PURE SKIN BY MAGGIE: 2018

Non-Surgical Face Lift – That’s a Real Thing?

Posted on 下午4:48, under

We look in the mirror and we don’t see what we used to see. That flawless, unlined, youthful appearance that we took for granted in our teens, twenties, and thirties. Where did the time go? And why does it have to show up in some areas more prominently than others?

When strolling in Waikiki or Ala Moana, we see images of youthful beauty in the store windows, and, while intellectually, we know there was post-production editing involved, it doesn’t factor strongly in the mental comparisons game. We all want to look and feel attractive and strong – at whatever age and stage we are in! Eating healthy, exercise, drinking water, taking care of the only body and skin we will ever have.

But have you ever felt like it wasn’t quite enough? Facing the mirror chips away at self-confidence a little every day. Often, we start to consider “the big guns,” a.k.a. cosmetic surgery. Maybe thinking it’s worth the risks if it restores that vivacity and confidence from a few years ago… Cosmetic surgery IS tempting.

Sometimes, stopping the damage of that mirror and those comparisons, admittedly a multi-layered challenge, begins with time for self-care and action in one small area.

However, before making a permanent decision with risks that don’t always outweigh the rewards, we have some great news for you: technology is catching up with surgery!! There are options out there for those pesky signs of aging that are completely safe and just as effective as what a surgeon could offer. And for those who have already gone through cosmetic surgery and want a ‘refresh,’ there are options available that do not involve further surgery and injections!

Maggie, our founder and a dedicated esthetician, is committed to first, listening to the needs and wants of our clients, then, researching and bringing the most effective treatments to the clients in our Honolulu spa. Notice we didn’t say “newest!” We stay on top of technology, but we do not offer treatments until they have been proven both safe and effective.

Time Rewind Tightening Treatment – The Non-Surgical Face Lift

Since 2009, we have brought many treatment options into the spa to help clients with aging skin concerns. After seeing the results of this treatment, though, we are very excited to offer such an effective treatment for tightening, contouring and lifting aging skin!

This non-invasive face lift is a technological breakthrough using micro- and macro-ultrasound energy to deeply and safely activate skin’s natural regenerative process. This treatment protects the skin while precisely and deeply penetrating, treating beyond the epidermis and dermis to the subcutaneous and SMAS ‘foundation’ layers, the source of structural weakness.

What does this deep penetration mean for our clients? This treatment can effectively resolve

Double chins
Ill-defined jawlines
Skin laxity
Eye bags
Wrinkles, including crow’s feet and other ‘v-lines’
Décolletage
Body skin sagging on the arm, back, belly, thigh, love handle

During treatment, clients see an immediate lift due to collagen contraction and denaturation. However, the truly dramatic results occur over time. After treatment, as the tissue repairs and the body synthesizes new collagen, clients see tissue tightening and lifting over a period of up to 12 months. Best results are seen with treatments 3 – 4 times a year.

Through this complete collagen remodeling, it really does look and feel like we have turned back time!

Note: While this treatment is safe for all skin types, it is contraindicated for those who are pregnant or have a pacemaker.

5 Times Micellar Water Can Be a Life-Saver

Posted on 下午6:34, under

We are SO spoiled! Think about it. With just a twist of a handle, we have clean water available at multiple points in our home, for drinking, cooking, cleaning and washing. Grab a bottle of cleanser, a face cloth or brush, go to your sink, wait for the water to reach the perfect temperature and luxuriate in the feeling of clean skin. Aahh… Bliss!

Wait, what?!? There are makeup artists, Instagram influencers and models using a cotton pad on their face to magically remove their makeup?? What are they using? Where can we find this skin magic?

The secret ingredient on that cotton pad is micellar water!

Micellar water originated in Paris, which, you would think, being a beauty and fashion mecca would have amazing water, right? Not so much. It’s notoriously hard water is astringent and drying – not good at all for beautiful, hydrated skin. It has been a staple in France for many years and it has recently made its way here, to the United States and Hawaii.

So, obviously it’s great for the skin, but what IS it, exactly?

It looks just like water, but it holds a secret! Suspended in this soft water are ‘micelles’, microscopic clusters of oil and dirt-absorbing molecules. Think of them kind of like a magnet. They have a water-loving ‘head’ that dissolves impurities and an oil-loving tail that traps dirt, oil and makeup. With the swipe of a cotton pad these little cleaning magnets leave behind gorgeously clean and hydrated skin!

Micellar waters works as a cleanser, toner and make-up remover in one simple step. The amazing part? No additional water source is required!

Who should use micellar water?

This is one of those all-around good guys that should be in everyone’s skin-care arsenal. Whether dry skin or oily, acne prone or rosacea, this is a gentle cleanser that will cleanse, remove excess dirt and oil, without stripping your skin’s natural hydration barriers.

At Pure Skin by Maggie, we formulate our All-In-One Antioxidant Micellar Cleansing Water to include super-fruit extracts known for their superior antioxidant properties. Combining these botanical antioxidants with the cleansing micelles takes the hydration and healing factors to a new level.

When should I use micellar water?

Well, we could tell you “anytime you need to clean your face”, but there are times that you may not think of cleansing your face, simply because there’s no sink around! Think about it…

Take it to your favorite Oahu beach and clean your skin between sunscreen applications! Layer after layer of skin-clogging waterproof sunblock is not great for your skin, but you need that protection. Use the micellar water to clear out sweat, bacteria and product before you put another layer on.
Keep it in your gym bag for pre- and post- workout cleansing. Leaving make-up on during a workout is not good for your skin. A few swipes of a cotton pad and micellar water before you start and again when you’re ready to remove the sticky remains of your post-workout sweat will keep your complexion glowing.
Carry a bottle with you whenever you’re traveling and know that your hydration is safe! Ever been to a hotel and the water smells like you’ve gone to a pool loaded with chlorine? Chlorine dries out and irritates the skin, and fighting dry skin is no way to enjoy a vacation.
Put a small bottle in your purse or desk at work for an easy clean when you need to refresh your make-up during the day, or to perform a quick-change from day to evening make-up without stopping at home.
Place a bottle on your nightstand with a few cotton pads for those nights when you’re so exhausted you can’t help but fall into bed no matter what else needs to be done. We can’t help you (yet!) with cleaning your teeth without a sink, but you can keep your skin safe. (Hint – keep a bottle of moisturizer on the nightstand too!)

You can probably think of other times to pull out this gem…camping? Hiking? Goodness, being a mom, it’s hard to find time to wash your face!

There is nothing quite as refreshing as a clean face when you need a mental or physical pick-me-up. Add micellar water to your beauty routine and enjoy that sparkling, renewed feeling any time!

Hormone Imbalance and Your Skin

Posted on 下午2:18, under

Our bodies are incredibly intricate, finely tuned machines with hormones serving as the messengers. Each hormone has a specific instruction to share with each organ and those directions dictate everything from digestion to body temperature to mood to energy to weight and so many other aspects of our health.

Now, we are not endocrinologists, and even doctors will tell you that the endocrine system is so complex that they don’t fully understand it. What we do know is that hormones are underappreciated – until they aren’t carrying the right messages for optimal health.

We tend to “lump” these missed signals into a catch-all term, “hormone imbalance”. Which is true. It just doesn’t quite express how miserable it can feel to be tired, nauseated, cold when no one else is, suffering from uncontrollable mood swings and breaking out all over the place. And worse? Feeling like there is nothing you can do about it.

Whether suffering from hypothyroidism or poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or any other diagnoses, we still want to look our best. At Pure Skin by Maggie, we frequently see clients who are dealing with hormone issues with their doctors and seeing results in some area, a main concern is still their skin – the first impression they give to the world. It’s easier to disguise exhaustion than what appears on your face.

The Good News…

There are things you can do at home to help your body heal and regain it’s balance!

This is NOT a recommendation to forego a doctor’s care. Hormone conditions can become serious and lead to long term health issues and autoimmune conditions if left untreated. These are things you can do in conjunction with visits to the doctor and taking necessary medication.

Get plenty of rest. Our bodies heal when we are at rest. Listen to your body; get enough sleep at night and if needed, get rest during the day. Sometimes even 15 minutes of time laying down can re-set your body for the day.
Exercise! It can be something fun and it doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. But every system and function of our body benefits from exercise. Again, listen to your body about how much and how often. If 5 minutes is all you can handle, then start there and do 5 minutes as often as you can each day, every day.
Drink plenty of water. We hear this all the time, but it’s extremely important. And take it a step further: get a good filter for your faucet at home to remove as much of the chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals as possible.
Eat whole, fresh foods and avoid refined sugars. Give your body the fuel it needs to function as best it can. Refined sugars play havoc with your endocrine system as insulin levels go up and down. This isn’t about deprivation, but moderation with treats that we all love.

The Good News for Your Skin…

The 4 tips above will benefit every system in your body, including your skin. But there are things you can do to help your skin even more.

Pay attention to the ingredients in your skin care products. All of the Pure Skin by Maggie products are free of parabens, sulfates, and other known endocrine disrupters. What you put on your skin gets absorbed and affects your whole body.
Develop a good skin care routine. Yes, hormone induced acne is an inside-out issue; however, give your skin it’s best shot by not leaving a chance for bacteria, dead skin cells, and old oils to clog it up and exacerbate the condition.
Visit an esthetician for professional help. Our founder, Maggie Liu, is trained to know the source of different types of acne and how to treat them. Even with a hormone imbalance, there are steps you can take externally to support healthy, glowing skin.

Finally, while you should consult a physician before taking any supplements, we have developed an herbal supplement, Pure Skin Capsules, to help balance hormones and lead to the pure skin of your dreams! We have had a number of clients see their skin woes turn around with this natural healing support. The powerful ingredients include:

Chinese Saffron Extract to promote blood circulation
Ginseng Extract boost metabolism and detoxification
Brazilian Mushroom Powder to enhance the body’s immune system
New Zealand Lactoferrin to reduce inflammation and free radicals
Chaste Berry Extract (also known as Vitex) to gently and naturally balance hormones
Red Clover Extract to supplement the body’s hormone insufficiencies
Damiana Leaf Extract to help the body’s endocrine system self regulate secretion

These capsules and a health-full lifestyle can lead to beautiful skin and hopefully more energy and vitality as your hormones become more balanced.

Why All the Talk about Vitamins?

Posted on 下午2:33, under

If you follow the Pure Skin by Maggie blog or social media, you will hear us talking (a lot) about beauty from the inside out. But why do we stress this so much?

As with most things in life, skin care is not a simple, one-answer, one-size-fits-all discussion. There are many variables and our bodies are each so unique and intricately designed that what goes on outside the body affects the inside and what goes on inside the body affects the outside.

A holistic view point leads to more thorough, and effective, skin care. And that’s the bottom line, isn’t it? We want effective skin care that leads to beautiful, healthy skin!

Exercise

Okay, okay. You may be shaking your head. “Um, this is a skin care blog. Why are you talking about diet and exercise?” Wellll… Because they are important in every aspect of your health - inside & out!

We live in the beautiful state of Hawaii, with gorgeous weather year-round. Whether it’s a Hawaiian winter or a humid summer with the trade winds gone, exercise and the outdoors are part of our culture. In Honolulu alone, we have beaches, parks, hiking trails, and that’s just what you can do on your own. Jump in on Pilates or yoga in the park and you will add to your community. And no matter what you enjoy, they all come with an amazing view!

After we protect our skin from the sun, ahem, hint, hint, some time spent in that fresh air, working up a sweat can really benefit the skin. Our skin is the largest organ in the body and an important detox organ. Working up that sweat (and properly washing it off after!) can help our bodies detox more efficiently and get the toxic stuff out that can lead to breakouts. And come on, don’t you love the endorphin high after a brisk hike up Diamond Head or the even more challenging Koko Head? Not to mention the fact that moderate exercise promotes health in every system of the body. Hormone imbalances, digestion concerns, tight muscles from stress. Exercise is one of the least expensive and most impactful prescriptions!

Diet

This is a topic you may be more familiar with in relation to skin care. Ever heard that old myth that chocolate causes breakouts? It’s more like over-eating chocolate, and the accompanying sugar, but don’t get us started on a favorite treat! My chocoholic heart hurts every time I hear it blamed for breakouts.

There is more to diet and its connection to skin care than just chocolate, sugar and fried foods. We are each biologically unique and our bodies needs are unique as well. Some (lucky) people never have an issue with their skin in relation to foods, and others have inflammatory reactions that lead to the discovery of previously unknown food allergies. Dairy and refined sugars leading to breakouts. Gluten causing keratosis pilaris (a type of eczema). Other foods aggravating other skin issues.

A low-inflammatory diet of lots of good proteins, whether vegetarian or not, healthy fats (think of those avocados growing in your backyard!), and lots of varieties of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables benefit your skin both in the short and long term. A little research, a few changes, and perhaps, exploring whether you have a food sensitivity or allergy, could be one of the missing links in your skin care plan that leads to the glowing complexion of your dreams.

Vitamins & Herbal Supplements

Whether or not you jump on board with dietary and other lifestyle adjustments, a simple change with powerful results for your skin is supplementing your diet with vitamins. (Quick tip - keep them right next to your morning coffee or tea as a reminder!)

Unfortunately, no matter how hard we work to eat all the right foods and enough of them, natural depletion of nutrients in our soil means we consume less of the nutrients we need. And, let’s face it, who wants to eat 5 cups of broccoli a day? Vitamins and supplements do not replace getting a rainbow of fruits and veggies every day, but they help us reach the nutritional amounts we need for optimal health. And herbs are a powerful part of that – plants as medicine!

We have watched so many clients come into our doors who were being helped by the treatments and products that we recommended, but the full potential of their skin was not realized until they made the simple adjustment of supplementing their diet.

Seeing the evidence of this led us to create the Pure Brightening Capsules and the Pure Skin Capsules. Formulated with vitamins and herbs that support the body’s natural healing process, from the inside out, we have seen clients achieve the beautiful skin they dreamed of, but always remained out of reach.

Consistency

So we have the components of healing the body from the inside out, but what ingredient is necessary to bind it all together for real results? Consistency! As with most parts of life, diet, exercise and vitamins are not a one time “fix”. A little every day is the key to greatness.

Let’s focus on the vitamin component. If you take vitamins until your skin looks better, but then stop, how will your body maintain the anti-inflammatory benefits or balance that it has achieved? The body, your natural detoxification processes, and your skin still need the “foods” such as Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, Ginseng, or Red Clover Extract to continue combatting the outside factors that we cannot control such as stress and pollution. Just as stopping an exercise plan leads to muscle loss, discontinuing vitamins that have led to health will lead to a loss of that progress.

The Why?

Beauty from the inside out takes time and diligence, but the rewards are endless and multiplied. Not just in having beautiful skin, but improved health from head to toe and an indefinable confidence that you are doing what you can for your health. Even watching the impact your actions and example make on those around you. That’s the beauty of the ‘ohana in Hawaii – our community and family that can seek health together.

Note: This article is not to replace medical advice. We recommend that you consult your physician before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or taking any supplements.

The Roadmap to Beautiful Skin

Posted on 下午4:19, under

The products. The advice. The Insta-experts. The influencers. The YouTube videos. The promises. The changes. And…the dreaded decisions to make!
A few generations ago, skin care was all about cold cream. Now, cold cream is a rarer commodity on the bottom shelf at the drug store. There are serums, moisturizers, boosters, misters, creams for this and lotions for that, five thousand different masks to choose from. Ever feel like, "All I want is beautiful skin – why does it have to be so confusing?"

Let’s get this out of the way. A single at-home treatment is never going to replace the benefits and care of a consistent, healthy skin care routine. As Jim Rohn has said, "Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn’t going to get the job done."

Today, we dive in! What does it look like – from an esthetician’s training, research, and experience?

The Products
Finding the right products for your skin can feel overwhelming. Whenever possible, seek the advice of a professional. Did you know that your skin can be oily yet dehydrated at the same time? If you have sensitive skin, have you been able to identify what is triggering a reaction? Take your products to your esthetician and get an expert’s opinion!

If you’re not able to go to an expert and something’s not working, but you’re not sure what, go on an "elimination diet". Change or eliminate only one product at a time for a week. Write down how your skin looks and feels every day. If nothing changes, then keep eliminating/changing products one at a time till you find the culprit.

And always watch out for products that can aggravate…like those delicious smelling moisturizers with the word "parfum" in the ingredients list. Gulp. Basically, look for products with as natural an ingredient list as you can find that still delivers results.

The Morning Routine
Whether you like to wake up to a bracing shower and cup of coffee or prefer to end your day with a shower and begin it with a cup of tea, our morning wake-up needs to include caring for our skin. And, yes, this list is in the best order of steps:
Cleanse. Choose gentle a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of natural oils.
Tone. Yes, this step is still important even if it’s not popular on Instagram! As with your cleanser, look for something gentle that doesn’t strip your skin. If it leaves skin tight and irritated, then find something else!
Eye Cream. These vary depending on age and skin needs, but that delicate skin needs the extra protection to stay elastic and youthful as long as possible. Don’t skip it!
Serum. What is your main skin concern? There are serums that multi-task and others that are more focused. They are a powerhouse of hydration and healing.
Moisturizer. Seal in that delicious hydration and protect your skin for the day!
Sunscreen. Don’t walk out the door until you are truly ready to face the sun! Apply a 29 SPF or higher for daily use, but definitely higher if you’re headed to the Hawaii beaches.

The Evening Wind-Down
Yes, we know it’s been a long day and you’re tired. But hold on for just a little longer. You will thank yourself later when you look ten years younger than your peers!
Makeup remover. It’s tempting to rely on your cleanser to remove makeup; however, the ingredients and composition of makeup remover not only eliminate the pulling and tugging of trying to remove every bit of makeup, but they also do a deeper and more thorough job.
Cleanse. Twice. Are you shaking your head in disbelief? You want every last bit of the day, pollution and makeup out of your pores, so yes, we really do mean twice.
Tone. You know that cleansing twice thing? You might find that you still have a little makeup hanging around when you wipe the toner over your face.
Eye Cream. Moisturize those tired eyes and give them lovely healing ingredients to combat the stress of the day. (Why do the eyes have to show the stress first?)
Serum. Use the same serum from your morning routine, or maybe change it up a little bit. Some serums are a little too heavy to go under makeup, but their healing benefits are so incredible. They make a fantastic addition to your evening routine!
Moisturizer. Seal it all in and know that you’re holding on to all the goodness as your skin recovers during the most healing 8 hours of every 24.

The Weekly "Treats"
Even with the best daily care, our skin needs some periodic extra attention.

Now, before we go any further, it’s tempting to use a "strong" product during weekly treatments because it’s getting rave reviews in the beauty magazines. Don’t give in! Know your skin and treat it gently – yes it renews, but some damage is long lasting or even permanent. Avoid overly drying or harsh products with salicylic acid, AHA, and benzoyl peroxide that can dry out the skin. If it your skin is irritated, tight, or dry after a treatment, then it’s probably not safe.
Exfoliating. Gently, gently, gently! Harsh products, treatments, or ‘scrubbing’ can actually put tiny cuts in the skin that have to heal (and boy can they sting!!). The goal of exfoliating is to remove built up dead skin cells, but the good news is, they come up to the top, so you don’t need to remove a few layers of living skin to get the job done!
Clarifying Mask. This is more for those with oily skin or acne-prone skin. Look for a product that is not overly-drying or harsh (catching a theme here?) and follow the directions. If it’s only intended to be on skin for 5 minutes, please don’t leave it on for 10! Anytime you use a clarifying treatment, follow up with a hydrating mask, preferably water based if you are prone to oil or acne.

The Twice-Weekly Soothers
Serum masks are the ultimate in at-home spa-like treatments! Light a candle, turn on some soothing music, relax in a bath… Okay. Sorry. Dream fantasy over, back to advice. They hydrate so deeply and make the rest of your routine so much easier. If you’ve just had the Picosecond Whitening Treatment or the Erbium Laser Treatment, we recommend you use these three times a week.

When to Use…
We are often asked when to use our healing EGF Capsules. These powerhouse pearls are epidermal growth factor, a polypeptide that speeds healing and wound recovery (including burns!) by stimulating skin growth at the cellular level. Perfect for both oily and dry skin types, incorporate them into both morning and evening routines before your serum. If you’ve recently had a laser treatment, we highly recommend using them morning and evening for 10 days.

There it is in a (rather large) nutshell! A skin routine that will serve you and your skin well and keep you glowing and defying age for a long time. As new science breakthroughs and products come, we will keep you updated!

Have a question about a product or when to use something? Leave us a comment! We would be happy to help.

The Showdown: Micro-needling Vs. The Erbium Laser

Posted on 中午12:34, under

When looking at a facial treatment menu, there are so many options and they all sound amazing. So, how on earth do you choose the best option for your skin? And how do you know it’s the most effective treatment available?

The good news is, there are professionals to guide you! You don’t have to pick the perfect treatment without help. Your esthetician has not only years of experience, but ongoing education to guide you in these important decisions. And, as technology and research advances, we have so many new and amazing treatments to offer. Your dream skin is within reach!

But, as you are always your own best advocate whether in skincare or a doctor’s visit, it’s still important to be educated about your options, what is involved, and the benefits and drawbacks. Make an informed decision about what is best for your goals and unique needs.

Today, let’s compare two treatments for skin texture and appearance.

The Erbium Laser VS. Micro-needling. Who will win???

Scarring? Wrinkles? Uneven texture? Large pores? They don’t stand a chance! But which method should you talk to your esthetician about?

The Erbium Laser

Laser treatments have a few pre-conceptions of discomfort and long periods of downtime / healing. Thankfully, technology continues to improve at a rapid clip and we get to enjoy the benefits! This non-ablative (less invasive) laser gently and effectively improves skin by precisely treating a fraction of cells at a time. These tiny, deep microscopic columns of skin are surrounded by healthy tissue that initiate rapid healing. This treatment is able to dramatically diminish deep scarring, including ice pick scars from acne, as well as sagging skin, large pores, stubborn pigmentation like brown spots and melasma, lost pigmentation or white spots, and even active acne.

Pro’s

Penetrates deeply and treats scarring and issues that other treatments cannot reach.
Gentle and effective with less down-time than other laser resurfacing treatments.
Stimulates the body’s collagen production and tightens the skin.
Effective not only on the face, but also the neck, décolletage, and body, where skin sags or droops.
Permanent results!
Treatment times vary by the individual need: stretch marks need 6 – 8 treatments, facial smoothing and scarring needs 3 – 5 treatments, ice pick scarring needs 6 treatments.
More effective than creams and injections (Botox and collagen) that promise skin tightening but need constant upkeep.
Treats pigmentation and evens skin tone as well as texture (bonus!).
Simultaneously treats active acne breakouts (double bonus!!).

Con’s

For those who love to be out in the sun, it is recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning prior to and throughout the course of treatment and healing process.

Micro-needling

As scary as it sounds, and trust us, clients at our Honolulu spa hear the word “needle” and immediately panic, the key word here is “micro”. These are not needles for flu shots or Botox injections. Very fine, very short needles are used to harness the body’s ability to remodel and heal itself through collagen induction. Combined with powerful serums and nutrients for the skin, this treatment works best on mild scarring and skin texture issues.

Pro’s

Helps to smooth skin’s texture, including wrinkles, acne scars, surgical and burn scars, stretch marks, and large pores.
Results are noticeable after 24 hours.
Treatment plans vary depending on the type of remodeling needed. Pore size can be decreased in one treatment while mild scarring can take 6 or more treatments.

Con’s

Umm…hello??? Needles? The stress of hearing that word can take a peaceful spa visit to a not-so-fun place.
Treatment works best on mild scarring, stretch marks, and wrinkles. The needles do not penetrate deeply and cannot penetrate as deeply as a laser treatment.
It can be somewhat painful with some side effects and a 24 hour healing period.
Results are not permanent. With this type of treatment, periodic re-treatment is necessary to maintain results.
Micro-needling only treats facial texture, they do not help with skin tone and discolorations.

And the winner is…

The Erbium Laser! We love the fact that this treatment offers lasting results and effective treatment for those “problem” areas that used to be only wishful thinking. Smooth, beautiful skin without the wrinkles, sagging, and discolorations? Sign us up!

Fun in the Hawaii Sun (Part 2)

Posted on 下午2:05, under

In case you missed it, Part 1 covered prevention and after-sun care (for normal sun exposure). In Part 2 we have some suggestions on what to do if prevention wasn’t quite as successful and you are experiencing a burn.

The Burn Has Happened…What to Do?

You thought you had adequate protection, but something didn’t work right and now it’s too late. Unfortunately, because the sun reaches so deep, it often takes hours before the visible and physical evidence makes itself known. Even the fairest skin may not turn pink until it is too late. (This is where spending shorter periods of time in the sun and then returning to the shade can really help – it gives you time to see how your skin is doing.)

If you get home from your fun and find you have a burn, here are some important ways to care for your skin.

Take a cool shower to remove salt, chlorine, and sweat that irritate the burn. This will help skin cool down and hydrate.
Avoid scrubs, rough washcloths, brushes, and other exfoliating products until your skin has completely healed – and give it a few extra days after the visible signs of the burn are gone before exfoliating.
Drink water…and more water. Rehydrate from the inside out. While this may not relieve the pain of the burn, it is vital to the healing your body is working on.
Take some electrolytes. And no, we do not mean from sports drinks. Sugar impedes healing in the body and slows the absorption of the minerals needed. Take some calcium / magnesium or purchase an electrolyte supplement from your local health food store to help your body rehydrate more quickly.
Hydrate your skin from the outside as well as the inside. For your face, our Serum Infusion Masks penetrates deeply to rehydrate and restore.
Place a cool compress on the burned area.
Choose an aloe vera gel that is pure aloe, not mixed with chemicals that can clog pores and leave a film on the skin that irritates the burn further.
Select an after-sun cream or serum and test it before you go out in the sun. Do a patch test and make sure you don’t have any irritations before sun; your skin will be even more sensitive after sun exposure. Be cautious with pain relieving sprays and creams that can clog the skin instead of allowing it to breathe.
Keep your aloe vera or anti-inflammatory after-sun cream in the fridge to offer some instant pain relief and cooling.
Do not pop blisters or hasten the process of peeling skin! Allow the body to control the healing process. It knows best what needs to happen and when.

For an intense sunburn, please seek medical attention. Sunstroke, sun poisoning, and other sun-related illnesses are not something to mess around with. Stop at a Long’s Drugs and ask the pharmacist if you have questions about your burn.

There are many home remedies on the Internet to soothe and calm a burn, beyond aloe vera. Some work and others aren’t as successful and it all depends on your individual body chemistry. The key when selecting a home remedy is to do a small test and see how your skin responds. For example, many sites recommend using yogurt (particularly plain Greek yogurt) or dabbing on milk as an after-sun lotion. However, if you have a dairy allergy, your skin will be sensitive to it as well as your digestive system.

We have not personally tried the following home remedies, but have heard from others who have had success with them.

Plain Greek Yoghurt as a lotion. Make sure it does not have any added sugar.
Milk dabbed on and allowed to dry. Use cool, not cold, milk for this.
Lavender essential oil mixed with a gentle non-comedogenic (one that doesn’t clog pores) carrier oil. Argan, avocado, jojoba or rosehip oil.
Calendula Cream from a health food store.
Cold compresses made from freshly brewed black tea. The tannic acid in the tea is said to draw the heat from the skin while restoring the pH balance.
Black teabags that have been brewed and cooled can be applied to smaller areas like eyelids that have burned.
Cool baths can soothe the discomfort. Be sure to avoid soaps and perfumes. Some remedies to add to the bath would be (but only use one at a time, don’t mix them!) one cup of apple cider vinegar, oatmeal, lavender or chamomile essential oils, or two cups of baking soda.

If you have a relationship with a local naturopath, acupuncturist, or other wellness practitioner, check with them about either home remedies that you should try or avoid, as well as if they carry any natural products. Some Chinese medicine practitioners have burn creams that work on sunburns as well.

While we hope you never get another sunburn, we do hope you heal quickly and enjoy our beautiful Hawaii sun for many years to come!

Fun in the Hawaii Sun – Safely! (Part 1)

Posted on 中午12:58, under

Oh, Hawaii sun, how we love thee…but not so much your effects. ☹ No matter how well we think we have protected our skin, it seems you always manage to find a spot that we missed. Those beautiful days in the ocean, on the beach, or at the park are delightful with warmth and light mixed with family and friends. But the shine disappears when you get home and realize that your skin has fried. The sun is fun, yes. But it needs to be respected for the power it has and the damage it can cause.

Prevention

Before we get to post-sun help, let’s start with what to do before even walking out the door. Prevention, prevention, prevention. Did I mention prevention? If you have ever experiences the burning heat and pain of even a mild burn, you know that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Whether you live here or you are visiting our lovely home on Oahu, please do not underestimate the power of our sunshine.

Apply sunscreen as part of your morning routine – every day. The damaging UV rays of the sun still come through on a cloudy day. We know fair-skinned people who have sunburned – with blisters! – on a cloudy day! Use a minimum of 30 SPF every day.
Use a cream or lotion based sunscreen. While aerosol sunscreen is convenient, and the feeling of the lotion on our hands is not particularly pleasant, you are far less likely to miss a spot or have the wind blow the product away before it reaches your skin.
Give your sunscreen at least 30 minutes to soak in before leaving the shade.
Take sunscreen with you to re-apply if you are going to be out for an extended period of time.
Think through and time how long you spend in the sun. Most of us take tents or umbrellas to the beach for some shade. Spend some time in the sun, then give your skin a break.
Sweat and humidity affect performance of sunscreen. If you are in the heat and sweating, enjoying time in the ocean, or live on the Windward side of the island where it is frequently damp, re-apply every hour, regardless of what the bottle says about being “waterproof”.
Don’t forget under your chin! If you are going to be out on the water, skiing on the mainland, or visiting a farmers market surrounded by reflective asphalt, make sure that you hit the “undersides”. These areas are often forgotten in the application process, but they are just as likely, if not more likely, to get burned because of reflections.
Don’t assume that your hat will protect you. Don’t neglect to cover your ears, face, and forehead thoroughly. And hats can cause us to sweat a bit more, so re-apply!
Protect your smile. Even the skin of your lips can burn, so choose a lip balm with sunscreen in it.

Normal Sun Exposure

Whether you get a burn or not, taking care of your skin after time in the sun is important for your health and in preventing premature aging.

We need the sun. Nothing can replace the Vitamin D that our bodies produce when we spend time in the sun. And the impact on our emotional well-being is just as critical. We are so lucky to live in Hawaii where we have an abundant number of sunny days and the rainy days are a rarity. But that does require knowledge of and taking responsibility for our health.

Hydrating. While out in the sun and after, it is critical to drink lots of water, keeping the body and our skin hydrated.
Cleansing. Typically, time in the sun involves either sweat, salt, or chlorine. None of these are good for your skin. Rinse off as soon as and often as possible while outside and then take a cool shower with a gentle cleanser when you get home. Take extra care with the tender skin of your face with our Rose Whitening Foaming Gel.
Moisturizing. Hand in hand with internal hydration comes external. A high-quality moisturizer soothes and protects the skin. Look for products that are free of parabens and unnecessary chemicals. While do not currently have a body lotion, our Rose Whitening & Repair Moisturizer hydrates, repairs and protects and a Serum Infusion Mask is ideal for gentle, penetrating hydration.
Cooling. Whether you have a sunburn or not, relax and cool your body with a lukewarm shower rather than blasting your body with another layer of heat. This is a good idea not only right after you return home, but your next evening or morning shower as well.
Soothing. Before you go out, put your aloe vera or after-sun cream in the refrigerator to soothe and cool skin when you get back.

Yes, the sun causes aging, and yes, we have to be careful, but it is an amazing natural resource, and staying inside all the time isn’t the solution. Proper prevention and post-sun care allows us to enjoy this life giving resource in a healthy manner.

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