PURE SKIN BY MAGGIE

Essential Oils Should Not Be Taken Lightly

Posted on 晚上9:51, under

The popularity of essential oils has been growing exponentially over the past few years. And with good reason! They are powerful plant medicines that used both in aromatherapy and topically are healing, body, mind and soul. Just opening a bottle of lavender essential oil for a deep breath is a soothing experience – so peaceful it makes me want to go for a midnight stroll through lavender fields!

Let’s look at just a few of the benefits of lavender specifically.

Sleep. Well known as a relaxing scent, dried lavender and lavender oil helps to induce sleep. A study conducted on college students showed lavender oil improved the quality of sleep (how long, time needed to fall asleep, and restfulness) by 60%. And the improvement is immediate, unlike other therapies for sleep.
Anxiety, stress and depression. Studies over the past five years show the tremendous impact of lavender oil on the brain and the autonomic nervous system. It has a calming yet refreshing effect that addresses anxiety, stress and depression.
Pain relief. Often used as a gentle treatment for headaches and migraines, lavender oil is also helpful in soothing sore and tense muscles, sprains, aches, etc.
Skin Healing. Typically with a cut or a burn, we reach for cool water, soap and ointment before bandaging. Research has repeatedly shown that lavender has amazing antimicrobial properties to combat infection and bacteria. Mixing raw coconut oil, which also has antimicrobial properties, with lavender is a simple but effective treatment for burns.
Nausea. Forget that nasty tasting pink stuff from the pharmacy! Keep a bottle of lavender oil in the bathroom for stomach upsets and take it with you for a natural remedy for motion sickness. Simply breathing it in can calm the nausea – spray some on skin or clothes or rub on your temples or palms for soothing relief.

These are just a few of the benefits of this one essential oil! Diffused in the air, lavender makes a lovely alternative to chemical laden air fresheners. Try using it as a refreshing perfume alternative as well! The aromatherapy benefits can be enjoyed alone with a single oil or blended with complimentary oils to make your own unique scent.

Spend some time researching reputable websites about essential oils and you will find that there IS a place for these in your life and home.

The key is RESEARCH!

As with any amazing medicinal products, it is imperative to research and know what you are putting on or in your body. Not all essential oils are created equal. It is important to look for Therapeutic Grade essential oils. While there unfortunately is not an individual organization who tests quality, oils are partially a “you get what you pay for” product as well as necessitating research into the ethics of a company. A little research goes a long way.

In addition to quality concerns, there are also safety concerns and good practices to follow.

Dilution. We cannot stress this enough. Dilute. Dilute. Dilute. While some oils, such as lavender, are safe to put on the skin neat (without dilution), many oils are not safe and can cause harm if mis-used. “Hot” oils such as oregano, cinnamon, clove, thyme, cassia and others can literally burn skin, particularly the thinner areas such as face, neck, behind the ears, etc. A neutral oil such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and many others, will help you receive the benefits of the oil without risking a burn or damage to your skin. You can purchase a package of rollerballs and blend small amounts of your essential oil and carrier oil to use when needed.
Ingestion. While many proponents of essential oils recommend ingesting essential oils, we caution against this unless under the care of a qualified professional. These are potent plant medicines and just as you can burn skin, you can harm your digestive system if they are not taken properly.
Sun exposure. Certain oils, particularly citrus essential oils, are photosensitizing, meaning when used on the skin, they make skin more sensitive to light, not just sun, but any strong UV lights such as a tanning bed. The furocoumarins in these essential oils react to light and can make you more prone to sunburn or even change the pigmentation of skin. Always avoid sunlight and strong UV lights for 12 hours after using these oils.
Storage. Just as your cooking oils in the kitchen can go bad, so can your essential oils and blends with carrier oils. Avoid exposure to heat, oxygen, and light when storing your oils. Properly stored, they have a long shelf life. However, if they do go bad, they can cause skin irritation. With our consistent heat here in Hawaii, you may want to store your less-used oils in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant need to be very cautious in using essential oils. Oils can harm both mother and baby if used improperly and certain oils, when placed on acupuncture points, can trigger premature labor. We recommend consulting a medical professional before incorporating any oils into your natural pregnancy plan.
Children. The soft, delicate skin of our kiddos as well as their developing bodies require even more caution than adults when using essential oils. Dilution is even more critical for children than adults. Research carefully before using oils directly on your child’s skin. When diffusing oils, be aware of their properties. For example, peppermint is great for focus and energy, but can disturb sleep patterns when diffused after 2 pm.
Allergies. As with anything else, sensitivities can occur when using essential oils. While reactions are not common, it’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts to a new oil. A small patch test with a carrier oil is highly recommended when you first start using a new oil.

We use essential oils frequently for their healing properties in our Honolulu spa facials and treatments. We have studied them and follow safety guidelines very carefully in every instance and keep our clients informed regarding photosensitivity concerns after a treatment.

One final tip! The next time you have the hiccups, put one drop of essential oil on your finger and put it on the roof of your mouth. Hiccups? What hiccups? (It also works by putting the peppermint oil at the base of your skull at your C-1 vertebra, but the mouth works faster.)

Happy healing!

Enjoy Beautiful Smooth Skin Year Round!!

Posted on 下午5:42, under

Three Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Posted on 下午5:04, under

Razors. Waxes. Tweezers. Lotions. Creams. Yuck! (And don’t even get us started on the home remedies that promise with two simple ingredients to remove unwanted hair forever and leave skin with a third degree burn instead!)

Let’s look at the numbers. Over 99 percent of American women remove unwanted hair and 85 percent do so habitually, daily or several times a week. These numbers cover all women, regardless of geography and ethnicity. Men have also gone beyond simply shaving their face. Over 60 percent of men shave parts of their body besides their face.

Besides the obvious legs and underarms, think of all the places we consider hair to be uncomfortable or unattractive. Bikini line, upper lip and stray eyebrow hairs are just a few. Women with PCOS can often suffer from hirsutism (male pattern hair growth) and find themselves growing a beard. Some women with dark or coarse hair are concerned with dark and obvious arm hair. We are all different and what we find attractive varies as well.

Benefit #1: Save Money

Laser hair removal, while the initial investment is higher than buying a razor and a can of shaving cream, is actually less expensive than a lifetime of shaving or waxing. Here is how much the average woman spends on hair removal:

1 Year 5 Years 10 Years 20 Years

Shaving (Blades and Shaving Cream): $175 $875 $1,750 $3,456

Waxing (Legs and Underarms Only): $780 $3,900 $7,800 $15,600

Benefit #2: Save Time

Taking a shower takes so much less time if you don’t need to shave, doesn’t it? As a busy mom, I just don’t have the time (not to mention how much trouble a toddler can get into if mom is gone for longer than 5 minutes!) to shave every day.

1 Year 5 Years 10 Years 20 Years

Shaving: 39 hours 8 days, 3 hours 16 days, 6 hours 32 days, 12 hours

Assuming 15 minutes, 3 times a week (unless you’re a mom with a toddler!).

Waxing: 12 hours 2 days, 12 hours 5 days 10 days

Assuming 2 times a month, 30 minutes each time (because let’s face it, this is Hawaii, so we always have to be bikini ready!).

Benefit #3: Prevent Aggravation

Let’s face it – removing unwanted hair is just plain aggravating! Have you ever gotten all ready for an evening out and realized you forgot to shave your underarms? Or scrambled to get a waxing appointment before a big event, but your favorite technician is booked up? And, my personal favorite, last minute plans to go somewhere fun and you rush to the shower to shave your stubble and still get dressed in that cute outfit before it’s time to go.

Between the time involved, dealing with nicks, red skin, bumps, ingrown hairs, sensitivities from waxing and darkening from shaving – let’s say good-bye to that aggravation!

The Beauty of Laser Hair Removal

Permanent. Can I just say that again? Permanent. After a series of laser treatments, hair is gone. For good. You can regain that 10 or 32 days over the next 20 years. You can skip the last minute trips to the salon for waxing or the rush to shave every morning.

Many who have heard of laser hair removal either dismiss it because of the upfront cost or they’ve only heard stories of the original laser technology that is not as effective as what we have now.

We are excited to be bringing some of the latest laser hair removal technology to Honolulu! Our Cooling Laser Hair Removal treatment provides not only a lasting solution to unwanted hair, but also more comfortably than other treatments.

During the laser treatment, the laser is placed against the skin and pulses for a fraction of a second. The energy is absorbed by the hair pigment and the hair follicle heats up. The resulting damage to the hair shaft and bulb impedes re-growth. After a series of treatments, all hair follicles in all stages of the hair growth cycle are permanently damaged and you get to enjoy smooth, beach ready skin year round.

This Cooling Laser Hair Removal Treatment has a few key benefits over other laser technology:

With a larger laser ‘spot’, treatment is faster – typically a quarter of the time involved in an IPL treatment session.
Skin cooling integrated within the treatment itself greatly reduces the pain many associate with laser treatment.
Diode lasers penetrate better, more effectively treating hair for people with a variety of skin tones.
The more precise wavelength of the diode laser affects the epidermis less, reducing risk of redness and swelling and requiring no ‘downtime’.
Those with fair skin typically need 3 sessions and darker complexions benefit from 6 – 7 sessions.

It’s time to say good-bye to waxing, shaving, plucking, threading, and depilatory cream – forever!! If you’re not sure if laser hair removal is for you, give us a call and set up a complimentary consultation with an esthetician. We’d be happy to discuss your most beautiful skin.

Don’t Try These At Home

Posted on 下午3:47, under

Pinterest FAIL! It’s fun to see those photo compilations online, isn’t it? Where someone tried to recreate this “easy” project that was accompanied by a gorgeous photo and their attempt, well let’s just say it’s like me trying to paint a Van Gogh. It’s not as easy as they make it seem…

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Pinterest! There are so many great ideas on the Internet and it’s an incredible tool to organize and hold onto the ideas that I love for decorating, organizing, recipes, fashion, jewelry – the options are endless. (I will be skipping the attempts to decorate a 5 tier birthday cake in the shape of a unicorn with perfect swirls of frosting and just call the bakery, though.)

Where I feel both Pinterest and the Internet in general have a breakdown is in credible information and safety of information. We’re so spoiled for information that we’ve stopped looking at the information we read critically to see if it’s accurate. We see an idea, the writer makes it seem easy and we decide to give it a whirl without looking at anything further to give the flip side.

As an aesthetician, I look at “home remedy” and DIY skincare tips all over the Internet that scare me on behalf of my clients. Everyone’s skin, chemistry, and needs are unique; relying on strictly anecdotal tips with no research behind them can be disastrous. There is no one size fits all – not even one size fits most – when it comes to skin care.

There are fantastic articles out there about skin care that are carefully researched and backed by science. We are lucky to live in a time where scientists research and find not only great skin care ingredients and products, but they’re always making new discoveries about the power of nature around us to incorporate into our skin care regime. The key is the research and what that research shows.

As a company that produces a line of skin care products, we don’t rely on just our experiences or stories from the spa when choosing ingredients in our products. We look at the research carefully to bring together a product that will truly benefit the user.

Here is our list of “Don’t Try These At Home”. It’s not exhaustive, but I’ve listed some of the scariest and seemingly innocuous DIY ingredients I’ve seen – and yes, I’ve spoken to clients who have tried these.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Full strength ACV is often recommended as a toner or cleanser for acne and hyper-pigmentation. However, it is a very strong acid that can cause burns and inflammation on skin.
Hydrogen Peroxide. There are many home uses for peroxide, but it is a bleach and a powerful one. Putting it straight on your skin can lead to the opposite of what you desire; On it’s own, without knowing how deep it will go or how long it will be active in the skin cells, rather than correcting hyperpigmentation it has the potential to strip melanin where you don’t want it too.
Raw Eggs. Ummm….ever heard of salmonella? Your skin absorbs a large percentage of what you put on it. Apply good things, you get good results. Apply bad things such as bacteria, well, you get the picture.
Lemon Juice. If you’ve ever read an old book with a heroine who hates her freckles, chances are, they mentioned using lemon juice to get rid of them. Unfortunately, they did not have our research to know that it is highly acidic and can cause inflammation in the skin, not to mention drying it out and removing the natural balance of oils.
Granulated Things. From sugar to salt to coffee grounds to ground up nut shells to other kitchen ingredients. Scrubbing the face with harsh, potentially sharp granules does not equal proper exfoliation. It’s more of a recipe for scratching the skin, visibly and invisibly.
Raw Garlic. Okay, let’s just put it out there. EWWW! I can’t even stand the smell of garlic on my hands when I’ve been cooking, so putting it on my face where I’d be smelling it for days? No thanks. Purported for it’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits, it is a powerful plant that can actually burn the skin when applied.
Cucumber. Yes, many spas will place cucumber over your eyes while you relax and enjoy your facial. And yes, cucumber infused water tastes delicious. However, those with allergies to ragweed, melons, chamomile, bananas and sunflower seeds can experience reactions to cucumber. Also, the high levels of Vitamin C in this delicious fruit can cause photosensitivity on the areas it has been applied.

While we don’t recommend using these ingredients in a DIY / home remedy form, they are amazing ingredients when used properly and safely in skin care products. In the proper concentrations, with other ingredients that work with them to either stabilize or control their benefits, they promote beautiful skin, and that is, after all, what we are after!

Say Good-Bye to Hormonal Acne!

Posted on 下午3:21, under

Remember growing up and hearing adults say not to eat too much chocolate because it causes acne??? That statement made my chocoholics’ heart stop in its tracks! How could something so wonderful do something so awful? And especially during that time of the month where chocolate tastes like salvation???

Well, it turns out that it wasn’t chocolate per se (whew!!), but acne that appears at that time of the month when we’re eating the most chocolate has an internal, hormonal component.

There are many causes and concerns with hormone balance, simply because they are so incredibly intricate. Our physicians don’t even fully understand this delicate and complicated system of the body, but we do see the impact on our energy levels, menstruation / PMS, weight, and yes, skin. And not only do our bodies produce hormones, but so many environmental factors impact the balance (or lack thereof) of our hormones.

Sounds complicated, huh?

Just as much as the food we eat impacts our skin, so can herbs, particularly those that promote healing and fight inflammation. Watching our clients fighting persistent, treatment resistant acne can be incredibly frustrating. Pure Skin by Maggie was founded with a desire to help our clients have beautiful skin. That is why we continue to study and learn more about the body and expand not only our treatment options, but also items our clients can take home to continue the healing.

Our most recent product, Pure Skin Capsules, are designed to help our clients see beautiful skin, whether their concern is aging, inflammatory issues, or hormone related acne. With a blend of anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and balancing herbs, these capsules work from within to combat skin concerns. The battlefield for beautiful skin is not confined to what we put on our face!

The benefits of the ingredients in Pure Skin Capsules are powerful:

Chinese Saffron Extract – This amazing herb assists the body in the detoxifying process and helps slow the aging process while promoting blood circulation and acting as an anticoagulant. As a bonus, it also helps with menstrual cramps, aids endometrial blood clot elimination and helps prevent amenorrhea.
Ginseng Extract – Well known for its benefits in helping boost low energy levels because of its ability to increase fatty acid metabolism to produce energy, it also has powerful detoxification properties.
Brazilian Mushroom Powder (Sporocarp): Enhances the body’s immune system and may be able to combat cancerous cells.
New Zealand Lactoferrin: Contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, inhibiting the effects of many viruses and infections. In addition, this glucoprotein helps eliminate the body of excess free radicals and reduces inflammation.
Chaste Berry Extract (Vitex Agnus): Balances the naturally occurring hormones throughout the body by helping the master-hormone glands, the hypothalamus and pituitary. Studies have shown women who have taken Chaste Tree Berry for 3 consecutive months see a significant reduction or elimination of their PMS symptoms.
Red Clover Extract: An anti-inflammatory herb for the skin, red clover contains the highest levels of natural isoflavones, including four types of botanical isoflavone hormones, supplementing the body’s hormone insufficiency. As a bonus – it’s also very good for the heart.
Damiana Leaf Extract: Rather than simply adding to or replacing hormone insufficiency, this extract helps the body’s endocrine (hormone) system to self-regulate secretion.

By working with your body’s natural functions, providing it with the power and nutrition of the amazing herbs that have helped people for thousands of years, you have one more tool in your arsenal of beautiful skin and a healthier life!

As amazing as herbs and supplements are, let me state that nothing replaces seeking the help of a physician who is versed in the functions and balances of our hormones. There is quite a bit that we can do on our own, by listening to our bodies, both in diet, exercise and supplements to see what works / doesn’t work. But, please, if you have a serious concern, do some research, be your own advocate, and find a good doctor to help guide you through healing.

Knowledge & Application Are The Keys to Scientific Skin Care

Posted on 下午1:32, under

Okay, let’s be brutally honest here. We’re all aging. And none of us like it. No matter how old you are, getting out of bed in the morning is not as easy as it was 5 or 10 years ago. The joints creak, energy never seems as high…and then, there’s our skin. Where did the wrinkles come from? The crepe paper eyelids? Those spots? And please oh please, how do we get rid of them – or at least slow them down?

Ever had one of THOSE conversations in your head? I sure have. Realizing that my illusion of more time is just that – an illusion. And then there are the conversations – why oh why didn’t I listen to my mother about sunblock and moisturizer and good skin care when I was younger? Especially with our beautiful Hawaii sunshine. (We’ll stay away from the sneaky gray hairs for today.)

If we are going to accept that this has happened, do we have to accept it, period? That it is inevitable and unavoidable? NO!! And double NO!! And, NO, surgery is not the answer either!

We are so lucky to live in an age of incredible research and skin care options. The more scientists research, the more we learn what our skin needs and how to provide it, with precision (minus the surgery – thank goodness!).

The keys to all of the wonderful science we have are knowledge and application. Knowledge because we have to know not only what claims are true and which are false but also we have to know what our skin individual needs so we don’t accept a "one size fits all" approach. Application because all the amazing science in the world profits nothing if it is mis-used. If at all possible – work with a professional esthetician for both the invaluable knowledge and necessary application.

Let’s take one of our signature treatments for example – the Vital Infusion Treatment. This treatment itself is good for all skin types, however, the actual infusion (application) is customized to each client’s actual skin needs (knowledge).
While someone with oily, acne prone skin does not need the same infusion that someone with dry skin and rosacea does, all skin types need good skin care and extra "boosts" with good skin treatments.
While we all need proper hydro-balance for our skin in order to keep those aging signs at bay for as long as possible, the nutrients necessary for each of us may differ depending on skin condition and age.
While all skin needs collagen to be wrinkle free, plump and beautiful (it is an essential, natural building block, after all) we may need it in different places.
Science is the best friend of aging skin – but let’s use it to its fullest advantage! Start off with the mantras "never assume" and "never stop learning" – never assume that you know what is best for your skin (unless you have a degree!) and never stop learning what options are out there, being uncovered for your benefit!

Update Your Skin Care Routine

Posted on 下午1:54, under

Let’s face the line…the very thin line between a skin care "routine" and a skin care "rut". It’s time to do a review of what we are putting on our faces, not just on a daily basis, but weekly and monthly. Here in Honolulu, we don’t have the extremes of weather common to the mainland that cause people to evaluate and update their beauty routines. We also don’t live in temperature-controlled homes with A/C or heat constantly drying out our skin. Unfortunately, living in paradise makes it a little easier for our routine to become a rut.
Think over the past month, or even longer, if you can. What does your daily skincare look like? Do you ever vary it or do you wait until you have a breakout or suddenly see your complexion getting dull and tired or signs of blackheads or, heaven forbid, new wrinkles appearing out of nowhere? I’m not suggesting that you skip any of the steps in the morning or evening – they are very important! Cleansing and gentle exfoliation is foundational; depending on your skin type, toner is critical to managing oil production; serum carries important nourishment deeper into your skin than other products can penetrate; and we all need moisturizer to keep our skin hydrated and balanced – yes, even those of you with oily skin! And don’t forget your sunscreen in the morning – the Hawaii sun has cumulative effects (ahem…wrinkle that wasn’t there yesterday!). But is that where your skin care ends?

Our skin needs more than just the "daily" stuff. Just like our bodies can become weak and vitamin deficient if we eat the same food all the time, our skin also needs a varied "diet". Our routine should be more than just daily. Enter one of our favorite weekly skin care "treats" – the mask. We aren’t talking about harsh masks, either. A deeply hydrating mask treatment at least once a week can keep your skin vibrant, hydrated and clarified. Clarified, you ask? Yes! Skin that is deeply clean and properly hydrated is less likely to break out.

We created our Age Reversal Serum Mask and Serum Infusion Masks for just that reason. To give your skin the "boost" it needs with hydrating serums and nourishing ingredients it needs. We also wanted to make sure our clients could take home a gentle, healing product after they have come in for a peel treatment at our Honolulu spa. The Age Reversal Mask is targeted for those of us who are watching the signs of decreased collagen production appear…doesn’t that sound so much nicer than "wrinkles"? Ingredients like Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and hyaluronic acid, penetrate deeply to heal and hydrate with immediately visible results – aka, "wrinkles be gone". The Serum Infusion Mask sends restorative anti-inflammatory Vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid deep into the layers of skin.

Don’t limit the use of a serum mask to just after a peel treatment or facial – we all need pick-me-ups between visits to an esthetician. Once a week, or more often if your skin needs extra TLC. We love to take these when traveling to ensure that the dry air of the airplane does not damage our skin. They are mess-free and feel amazingly luxurious on a long flight.

So, let’s wake up our skincare routines – your skin will thank you for it by glowing! When my skin glows, I feel better all over, and who couldn’t use that kind of confidence and bounce in their step?

Peptides – What are they really?

Posted on 晚上10:03, under

Over the years, as scientists make discoveries that are then found to be beneficial to skin, a lot of “buzz words”. Distinguishing which terms are truly of benefit to you and what they mean can feel like a mine field of information. This is why we research all the time – to help our clients make sense of all the information out there and differentiate which is truly beneficial and what is a hoax.

Through our research and experience, we have brought the benefits of peptides to our clients in several products, including our most recent Tri-Peptide Collagen Serum. Sounds complicated, right?

Science lesson! Let’s start at the beginning.

Twenty percent of the body is made up of protein. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. These essential amino acids are responsible for many important operations – they give cells their structure, transport and store nutrients, and influence the function of organs, glands, and arteries.

For our understanding of amino acids and their role in the health of our skin, they have another role – they are essential for wound healing and tissue repair in the muscles, bones, skin and hair. In every part of the body, they are working in crucial roles.

Sooooo…what does that have to do with “peptides”?

Very simply put, a peptide is a compound of two or more amino acids linked in a chain. These peptides are building blocks of proteins in the skin. Peptides in a long chain of amino acids form proteins. But the shorter chains of peptides are able to penetrate the outer layer of skin and send signals to our cells, letting them know how to function.

An example of how peptides work is found in a protein we are all familiar with – collagen. As the collagen protein breaks down with age and environmental stressors, wrinkles begin to develop. The proper formation of peptides applied to the skin signal to the body the need for collagen production, leading to smoother skin.

Amino acids, peptides and proteins are a complex function of our body, but as science continues to develop, we continue to stay on top of what our clients need to know and apply to their skin.

One word of caution – as we mentioned above, not every peptide is created equal when it comes to topical application. And while some peptides are able to provide immediate results, others take continued use to see the full benefits. Consult with an esthetician about what type is best for your unique skin concerns.

Beauty Comes from the Inside Out Part 2

Posted on 下午6:52, under

A few weeks ago, we wrote a blog about being aware of what you put into your body – making sure that you are putting the right nutrition into your body for the results you want to see on your skin. We tried to avoid talking too much what to “avoid”, because, really, who wants to hear about that? Unfortunately, as much as we would wish that sugar, gluten, dairy, fried foods & all the delicious treats we love were good for our skin & our bodies, we must face facts. Avoiding all the foods that effect our skin can seem impossible, depending on lifestyle, family and availability of whole foods.

Foods that create inflammation in our bodies also create inflammation in our skin. And as we are taking care to help our bodies heal, the skin is one of the last areas to see noticeable results.

So, with that, we come to the end of the bad news.

If you are seeing rapid aging, stubborn acne, rosacea, and other skin care concerns, our first recommendation would be to see a professional to find the root cause of the problem. Healing, if it doesn’t go to the root, will only help superficially. Our estheticians are trained to help you decipher what the root of your skin concern may be.

From there, wherever possible, try to eliminate known triggers. If stress is your trigger, then try some meditation, yoga and other techniques to bring that back under control. Every reduction in triggers is a good reduction.

Finally, we come back to filling your body with good, whole foods & supplements. Healthy fats and oils in balance with proteins, veggies and carbs. Look for foods that are high in antioxidants to combat free radical damage. Choose supplements with a focus on healing. This doesn’t mean you must fill your kitchen counter with bottles of pills and take handfuls several times a day. A good supplement that combines foundational nutrition and inflammation support will go a long way.

Many people will see a noticeable difference in their skin within a few days of making some minor changes to diet, lifestyle, and nutrition. If you don’t see results, then take some time and look a little deeper. The answer is within your body and within your control. We would love to partner with you to help you find it!

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.

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