Skin Care Advice

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by Margaret Tomaszewicz

Creating an Effective Skincare Routine in Your 20s: A Guide for Young Adults

As a skin care therapist, I treat a wide range of clients, but nothing gives me more pleasure than when a young person in their 20s or early 30s comes to me for their first facial! They come to me a little shy and unsure, but hopeful that I can help them with their skin problems. Starting a first job or going to college is challenging. Young people want to look their best and not be judged on their appearance. Most problems at this age are acne and clogged pores, but this is also a perfect opportunity to begin a regimen that will help prevent premature aging. Healthy habits that begin in the 20s can make a big difference in the health and appearance of one's skin later in life. It is much easier to preserve youth than trying to regain it. So this is the perfect time to get serious about your skincare routine. Cleansing After a long day, it is tempting to go to sleep without washing off makeup, but I guarantee that is the worst thing to do! The oil, grime, and pollution must be thoroughly cleansed from your face before going to bed because that's the time when the skin repairs itself. And bacteria left on the skin overnight creates clogged pores along with acne. Foaming cleansers are the best for young people. They remove makeup, surface dirt, and oils. For women, I always recommend double cleansing - first to wash off makeup, second for deeper cleansing. Our Totally Clean Coconut Foaming Cleanser is perfect for this daily ritual. Exfoliation The skin is constantly creating new cells, so exfoliation helps in sloughing off dead skin to reveal healthy new layers of fresh skin and also keep the pores clean. Manual scrubs are the easiest and most popular form of exfoliation. Some treatments contain small grains from nuts or charcoal while others may contain glycolic and lactic acids. Synthetic grains are forbidden now in the USA due to danger to marine life. For very sensitive skin, natural enzyme exfoliators are also available. I recommend exfoliation no more than two to three times a week. Too much exfoliating may cause redness and irritation. Treating Breakouts Acne breakouts can appear on the face, back, the neck, or shoulders. This condition can be painful and cause emotional distress. If not treated properly, it can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Extraction needs to be done solely by a professional esthetician, but topical serums can help in controlling this problem. Some serums contain Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur. The most effective ones contain soothing organic ingredients to prevent over-drying. Our Clear Skin Collection includes targeted treatments specifically designed for acne-prone skin, including our bestselling Clear Skin Spot Treatment. Hydration Young people, especially those with breakouts, are often reluctant to use moisturizers. This is a huge mistake. Dry, flaky skin clogs up the pores. Hydrated skin not only looks great but it is crucial for skin health. The key is to choose a correct product that is oil-free and contains hyaluronic acids. Hyaluronic acids do not cause breakouts and aid in reducing fine lines. Using Sunscreen Skin damage is cumulative, so protecting yourself from the aging effects of the sun is important to start at a young age. Sun damage and more importantly skin cancer can show up years later. A non-chemical, zinc-based broad-spectrum sunscreen is best to use since chemical sunscreens will cause skin irritations and breakouts. Zinc sunscreens are now sold in a micronized form which does not leave your skin white. Some have color tints that can be used instead of makeup. I recommend starting your day by applying zinc sunscreen in the morning and reapplying it after lunch. Masks In between professional facials, clay or charcoal masks will help in keeping complexion looking smoother and more glowing. Choose a mask that is natural and does not contain harsh chemicals, and they can be used once or twice a week. Starting a proper at-home skin care routine combined with a healthy diet will improve how young people look and feel about themselves. And that can contribute to happier lives! As always, please choose skin care that is natural, organic, and cruelty-free. Building a Consistent Routine One aspect I haven't touched on yet is the importance of consistency in your skincare journey. Many young adults struggle with maintaining a regular routine, often switching products too frequently or skipping steps when they're tired. Remember that your skin needs time to adjust to new products and show results – typically 4-6 weeks. I recommend starting with a basic routine and gradually adding products as needed. Begin with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once you're consistent with these three steps, you can introduce targeted treatments for specific concerns. Track your skin's progress with photos taken in the same lighting every few weeks. Keep in mind that hormones, stress, diet, and sleep all impact your skin's health. If you're experiencing persistent issues despite following a good skincare routine, consider keeping a skin diary to identify potential triggers. Note changes in your skin alongside factors like your menstrual cycle, stress levels, diet changes, or new products. Remember, investing time in your skin health now will pay dividends for decades to come. Your future self will thank you for developing these healthy habits early! To your health! Margaret

by Margaret Tomaszewicz

Looking Good and Feeling Great: The Importance of Good Nutrition

So here we are at the beginning of a New Year. Each January, most of us make New Year's resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, get fit, help others, or eat healthier. In this article, I would like to focus on the importance of good nutrition and how it works together with proper skincare for optimal results. As an esthetician with over 25 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how the right combination of nutrition and skincare can transform your complexion. Most of our diets are based on processed food, which is high in saturated fats, sodium, sugar, added hormones, and chemicals. Because of our fast-paced lives, we eat too many packaged foods, sugary snacks, and takeout food. It's no wonder that the rates of cancer, strokes, and diabetes are going up every year. Unhealthy eating habits also have a huge effect on our mental health, causing depression, stress, and anxiety. Eating a well-balanced diet is not only good for our health but can help us stay looking younger by firming our skin, smoothing wrinkles, and giving shine to our hair and nails. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals will also provide an anti-aging effect. When combined with high-quality skincare products like our Age Defy: Vitamin C & Stem Cell Serum, these benefits are enhanced significantly. I am not telling you something that you don't already know; we all are aware of this fact. The challenge is to do something about our eating habits and to be good to ourselves in the New Year in order to feel and look better! So let's get started - First, clean out your food pantry and freezer by throwing away any white flour, sugar, pasta, and highly processed snacks, and then restock with vegetable oil, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, and whole wheat pasta. When shopping, fill your cart with plenty of vegetables and fruits, lean and organic non-processed meats, and free-range eggs. Here are some suggestions for food that will make you look better and feel younger. Blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and B6 that help to produce collagen to keep your skin smooth and plump. For enhanced results, I recommend pairing these antioxidant-rich foods with our Rejuvenate: Retinol Crème, which works synergistically to boost collagen production. Spinach, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables are also full of anti-aging antioxidants, plus they are high in lutein to boost skin hydration and elasticity. Fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are high in Omega-3 fats, which help to reduce inflammation and slow down free radical damage. For those with dry skin, I suggest combining omega-3-rich foods with our Hydrate: Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum for optimal hydration from both inside and out. Eggs contain anti-wrinkle amino acids that have powers to produce elastin and collagen. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, yellow and orange peppers are high in beta-carotene. This helps prevent dry skin and protects skin from sun damage. Green tea, acai, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and prunes are also high in antioxidants and flavonoids that fight against free radicals which speed up the aging process. And my favorite is dark chocolate, which helps reduce skin redness and aids in moisturizing the skin. All of these are great choices in food that are not only delicious but also great for our health and good looks. For those looking to complement their healthy diet with a comprehensive skincare routine, I recommend exploring our Anti-Aging Skin Care Collection. By adjusting to a well-balanced diet and maintaining a consistent skincare regimen, we will all have no problem keeping our resolutions for better health and more beautiful skin in this New Year! Don't forget one of the most important nutrients for your skin - water! I always remind my clients to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Even the healthiest diet won't be as effective without proper hydration. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day and set reminders if needed. Your skin will thank you for it! To your health! Margaret

by Margaret Tomaszewicz

The Hidden Truth About Animal Testing in the Beauty Industry: Why We Must Choose Cruelty-Free

Testing on animals started in the United States in 1938 when the FDA passed a law requiring all drugs must be tested on animals to ensure these drugs are safe for human consumption. Since then, all new drugs have been tested this way. Although the law only applies to medical drugs, many companies test other products such as cosmetics, cleaning products, and pesticides on animals. At WODA Skin Care, we've proven that effective skincare can be achieved without animal testing through our innovative Age Defy: Vitamin C & Stem Cell Serum and other products. For cosmetic tests, bunnies, mice, guinea pigs, and monkeys are used the most. These animals are put into small cages, tortured, and blinded. They live in constant fear and often die from these experiments. The most stunning fact is that animal testing is not only cruel but also unnecessary. Our Perfect 2-in-1 Cleanser demonstrates how gentle yet effective cruelty-free formulations can be, using advanced testing methods like in-vitro studies and dermatologist testing. Today we already have thousands of ingredients that are proven safe. Because animals and humans are genetically different, the results from testing are not even accurate. The FDA does not require cosmetics to be tested on animals. As a matter of fact, the FDA supports finding ways to ensure the safety of products without testing on animals. However, all over-the-counter medicines or their ingredients are tested on animals as required by FDA. There are other methods of testing, using computer simulation to replicate human tissue on microchips. We can easily use new technology to replace animal testing. Many countries all over the world like India, Israel, Norway, and the European Union have already banned animal testing for cosmetics. At WODA, we're proud to be part of this global movement toward ethical beauty, as demonstrated by our bestselling Hydrate: Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Unfortunately, many products are being manufactured and/or sold in China where animal testing is required by law. An estimated 300,000 animals die in Chinese labs every year. According to PETA, cosmetics like Dior, Estee Lauder, Gucci, Bliss, Benefit, and Clinique sell their products in China and therefore must be tested on animals. The only way this barbaric practice will change is if we all take a stand against it. The best way to do this is to buy products that display cruelty-free logos and support laws that will prohibit the selling of products that are tested on animals. In my skin care collection, you'll find a complete range of products that prove luxury and ethics can go hand in hand. By supporting companies that are cruelty-free, we are sending a powerful message to the whole cosmetics industry. They must know that they will lose our business unless they stop testing on animals. In my skin care studio, I like to ask my clients what products they use at home. All of my clients do not support testing on animals but unknowingly use products that do just that. So please look for the cruelty-free bunnies logos below which ensure a product is cruelty-free. I am also including a list of companies that still test their products on animals. Please check your make-up bags and cleaning supplies to see if you find any products that you use are on this list and please replace them with ones that are cruelty-free. In the next few months, I will tell you about upcoming legislation to ban animal testing and how we can support them. To Your Health! Margaret Companies That Still Test on Animals (and associated brands): Alcon Labs Allergan, Inc. Almay Always American Beauty Answer Aramis Arm & Hammer ArmorAll Arrid Avon Axe Aziza Bain de Soleil Ban Roll-on Banana Boat Bausch & Lomb Benckiser BenGay Biotherm Block Drug Co. Inc. Bobbi Brown Bounty Boyle-Midway Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Bumble and Bumble Cacherel Cargill Carpet Fresh Carter-Wallace Charlie Chesebrough-Ponds Church & Dwight Clarion Clairol Clear Choice Clinique Clorox Commerce Drug Co. Coppertone Coty Cover Girl Crest Dana Perfumes Darphin Dawn Del Laboratories Desitin Dial Corporation Diversey Donna Karan Dove Dow Brands Drackett Products Co. Drano EcoLab Eli Lilly & Co. El Sanofi Inc. Elizabeth Arden Erno Laszlo Estee Lauder Faberge Fantastik Fendi Final Net Finesse First Response Flame Glow Flirt! Garnier Giorgio Armani Givaudan-Roure Glade Glass Plus GlaxoSmithKline Good Skin Grassroots skin care Helena Rubinstein Helene Curtis Industries Herbal Essences Huggies ISO Ivory Jhirmack Jo Malone Johnson & Johnson Johnson Products Co. Jovan Kaboom Keri Kimberly-Clark Corp Kiton Kiwi Brands Kleenex La Mer Lab Series Lady's Choice Lancaster Lancome Lava Lever Brothers Lipton Listerine L'Oreal USA Lubriderm Lux Lysol MAC Cosmetics Mars (candy company) Mary Kay Matrix Essentials Max Factor Maybelline McNeil Nutritionals Mead Michael Kors Missoni Mitchum Mop & Glo Nair Naturelle Neutrogena Neutron Industries, Inc. Ojon Olay Olean Orange Glo Origins Oscar de la Renta OxiClean Pantene Parfums International Pearl Drops Pennex Pfizer, Inc. Phillips-Van Heusen Pine-Sol Plax Playtex Corporation Pledge Polident Ponds Post-It Prescriptives Prestige Brands Prince Matchabelli Procter & Gamble Co. Quintessence Raid Ralph Lauren Fragrances Reckitt Benckiser Redken Resolve Revlon Richardson-Vicks Sally Beauty Supply Sally Hansen Sanofi SC Johnson & Son Schering-Plough Scotch Scott Paper Co. Scrub Free Sean John Fragrances Sensodyne Signal Smashbox Cosmetics Snobal SoftSheen S.O.S. Splenda Stanhome Inc. Sterling Drug Suave Sun Star Sunsilk Tampax TCB Naturals Tegrin 3M Tide Tilex Tom Ford Beauty Tommy Hilfiger TRESemme Trojan Truvia Ultima II Unilever Vaseline Vichy Vidal Sassoon Visine Vivid Warner-Lambert Westwood Pharmaceuticals White Shoulders Whitehall Laboratories Windex Woolite

by Margaret Tomaszewicz

The Importance of Changing Your Skin Care for Winter

When the temperature drops, do the skin care swaps. As I am writing this article, signs of the approaching fall and winter months are all around me. I experience colder morning and evening temperatures that require me to put on a warm robe and slippers. The leaves on the trees outside my window are changing colors. My favorite stores now have cozy coats, sweaters and Halloween decorations for sale. So as we are going to change the wardrobe in our closets, there is a real need to "winterize" your skin. As soon as we turn on the heaters in our houses, our skin begins to dry out. The skin is losing moisture and begins to flake and crack. Some people even develop dry and irritating eczema spots on their skin. So what is the solution? Let's start with cleansing, exfoliating and toning. Once your skin becomes dry, it is time to change your foaming cleansers to mild creamy ones that will not strip the skin from hydrating layers. Our Perfect 2-in-1 Cleanser is gentle yet effective for winter skin care. Although we still occasionally need to exfoliate, it is important to avoid harsh peels and masks that contain clay or alpha hydroxyl. It is better to use a non-chemical, natural, gentle enzyme mask that still removes dead skin cells but do not cause irritation. Ditch any alcohol toners and switch to the ones that replenish moisture. Look for spritz toners that contain Aloe Vera, Rosewater, and E vitamins. It is crucial to start using more serums and creams. During summer we were able to get away with using just light moisturizers and sunscreens. That is no longer enough. The first step after cleansing and toning is to use proper serums. Serums that contain hyaluronic acids and peptides can penetrate into deeper layers of our skin, both hydrating and plump the skin from inside. Try our Hydrate: Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum for deep hydration. Second is to seal the skin with a moisturizer. Moisture and oils are two different ingredients. Your moisturizer does not have to be oily and extremely heavy. It does need to contain natural ingredients that bring hydration and protection from harsher environments. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acids that actually pull hydration from the environment. Good moisturizers will also contain jojoba, sunflower oil, avocado oil, vitamin E and PCA to lock in moisture. Avoid creams, and any products with artificial fragrance or colors and parabens as those chemicals irritate and dry our skin even more. Stick with natural and certified organic products that are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly. Explore our moisturizers collection to find your perfect match. A couple of other tips for keeping your skin looking good during colder months is to hydrate your body by drinking water and installing humidifiers throughout your home to keep the air moist. Choosing a correct skin care routine can be a challenge. Salespeople in stores are not necessarily skilled to correctly select the products for you. That is why the best person that can analyze your skin type and best advise a proper skin care regimen is your esthetician. I hope my advice will help you look forward to the fall and winter seasons with soft, glowing and supple looking skin! To your health! Margaret Advanced Winter Skin Protection Tips As a skincare specialist with over 25 years of experience, I've noticed that even clients who follow basic winter skincare guidelines sometimes need extra support. Here are some professional insights I've gathered from my practice that can enhance your winter skincare routine. One often overlooked aspect is the timing of your skincare application. I recommend applying products within 60 seconds of cleansing or showering, when your skin is still slightly damp. This technique, which I call the "moisture sandwich," helps lock in maximum hydration. Our Age Proof: Daily Crème works perfectly with this method. Diet also plays a crucial role in winter skin health. I advise my clients to increase their intake of omega-rich foods and healthy fats during winter months. These nutrients help strengthen your skin's natural moisture barrier from the inside out. Additionally, consider taking vitamin D supplements, as reduced sun exposure during winter can affect both your skin's health and its ability to repair itself. Sleep is another critical factor in maintaining healthy winter skin. Your skin's repair processes are most active between 10 PM and 2 AM. Creating an optimal sleep environment with proper humidity levels (around 50%) can significantly improve your skin's overnight recovery process. Remember, winter skincare isn't just about adding moisture – it's about creating an environment where your skin can maintain its natural balance and protective functions. With these additional strategies and the right products, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout the cold season.

by Margaret Tomaszewicz

The Science of Beauty Sleep: How Quality Rest Transforms Your Skin

In my European Skin Care Studio, clients ask my advice on how to look their best. Aside from reserving a customized facial treatment and using good organic products at home, I remind them of the true benefits of "beauty sleep" when they ask me "How many hours of sleep do I need?" So today I would like to remind you about the many benefits of sleep, which will improve your skin's health. Lack of sleep will increase the amount of stress hormone called cortisol. Although we need some cortisol in our bodies, too much can lead to inflammation. When inflammation becomes chronic, our skin is susceptible to conditions like eczema, rosacea, and wrinkles. Not enough sleep and added stress cause acne and blackheads. Many of my clients are young adults who have issues with breakouts in their mid-thirties. Due to their busy schedules and stressful lives, they do not take care of their skin correctly and often do not get enough rest. I educate them on the importance of maintaining proper skincare and making positive changes in their lifestyles. Our Clear Skin Bundle is especially beneficial for those dealing with stress-related breakouts. It includes everything needed to maintain clear, healthy skin even during busy times. An increase in the level of cortisol hormones will also make the thyroid and metabolism sluggish, which means our bodies will burn fat less efficiently. This slowdown in metabolism leads to weight gain, feeling tired, and being more susceptible to illnesses. The other hormone our body needs to look and feel good is a growth hormone. In this case, we need a significant level of growth hormone because it is responsible for regrowth and regeneration of damaged cells. If that cannot happen due to lack of sleep, our aging process will be accelerated. Sleep is the time when our immune systems regenerate. During a good night's sleep, the skin recovers moisture and metabolizes water-soluble toxins for detoxification. If this process is disrupted, it will result in poor water balance, which can lead to dark circles, puffy eyes, and dryness of the skin along with fine lines. That's why I recommend using Hydrate: Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum before bed to support your skin's natural healing process. As you can see, sleep is not only a cornerstone of our health but also our looks. In order to have a good night's sleep, there are some simple things we can do before bedtime: Visit our moisturizers collection to find the perfect night cream for your skin type. Go to sleep before 11 pm. The body does most of its recharging between the hours of 11 pm and 1 am. Do not change your bedtime hours. Even on weekends, try to go to sleep and get up at the same time. Avoid eating grain, refined sugar snacks, and drinking alcohol. Although those foods will make you drowsy, the effect is short, and you will wake up a couple of hours later in the middle of the most relaxing part of sleep—the REM stage. Instead, eat some fruit and high-protein snacks. This will help raise your brain's L-tryptophan level. Exercising during the day will improve your sleep at night. However, do not exercise right before bedtime. The best time to have physical activity is in the morning. This practice will improve body fat burning throughout the day. Prepare your bedroom for the best night of sleep. Keep the temperature in the bedroom below 70 degrees. Studies show that keeping the temperature in the room between 65 to 70 degrees is optimum for a good night's sleep as this mimics your body temperature during the night. Make the room as dark as possible by closing the doors and shades on windows. Light in the room can disrupt your internal clock. Keep your phones and alarm clocks at least 3 feet from your bed. We are dependent upon electrical devices all day long, so "unplug" for the night. You can check all the messages and news in the morning. Write down things you need to do the next day. That way you will not be trying to recall them in the middle of the night. Make your bed comfortable by investing in good mattresses, comfortable pillows, and quality sheets. That will make you look forward to "cozying up" in your bed. Use a touch of Lavender scented essential oil in your bedroom. Lavender is a perfect sleep-inducing aromatherapy mainstay. Try wearing an eye mask to bed. For both my husband and me, that one simple thing has dramatically improved our sleep experience. I also like to read something spiritual or uplifting before bedtime. That's why I get a printed copy of "The Eden Magazine" and keep them on my night table. I always find many wonderful stories and photographs that make my dreams so much better! To complement your nighttime routine, I recommend using Nourish: Peptides Eye Crème to help combat those late-night dark circles and puffiness. Maximizing Your Beauty Sleep with a Proper Skincare Routine While getting adequate sleep is crucial, how you prepare your skin for rest is equally important. I always tell my clients that nighttime is when our skin does its most intensive repair work. This is why having a proper evening skincare routine is essential for maximizing the benefits of your beauty sleep. Start by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove all makeup and environmental pollutants. This allows your skin to breathe and properly absorb the nutrients from your nighttime products. Follow with a nourishing serum and moisturizer that contains ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, or retinol, depending on your skin's needs. Remember that consistency is key – both in your sleep schedule and skincare routine. Even one night of poor sleep can impact your skin's appearance, leading to increased fine lines, dark circles, and a dull complexion. By maintaining regular sleep patterns and following a proper skincare routine, you're giving your skin the best chance to repair, regenerate, and maintain its youthful glow. I hope you will find some of my sleep remedies helpful, bringing you a beautiful night of sleep every night. To your health! Margaret

by Margaret Tomaszewicz

The Truth About Animal Testing in Cosmetics: Why Cruelty-Free Beauty Matters

I am going to admit; I will buy and try any new cream or potion that is promising a breakthrough in anti-aging. Being an esthetician and a skin care product developer, I am always on the lookout for the newest "best thing" to offer to my clients. Many of us do not give a thought as to what it took to manufacture the creams and makeup that we are using every day. However, as human beings and animal lovers, we have to stand up for animal rights and stop companies that are testing their products on animals. Personally, I will not support any cosmetics companies that have flourished and benefited financially by selling products tested on animals, no matter how fantastic the results are that they are promising. This commitment to cruelty-free beauty is why I created the Clear Skin Collection, which has never been tested on animals. Do you know that cosmetics in the U.S. are largely and surprisingly unregulated? Currently, there is no official agency in charge to oversee that beauty products are ethically manufactured. That's why I'm proud to offer products like our Perfect 2-in-1 Cleanser and Age Proof: Daily Crème, which are developed using alternative testing methods. Luckily things are changing. California may become the first state to formally ban testing of cosmetic products on animals. The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Act would make it illegal for any cosmetic company to "knowingly import or sell any cosmetics, including personal hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo or conditioner in California, if the final product or any component of the product was tested on animals after January 1, 2020." Senator Cathleen Galgiani is introducing the bill, and it is formally known as SB 1249. The bill is sponsored by the Social Compassion in Legislation and Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine. "Banning animal-tested cosmetics in California will encourage manufacturers to clean up their act and stop selling animal-tested products across the United States," says Kristie Sullivan, vice-president of research policy with the Physician Committee. In the near future, I will be speaking with Dr. Sullivan to let you know how we can support this legislation. In the meantime, since 2020 is still two years away, we can vote with our wallets by not purchasing any products that do not display a "Cruelty-Free" logo. I'm particularly proud of our Brilliant Enzyme Mask, which proves that effective skincare can be achieved without animal testing. By doing this, we can together save thousands of animals' lives and use products that we feel good about. When shopping for beauty products, I encourage you to look for certified cruelty-free logos and research whether brands sell in countries where animal testing is required by law. Modern testing methods now provide more accurate results for human use while protecting our animal friends. Together, we can create positive change in the beauty industry. To your Health!

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