Previously I posted questions and answers from my interview with skin care “contrarian” Pamela Rae, who is known for her strong statements about skin care that challenge rules that are universally followed by skin care specialists.  She states that “the concept of skin care types is outdated, irrelevant, and misleading.”

Q:  You stated that “skin types” are irrelevant.  If this is true, what do you suggest is a daily skin care routine that could apply to everyone equally?

A:  The only tailored approach to skin care outside of individually tailored recipes is to formulated according to the universal gradient of reactions we all have to the environment.  This is predictable.  Skin type is only predictable as a factor of its environment and we will soon all know that our health and genes that dictate that are also directly correspondent to our daily enviro-type based lifestyles.  These are more precise factors to treat skin than skin types.

Rae’s answer to this question relates to her skin care line that she started because of the customers that came to her spa from many different regions of the world with all sorts of “skin types.”  Although they had different skin care products and “skin types”,  the visitors all had similar skin problems in the mountainous region of Sun Valley where they were visiting based on the unique environmental factors of the area.  Rae started the Mountains line as her first Enviro-type in the Solavie system based on the idea that environment is the main factor in determining your skin and hair care routine.

Q:  How do you suggest treating blemishes and acne?

A:  Stay in balance with your environment and consistently de-tox the skin.  Acne is an acid condition that reflects out-of-balance pH.  Phytonutrients originating in the tropics and shore environments are used to dealing with excess sebum production that is also a factor in breakouts.

Q:  What do you think about exfoliating?

A:  Once or twice daily exfoliating with good natural fruit and lactic acids is enough to stay in balance.  If there is a build-up of toxins and release is needed, go for a no-more-than-once-a-month deep exfoliation.  I like laser (the pulsed version).  You can’t go wrong with the pure white light that penetrates the skin to stimulate natural exfoliation and metabolism under the skin.

Q:  Tell me more about your skin care line.

A:  Our bodies are creatures of nature, and I can only get in balance and work with my body if I am in harmony with nature’s irrefutable laws.  This is science, I am a scientist and a nature lover.

Find out more about Pamela Rae’s unique ideas about skin care and her Eco-Global line of skin care products that she created to address these ideas at HealthisBeautyNow.com.  Determine your enviro-type to discover which line of her skin care products is right for you:  mountains, urban, tropics, shore, plains or desert.

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Why Skin Types are Irrelevant

image courtesy of betsi. isn’t she cute!

Tell us a little bit about you. How old are you and where do you live?

My name is Betsi Goutal, I’m 25 years old, and I live in Waltham MA. I’ve lived here about a year now, after having moved around a lot in my early twenties. I’m loving the feeling of finally being a bit more settled down, and being closer to Boston. There is so much to do and see in the city, I’m really kind of a city girl at heart despite growing up in small towns.

What do you love about indie style? What is it that inspires you?

Indie style is generous and brave, because it’s such a form of self-expression. Wearing something because it means something to you, expresses your personality, brings you joy – that’s a form of art. Stepping outside the mainstream of what’s hip and trendy to say something meaningful with what your wear is a courageous act of sharing yourself and your spirit with those around you.

How did you get started designing jewelry?

It’s tough to say, because I’ve been creating and designing with every crafty thing I could get my hands on since I was a wee sprat. I’ve been designing jewelry pretty much my whole life, but got started doing it for a living because I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I knew I had to choose one of my many interests and settle to it, at least for a while. I’m sure somewhere down the road I’ll be doing something else. Right now my work is mainly with beads, but I’m looking into adding some sewn items like headbands and arm warmers in the next year. My creativity drives me, and is always pushing me toward new things.

Give us your favorite undiscovered designer/shop.

Every designer is discovered, by some one at least. But probably my favorite little-known designer is Lindsay from Kid Pirate. She designs awesome characters and graphics and makes them into tees and buttons, and recently even started doing belt buckles. The designs are super amazing and cute, and she has such a distinctive style. I bought this great neon pink ray gun tee from her and I really wish I’d bought it in a more fitted size, but she’s since discontinued it. Her designs are often limited run, so if you see something you like you’ve gotta grab it!

What do you see out your window right now?

Ugh, one of those dreary grey days! Aside from the overcast weather though, the view is pretty lovely. I live about twenty minutes from the wonderfully hip and geeky Cambridge, but living on a little side street I still these amazingly picturesque suburban views. My studio has three windows, facing two directions. From one window I can see beautiful flowering trees in one neighbor’s backyard, and in the other direction is another neighbor’s front yard where lately at nights I’ve actually seen bunnies frolicking around in the dark!

the surprise!

Betsi is kind enough to give away the boombox necklace I was so excited about!

To enter, just hop over to her store and tell us what your other favorite piece is. Leave a comment on this post and you’re entered!

You’ve got until May 23rd, 11 p.m. Pacific to enter.

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take five: betsi from zlanarama

Oak is full of handmade items that you need to own, like, yesterday. For example, these pebble earrings, $25.

Find out more about Keara and Oak Boston in this fantastic installment of Take Five.

Tell us a little bit about you. How old are you and where do you live?

My name is Keara, and I am 20 years old. I grew up in Nashua, NH, working in my mother’s children’s/maternity clothing store. I moved to Boston a few years ago, and I love living in the city!

What do you love about indie style? What is it that inspires you?

I think that handmade indie style is even more exciting. Even if the designer made 50 of the same piece, each is still going to end up being one of a kind. You know that the artist was a person sitting at a sewing machine making sure they were satisfied with the final product… not a nameless machine in a warehouse spitting out thousands of the same garment. This same ideal applies for jewelry, printing, etc.

What has been the most hectic part of setting up a brick and mortar shop?

Oh jeez, finances! It’s hard to stretch your resources, but it can almost make it better when you have to be creative with how you spend your money. The other hard aspect was actually finding the retail location. I looked and looked for months, and then the perfect spot fell into my lap.

Give us your favorite undiscovered designer/shop.

I can’t pick a favorite at Oak! But, I do love this new designer “Joodito” that I have yet to contact. Very fun, modern clothing. Designed right here in Boston. I will have to get in touch with her soon!

What’s sitting on your desk right now?

I’m writing to you via laptop right now. But, next to me I have a Dunkin Donuts coffee, my ipod and Aveeno face lotion.. and lots of messy papers.

(Photo: courtesy of Keara)

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take five: keara, owner of oak boston