FALL 2008

 

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Pg 30 - SPA WISDOM

Referred to as "Hollywood's favorite Fairy Skin Mother," skincare expert Sonya Dakar shares her tips on treating your skin with TLC.

Organic Spa: What is the one skin care tip you can't (or shouldn't) live without?

Sonya Dakar: Never ever go to bed without washing your face, no matter how tired or lazy you might be feeling! This will only lead to a bad habit that causes breakouts and will dull the skin.

OS: How does stress show itself on the skin, and how can we prevent this?

SD: Stress can cause irritation, redness, flaking, breakouts on skin, and dark under-eye circles- all of which will lead to accelerated aging. It is very important to subscribe to a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent this from happening. Eating right, regular exercise, getting enough sleep each night, and drinking lots of waters are ways to avoid stressed skin. Regular exfoliation and masking can help address specific problems, but it does all have to start with a healthy lifestyle!

OS: What is the most relaxing thing we can do for our complexions?

SD: At-home facials are the best and most relaxing things for you and your skin. For starters, committing just half an hour to this will force to you slow down, relax, and release any tension or stress you might be experiencing. Your skin will also greatly benefit from the healing therapy. Start with cleansing and exfoliating your face, then steam for about five minutes with either an at-home steamer, or by simply placing a towel around your head over a bowl of hot steaming water. Follow this with a mask with cool relaxing cucumbers over the eyes. Finish with a good moisturizer to hydrate and nourish skin. Keeping up with at-home facials is a great way to de-stress and keep your complexion refreshed and healthy!

OS: You're known for your results-oriented facials, but we know that you just launched a new body-care line. What product is your personal favorite?

SD: My favorite item from the body collection is the Nourishing Body Oil, which is the original inspiration behind Body by Sonya Dakar. The entire line contains face-grade ingredients, and the Nourishing Body Oil is rich in Omega-3 Complex, similar to my Omega-3 Repair for the face, which has been a cult favorite with my celebrity clients for years. And for years before I launched the body collection, I would make up Omega Oil concoctions for my VIP clients as holiday gifts because they would ask me for a version for the body.

OS: Can you share with us a few at-home spa tips that have been passed down from generation to generation in your family?

SD: One family secret that I brought with me from Israel (and continue to pass on to my children and grandchildren) is to not wash the body with soap! My body wash is detergent-free. To accomplish soft and smooth skin all over, it is very important to avoid hot showers and baths, which will dry out the skin. Also avoid thorough towel drying-instead apply Omega Oil or all-natural oil evenly over damp skin, and follow up with a rich hydrator over the oil to lock it in. This will keep skin on all parts of the body nourished and glowing.