Are you preparing for your special day? Whether its for a wedding or another big event, consider the following tips to have your skin glowing and at its best. 

Tip 1: Start your skin journey with an esthetician and schedule your monthly facials in advance.
When: 9+ months out
Whether you were blessed with perfect skin or you just want to get your skin in tip top shape for your wedding day, starting a professional treatment regimen with your local esthy is key.
​Ideally you want to start your skincare treatment 9+ months out from your wedding date.
This time frame will allow the skin to adjust to the different treatments & products and progressively make changes.
 The skin takes a minimum of 30 days to recognize and accept new products, especially actives, so for best results we recommend starting your wedding day skin regime as far out in advance as you can. If your skin decides it wants to be a rebel and throw you a curveball along the way, at least you have some cushion time  to get it back on track. The longer you have time to prepare the better, especially if you are thinking of getting holy grail treatments like micro-needling, chemical peels or laser treatments (which involves added post care treatments).
Think of your skin journey like going to the gym. You can’t expect to lose 15lbs in 1 or 3 gym sessions.
It will take consistent visits and internal changes to see profound changes.

Nano infusion and dermaplaning are highly recommended for my brides 2-5 days before the big day to boost the skin with hydration and prep the skin for that baby smooth skin
(Your makeup artist will thank you!)

​If you don’t have a current skin regime this is a great time to seek out a professional for help.
In my experience, brides who try to DIY on skincare routines in hopes of saving money get exactly what they pay for. You spend a pretty penny on the best photographer on one of the most important days of your life, to end up looking tired & dull in your photos. 
We take the guesswork out skincare and help the bride to re-focus on the more important things.
A simple 3 step guide is sometimes all needed even if the bride is on a serious budget.


Bride checklist : Start doing research of skin professionals in  your area and schedule consults to determine your best fit. These consults are usually free and will hep you determine if you they  fit for your skin goals & budget.
Also go through your skincare products and check the expiration dates. Throw out any old, off smelling, and color changing items. This is a clear indicator that it is past its due date and should be discarded.


Tip 2: Stay on top of your exfoliation & hydration game
When: 5 months out
Dead skin build up can interfere with light reflection leading to a dull and flat skin appearance. 
To get that lit-from-within look, make sure you are exfoliating at least 2x a week and layering your hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid) and moisturizers on top to help seal it all in (that means you too oily skin babe).
This is not the time to start testing new products on your own, especially those with active ingredients (AHA, BHA’s retinol) unless you are under a care of a licensed skin professional.

*a licensed professional is someone with the knowledge, credentials, experience and license to manipulate the skin. We are not referring to sales consultants (Monat, Rodan & Fields, Argonne, Doterra, Young Living)  that simply sell you skincare products.

Tip 3: Invest in dry brushing or sugar scrubs
When: 3-6 months out
Speaking of exfoliation- don’t forget the rest of your body!
Dry bushing yields major skin benefits, including exfoliation and increased blood circulation.
It revs up the flow of lymph, the all-important fluid that whisks toxins out of our systems.
Lymph relies on muscle movement to pass through the body, so if you're not an active person, dry-brushing is a wonderful tool to rid the body of waste.
There's real science behind it, and it really works when you commit to it.
Start with three dry-brushing sessions per week, building up to daily, and make sure to slather on some type of lotion or oil afterward.
It’s also the cheapest beauty trick you’ll find out there, about $3-5 bucks for each brush AND you only need to do it about 5-10 min a day.
Our favorite go-to products for body exfoliation is Ke Ko Botanicals organic vanilla & mango sugar scrub, Kiwi coconut Luffa bar and Niu body oil to seal in moisture.
It smells like paradise in a bottle and starting cost is less than $12!
Caution: while some suggest dry brushing before a shower, it has the potential to circulate blood flow, bringing oxygen to the cells. Meaning it may give you a boost of energy, so it is best done earlier in the day or prior to active exercises like yoga or running.

Bridal Checklist: Visit the “Shop” tab on the website and add a dry brush to your cart today! The cost is less than a cup of coffee and will give you the jolt & baby soft skin you want every morning!

Tip 4: Glow up with a spray tan
When: at your dress fitting and a few days before your wedding day.

There is no such thing as a safe tan except spray tans! 
Sunless spray tans will even out your skin tone, camouflaging any imperfections like stretch marks, scars, redness, and cellulite. It can also be used to contour by defining muscles and sculpting curves. In quality photos  a natural spray tan can add a slimming effect.
Make sure to get a trial spray tan before your dress fitting to figure out if you want to go darker or lighter before the big day.
​Exfoliation of the body compliments spray tanning because it will prep the skin and allow the tan to last longer and look more natural. 


Tip 5: Schedule your regular hair removal appointments
When: 3-5 months out
Scheduling waxing appointments a few days before the big day is biiiiiig no-no.
Brides would come into the resort spa 2 days before their wedding to get a simple lip wax  only to have their skin ripped and scarred. 
No matter how simple a wax or sugaring appointment may seem to you, there are pre and post care instructions that must be followed in order to have the best results. Tanning at the beach, use of retinol Items, and acne products are just some examples that can cause the skin to rip or breakout after a wax service.  Brazilian wax services should be planned accordingly, not the day before a big event.
It’s a common to think that a simple Brazilian wax a few days before the wedding will allow the smoothest outcome. However getting down and dirty the next day is not recommended. The skin is freshly exfoliated and sweat can harbor bacteria from both partners leading possible irritation and infection. This is usually all discussed in a brides first appointment with her esthy, so again preparation is key. I like to preform the last hair removal session at least 7-10 days prior to the wedding date  because it gives the pore time to relax and the hairs to smooth out nicely.

​Bridal Checklist: schedule all your monthly hair removal appointments

Other helpful tips:

-Stay hydrated, manage your stress levels and get enough sleep.
Easier said than done when you’re planning a big event, but skin doesn’t lie. What you put into your body will show easily on your skin. Make sure your diet is loaded with gut loving foods & water to help flush out toxins and keep the skin looking fresh and glowy.
Stress and excess  amounts of sugar can cause inflammation in the body leading to dull & puffy skin.
 Make sure to schedule in some me-time throughout the planning process and get that beauty sleep.

-Easy on the booze. Supplement with fresh juices or smoothies.
Till death do us partyyyyy! Yes, it’s a celebration BUT excess booze can lead to dehydrated skin and is a radiance robber. Skip the pre party booz’n and wait till after your couple photos are taken to avoid a red and inflamed face.If you’re Asian like me, you know that the redness doesnt just stop at the face, it goes all the way to the chest and before you know it you’re a lobster in a wedding dress. Yea..not a cute look.

- Lip scrubs, under eye patches, hydrating sheet masks, candles and bath salt soaks for the day of.
Create a mini travel pouch of these goodies and create a relaxing haven at your getting ready location.
We love popping a hydrating sheet mask in the fridge the day before getting ready for some added relief and calming boost. 

-Schedule your Botox and lip filler visit at least 3 weeks prior to the big day. I wish I had taken this advice for my own big day but the only thought in my mind was “nah, chance em”.
Do not just chance it. I repeat, don’t chance it! 
My lips remained swollen, bruised and cracked for at least 2 weeks. Was I freaking out? You bet! Ice packs, LED light therapy and the whole shebang was being pulled out of my esthy toolbox in hopes of bringing the inflammation down. I literally had to tell the makeup artist to make my lips appear smaller. Who knew contouring lips is a thing!
Learn from my mistake and don’t chance anything new that you haven’t done before-
Lip fillers, eyelash extensions, body contouring, etc.
Prepare ahead and give yourself extra wiggle room just in case it doesn’t come out as planned.

-Always schedule a trial run with your makeup artist.
There are certain products that may interfere with makeup so always check with your makeup artist and invest in a trial run so that you can look your best without compromising your skin.
As an example a zinc based sunscreen (mineral sunscreen) aka reef safe sunscreen, aka the only sunscreen Hawaii is allowed to carry, can show a white cast in photos on your face.
Are you going to to skip using sunscreen that day? We hope not! This and other tips for your best makeup application is discussed at your makeup trail run. Don’t skip it!


Phew, You made it this far! Congrats! Now go and start checking off your bridal checklist. I’ll be waiting for my call..
Thanks for reading, putting up with my run on sentences, poor grammar and spelling.

​

You’ve probably seen it on tv, heard about from your friends or read an ad somewhere in a magazine. But what is retinol and why should it be a staple in your skincare tool box? In the most basic explanation, retinol is a type of vitamin A that is known to reverse the signs of aging. The magic is in its small molecular structure. This allows it to penetrate deep beneath the surface of the skin to speed up cellular renewal to improve tone and texture of the skin, for a more even- toned look. But that’s not all! Retinol can reach the middle layer of skin where it helps to neutralize free radicals boosting the production of elastin and collagen, creating a “plumping“ effect to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. Through cellular turnover, it restores the organization of the cells so that they are less likely to fall into the pores and block them- resulting in fewer clogged pores and small breakouts. 

While there are no true guidelines to start using retinol, in my opinion the earlier the better. We start to lose collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and all that other fun stuff that keeps our skin young and glowing around 25 years old so to help prevent premature aging its best to start in your early 20’s. This does not mean that you absolutely need to use it. Retinol is not for everyone, some skin types simply cant handle it or some are not ready to commit to a complex skin regimen. For those who are motivated, start low and slow and make sure to find an experienced professional to help guide you into using this powerful ingredient.

Not all retinols are created equal. While this holy grail product is effective, it can do more harm than good if used improperly or the formulation you are using is too strong for your skin type. Thats why we LOVE Herbal Skin Solutions Blue moon retinol mask. Wisely named as a mask to remind you to rinse off in the morning, this potent yet gentle retinol goes to work while you sleep!
Used as an age-management and preventative/corrective cream, the Blue Moon Retinol Overnight Sleeping Mask is silky and buttery to the touch and contains a potent blend of botanicals, including the star ingredient Blue Tansy Oil, which increases cellular turnover and aids in minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores as well as brightening any uneven pigment.

Known as Moroccan Chamomile, the rarity and exclusivity of Blue Tansy Oil due to it’s seasonal crop in Northern Morocco makes this ingredient even more special alongside it’s unique benefits and qualities including the blue undertones created by the formation of Chamazulene, which naturally occurs when the plant’s material is exposed to heat from steam during the distillation process.

The resulting Chamazulene from this process is the active magic that enriches Blue Tansy Oil with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that calm the skin almost instantly.

Retinol is the other powerhouse ingredient you’ll find in the Blue Moon Overnight Sleeping Mask and pairs beautifully with the Blue Tansy Oil, which immediately counteracts the retinol’s irritating nature and allows its best qualities to shine forth for promoting collagen production and youthful cellular turnover

Aligning with its name, the Blue Moon Overnight Sleeping Mask works best when applied at sun down and at the end of your P.M. skin routine (cleansing, toning ritual, corrective Vitamin C + EGF serum cocktail, et al). Yes, the closer to dusk, the better!

Finally, those who enjoy this formulation will notice a distinctive scent of sweet sage with a light herbaceous aroma that washes one’s being with a sense of peace through connectedness with the Earth’s ingredients.

If you've reached this point bravo! Now that you understand the function of retinol here are a few tips on how to use it properly. Keep in mind these are not hard facts & rules but rather guidelines to help you ease into retinol usage and avoid some of the side effects. For best results, always consult with your trusted skin expert  (hopefully that's me) on the proper use for your unique skin.

• It is recommended that retinoids such as this cream are paused for 3-5 days prior to treatments such as but not limited to micro-needling, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, laser, or hair removal such as waxing. The cream can be started again after the skin is fully healed post treatment. This formula was made to help boost the results of microneedling & nano infusion so if you're getting those treatments its going to take your results to the next level!
• Please note, retinoids are known sun sensitizers. When using this product, it is especially important to be diligent about day-time sun protection.

Balance is key when starting off on retinol. Start off with a pea-sized amount, using it two times per week, slowly increasing the usage to give the skin a chance to acclimate.

Using the Vitamin C Enhancement serum in the day time will counteract those free radicals nicely and prevent further darkening of the skin. Think Vitamin C to prevent and Retinol to prevent.
This formula is actually more like a moisturizer for night time use and you’ll find how nicely it absorbs into the skin. You will not need to apply a moisturizer on top of this retinol unless your skin is very dry or your skin is sensitive. The following regime is an example of a cautious first start to retinoids:

PM: Cleanse, toner, moisturizer, blue moon mask, neroli oil (optional)

After a few weeks of your your skin acclimating to the retinol:

AM: cleanse, tone, hyaluronic acid/ Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, SPF
MID: REAPPLY SPF at least once during the day
PM: cleanse, tone, hyaluronic acid, Blue moon mask

Days you want to take a break from the retinol you would replace with a Vitamin C serum, Hyaluronic acid, or some kind of hydrating serum to help boost moisture in the skin. Vitamin C and retinol do not play nice when they are layered with each other at the same time so it is best to use them separately (one in the day and the other at night).

* any additional serums for the face can be used after toning but before blue moon mask.

Actives like AHA & BHA’s should be used with caution while using retinol so it is best to consult your professional to determine how to best incorporate these so that they do not cause over sensitivity to the skin.

Eventually you may get to an advanced state of using retinol where you won’t need the additional moisturizer at night and you can use a tiny bit around the eye area for prevention of wrinkles! On exfoliation days you may want to skin retinol and opt for something more hydrating like a basic Hyaluronic acid serum or our favorite- the Neroli Nirvana oil. Eventually the skin may build up the tolerance to handle the exfoliation and retinol but as always listen to your skin first.

Sometimes I’ll come across new customers who rant and rave about their doctor prescribed retinol or the percentage they “think” they have in that $150 bottle of Vit A.
Remember, formulation matters and that saying “ too much of a good thing is bad” can be applied to this. Stronger doesn’t always mean better, most times it means that the skin may have a greater risk of irritation & sensitivity. Eww ain’t nobody got time for red flaky skin!
Consistency, just the right amount of efficacy, plus gentle at the same time, makes the Blue Moon sleeping mask an easy choice for your retinol needs!

In hotter months or when you know you’ll be outdoors we usually recommend people be very cautious about using retinol. Again this is not a definite rule but if you do choose to do so you want to make sure you are always covered with a high SPF, REAPPLY during the day (at least once), limit your exposure to direct sunlight and wear additional protective gear.
As always we want to reapply SPF daily but more so with using an active like this. 

In conclusion, remember- low and slow, only at night, and reapply SPF frequently.

Have you personally benefited from retinol or the Blue Moon Sleeping Mask? I would love to hear your experience in the comments below!


Cheers,
Asia