On Skin

My summer trip to Seoul delighted me in skincare innovation. Many have made its way here before most of us have figured out what to make of them.

Spicules supposedly increase collagen production. Of course I tried it. It hurts. Reminded me of the first time I encountered nopales in a market. I touched it and the prickles stayed with me the rest of the day. Tasted good though. 😉

Back to spicules, what exactly is it and what is it doing to my skin.
What I discovered was more interesting than the marketing for collagen regeneration. Spicules have legitimate science but the strongest evidence isn’t what we are being sold. More isn’t better!
Researchers detected spicules remained in the skin for 72hours!
Which explains the lingering pain I felt in my skin.
As a mechanical penetrative enhancer, what happens to everything we put on our face the following 72 hours. I’m a strong proponent of sunscreen but I prefer not to have it absorbed in my skin.
If you are curious read it in the Journal section in my link in bio.
If you have tried it, was it painful for you?

👏When science not trends drives skincare.

I was especially happy to see Environ included in Forbes’ June 2026 feature on the skincare brands trusted by leading New York estheticians.

Not because being featured in Forbes makes a skincare product effective.

But because it speaks to something I’ve believed throughout my years working with skin.

Environ was built around vitamin A long before “retinol” became a skincare buzzword. Its philosophy is based on gradually supporting the skin with vitamin A, antioxidants, peptides and other skin supportive ingredients rather than constantly chasing the newest ingredient or trend.

And that is what I appreciate most about the brand. The Step-Up System allows vitamin A and antioxidants to be introduced progressively, helping more people benefit from these important ingredients while respecting the skin’s ability to adapt.

I don’t look at skincare as a collection of products. I look at it as skin physiology.

What does the skin need?
What is the barrier doing?
How much inflammation is present?
What is happening with pigmentation?
Is the skin ready for more stimulation or does it need recovery?

We build from there.

Healthy skin is the goal. Products are the tools.

ProfessionalSkincare SkinBarrier VitaminA ScienceBackedSkincare

Cheers to the grit, the grind and the glorious three day weekend. Enjoying the break in cooler weather and wishing everyone a happy long weekend.

Backyard sunset and beach😎🏝️ ☀️

Rain-soaked stairs, forced purchased sarongs ( no shorts allowed), spiritual caves, and one fearless monkey who decided someone else’s ice cream belonged to him.

I left my heart in Seoul

Seoul Tower

Itaewon nightlife

One of the many palace grounds

Secret garden and lotuses

Bingsu- perfect summer dessert

Bukchon Village -homes during the Joseon dynasty

Wellness space with just about every trend ingredient

Myeongdong - shopping paradise

Kitschy stores and super cute cafes

Buddhist temple

Gangnam - Psy sculpture from “Gangnam style “

Celebrating independence… Vegas style, started with a lovely lunch and then the wizard of Oz at the sphere followed by fireworks from F1 viewing deck. Happy 250 America. 🇺🇸 ❤️

Thank you for being my first home, my nurturer and my forever friend. I miss you dearly, everyday. Sharing love, kindness and gratitude for all that we have. Happy Mother’s Day! ❤️🌹