Clay in Skincare
Hello Beautiful! Do you remember how good your skin feels when you put on a mud or clay mask and relax for the evening? There’s a reason for that. Clay is one of the most powerful, yet underrated skincare products out there and I’m going to tell you why.
Clay has been recognized to promote healing and is heavily used in the cosmetics industry. Using clay regularly can benefit your skin for both therapeutic and medicinal purposes. Let’s talk about it!
How Clay is Formed
Clay is a soft, loose, earthy material containing small particles. Weathering and erosion of rocks are what forms clay over time. Rocks containing the mineral group feldspar get broken down by water and wind and when they settle, they form clay.
A mineral is a naturally occurring crystalline material that has a specific or limited range of chemical compositions, but clay minerals have a sheet-like structure.
Types of Clay
Bentonite clay: This type of clay comes from volcanic ash that has been combined with water. It is a gray or gray/cream color that draws out toxins and has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Referred to as the “healing clay,” it is absorbent and great for oily skin.
Kaolin clay: This clay gets its name from the mineral kaolinite, which is found in tropical rainforest areas. This is a fine-grained clay and ranges in color from white, pink, or green depending on the minerals found in it. The clay yields benefits for dry to normal skin. It can enhance the tone and clarity of your skin.
Green clay: This type of clay is composed of decomposed plants and iron oxides and because of its stronger absorption, it’s perfect for oily skins. The anti-aging properties of this clay come from its great absorbability.
Zeolite clay: This clay is formed from volcanic rocks that react with alkaline. It is a good treatment for oily skin.
Dead sea clay: You probably see this type of clay a lot in different mud masks. It is a fine-textured clay that is known for its healing properties. It’s also mixed with many different types of clays to become even more powerful.
The minerals found in these clays can pull out toxins and reduce impurities in your skin. Clays will replenish the hydration in your skin. You can incorporate clay into your skincare routine by using a mud or clay mask 1-3 times per week.
Using clay as part of your skincare routine will improve your skin’s texture, tone, and hydration. Schedule a consultation with me if you would like to talk more about products that are better for your skin.
XOXO,
Tana Marie
Dermaplaning vs. Shaving
Over the years that I have been spreading the amazing benefits of dermaplaning, I have also heard some rumors about it and I’m here to put the rumor mill to rest: Dermaplaning is NOT shaving. Let’s chat about it.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a safe and simple, non-invasive method to exfoliate the skin, removing all dead skin cells and ridding the face of vellus hair (peach fuzz)
Tana Marie Skincare Bonus! This service comes with a customized mask or a leave-on exfoliator depending on your skin type and/or need.
Shaving
Here’s what Google says: “Shaving is the removal of hair, by using a razor or any other kind of bladed implement, to slice it down—to the level of the skin or otherwise”
The Difference
What’s the difference? I’m glad you asked because there are two very distinct differences between dermaplaning and shaving.
With dermaplaning, you get a more consistent exfoliation. It fully removes the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal glowy, bright skin. It also removes the peach fuzz we all have, giving you a smoother and fresher complexion. Doesn’t a razor do the same thing? No. Because shaving is all about the “removal of hair,” that’s what your regular razor is designed to do. Your razor’s mission is to get as close to the skin as possible, cutting down the hairs to give you smooth skin. You’ll notice the difference when you book an appointment. The dermaplaning tool will not only remove the skin cells and peach fuzz, but it will exfoliate your skin.
The dermaplaning tool is much gentler than a razor. I use a single edge #10 scalpel blade to skim the surface of your skin to exfoliate. With a regular shaving razor, there are multiple, slanted blades that are often much duller (even fresh out of the packaging) than my scalpel.
The differences are noticeable after you have visited me, so go ahead, experience it for yourself. After getting a dermaplaning treatment, many of my clients boast about how glowy and fresh their skin looks and feels.
It’s an incredible add-on to any facial or skincare treatment that will have you not only seeing results but feeling them too (for weeks). I can’t wait to see you for your next appointment ;)
XOXO,
Tana Marie
The Benefits of Waxing
Summer is coming and quarantine is lifting, which means trips to the beach, or a walk to the backyard pool and this means it’s swimsuit season. Swimsuit season means shaving your legs, underarms, and bikini area much more often, but what if I told you there was a way to stay smoother longer?
There is! I offer waxing services at my salon and I would love to share with you the many benefits of waxing.
You will notice slower hair growth. Instead of shaving off the exposed hair, we’re pulling the hair from its root. This way, your skin will remain smooth for a longer period of time because it will take your hair longer to grow back than as if it was just cut shorter. The waxing process lasts three to four weeks; much longer than if you were to shave.
Hair that grows back will be finer. Waxing removes the hair from the follicle and doing so regularly will weaken the hair follicle over time. Now your hair follicles will produce finer, sparser hair.
Waxing exfoliates your skin. Waxing strips off the top layer of dead skin cells, so in addition to making your skin smooth, it will brighten it too. It’s important to keep in mind that exfoliating before and after your waxing appointment is crucial to avoiding ingrown hairs. Read more about exfoliating naturally with DIY Sugar Scrubs.
Say goodbye to razor burn. You will also say goodbye to itchiness and prickly hairs.
No more cuts. That’s right! You don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting yourself on those hard to reach places.
Personal attention from me. I use a gentle and clean technique that gives you the personal attention you deserve to get your desired, smooth, glowing skin.
My Services
Brow shaping: ideal for the client who is either getting their brows shaped for the first time, starting over, or it has been a long time since their last brow wax | Book Now!
Brow wax: clean up of the brow area | Book Now!
Lip wax: for the top lip and bottom lip if needed | Book Now!
Chin wax: for the chin area, top and bottom of the chin | Book Now!
Underarm wax: please allow a quarter of an inch hair growth for lighter color hair and a half-inch of hair growth for darker color hair. This will ensure full removal of hair from the root | Book Now!
Bikini wax: for hair growth right on the bikini line and part of the inner thigh. Please have a quarter of an inch hair growth for lighter hair color and a half-inch hair growth for darker hair color | Book Now!
Teeny bikini wax: for hair growth right on the bikini line and ⅔ inches inward and part of the inner thigh. Please have a quarter of an inch hair growth for lighter hair color and a half-inch hair growth for darker hair color | Book Now!
Brazilian wax: for the hair in the front and the back areas with the exception of a strip of hair left in the middle front. Please have a quarter of an inch hair growth for lighter hair color and a half-inch hair growth for darker hair color | Book Now!
Hollywood wax: removes all of the hair in the front and the back. Please have a quarter of an inch hair growth for lighter hair color and a half-inch hair growth for darker hair color | Book Now!
I hope this helped you understand a little bit more about the amazing benefits that come with waxing versus shaving. It’s a “skinvestment” in you and your beautiful, glowing skin. I hope to see you soon!
XOXO,
Tana Marie
What is Dry Brushing?
You must try Dry Brushing. Your skin will feel amazing and your body will thank you too! Here's how to do it.
Dry brushing the skin really is as simple as it sounds—a firm, bristled brush is swept across the skin, from toe to head. It's called "dry" brushing because you do it before you bathe or shower when your skin and the brush are completely dry.
There are so many good things that come from the regular practice of dry brushing. It’s wonderful for exfoliating dry skin and unclogging pores. It helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promotes lymph flow/drainage. Dry brushing also stimulates your nervous system, leaving you feeling invigorated.
Want to experience these benefits? Here are our favorite tips for getting the most out of dry brushing:
Pick the perfect brush. We actually have two favorites that we use: a handleless natural bristle brush for our arms and legs and torso (it comes with a hand strap for an easy grip) and a long-handled natural bristle brush for the back and backs of the thighs and other hard to reach spots. You can find brushes in the bath and beauty section of your favorite store. I like Target! Designate your brushes for dry brushing your skin only. You can rinse and dry your brushes after each use.
Brush towards your heart. When you dry brush, use long, sweeping strokes in the direction of your heart to work with your body's lymph flow. The lymphatic system, found just under the skin, helps to rid your body of toxins and waste. We NEED this! So, start from your toes and make sweeping motions up your legs, and tummy, finally releasing the brushing as you near your heart, where a key lymph drainage point is found. When you are brushing your arms, start at the wrists and brush up towards the shoulder, then down from the collarbone to end near your heart.
Follow up with an oil massage. Some people like to jump in the shower after dry brushing, but for a real treat to your skin, follow up dry brushing with a massage of warm coconut oil or sesame oil into the skin. You can warm the oil by placing the bottle in a sink of warm water or microwave for 10 seconds. Test to make sure it is warm to the touch, not hot. You can also warm oil quickly by rubbing it between your palms before applying.
Our skin is our largest and one of the most active organs in the body. Every minute old skin cells die and new ones are created. Brush your skin while standing on a dark towel and you will notice just how many flakes of old skin are removed! Dry brush your skin weekly for the best results. You can make this a weekly ritual, light a candle, turn down the lights and soak in a warm lavender bath. You'll be ready for the week ahead. Self-care feels so good!
Change the way you see yourself.
XOXO,
Tana Marie