Ten Skin Commandments
Tried and True Tips from
The Crew In Our Stu
No matter what age you are, how high or low maintenance you are, or what type of skin you have, everyone has beauty and wellness rules that they swear by. Some may be rooted in science, some in culture or habit, and some may be your tried and true ways to make sure you’re looking and feeling your best. I asked Monica and Sophie to share their beauty and wellness rules with me to create our Ten Skin Commandments. Read on to see how we like to show up for ourselves, and maybe you’ll find some inspiration to add to yours!
x Raquel
Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, Esthetician + Co-Founder
1. THOU SHALT APPLY SPF EVERY SINGLE DAY
It’s my favorite skin fact to repeat: UV exposure is responsible for up to 90% of cutaneous aging. I know everyone thinks they look better with a tan, but we live in the 21st century and we have self tanner and bronzer for that. Just google “UV exposure and telomeres” if you’re still unsure why you should wear sunscreen. Try these: Neova Everyday SPF 44, Le Prunier Plumscreen SPF 31 and Mesoprotech Water Veil SPF 50.
2. HONOR THY SKIN BY CLEANSING IT PROPERLY
They say cleanliness is next to godliness and it absolutely applies to skin. No matter what deity you believe in, or don’t, it’s vitally important to remove products, pollution, dirt and sweat from your face and body each night. Get into the habit of night showers. Nothing feels better than sliding into bed all fresh and clean. My current go-to’s include: Reome Three Suns Balm Cleanser, Sofie Pavitt Clean Clean Cleanser, and Auteur’s Definitive Enzyme Cleanser.
3. THOU SHALT REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH THY ROUTINE
In the quest to achieve results, consistency is key. Dedicate yourself to using your products every day or as often as allowed instead of switching back and forth between several. If you buy a device, use it as regularly as directed in order to actually reap the benefits. Take baby steps – start with that one product you can’t seem to remember every night and once you’ve mastered that you can move on to nightly LED or what have you.
4. THOU SHALT NOT TORTURE THYSELF WITH UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Comparison is the thief of joy! And when you’re comparing yourself to someone 20 years younger or $10,000,000 richer or simply someone who is AI generated, your joy will fly out the window. We all want to look our best, but it’s not helpful to pick your appearance apart and wish for things that are physiologically impossible (such as poreless skin or no expression lines). And for chrissakes throw out the magnifying mirror.
Monica David, Esthetician + Astrology Buff
5. THOU SHALT USE VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is essential for keeping your skin healthy and functioning properly, making it one of the most important ingredients in your skin care routine. It increases the cell turnover rate, stimulates collagen production, aids in healing and repairing more rapidly, unclogs pores, regulates oil production, reduces uneven texture, and helps to reduce acne as well. The Environ Tri- Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum is my favorite A to use at night!
6. HONOR THY SKIN WITH CONSISTENT EXFOLIATION
When we don’t exfoliate enough, dead skin cells build up and clog pores, skin appears dull and lifeless, texture may be uneven or rough, and product doesn’t penetrate properly due to this build up. I notice many of my clients are afraid to over-do it, but many of us are not doing it enough! It’s important to exfoliate regularly, whether chemically or physically, in order to have that fresh, glowy, radiant skin.
7. THOU SHALT INCORPORATE LED INTO YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE
LED therapy, particularly red and blue light, is my favorite non invasive technology due to its profound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Usually you can get a professional LED session included in your facial, but now LED products are available to purchase for home use. A very good option that includes blue light, red light, and infrared is the Theraface Mask.
Sophie Bolvary, Licensed Massage Therapist
8. HONOR THY BODY WITH GROOVE AND MOVEMENT
A sedentary lifestyle does more harm to the body and mind than you may think. Humans are meant to MOVE, everyday. Our Lymphatic System is responsible for clearing out toxins, circulating body fluids and keeping all other systems in check. However – unlike breathing, digesting and blood flow, our lymph doesn’t get moving until we do. If going to the gym or a yoga class isn’t available to you, I suggest taking a dance-break! This goes out to my work-from-home crowd who are seated at a computer. Link up a few songs that you love and dance like no one is watching. Because they aren’t!
A massage is another fantastic way to support your lymphatic system – especially on days between big work outs. In this setting, the massage therapist brings the movement. Our treatment The Vital Detox is designed to assist the lymph flow, ease muscle tension and bring peace to a busy mind.
9. THOU SHALT SANCTIFY YOUR SLEEP
The older I get the more I realize how important a good night’s sleep is for overall health. The majority of my work as a massage therapist is to manage my clients stress, to down-regulate the nervous system and ease tension in the body. As a New Yorker, I understand first-hand how hard it is to unwind at the end of the day. Recently this has been my evening sleep ritual: a hot salty bath with my fave Vertly Muscle Soak with Arnica followed by a self-massage with their California Bloom Oil which is rich in CBD and Chamomile, and finally a mug of “Digestion Tea” a warming herbal blend that settles my stomach and calms my mind.
10. THOU SHALT FAVOR YOUR FEET
Regular foot massage is more than just a way to relieve tension—it’s a key to overall health and longevity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the feet are considered a microcosm of the entire body, with reflex points connecting to vital organs and energy pathways. Stimulating these points through massage enhances circulation, balances qi (vital energy), and supports immune function. By incorporating foot massage into your routine, you can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes, fostering long-term well-being from the ground up. Come in for The Footy and get a little TLC for those underserved feet!