Love the skin you're in
T
he HBO max docu-series, Not So Pretty, is an exposé of the trillion-dollar cosmetic, beauty and personal care industry. There are many hidden hazards in our daily products, and many are linked cancer. Your skin is your largest organ, after all, so it makes sense to take care of it. Knowledge is power, and after watching the series, I knew I had to go straight to my go-to girl, Shay Rogers of Shay Donna Aesthetics, for an update on what’s really going on in the beauty industry today. The TV show definitely shed some alarming light on simple everyday products. Rogers is a master cosmetologist and has been in business for 20 years. She is also a certified medical aesthetician (the study of skin under a medical study or practice), is board certified with micropigmentation (the study of cosmetic tattooing), and she is laser certified and a makeup artist. Shay has been located in downtown Alexander City for almost five years. “My love for skin changed dramatically when I worked for dermatologists,” Rogers said. “I then learned that I could change skin imperfections and help everyone feel comfortable in their own skin!” She said she cannot stress enough the importance of understanding the ingredients in products available, and there are free apps available for you to do Lacey Howell your research. Check out Skin Deep, Detox Me or Clearya. “I have always tried to use the best products for my skin and really study the ingredients and understand what’s good or bad. Does doctor recommended really mean good? Not necessarily,” she warned. In the spa, Rogers carries products that are known for being organic, plant based, no fillers, no parabens and no chemicals. I sat down with Rogers for a rapid fire on her top tips and picks:
Culture Shock
What are your top 3 favorite skin products? n Pure cleanser. It is great for treating dermatitis, eczema, seborheic. n Societe Skin Pads, which are like a chemical peel at home and treat pigmentation, acne and anti aging. n Prime and Defend Societe Sunscreen is a physical sunscreen with no chemicals, and it is tinted, which makes it a great primer for makeup. Where should someone begin on buying new products? Look at your ingredients! A face wash is a great way to start. Cleanse your skin twice a day with a cleanser 50 Lake Martin Living
that hydrates your skin and provides antioxidants, vitamins and proteins. Many soaps will dry your skin and cause dehydration, which produces wrinkles and loss of skin laxity. What are your ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ when it comes to shopping for skincare? n Do your homework and know your ingredients/ allergens/carcinogens. n Do use physical sunscreen everyday daily (no chemicals). n Do try to use all plant based cleansers, lotions, deodorants and cleaning supplies. n Do use essential oils. Oils date way back to when we didn’t have western medicine or cancer. Oils can heal and protect. I use them every day. n Don’t believe that all sunscreens are safe. n Don’t believe a product is safe just because it is doctor recommended. n Don’t use a fragrance (or dyes). n Don’t use candles, detergents, dryer sheets or cleaning products, as many have allergens or cancer-causing chemicals in them. n Don’t use anything with talc powder. Talc has asbestos in it. Studies have shown the two cannot be separated. What can I clean my house with? n Pure Castile Soap (Rogers’ favorite is Hemp Almond). This comes in many natural scents, and I bathe with it and also use it as a detergent surface cleaning and clean my floors. n Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. They also make soap, detergent and a hard surface cleaner. Shay Donna Aesthetics is located at 124 Calhoun Street in Downtown Alex City. ~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.
