try the original mask with the thicker cotton layer for comparison since I haven’t tried this type of mask before. I definitely prefer the new one. The thick cotton of the original doesn’t stay in place as well and it seems like a lot of serum stays on the mask rather than going into my skin. If I hadn’t fallen asleep with the Serum Infusion Mask, I could have stayed up doing other stuff without the mask slipping around. And when I did finish the mask, there wasn’t much serum left in the cotton, so I didn’t feel like I was wasting anything.

Just a quick note, maybe it’s because I’m not used to this type of mask, but the first time I did the mask, it was a little tricky to get into place, but once it was in place, it stayed. So even if you think it feels “messy” or too slippery, just roll with it. Once you have it in place, you can take whatever is left on your hands and rub it in to them too – who says only your face has to get the benefits?

Thanks, Maggie for encouraging me to try something new!

Debra H., Honolulu HI

Epidermal Growth Factor-Honolulu Skin Care Products

Posted on 晚上11:06, under

Epidermal Growth Factor…What’s That?

The scientific community is constantly making discoveries and the cosmetic industry is constantly finding new and wonderful applications for those discoveries. Sometimes, it takes a little longer for the cosmetic industry to catch on to one of those discoveries, as with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which won a Nobel Prize in 1986 for its discoverers, Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Motalcini. Their work advanced our understanding of how cells communicate with each other during cellular growth. Now, the cosmetic industry has found it to be an anti-aging wonder for the skin. But what is it anyway?

EGF is a naturally occurring substance in the body that stimulates cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation. Basically, this means it is a natural age-prevention protein found in the fibroblast cells of the dermal layer of the skin and it supports cell renewal and wound repair. It’s potent regenerating properties work to stimulate cells to produce collagen, which results in age prevention & reverses the signs of aging. You can read a lot of really confusing scientific research about it – some of which is fascinating, if you can understand the jargon – but for those of us without a degree in biology, simple works best.

For years, the research on EGF has centered on its ability to speed the healing of wounds (which, by the way, makes products with EGF ideal for use after peels, laser treatments, and aggressive skin care treatments). But new applications abound, including anti-aging. Because it is a natural substance, your body recognizes it and readily utilizes topical applications. In addition to anti-aging, EGF is also a powerful antioxidant and highly effective at neutralizing inflammation and irritation from such things as environmental stress, both in correcting existing damage as well as preventing it in the future.

We have recently released a new product in the Pure Skin by Maggie Organics / Naturals line of skin care – EGF Capsules. It is very simple to use; just open a capsule, massage the EGF onto a clean face, then follow with your usual serum or moisturizer. This product is ideal for those with sensitive and aging skin, to heal the irritations and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

All these advances in science…makes us happy to be alive now and able to enjoy the benefits!

Anti-Aging Product Honolulu-Breaking Down the Fancy Labels

Posted on 凌晨2:39, under

Skin care has become more and more technical. Everyone’s throwing around all of these fancy terms, but what does it all mean? At Pure Skin by Maggie, we stay on top of the research and the latest innovations in skin care for our clients. But we also like to break it down so it makes sense. In this age of the informed consumer, our clients are savvy enough not to buy just any product and stick it on their skin. So, we’re going to take one of our newest products and break it down.

Our latest hydrating complex combines Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) and multi-peptides to nourish, repair and protect skin from aging and environmental stressors. Sound a bit like Greek already? Well, let’s start off with COQ10 – here’s the skinny:

Did you know that there is a Vitamin Q? It’s more often known as Coenzyme Q10 or COQ10.
COQ10 is a natural enzyme synthesized by your body.
Over time, the natural levels & production in the body decreases.
COQ10 is a powerful antioxidant, i.e. it fights all the bad stuff in the environment.
It is a necessary ingredient in your body’s production of collagen (and collagen keeps our skin firm & youthful).
It is also necessary in your body’s production of elastin, which gives skin its flexibility.
COQ10 in creams and taken internally helps your body repair itself and prevent free radical damage.

That wasn’t too bad, right? It was just the basics, but just reading over that list makes me want to go straight for the COQ10!

Now, let’s tackle another major ingredient in this complex…peptides. One of those non-descript words that leaves most of us wondering.

Peptides are short chains of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of the body.
Collagen, what our skin is mostly comprised of, is a protein containing long segments of amino acids arranged in a chain.
When collagen breaks down, certain short amino acid segments are formed. These are the tiny proteins and active molecules known as peptides.
These peptides “send a message” to your skin to produce more collagen to replace what has been lost.
When you apply specific peptide combinations to your skin, it sends a message to make more collagen, resulting in a natural firming of your skin.

Our new hydrating complex absorbs deeply with specific peptides to restore skin’s suppleness, health and radiance. Peptides activate skin repair and accelerate the development of epidermal cells. Combined with the antioxidant power of COQ10, which also boosts collagen and elastin production, you can harness the power of nature to visibly combat the signs of aging.

Don’t let the fancy terms on the cosmetic containers confuse you or fool you into thinking that the fancier the words, the better the product! If you have a question, you can email us at pureskinbymaggie@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and break it down.

Skin Care Product Honolulu- Moisturizer for Oily or Problematic Skin

Posted on 晚上11:59, under

Have you been using the right moisturizer?

Ever had one of those days so packed with work, meetings, appointments, no time for lunch or a break and then to top it off you have a party to attend in the evening? You find yourself in the car or, if you’re lucky, the bathroom, frantically blotting to remove oily shine without disturbing your make-up, because there is no time to wash your face and re-apply.

Whether your skin is oily, combination, normal, or dry, it needs moisture to be healthy. Finding the right product to provide oily skin with the right balance of moisture without adding to the natural oil can be very difficult. We have just added a new product to the Pure Skin by Maggie product line, Perfect Matte Moisturizer - control oil & shine without denying your skin the moisture it needs.

The secret? Algae. Yes, the colorful slippery covering that grows in the sea is actually a wonder when used properly in cosmetics. The botanicals Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract and Asparagopsis Armata Extract in Perfect Matte Moisturizer, derived from red and brown algae, revitalize skin, strengthening and promoting its integrity.

Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Extract (from lilacs) is added to fight acne and other conditions by regulating sebum, controlling yeast, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract and Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract. Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract build on this restorative foundation to heal & protect skin going forward by stimulating collagen production, boosting antioxidants and producing anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the anti-bacterial properties of these botanicals protect skin from germs and bacteria that can cause acne.

This luxurious cream is designed for oily and problematic skin – and excellent for normal skin, too. Enjoy an all day matte base to keep your skin beautifully healthy and your make-up ready for a long day on the run.

Skin Care Honolulu-Age Spots

Posted on 晚上10:55, under

Age Spots…Do they actually have anything to do with age?

Whether you call them age spots, liver spots, sun spots, or hyperpigmentation, most of us find those brown spots on our skin unattractive. They usually don’t begin to appear until we’re older and once there, seem to grow larger over time. So, where do they come from and how do you prevent or correct them?

Where do they come from?

Age spots, or lentigines, are basically a result of over exposure to the sun. Interestingly, these are not caused only by age; they are caused by sun exposure (how long and how much you have been in the sun) and hormonal changes. They are more accurately ‘sun spots’, rather than age spots. However, as we age, our skin is subjected to increasing amounts of sun damage and our skin’s natural ability to fend off UV rays (melanin pigment which absorbs sunlight and helps protect our skin from UV rays) begins to deteriorate. As this happens, these unsightly brown spots begin to develop. Age spots and freckles are most often seen on those with fairer skin because they have very little melanin pigment and less natural ability to protect their skin from the sun.

How do I prevent them?

Prevention is quite simple: avoid the sun and use sun protection every day. Even if you have begun to notice sun spots on your skin, it is not too late to prevent the damage from spreading or getting worse. Wear sunscreen every day - even if you are just going from your house to your car to your work place, protect your skin! Keep in mind, car windows block only UVB rays, not UVA, which are the main culprit in sun damage and aging skin. This means you are still getting dangerous exposure unless you take your car to get UVA clear or tinted protection put on your windows.

How do I correct them?

The good news is that there are treatments that can reverse the appearance of sun spots – without going to the plastic surgeon! At Pure Skin by Maggie, we see many clients with dark skin pigmentation due to overexposure to the constant bright sunlight in Hawaii. Our clients have seen dramatic results with natural, gentle treatments, particularly the Vitamin C + E Whitening Facial. Most clients see a visible change with one treatment! Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, is a natural whitening agent that also increases fibroblast and collagen production and reduces inflammation. It’s perfect for those who are concerned with the signs of aging – hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, and dehydration.

If you want to explore gentle options to even out your complexion that also treat other visible signs of aging, call us to schedule a free consultation. There are many natural options for treating your skin, without severe side effects or down-time.

Skin Care Product Honolulu-Vitamin C Lightening Serum

Posted on 凌晨3:15, under

Vitamin C Lightening Serum

We’ve all heard how wonderful Vitamin C is, that it has so many benefits, and that we don’t get enough of it. So, why are we talking about it again?

Did you know that Vitamin C, while important to your immune system, protection from cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems and even your eyesight, is also an incredible nutrient for the health of your skin? Here are just a few of the skin benefits we know of; research continues to unveil more reasons to incorporate this nutrient in our diet and beauty regime.

Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant that slows the rate of damage by free-radicals, unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is key to the production of collagen, a protein known for giving firmness and strength and aids the growth of cells and blood vessels.
Vitamin C is instrumental in creating scar tissue and ligaments, in addition to helping skin repair itself.
Research shows that a derivative of Vitamin C known as ascorbic acid 2-phosphate reverses DNA damage.
Protect your skin from sunburn caused by ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term exposure with Vitamin C. No, this does not mean you should go out and bake in the sun, but you can heal and prevent damage naturally.

At Pure Skin by Maggie, we are very aware of the benefits of oral and topical Vitamin C in the health of our clients. As part of our commitment to natural skin care, we have developed a 17% Vitamin C Serum that provides all the benefits we’ve talked about, in addition to lightening dark areas, spots, and hyper-pigmentation. See a visible difference in your skin through natural skin care & harnessing the power of Vitamin C!

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