PURE SKIN BY MAGGIE: 2017

Teatime Is the Right Time for Healing

Posted on 下午5:20, under

“Tea makes everything better.” This quote from Bindi Irwin is so true! Relaxing on the lanai with the trade winds blowing, the sound of the ocean wafting through, and a soothing cup of tea. Just the mental picture melts stress off my shoulders!

The benefits of tea go far beyond the calm and peace of our various tea rituals. Inside and out, healing properties make that morning, mid-morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, and bedtime cups (what can I say, I love tea) a powerful addition to your self-care and health plans. Yes – outside! Just as various teas and herbal teas aid digestion, they also help support glowing skin.

Tea Tips

Before we get into which teas to look for, here are a few tips.

Buy organic. Just as our other crops have been touched by herbicides, pesticides, and runoff in the water, tea is no exception.
Use high-quality, filtered water. Providing your body with the cleanest possible water allows it to focus on absorbing the “good stuff” without having to filter out the bad.
Read the recommendations for a particular type of tea for what temperature and how long to steep to bring out the best flavor and properties.
Change it up! It’s easy to reach for the same box of tea all day, but our bodies need variety in more than just our fruits and veggies. If green tea is your favorite, drink a cup or two in the morning, then switch to healing herbal teas after 2:00 pm for restful sleep.
Skip the milk and sugar due to their inflammatory properties and opt for lemon.
Add a little honey to your cup to absorb all the wonderful enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties of local, raw honey. “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” right?

Choosing Teas for Your Skin

If you like the sound of drinking your healing, but the plethora of options overwhelms, you’ve come to the right blog! You can get personalized recommendations from your acupuncturist, naturopath, or other functional medicine professional, but you can get started right away with a few of these teas.

Here are the benefits of caffeinated teas.

Green Tea is an antioxidant wonder! It contains catechins (EGCG) that fight free-radicals – reviving dying skin cells, promoting new cell growth, and preventing wrinkles. One of the most studied teas in relation to health, the University of Maryland Medical Center’s recommendation is based on polyphenols (antioxidant compounds). Drinking 2 to 3 cups per day, depending on brand, provides 240 to 320 milligrams of polyphenols.
White Tea is the least-processed caffeinated tea. With even more antioxidants and catechin levels than green tea, and antibacterial properties to fight skin conditions, it is amazingly healing for the body and skin. One additional benefit is that it can help prevent the increase of MMP (matrix metalloproteinases), an enzyme that can decrease collagen and elastin as we age. Whole leaf tea typically has less caffeine than bagged tea.
Matcha. A distinct powdered green tea that is grown and produced in Japan (and we know the wonders of Japanese skin care!), this potent tea goes far beyond the traditional tea ceremonies. Matcha Mochi, anyone? No, seriously. This antioxidant-rich tea is nutritionally dense with natural antibiotics, catechin, and chlorophyll, that detoxify the skin and fight bacterial infections. One study found that matcha has 137 times the polyphenols (EGCG) than regular green tea. Reduce inflammation and free radicals one frothy, delicious cup at a time!

Here are just a few of the top herbal teas for a glowing complexion.

Chamomile Tea. The sweet sleep tea, chamomile has antispasmodic, antibacterial, anxiolytic effects that help with stress and anti-inflammatory properties for a rested glow to your skin.
Rooibos. An anti-aging powerhouse, rooibos has high levels of antioxidants including SOD (superoxide dismutase) and zinc that can help correct hormonal acne.
Hibiscus Tea. Yes, our beautiful Hawaii hibiscus flowers can help our skin! A ruby-red tea with a refreshing tart flavor, hibiscus is rich in vitamins that our bodies and skin need, including vitamins C, A, B1, B2, as well as much needed minerals zinc and iron. Don’t forget the alpha-hydroxy acids and omega-3. A powerhouse in a lush flower we see all around our island home!
Spearmint Tea. With anti-androgenic properties that can help balance hormones, spearmint can also help heal hormonal acne. It also has contains several antioxidants for anti-aging benefits!

These are just a sampling of the benefits from the teas we have available to us. Talk to your natural healthcare provider for more tips specific to your body’s needs. The health of your skin is an indicator of the health of your body. A few well-chosen additions to your routine can reap an abundance of healthy benefits!

A few notes…

As with all things we consume for health, we recommend that you consult your doctor regarding any potential interactions with current medications or health conditions.
When it comes to healing the body through food, if a little does well, do NOT use a lot! Too much of a good thing is not healthy either. Seek the balance that is right for your bio-individual needs.

For example, Licorice tea is very beneficial for digestion, but those with high blood pressure should be cautious when consuming licorice as it can raise blood pressure. This is a tea that is recommended only in moderation.

Drink tea & be well! ☺

Keeping Skin Beautiful Through the Holidays

Posted on 晚上11:49, under

Okay. I know. It seems a bit early to hear that word. Gulp. Holidays. Hard to believe that autumn is here and Halloween is just weeks away and the holiday season will begin. Delicious food, fun time with friends and family, travel and parties - don’t forget the presents!

It’s a time of fun and celebration, but can also come with stress as we try to fit more activities into already full schedules. What none of us want to see is the effects of that stress on our skin, and in the photos.

Never fear! Starting now to take extra care of your skin can keep that vibrant glow through every party, event, vacation, and photograph.

The first step to keeping skin beautiful is to get it to a good starting point. While we do not have drastic autumn weather and humidity changes in Honolulu that affect your skin and your skin care routine the way they do on the mainland, it still takes time for our skin to heal, treatments to work, and vitamins to work, so the beginning of fall is a good time to get started.

First, let’s take an honest look at what you’re putting on your skin every day. Start with these questions:

Are my products working or am I just following habit with what I am using?
What are my main skin care concerns? Aging? Hyperpigmentation? Sensitivity? Acne? Rosacea?
Do the products I’m using address my personal concerns?
Am I remembering to do the “extras” beyond cleansing, toning and moisturizing every day? When was the last time I took extra care of my skin with a mask or treatment?
Do I feel good about where my skin is at?

Once you have answered these questions, particularly identifying what your main concerns are, the next step is to say, 1) “YAY!! My skin looks awesome and my skin care is working!” or 2) “Umm… I think I need to re-evaluate my skin care routine because my skin is not where I want it to be” or 3) “I am mostly happy with my skin, but I have a few things that I want to address.”

Whether you are in Group One, Two, or Three, once you have your starting point, it’s time to talk to an esthetician and get a professional’s help choosing products and pampering your skin with a treatment that is personalized for your skin. We talk to many clients who are trying to recover from choosing the wrong products for their skin, in addition to sun damage, acne, and aging concerns. This is one of the reasons we offer a 30 minute free consultation to our new clients, to go over what has worked, what hasn’t, and explore a skin history and set some goals.

Group One

Yes, even Group One may want to schedule some extra TLC for their skin during the holidays. The stress of the holidays can disrupt even the most beautiful skin, if you’re not proactive! You may be happy with your skin, but you know your body’s reaction to stress, climate changes during travel, yummy foods we indulge in. A few things to consider. Here are some tips.

Schedule a periodic facial to make sure that your skin is remaining properly protected and hydrated. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! (And, hey, a little bit of pampering during the holidays is always a welcome treat!)
Identify what has disrupted your skin in the past – stress, food, lack of hydration – and get proactive about circumventing their disruptions this year.
Find out what climate changes you will be faced with if you plan to travel. We often joke about Las Vegas being another Hawaiian Island – if it is, it’s certainly the driest! Preparing ahead of time that you need to amp up your serum and moisturizer or your destination includes parties where you plan to wear heavier makeup and therefore deeper cleansing than normal can keep your skin glowing through the entire holiday season! Don’t forget to pick up the Serum Infusion Mask to keep skin hydrated on the plane!

Group Two

Don’t despair! There is time and there is always hope for beautiful skin. This is an important time to call for help, rather than using the trial and error method. So many products make claims of glorious results, but those claims are not true for every user. At Pure Skin by Maggie, we firmly believe that each client’s skin is unique, with unique needs and a unique treatment plan. Your skin does not belong in a box!

Identify what your concerns are with your skin. Bring those to your esthetician and create a plan together to achieve the results you desire. A combination of facials and treatments along with products that support those goals at home will bring you closer to your ideal skin much faster than you expect.
Know your body! Our skin is an integral part of our body’s detoxifying process. And sometimes, it’s the part that gives us the neon blinking signs that something is wrong. Listen to what it is trying to say. We have seen clients listen to their body and discover that they had a hormone imbalance causing their skin issues or a simple food allergy. What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on them. A few dietary and lifestyle adjustments along with healing supplements like our Pure Skin Capsules can bring you that much closer to glowing skin.
Think through your holiday plans. What can you be pro-active about? If you are traveling, knowing where you are going and how it can affect your skin. If you’re autumn explorations help you identify a food or lifestyle concern, how can you adapt your plans to ensure that you stay healthy?

Group Three

Congratulations! Your skin care routine is working, it just needs some fine tuning. This is the perfect time to call in some help and take your skin that step or two farther.

Schedule some “you” time – if you don’t make the time, life will take over. Talk to your esthetician about your skin dreams and make them a priority, both at the spa and at home. Now is the time to do this, because while they may seem minor now, time, weather, and environment are not our friends.
Recognize factors that have prevented you hitting your skin goals and counteract them. We speak to many clients who express that the hardest thing is finding the time to take care of their body, including their skin. Others express a lack of knowledge or the right products. Whatever it is, if you are aware, they cannot hold you back!
Plan ahead for your holidays! Travel, parties, being busy. Fine tuning doesn’t necessarily mean perfect skin overnight. Work with your esthetician to stay on track.

For all of our clients, we know that stress is just part of life, particularly this coming holiday season. Take care of yourself!

Eat good food
Drink plenty of water
Plan time to rest
Make time to exercise
Practice saying “No” when needed

And above all, enjoy this festive time with family and friends! We wish you a glowing, beautiful holiday season!

The Low-Down on Whitening

Posted on 下午2:21, under

If you’ve looked at the treatment menu of our Honolulu skin care spa, you’ve probably noticed several treatments with the word “whitening” in them. Vitamin C & E Whitening Facial. Micro-Hydro Whitening Treatment. Pure Foundation & Whitening Treatment. Don’t forget the “Snow White” Whitening Treatment.

Or our newest, the Picosecond Whitening Treatment – a breakthrough in whitening treatments! During this treatment, extremely short pulses of light energy at specific wavelengths are sent into the skin. The energy absorbed by pigments shatters pigment particles into micro-fragments that the body can eliminate naturally. By gently disrupting the particles responsible for pigment conditions, most clients only experience a few hours of mild redness and minor swelling. No long painful recovery; no need to cover up; no missing out on life. Whether your concern is face, hands, underarms, inside of legs (particularly after pregnancy) or any other body part, this treatment is ideal for bringing out an even skin tone.

But what does whitening mean?

When we talk to clients new to professional skin care treatments, they’re a bit concerned about “whitening”. It’s a bit of a misnomer. We’re not trying to change anyone’s skin tone. No one is going to walk out from our office looking like a sheet of printer paper.

Every skin shade is beautiful, but most of us have spots that are uneven. Freckles, age spots, acne scars and more. The purpose of whitening is more literally, “evening”. Evening out skin tone so you show a flawless face to the world, without the help of heavy make-up.

Where does skin get its color?

Melanin. A pigment that is not just stored in the epidermis, but made there. While we all have about the same number of epidermal cells that make melanin, not everyone makes the same amount of melanin. That is determined by genetics. The more melanin your skin makes, the darker your skin.

Melanin is also why our skin either tans or burns when exposed to the sun. Melanin has more jobs than simply giving your skin its color. Increased melanin production is a protective mechanism in your body against the damaging rays of the sun. Unfortunately, by the time your skin turns either red or dark, the damage has already been done. That tan may look beautiful, but it’s just as much a sign of danger as the lobster shade we see walking around the beaches of Waikiki.

A little cool fact. People with darker skin have more melanin and usually don’t develop as many wrinkles with age and are less prone to skin cancer. However, this does not mean that they cannot get skin cancer, so no matter what shade your skin, please, please, please protect it against the damage our beautiful Hawaii sun can cause.

What causes the unevenness?

Uneven skin tone, no matter the cause, is called hyperpigmentation. This irregular darkening of the skin is caused by overproduction of melanin. We tend to perceive these uneven patches as coming from age, and while that is true to a point, it’s more accurately damage that has built up over time.

Sun Exposure. Repeated exposure to UV rays causes damage that can result in brown spots and uneven skin tone as your skin tries to protect you from the UV light.
Hormones. More than just causing PMS, hormones can cause melasma, a hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. Melasma is most commonly experienced during pregnancy or taking contraceptives, but can also indicate a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. A result of scarring, either from acne or injury, this skin darkening is typically localized.
Pollution. While not as much of an issue with the trade winds removing traffic-related air pollution from the islands, the particles and gasses from produced in traffic can penetrate the skin leading to hyperpigmentation.

How can I prevent hyperpigmentation?

Ever heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? This is so true when talking about hyperpigmentation, particularly that caused by the sun.

Apply SPF every day. No exceptions! The sun still filters through clouds and causes damage, so a cloudy day is no excuse not to wear protection. And we’re not talking about the sticky smelly stuff at the corner store. There are much better options that are designed to protect the delicate skin of the face without clogging pores and causing breakouts. Quick tip for those who love the beach, water and even snow – don’t neglect to carry your daily SPF under the chin, down the neck and over the décolletage. The sun reflects on these surfaces and you can still burn.
Protect. It may not be the height of fashion, but a good, broad-rimmed hat is an essential item to your beach outfit along with SPF sunblock to re-apply frequently.
Hydrate. Your skin, yes, but also your body. Drinking plenty of water is part of our bodies detox mechanism to remove pollution and other toxins. Keep flushing those out, whether you feel thirsty or not.
Skin care. Choose your skin care wisely, gentle products that don’t sting or burn as this irritation can exacerbate melisma. Our Rose Whitening line has ingredients designed to calm and heal hyperpigmentation with gentle ingredients.
Talk to your doctor. If you are taking or considering oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor about all of the options, their risks and benefits. This is true of all medications. Make sure you know what medications might cause melasma and talk to your doctor about alternatives. You have to be your own advocate with your doctor to make the best decisions for your body and skin.

How can I correct hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation cannot be completely avoided, particularly when it comes to stubborn acne that takes time to get under control and dark areas caused by hormone imbalances. Hormones are a very delicate balancing act.

Start at home. A good esthetician will tell you that we can only do so much in the brief time that you visit us. You need to be actively involved in prevention and correction by using the right products at home and being consistent with your skin care. Proper exfoliation, cleansing, and hydrating are essential. Talk to your esthetician about what products to use and when so that you are finding the “Goldilocks” routine for your individual skin needs.
Professional treatments. We work with many clients to correct sun, age, hormone, and other hyperpigmentation issues, beginning with a complimentary consultation to assess your individual needs and concerns. From there, we develop a treatment plan personalized for each client’s needs.

Here is to pure, vibrantly even skin tone!

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.

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