You may have heard of red light therapy as a popular skin care trend, with many influencers and beauty professionals donning light-up masks on their social media channels to promote antiaging and smoother skin. But while it can give you a glowing complexion, red light therapy has major full-body and mind benefits, as well. We talked to Dr. David Meredith of Very Well wellness center in Cross Keys about the treatment and its many uses.

What is red light therapy?
It’s a therapeutic technique using specific wavelengths of visible red light and infrared light to stimulate the cells in the body. It can strengthen the mitochondria—the cell’s energy source—which may repair and improve cell function. You can get red light therapy from different devices, such as lamps, panels, or face masks, but we offer a full-body red light bed, which is great for getting the full-body benefits of the treatment. It looks like a tanning bed, but instead of UV lights, it uses red and infrared LED lights.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?
The FDA has cleared it for pain relief, inflammation, and wound healing, so it’s very helpful for people with autoimmune disorders or looking to accelerate their healing process. But if used regularly, it is also said to help with conditions like arthritis, asthma, hypertension, carpal tunnel, and high blood pressure. It is commonly used for skin care and antiaging and is especially helpful in clearing up skin issues like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. The red light is said to stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, leaving your skin smoother, often with visible results right away. This can also help reduce scarring and sun damage. It is also said to help with brain health, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.

How often do you need to receive red light therapy to feel the benefits?
People start by coming in one to three times a week until they get noticeable results and then they can space their appointments out. If it’s a short term or superficial issue that can be resolved, you don’t need to keep coming in, but for things like antiaging—you aren’t going to stop aging—you need to set up appointments to maintain the results you want.

Are there any risks involved with red light therapy?
Women who are pregnant should not use it, but there aren’t really any known risks. People who take medications that may increase skin or eye sensitivity should check with their doctor first. Eye protection is provided for you, but not necessary. The biggest thing is that everyone feels safe and comfortable with the process.

WHAT YOU NEED:

FRESH FACE: Take your makeup off before the treatment so that the light is able to penetrate the skin properly.

FACT CHECK: Do your research when purchasing at-home devices. You want to make sure you are buying a quality product.

GAME PLAN: Talk with your health care provider about what amount of red light therapy will benefit you most.

Forecasts say it’s time to ditch the wool sweaters and break out the shorts. But prepping for summer goes beyond clothing. Here are some essential local beauty and wellness products for warmer days.

AROMATHERAPY: SoBotanical
Opting for a diffuser this season? SoBotanical’s Fruitful aromatherapy blend hits just right. The blend of fruit oils (tangerine, lemon, and mango) creates a juicy, tropical atmosphere and those fresh notes of citrus and mango melange are guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
Find at: sobotanical.com and other locations.

BODY BALM: PriyaMeansLove
You can smell the relief as PriyaMeansLove’s Mind/Body Relief Balm melts into the skin with its nourishing mango butter and cooling mint essential oils. The vitamins A, C, and E from the mango butter help hydrate and calm irritated skin while the mint’s properties are said to alleviate aches and pains, not to mention provide an overall cooling effect. This balm is perfect for a day spent too long in the sun.
Find at: PriyaMeansLove on Etsy

ESSENCE: ierò Beauty
For a little pick-me-up, try the Moonkissed Serene Essence Replenishing Mist by ierò Beauty. An essence can help hydrate and restore the skin; this blend is rich with fan-fave ingredients, notably rosewater for ultimate refreshment and prickly pear extract for its anti-inflammatory proper- ties. But the addition of detoxifying grape seed extract and restorative pomegranate extract is what makes this summer mist
a must.
Find at: ierobeauty.com

FACE SCRUB: Agrestal Beauty
Something about washing away the sweat and grime of the day with a sugar scrub just feels right. Gentle enough to use on your face, Agrestal’s Awaken scrub, made with matcha green tea and hemp oil, brightens and soothes the complexion. For an added bonus: Read the container’s fine print for a self-love reminder.
Find at: agrestalbeauty.com

Social calendars are full this year, and there’s no way we’re showing up to any event without feeling our absolute best—and that includes our skin. Natalie Sams, founder and owner of The Loft, the esthetics and self-care studio with locations in Federal Hill and Brewers Hill, gave us the low-down on how to get our skin clear, tight, and radiant before any event this year. Heads up: If you’ve got a big event this spring, now is the time to book your next facial.

How can we prep our skin at home?
For daily skincare rituals: resurface [exfoliate], hydrate, nourish, repeat. The Loft features a private-label beauty line, Ritual, to promote daily ritualistic skin care with high-quality organic and natural ingredients. Make fruits and veggies your besties. Fruits and veggies will provide key nutrients important for healthy skin, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Avocados, mixed berries, fatty fishes, and “Aura” Marine Collagen elixirs are my top favorites to achieve optimal hydration, overall quality, clarity, and texture of the skin.

When should we see an esthetician for help and what should we ask for?
For the newbie facial guest, we recommend the Gua Sha Glow. This treatment increases blood circulation, reduces bloat, and creates a slimming effect on the face. For the experienced facial guest, we recommend a HydraFacial with Dermaplane. This facial duo is resurfacing and hydrating, ideal for any special occasion or for a monthly maintenance plan for glowing goddess skin. We recommend starting this routine three to six months before a big event for optimal results.

If there’s a last-minute event on the books, how can we get glowing within just a few days?
Hydrate. Increase water intake and decrease or eliminate alcohol intake. I recommend spring water with three to six drops of chlorophyll to detox the liver, boost energy, increase blood flow, and aid in diges- tion and bloating. Juna Chlorophyll drops are sold and offered post-treatment in both Federal and Brewers Hill Loft studios. Also, try contrast therapy. Commit three to four days a week of contrast hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation, burn calories, detox, boost mood, and improve the tone and texture of the skin. We provide a private room for guests to circulate between the infrared sauna and cold plunge ice baths, with added amenities and sauna experiences such as the “Body Glow Up,” which incorporates a body plane tool and custom oil for any guest looking to level up their glow.

What kind of skin care routine is best on the day of the event?
Products with hyaluronic acid to keep skin cells plump and hydrated are a must, as well as epidermal growth factors (EGF), a gentle growth factor protein that produces collagen and elastin, providing a youthful appearance.

WHAT YOU NEED:

NUTRITION: Take care of your skin from the inside out with fruits, veggies, and plenty of hydration.

ROUTINE: Cycle your skin care regimen with products that exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish the skin.

TREATMENTS: For general detox and whole-body glow, try a trip to the sauna followed by an ice bath.

Switching up your skin care routine might sound like a bad idea at first, but the latest findings say that cycling between tough exfoliation and nourishing moisturization throughout the week might actually be the best thing for a glowing complexion. The viral concept of “skin cycling” is all about interchanging products to keep your skin as healthy as it is free of blemishes and fine lines. At its core, skin cycling implements the tried-and-true method of limiting how often you exfoliate to ensure your skin’s moisture barrier is in tip-top shape. Here’s how to do it.

NIGHT 1: EXFOLIATE
The first day of your skin cycle should revolve around exfoliation. As always, start with a gentle cleanser to clear off any makeup. With a clean slate, apply a chemical exfoliant such as a serum that includes alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. These exfoliants are said to be less damaging to your skin than a rough scrub but potent enough to clear the deepest pores. You might also apply spot treatments this night.
Try: About Faces Multiple locations including 894 Kenilworth Drive, 410-828-8666.

NIGHT 2: RETINOL
Retinoids are vitamin-A derivatives heralded lately as the “it” product for anti-aging. Boosting the skin’s normal rejuvenation process, retinoids are said to heal acne, fade hyperpigmentation, and reduce fine lines at a faster rate. After cleansing, apply only a dab of retinol to your entire face. A small amount goes a long way. If your skin is sensitive, try adding a layer of moisturizer before applying the retinol to prevent dryness. Always complete the night with a moisturizer.
Try: Belcara Health 1427 Clarkview Road, Suite 300, 410-424-5779.

NIGHTS 3 AND 4: MOISTURIZE
Give your skin a break with two back-to-back nights of TLC. Start with a gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, and always cover with a creamy moisturizer. These two nights are imperative to give your skin time to recover from intense cleansing. If you notice extra dryness or redness after nights one and two, try products that contain calming rose hip or squalane.
Try: EcoSevi

WHAT YOU NEED:

TIME: Skin cycling is a practice that changes daily and it might take some time to see the full results, as your skin’s natural turnover cycle is around 28 days.

EXFOLIATE: A deep clean can give us faster results when looking to reduce texture, even tone, and minimize wrinkles.

MOISTURIZER: Regardless of your routine, ending your nighttime routine with a moisturizer is key to healthy skin.

Chances are, you probably know someone who gets their brows, lashes, facials, or all of the above done at The Loft in Canton. That’s because, over the past four years, owner Natalie Sams and her team have established themselves as the experts in perfectly sculpted brows, sky-high lashes, and flawless skin care. Not only are the services well-executed, but the space—filled with lush greens, modern furniture, and world music—ushers clients into an instant state of relaxation.

And now visiting The Loft just got a lot easier with a second location that opened in Federal Hill in May. “I am so excited to be in Federal Hill and to connect with a new community of people,” says Sams. “There is nothing really like us in this area, so I think it will be a great fit.”

The new location offers all of the same services, including brow design, brow henna, facials, peels, lash lifts and extensions—with a new service called volume lash extensions that splits a regular extension into three for a lightweight feeling that creates a full and feathery look.

With growth still on the horizon for Sams, her plan for maintaining the quality of her service is to use only the best supplies in the industry while still making sure each client feels cared for.

“We are in the human connection industry,” she says. “It’s important for us to be intentional with our services and to customize them for each and every client. We think women should have the freedom to feel confident—whether that means working out, putting on a sexy outfit, or spending a little more time on your eyelashes, we fully support it.”

What began as a hobby in Charlotte, North Carolina, has now grown into a full-time business in Baltimore for Kellie Martin. Facing her own personal skincare issues, Martin knew all-natural products needed to become a bigger conversation in the world of beauty and it prompted her to start her own wellness company, Earth Elements Soapworks. We talked to Martin about skincare must-haves, her inspirations, and what she has in store for the future of her brand.

How did you first get started with natural skincare?
I’ve always been a naturalist. If I had an ailment, I’ve always gone to herbs and things. And I thought, “Well I’ll take a stab at trying to make my own soap.” So, I did it as a hobby at first, giving them as gifts to friends and coworkers and then it really started taking off with orders from friends and schools.

What inspired you to create your own brand?
I had a problem with breaking out. I’m a believer that natural is always better. So I wanted to try and solve a problem that I had not necessarily something to do. But I wanted to solve a problem and I knew in the process of me doing that, I could help someone else.

What are some of the benefits of your natural skincare?
One of the things I created was a belly butter. It’s intended for moms, but males and females can use it. You can use it all over your body but it has specific ingredients targeted to help reduce stretch marks and moisturize the skin for mothers-to-be. So I crafted that when I was expecting my first child. With all of my products, I try to have target ingredients that can help a specific skin type: mature skin, oily-combination, and eczema.

What is your favorite product that you make?
I really like my soap because that’s where I started. It’s so much of a different variety. It’s almost like I get excited with the soaps I have two or three different ones in the shower. I can use one if I did a long run and my body is aching, I can use a cool mint soap if I want to relax before I go to bed, or I can use my lavender soap.

What is the best part about owning a Baltimore-based company?
Since I’ve lived here, I think the community itself is very close-knit. It is a pretty strong group of artisans and small local businesses that stick together. They have a lot of markets and craft shows or networking events that you can learn how to grow your business. I really enjoy that aspect and I’ve never gotten or seen quite like this anywhere else. It seems that the consumers in Baltimore are really about buying local so that is a big plus here in this area. It’s almost like it’s ingrained.

What ingredients do you think are essential for our skin?
All of my ingredients that I put in my products I think are essential. Essential oils are very holistic and healing for the skin. They are plant-based, they have healing properties, and they’re all-natural. I am very specific as far as where I procure my oils from to know that they are pure and there are no toxins. So essential oils I would say are a key ingredient.

Which five beauty or skincare items you couldn’t live without?
I am a product junkie. My soap, I can’t live without. Mascara. Carmex. My body butter. And a good leave-in conditioner.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream. I always like to treat myself.

How would you describe Earth Elements Soapworks in one sentence?
My brand is all-natural, eco-friendly, for an earth-conscious consumer.

Where do you see Earth Elements headed in the future?
For 2019, some of my goals were to launch my website. I am really working on relaunching an updated website, full e-commerce website so that’s one of my goals. Another is social media presence to ultimately bring in new customers and potentially increase sales. Right now, I am only working with various soaps, body butters, and body scrubs but I want to extend my product offerings. I am looking at bath soaks that have botanicals and dead sea salts. But one thing at a time.

Finish the sentence: No skincare routine is complete without?
It’s not complete without knowledge of what toxins are in the products that aren’t good for you skin. Skincare starts from the inside out. Staying hydrated. It’s not about what you put on, but what you are putting into your body. Your skin is the largest organ in your body so you want to take care of your skin, cleansing and moisturizing, because that’s all you got.

Adaptogens: Botanical extracts that, when ingested or applied to skin, claim to help regulate and get the body back to its baseline, as well as protect the body from the toxic effects of stress, fatigue, and anxiety.

Collagen: A naturally occurring structural protein that is already in your skin, bones, and teeth. It provides elasticity to the skin, helping it appear more vibrant and youthful. Your natural production of collagen starts to dwindle in your late 20s and early 30s.

Microblading: A tattooing technique where pigment is implanted into the top layer of skin with a handheld tool. Hair-like strokes are drawn to mimic natural hairs in your brows to help with filling and shading.

Jade Roller: A handheld mini face massager made of green jade. It is said to reduce inflammation while stimulating the lymphatic system and improving blood circulation, which helps to brighten your complexion, tighten pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Microdermabrasion: A minimally invasive procedure where a special applicator with an abrasive surface is gently sands away the outer layer of skin to rejuvenate it, resulting in skin tone and texture improvement.

Dermaplaning: A method of exfoliation that uses a 10-gauge scalpel to gently scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.

Botox: A drug prepared from the bacterial botulin toxin that is used cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. It is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines.

Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally occurring substance in our skin that works to draw in water. It decreases as we age, so using products with hyaluronic acid will prevent the skin’s tendency towards dryness.

Glycolic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid derived from plant sugars that serves as a chemical exfoliator. It gently resurfaces the skin by removing dead layers to reveal the more luminous skin beneath.

Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, it is most commonly used in anti-aging products. It has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne.

Kybella: An FDA-approved injectable treatment made from deoxycholic acid that aids in destroying fat cells in the area under your chin.Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid that works well with oily skin to unclog pores and combat acne.

Microneedling: A process that uses a tool called a dermapen with tiny needles at the end of it to make little holes in the top layer of the skin. This can generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother and firmer skin. It also allows for products to absorb into skin more easily.

In today’s world, wellness can be a very broad term. On its most basic level, it’s about making a conscious effort to attain health in both body and mind. But with so many diets, exercise options, and self-care alternatives, we can often feel overwhelmed with information.

That’s why Jess Waller—formerly of the creative community MakeTribe—developed WellTribe, a hub for women’s holistic health with the goal of creating a community dedicated to self-discovery and better living through nutrition and self-care.

Starting this month, Waller, a certified nutrition specialist with training in Western and herbal medicine, will be sending out a bimonthly WellTribe newsletter called “Tell Me Everything” in which she’ll address three subjects that people are always striving to improve: sleep, sex, and skin.

“All three of those areas I think can be treated through lifestyle change in food and behavior modifications,” says Waller. “Everybody has so much on their plates, but paying attention to your mental and physical health comes from self-discovery, and I think that also stems from being connected to a larger community outside of yourself.”

The newsletter will also contain a roundup of evidence-based research, as well as a curated selection of healing products and deep dives into hot topic ingredients. “There are no blanket treatment options,” says Waller, who also does nutrition consultations in Woodberry. “We all have bio-individuality. We are all different, and you sometimes have to dig down deeper to find the root cause of what could be causing us certain ailments.”

WellTribe also hopes to host mini-workshops and pop-up information sessions around the city with health specialists to bring together like-minded people who are looking to share their stories and connect.

“I just want it to be a space where people can support each other and support themselves,” explains Waller. “My goal is to inspire everybody to show up for themselves at the beginning, middle, and end of each day.”

Sunless tanning has come a long way since the days of that iconic Friends episode, “The One with Ross’s Tan.” In fact, there are now a slew of colors and products to ensure you won’t walk out of your session looking like an Oompa Loompa. We talk to Rachael Brandt, who is the co-owner of local mobile airbrush tanning company Two Bronzed Babes along with Beth Pugner, about how the sunless tan has evolved into something you’ll want to include in your beauty regime.

What is the difference between a spray tan and a custom airbrush tan?
Well, when spray tans started they were typically offered through a booth experience, which is very different from airbrush tanning. In a booth spray tan, there is no control over where you are being sprayed. It’s kind of a “one spray fits all” approach. With a custom airbrush tan, we are guiding and applying the solution heavier or lighter in certain areas of the body depending on that specific person.

How have sunless tans evolved over time?
When I first started getting spray tans there was only one color option, and no one would ever ask you what color you wanted or take a look at your natural skin tone to see what would work best. But there are so many different shades out there now. Each solution has a different undertone, kind of like color-correction concealers. You first need to look at someone’s skin and undertone to figure out which solution will look the most natural. For example, if someone has red undertones in their skin, you’ll want to use the solution with green undertones to balance it out.

How long does an airbrush tan typically last?
It typically lasts one to two weeks. Of course, there are lots of products that can help to extend the length of your tan, and a lot of it comes down to the prep and aftercare. I usually recommend either a tan extender lotion or an airbrush tan extender, which is great to spray over the face or on any part of your body that needs a touch up.

What is the most important part of airbrush tan prep?
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Do your harshest exfoliation the day before—you don’t want to do it the day of because it’s a little rough on your skin and the cells are still repairing themselves. We recommend exfoliating gloves, but really a washrag will do. I know most people want to use their loofas, but that is really not going to cut it. You need something a little more abrasive, especially around the knees, ankles, and elbows.

What are the benefits of airbrush tanning?
Well, I think the first thing is that the solutions I use have bronzers in them, so you are instantly tan. But the biggest benefit is obviously no sun damage. I also just think they make people feel good. It’s a spirit booster. I have a lot of moms that come to me post partem that want to get a spray tan to feel beautiful and to give their skin a healthy glow.

What You Need

Color Corrector:
Talk with your technician about your skin’s undertone so you can choose a solution that will look the most natural on you.

Smooth Sailing:
Make sure to spend time exfoliating your entire body before getting an airbrush tan so the solution is applied evenly.

Make it Last:
Purchase a spray or lotion tan extender to cover up any accidental smudges and to make your tan last for as long as possible.

There are only so many ways to keep your skin healthy and moisturized during the cold winter months. Bitter winds dry out our skin, and no matter how much we try, or reapply, we can’t help feeling, well . . . scaly. Enter essential oils. While most people associate oils with clogged pores or a greasy leftover film, the truth is that natural oils—like the ones found in the products below—are lightweight, and more easily absorbed into the skin, leading to a more even complexion and fewer breakouts.

Rosehip
Full of vitamins and antioxidants, this oil is known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry skin while reducing fine lines and scarring. This oil also contains smokey quartz, which is said to be a clearing stone and the protector of negative emotions. Anxiety Sucks Energy gemstone infused essential oil blend ($20) at Brightside Boutique.

Coconut
Known for its hydrating properties, coconut oil is beneficial to every part of the body. Add to your skin, hair, face, or anywhere that is feeling dry. This spray also includes aloe, great for improving skin’s elasticity and strength. Anese.co Gotta Peace Out coconut neroli hydrating body and hair elixir ($26) at Brightside Boutique.

Lapis
This facial oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory tool that miraculously aids in reducing redness and balancing your complexion without clogging pores or drying out the skin. Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil ($72) at In Watermelon Sugar.

Frankincense
Frankincense oil is a powerful astringent that helps to reduce blemishes, prevent wrinkles, and tighten skin to slow the signs of aging. Use this oil wherever the skin begins to sag. Celestial face serum ($30) at celestialbodycare.com.

Orchid
Orchid extract is lightweight and draws moisture to the skin while also fighting against free radicals and premature aging. Herbivore Orchid youth preserving facial oil ($24) at In Watermelon Sugar.

Lavender
Lavender oil is known to treat acne by fighting bacteria that causes breakouts and improving the appearance of scars, cuts, and burns. Ode lavender body oil ($35) at In Watermelon Sugar.

When you think of charcoal—yes, the stuff you grill with—the last thing that comes to mind is “I’d like to rub that on my face.” But charcoal has been making quite the impression on the beauty scene as of late, showing up in everything from cleansers and facemasks to soaps and scrubs.

This isn’t the first time this gritty, black substance has proven beneficial. It has been used for decades in hospitals to treat alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses, as well as in Brita filters to purify drinking water. Activated charcoal, which is carbon that has been treated to increase absorbency, is a skin miracle worker. It is said to work as a magnet to draw out and absorb toxins and impurities, which prevents breakouts, minimizes the appearance of pores, and alleviates some skin irritation.

The coarse texture of charcoal also works as a gentle natural exfoliator, leaving your skin baby soft. And it doesn’t stop at skin; activated charcoal apparently also is used to rid hair of toxins and even whiten teeth. With its many benefits, we can’t help but wonder if activated charcoal is the new beauty MVP. The jury is still out, but it’s safe to say this is a trend we will definitely be adding to our beauty arsenal.

Never sell someone a product you wouldn’t use yourself. That might as well be the motto of Jamyla, right, and Pierre Bennu, left, who launched the Oyin Handmade product line in 2001. 

“I was the original consumer,” says Jamyla. “I wanted high quality all-natural products with an emphasis on moisture and gentleness. At the time, such things were difficult to find commercially, so I made my own.” 

Initially, they just shared the product with family and friends. “From there, it moved to fairs and shows, and the website launched in 2003,” says Pierre. Five years ago, the couple opened a store in Charles Village. 

Today, their products—which now include hair and body products for men, women, and babies—are carried in several Whole Foods Markets and Target locations across the country, and it just keeps growing. 

“Our consumers are people with all hair types and textures, who care about quality ingredients in their products and appreciate affordable luxury,” Jamyla says. 

So what’s the key to their product? Believe it or not, honey, the couple reports. 

“Oyin is actually the Yoruba word for honey,” Pierre says. “Honey is one of nature’s most versatile beauty ingredients,” Jamyla adds. “It’s useful for acne treatment. Honey maintains supple skin, soft lips, and hydrated hair.” 

But no, the Bennus do not suggest that you add their products to your tea.