TEA + skincare
Hello!!!
I want to write about skincare. And not in a wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer way, but also not in a here’s my ten step skincare routine way. My relationship with skincare is … relaxed? I think a big part of that is because I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup growing up AND my mom would always tell me not to put any products on my face. So I didn’t .. until I got to my late 20s and early 30s and realized that I was alone in a world of people constantly slathering stuff on their faces and thought .. that seems kind of fun for some reason? And learned that I find it insanely relaxing to hang out in a bathtub with a facemask on and so on. I also fell into (for lack of better word?) specializing in skin health - working with people with acne, PCOS, eczema - in my naturopathic practice (I’m currently only taking on a handful of clients.)
When I first started Masha Tea, I made a tea called SKIN TEA for Britta Beauty, a natural beauty space in Soho that has since moved out of state and I still drink it on a regular basis (it’s the tea I always link to when talking about LICORICE TEA.)
Somewhere along the line, I got into taking care of my own skin - it’s something I really enjoy doing - getting seasonal facials, slathering on my Lesse serum + sunscreen, making matcha facemasks, and most recently keeping a metal gua sha tool in the fridge and massaging my face with it.
My go-to spot for facials now is Strauhs Studios, which recently opened in Tribeca. Cali, the founder, is the perfect mix of stylish, product-knowledgeable, + science nerd that you want out of someone who is directing the care of your largest organ. Most recently, I got a facial there with Saren whose full name, Sarenity, 100% described the feeling I had leaving the studio after the fact. They also had one of those LED face mask things which I had never used before —- immediately looked it up when I got home because it literally is so trippy being in it —- but maybe a purchase for another day. ANYWAYS - I was obviously thrilled when they asked me to make a couple of custom teas for their clients. I came up with two blends, CLEAR and APRÈS (both only available at Strauhs studio.)
In Masha Tea, I tend to shy away from making medicinal blends — I just like to drink tea that tastes good and I know that what I like will support my body simply because I like it — but this was a fun challenge. To include herbs that taste good and are being studied for their skin-supporting properties. Since coming out with these, i’ve had them hot, iced, and as ice pops (lol) and I hope you enjoy them :)
Alright! GOT TO GO, the water is boiling, my next cup of tea calls. <3<3<3
Maria
PS.
More info on medicinal properties of the herbs below
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