The Wash

At the heart of radiant, resilient skin lies balance — the skin’s ability to repair, renew, and thrive. TOMA’s Bioactive Regenerating Oil was created to restore that balance. More than a facial oil, it is a nutrient-dense, multi-correctional treatment designed to harmonize all skin types — from dry and depleted to oily and congested. Developed through decades of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical aromatherapy, Bioactive Regenerating Oil bridges ancient herbal wisdom with modern skin science. Its exquisite blend of 19 bioactive plant oils nourishes, repairs, and protects the skin barrier, making it one of the most versatile and results-driven products in your skincare ritual. A Single Oil for Every Skin Type Most facial oils are created for specific concerns — hydrating, balancing, or anti-aging. Bioactive Regenerating Oil is designed for all of them. Inspired by the principle of harmony, it meets your skin where it is and guides it back to balance. For dry or sensitive skin: it replenishes essential fatty acids, restores lipids, and soothes irritation. For oily or breakout-prone skin: it helps regulate sebum production, clears congestion, and supports detoxification. For mature or depleted skin: it strengthens the barrier, promotes elasticity, and restores a luminous glow. Because it absorbs quickly without residue, Bioactive Regenerating Oil layers seamlessly beneath moisturizers or SPF — or stands alone as a final restorative step. Bioactive Botanicals That Transform Skin Each ingredient in Bioactive Regenerating Oil was chosen for its proven regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Together, they deliver a synergistic effect that nourishes skin from within while protecting it from environmental and oxidative stress. Key ingredients include: Sea Buckthorn (sha ji): a vivid orange berry packed with vitamins A, C, and E; supports repair, brightens dull tone, and fortifies the barrier. Schisandra Berry (wu wei zi): an adaptogenic herb prized in TCM for protecting against stress while enhancing firmness and elasticity. Gotu Kola (ji xue cao): known for stimulating collagen synthesis and accelerating healing, helping skin look smoother and more refined. Myrtle (mian ye): purifying and toning; calms inflammation and supports clarity and evenness. Every drop delivers dense nourishment that activates the skin’s natural renewal process. The Ritual: A Moment of Restoration Bioactive Regenerating Oil is more than skincare — it’s a sensory ritual of renewal. Warm a few drops between your palms, inhale deeply, and press into freshly cleansed skin. The gentle aroma of rose, neroli, and myrtle calms the mind while the oils begin their reparative work. For professional use, Bioactive Regenerating Oil is a favorite treatment oil for facial massage, gua sha, or finishing touch in the treatment room. Its perfect slip allows sculpting and lymphatic drainage without heaviness, while its bioactive blend amplifies post-treatment radiance. At home, use it to seal in hydration after serums or as an overnight treatment. Wake to supple, balanced, beautifully restored skin. The Science of Regeneration Behind its luxurious texture lies a powerful foundation of bioactive compounds — omega-rich fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants that support healthy skin function. By reinforcing the lipid barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss, Bioactive Regenerating Oil promotes optimal hydration and cellular communication. This improves elasticity, tone, and overall resilience — helping skin adapt to seasonal, environmental, and hormonal changes. The result is visibly stronger, more luminous skin that radiates health. A Foundational Oil, A Philosophy of Balance At TOMA, we believe skincare should evolve with your skin — not against it. The Bioactive Regenerating Oil embodies that philosophy: a foundational, intelligent formula that restores balance, activates renewal, and brings the skin back to its natural state of harmony. Whether you’re a professional seeking a professional-grade oil for your treatment room or simply looking to elevate your home ritual, Bioactive Regenerating Oil delivers what every complexion craves — deep nourishment, renewal, and radiant balance.

Vitamin C is one of the most studied and recommended ingredients in skincare, but not all formulas are created equal.Many Vitamin C serums use L-Ascorbic Acid because it’s inexpensive and widely available. The issue? It’s highly unstable, oxidizing quickly when exposed to air, light, or heat. It has a low pH that can be irritating to sensitive skin. It struggles to penetrate the skin’s lipid barrier, meaning much of it never reaches the deeper layers where it’s needed most. This means many clients spend money on Vitamin C products that oxidize before they’ve finished half the bottle — or cause irritation without delivering visible results. Advanced Forms of Vitamin C in TOMA’s Cellular C Serum At TOMA, we wanted to solve these problems with a formulation that’s stable, absorbable, and effective. Instead of relying on L-Ascorbic Acid, our Cellular C Serum combines two advanced, synergistic forms of Vitamin C, both of 100% natural origin. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate A stabilized Vitamin C ester derived from plants. Oil-soluble, which means it penetrates the lipid barrier of the skin with ease. Targets the causes of hyperpigmentation while boosting collagen synthesis. Gentle enough for all skin types, yet powerful in results. Ascorbyl Glucoside A water-soluble derivative produced through a biotechnological fermentation process. Highly stable and resistant to oxidation. Brightens, supports collagen, and delivers antioxidant protection against free radicals. Together, these forms of Vitamin C create a dual-delivery system — oil-soluble and water-soluble — so skin receives comprehensive antioxidant protection across multiple layers. This synergy also extends the stability of the formula, ensuring it remains potent until the last drop. Why Stability and Absorption Matter When Vitamin C oxidizes, not only does it lose potency, but it can also generate free radicals — doing more harm than good. That’s why stability is just as important as concentration. Absorption is the second piece of the puzzle. A serum that sits on the skin’s surface may feel nice, but it won’t make long-term changes. By pairing oil-soluble and water-soluble derivatives, our Cellular C Serum penetrates more effectively, delivering benefits where they’re needed most: inside the skin’s deeper layers. The Visible Benefits of Cellular C Serum Brighter tone and reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation. Improved elasticity and firmness through collagen stimulation. Daily defense against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Gentle, irritation-free results, even for sensitive skin. When Vitamin C is formulated correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for radiant, resilient skin. The Bottom Line Vitamin C can be transformative — but only when it’s stabilized, absorbable, and combined thoughtfully. TOMA’s Cellular C Serum was designed with practitioners in mind, offering a formula that clients love and results you can trust. Ready to bring advanced Vitamin C into your practice?Shop Cellular C Serum

FDA-Cleared Manufacturer vs. FDA-Cleared Device FDA-Cleared Manufacturer:Our LED light therapy mask is made in a facility that has received FDA clearance. This means the manufacturer follows strict FDA standards in areas such as safety protocols, quality control, sterile production environments, documentation, and testing. In short, they are authorized to produce medical-grade devices under rigorous oversight. FDA-Cleared Device:When a device is FDA cleared, it means that specific product has undergone an application and review process with the FDA to prove it is "substantially equivalent" to another legally marketed device. This involves submitting performance data, clinical results, and other documentation to validate claims about the device’s effectiveness and safety. So, while an FDA-cleared manufacturer builds the product to medical-grade standards, a device must go through its own costly and time-consuming approval process to be individually cleared by the FDA. Why Our Devices Aren’t FDA Cleared—Yet As a small, independent brand, seeking FDA clearance on our own version of an LED mask requires a significant investment—often well into the upper tens of thousands of dollars, along with lengthy timelines. At this stage, we’ve chosen to focus on product development, practitioner education, and delivering a quality experience at an accessible price. We did ensure that our manufacturing partner already meets FDA standards. That means every TOMA mask is created in a facility that produces cleared medical devices and adheres to the highest standards of production. In fact, our device is built with the same specifications—such as wavelength, power density (irradiance), and safety features—as many devices that are FDA cleared. What This Means for You While our TOMA LED Mask is not itself FDA cleared, it is: Manufactured in an FDA-cleared facility Built to professional-grade standards Is insured, as all of our equipment and products are Safe for home use with no downtime or discomfort Designed with clinically studied wavelengths Supported by transparent education, science, and real-world results We are committed to transparency and integrity. As we grow, seeking FDA clearance for our device may be part of our future plans—but for now, our priority is delivering high-quality, affordable LED technology that empowers professionals and home users alike.

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, continues to be one of the most effective ways to promote natural skin rejuvenation, and the Micro+ Pen from TOMA Professional is setting a new standard in the industry. Whether you’re already offering microneedling or just introducing it to your practice, this sleek, high-performance device was designed with both practitioner and client in mind. Why the Micro+ Pen? Crafted from durable stainless steel and operating at a lightning-fast 18,000 RPM, the Micro+ Pen ensures treatments are efficient, effective, and comfortable. With adjustable needle depths ranging from 0.25mm to 2.5mm, you have complete control for customizing treatments across different areas of the face, neck, and décolleté. The system comes with two rechargeable batteries and one standard plug-in, supporting a smooth treatment flow, no downtime between clients. Manufactured in a FDA-approved facility and fully insured, you can be confident that the pen is safe and effective for your microneedling practice.  Every purchase includes: 10 disposable 12-pin micro-needle cartridges with anti-backflow technology 10 disposable nano-needle cartridges, with anti-backflow technology 10 at-home care cards for post-treatment support And most importantly, a lifetime replacement warranty The Importance of Clean Skincare Products Because microneedling creates microchannels in the skin, it’s absolutely essential to use clean, non-toxic, and bioavailable skincare both before and after treatment. Whatever is applied post-needling is absorbed more deeply, so harsh chemicals or synthetic additives can cause irritation, or worse, inflammation and long-term damage. That’s why TOMA’s plant-based, toxin-free formulas are ideal for microneedling. Each product is intentionally crafted to support the skin’s natural healing process without disrupting its delicate barrier. Best Practices for the Micro+ Pen Pre-Treatment: Clean Slate, Always Before every session, ensure the client’s skin is thoroughly cleansed using a gentle but effective product. We recommend beginning with TOMA’s Rejuvenating Cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin. Follow with Replenishing Mist to calm the skin before needling. Always sanitize the area and your hands, and open a fresh, sterile needle cartridge right before use. During Treatment: Customize with Care Adjust the needle depth according to the area being treated. For example, use 0.25–0.5mm around the eyes and lips, while you may use up to 1.5mm on the cheeks or forehead for deeper rejuvenation. We teach the swirl and hashtag techniques for even coverage. Interested in learning the TOMA technique? Each pen purchase comes with our Online Micro+ Needling course and we have live, in-person courses for hands-on training and practice.  Post-Treatment: Support Healing and Hydration Immediately after the treatment, apply TOMA’s Cooling Cucumber Mask and Phyto Stem Cell Serum to calm and cool skin and receive the collagen-building benefits of vegan stem cells. Our protocol includes choosing LED therapy that supports skincare goals but doesn’t speed up healing, something we want the patient’s body to do on its own for optimal results.  Practitioner Feedback “This pen works like a dream! The step-by-step guide makes it easy to know which depths to use on each area of the face and neck. During treatments, clients rave about the Replenishing Mist and the Cucumber Mask. I finish with LED light and a few calming body points—everyone leaves on cloud 9!” ~ Kim M., LAc. Glow from the inside out, with the tools and training to back it up.  

TOMA (toh • ma) noun 1 A vegan skincare line that goes beyond the surface of your complexion without cluttering your bathroom counter  2 The result of a collaboration between experienced holistic health practitioners, formulated with botanically-based, toxin-free products and a commitment to promoting healing from within  3 Your favorite self-care staple Clean, Simple, Effective 
Allopathic medicine has skin patches for so many conditions, so there is no arguing that want we put on our skin enters our bloodstream. On average we are exposed to an average of almost 200 chemicals per day just through personal care products. That’s easy to forget when bombarded with endless content about how to brighten this, tighten that, or smooth…well, everything. At TOMA, we believe that healthy, glowing skin is achievable at every age and stage of life,  and it doesn’t require a cabinet full of products with ingredient lists so long they should count toward your annual reading goals. Instead, we set out to find all-natural ingredients that not only soothe skin concerns like acne and dryness but also continually empower your body to do what it’s biologically programmed to do: heal and repair itself. After working with global experts in essential oils and product formulation, we developed a completely clean line of skincare solutions that is simple to use and reliably effective. No artificial ingredients, added chemicals, or overstuffed medicine cabinets necessary.  The TOMA Team
TOMA began as all the best ideas do — over a glass of wine shared between two girl friends. Nearly two decades ago, founders Tori Paide (TO) and Marla Peoples (MA), met while getting their Masters in acupuncture. As Tori and Marla navigated pregnancy and motherhood together, they realized that skincare products marketed as “all natural” actually contained hormone disruptors and harmful toxins. 

Through transitioning into the wellness industry after becoming licensed professionals and later teaming up to open wellness spas, the women shared a frustration over having to cherry-pick products from various skincare brands for thousands of clients because no existing line offered a full slate of clean options. Together, Tori and Marla consulted with an organic skincare lab in the United States to produce a collection of cleansers, moisturizers, facial oils, and serums that is 100% natural and cruelty free. 

When providing services in their spa, guiding their teenagers through the challenges of adolescent skincare, or taking time to pamper themselves, Tori and Marla rely on the trusted organic ingredients that set TOMA products apart.  All Natural. Always.
We’ve been in this business long enough to see countless skincare trends come and go, but we know one thing for certain: clean never goes out of style. We keep it real with no greenwashing, meaning what you see on all TOMA labels is an exact, authentic representation of what you’ll get. The practice of advertising a product as all natural when it really contains added chemicals or fragrances is all too common, and we passionately reject that approach. Armed with the knowledge that the beauty and skincare industries are not bound by any FDA regulations, we won’t tiptoe around telling what’s actually in our recipes, and we stick to the organic options that work.

Every item listed on our products is harvested from the environment in small batches to bring your skin to its healthiest state. We take comfort and pride in knowing our ingredients aren’t overly complicated, and our packaging is also sourced for sustainability and reuse. While you’re likely to recognize a lot of the plants, seeds, and fruits we use, you won’t find any parabens, synthetic fragrances, or GMOs. 

Either working individually or in harmony as part of a layered routine, TOMA products are safe for all skin types. 

Why TOMA? 
Your skin is your body’s outermost armor, but it also acts as a sponge. The things you put on your skin — and the chemicals those products carry — are absorbed into your body. You may not immediately notice an effect, but years of using cleansers or applying moisturizers that include harmful chemicals can take a toll. That’s why the driving force behind each TOMA product is its clean, adaptogenic ingredients. These plant substances work to balance your skin’s biome, and because they respond differently to various conditions, they are effective for multiple concerns. 

Skincare shouldn’t be a source of stress. TOMA products simplify your routine and give you your best skin, healing it from within. 

If you're not selling products to your clients when they leave the treatment table you're leaving money on the "table." Your clientele wants to make purchases based on your recommendation. The good news? It's easy to start.

And what it means for your patients! Acupressure can serve as a powerful addition to beauty routines, empowering individuals to take an active, easy role in enhancing their appearance and overall well-being. By incorporating this practice regularly, clients can experience the benefits of a holistic approach to skincare, promoting both inner and outer balance.   What is acupressure? Acupressure, an integral component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offers a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation and complements the TOMA AcuGlow™ and Microneedling treatments. By applying gentle pressure to specific points on the face and body, acupressure can stimulate blood flow, enhance lymphatic drainage, and promote the natural production of collagen and elastin. These effects contribute to improved skin tone and reduced puffiness achieved through facial services, and can easily be done by clients at home.    What to teach your clients Clients should be instructed to apply gentle yet firm pressure on these points for 1-2 minutes, once or twice daily. Consistency is key to observing gradual improvements over time.   Instruction on these techniques should emphasize the importance of applying gentle pressure with clean hands, particularly around sensitive areas such as the eyes. Less is more when it comes to intensity and hand-bacteria!     Key acupressure points & techniques Forehead and eye points:  EX-HN3, Yintang (between the eyebrows): Gently pressing this point for about one minute promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress-related lines on the forehead.  BL-1, Jingming (outside of the inside corner of the eye): Aptly called “Bright Eyes”, gently pressing this point with eyes closed refreshes tired eyes and potentially enhances the appearance of the surrounding skin.  GB-1, Tongziliao (outside of eye socket): Pressure on this point can improve the appearance of crow’s feet.  Neck and Jawline Points: LI-18, Futu (on side of neck, level with adams apple, center of the sternocleidomastoid muscle): Massaging this point can stimulate collagen building in the neck and may help in improving the appearance of necklines.  ST-9, Renying (same level as LI-18 but in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscle): Gentle pressure of this point can help firm the neck and jawline.  Points for Facial Tension and Circulation: EX-HN5, Taiyang: Located at the temples (think headache!), circular massage on this point can relieve tension and promote circulation.  ST-2, Sibai (center of the cheekbone): Pressure on this point can help improve facial muscle tone and promote circulation.  GB-20, Fengchi (base of the skull in the hollow areas between the two vertical neck muscles): Medium pressure on this point relaxes the neck, calms sensitive skin, and hydrates dry skin.   Distal Points for Overall Enhancement: LI-4, Hegu (near joint of pointer finger and thumb): Massaging this point stimulates facial circulation, promoting skin health and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Avoid strong stimulation and pressure on this point during pregnancy.   ST-36, Zusanli (below the kneecap, on the anterior side of the leg): Massaging this point strengthens overall Qi, supports vitality, and enhances an awakened, facial glow.  LV-3, Taichong: (near metatarsal joint of big toe and second toe): Stimulating his point helps with stress relief and maintains the smooth flow of Qi.   Why acupressure? At TOMA, we, like many of you, live at the intersection between health and beauty. When we realized the impact acupressure can have on facial services, it was too good not to share! Keep in mind that your patients don’t live in the same world of pressure points as we do. To prevent overwhelm, encourage them to start with just a few. Within a few weeks of consistent practice, they’ll feel better, see their facial results more clearly, and - as an added bonus - think of you during their daily acupressure session.    Get your download here. If you have questions about how to use the guide, schedule a complimentary 1:1 with Marla.  

Why Expanding Your Wellness Practice Is More Crucial Now Than Ever The wellness industry is at a critical juncture. We have a unique opportunity to reshape our practices in ways that not only survive but thrive in the new normal (post) post-COVID-19.

The guiding principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teach us that balanced qi is at the heart of wellness. Qi, also known as energy flow, is the life force that flows throughout various channels of the body. When these channels get blocked, our body is thrown out of balance, leading to symptoms from brain fog to breakouts. Incorporating acupressure into your daily wellness routine can help release blocked energy and help bring your body— and skin— back into balance. Find out about the beauty-boosting benefits of this ancient healing tradition and how you can use it to glow from within.  The Heart of Wellness: Qi Unlike Western medicine which views the body as separate systems of organs, TCM tells us that the body is a system of interconnected parts. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the life force that flows through our body’s energy-carrying channels, also known as meridians. When energy flows freely through the body, our minds are clear and we feel healthy. However, when one of our energy channels gets blocked, our body can’t regulate itself properly, which can make us vulnerable to an array of mental and physical symptoms. Rebalancing our qi helps unblock the flow of energy and bring our body back into healthy equilibrium.  Release Energy with Acupressure Born from traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure is an ancient form of massage that targets key points in the body where energy, or qi, can get trapped. Think of acupressure as acupuncture without the needles— while its sister tradition relies on painlessly puncturing the skin, you can achieve similar results by applying pressure with just your hands, which means you can do it easily on your own. Activating these target points encourages the movement of energy, which helps promote overall well-being: improving stress, managing pain, and supporting immunity. Acupressure for Radiant Skin Rebalancing the flow of your qi can also noticeably boost your complexion. That’s because triggering key energy points stimulates circulation to help calm puffiness, release muscle tension that causes fine lines and wrinkles, and promote healthy skin repair. When incorporating acupressure into your beauty regimen, consider these go-to pressure points.  Forehead: Also known as ying tang, or the third eye, you can find this target point directly above your eyebrows. Accessing this pressure point targets headaches and releases tension that leads to fine lines and wrinkles, improving the overall texture of your skin.  Temples: Located on either side of your temples, this pressure point helps relieve sinus congestion and also helps stimulate circulation around the delicate areas of the eyes, calming puffiness and brightening dark under eye circles. Cheekbones: Also known as the four whites pressure point, activating the area found a half inch below the eyes helps detox the skin and calm inflammation, reducing the appearance of blemishes. Upper Lip: Also known as the shuigou spot, this target point directly above your lip line helps alleviate cramps, promotes concentration and encourages the relaxation of frown lines.  DIY Acupressure Ritual with Bioactive Regenerating Oil  Our Bioactive Regenerating Oil serves as the ideal vehicle for your acupressure practice. Our decadent formula is infused with ru xiang (frankincense) and nan gua zi (pumpkin seed), ancient Chinese herbs that work with your skin’s natural healing processes to promote detoxification, encourage cellular turnover, and deeply nourish the skin. Warm 4-5 drops of our oil in the palms of your hands, and gently press into your skin. Use the cushioned pads of your fingertips to activate our recommended points, starting with your third eye and working your way down for a soft, radiant glow. Use firm pressure to activate each point for about three breaths, or gently massage in circular motions—adjust the pressure based on what feels right for you and your body. 

January was Thyroid Awareness Month! This month and every month we should stay vigilant about supporting our thyroid as it can affect almost every aspect of our health and wellness.  I started learning more about the thyroid on my own journey with hypothyroidism. During this 15 year journey I’ve made many lifestyle changes to support my overall thyroid function. This launched my passion for living a toxin-free life and has led me to share a few thoughts as we wrap up awareness month. Why is the Thyroid Important? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It's responsible for producing tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are hormones that are necessary for how cells utilize energy.  The thyroid plays a significant role in metabolism, growth, and body development. It also supports and regulates many body functions by continually releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.  Our bodies are so intelligent! The thyroid knows to do its job when the pituitary gland releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and then tells your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone - T4. T4 must then be converted into T3, the active form, to be used as needed. What Affects Thyroid Health? Stress The more stress you have, the more the stress hormone cortisol is released. Your body is so focused on releasing cortisol that it cannot focus on the conversion of T4 to T3.  Gut Health Your gut is another place for T4 to be converted to T3, so IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and lack of good bacteria in your gut hinder this conversion. Diet Low-calorie diets will hinder T4 conversion and cause a drop in your metabolism. Ultimately weight loss is not achieved, and the thyroid cannot function as needed.  Chemicals in Skincare Many beauty products contain chemicals to reduce production costs and increase shelf-life. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have an effect on the thyroid, causing it to fail in producing enough hormones.  Be on the lookout for these common toxic ingredients: parabens, synthetic fragrance, oxybenzone (often used in SPF products), and phthalates. Did we mention these ingredients are banned in other countries!?  What You Can do to Support Thyroid Health Reducing stress is paramount. I know it's easier said than done but find time in your day for meditation, journaling, deep breathing, yoga, or anything that brings you back to a relaxed state. Also, make sure your gut is healthy, and you eat a healthy diet. This may mean making changes, such as taking digestive enzymes and/or probiotics, finding out your food sensitivities, and eating a diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods.  As for beauty products, read the labels. If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you. Let me say that one more time...If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you.  One of the main reasons Tori and I started TOMA was to offer results-driven skincare products that are completely toxin-free. Remember, the more you avoid toxins, the healthier you'll be overall!  In health and wellness, Marla - Co Founder, TOMA

The central tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tell us that in order to achieve harmony within ourselves, we need to live harmoniously with the seasons. Winter is the season of yin, a reflective energy that thrives on slowness and restoration. The colder, darker days of winter encourage us to turn inward and replenish our energy so that we can flourish with the energetic yang energy of spring. Here’s what you need to know about the winter season and self-care steps you can take to stay happy and healthy all season long.  TCM: The Winter Season In TCM, the winter season is ruled by the water element, which makes up over 60% of our bodies and is one of our most vital life sources. The water element also rules the kidneys and bladder, two organs that are responsible for storing qi and supplying it to the rest of our body. Low temperatures and dry air can deplete the body of water and fill it with too much cold energy, which can disrupt qi flow and cause an array of physical symptoms like fatigue and illness. Self-care habits that nourish the water element and strengthen the kidneys and bladder can help restore balance in the body.  Rest Up While the rest of nature hibernates during the winter season, this time of year is usually filled with holiday parties, gift shopping and travel--causing us to expend energy that we really should be conserving instead. Take a cue from nature and tune into what your body needs: it’s okay to duck out early at the office party or say no to a family obligation that might be draining. Now is also the time to fall asleep earlier, and stay asleep longer. Conserving energy during the winter months will not only help you stay healthy during the season, but prepare your body to exert needed energy once spring arrives.  Eat Warming Meals Colder, winter weather can deplete the body of warmth and vital energy, throwing our qi off balance. Focus on ingredients and cooking practices that nourish the kidneys and support the water element. Cut back on raw, cooling foods and instead fuel your body with warm, cooked stews and soups filled with whole grains, winter greens, beans and root vegetables. Season with replenishing spices like garlic, ginger and turmeric. Restore and Reflect  Take this time to adopt practices that help tune your energy inwards. Meditation, journaling or even taking a few quiet minutes to read a book can help restore a sense of stillness that the winter season demands. The frenetic energy of social media may be especially unhelpful during this time: see what it’s like to spend a few days without scrolling.  Avoid Cold Drinks Before you reach for a glass of ice water, consider that winter can deplete our bodies of inner warmth. Instead, sip room temperature water or herbal teas infused with warming herbs like cinnamon or ginger. Better yet, add a few dried goji berries to your tea--these antioxidant-packed fruits are used in TCM to tonify and warm the kidneys.  Add Moisture Cool, dry air depletes our water sources, leaving everything drier, including our skin. Support the water element by drinking enough water during the day and focusing on a skincare ritual that adds moisture to the skin. Trade in your lightweight moisturizer for a more replenishing option like our Sensing Repair Cream and follow with a nourishing oil like our Bioactive Regenerating Oil to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.  Warming Winter Kitchari  Eaten across South Asia, kitchari is a comforting porridge of lentils, grains and vegetables seasoned with warming spices that are perfect for nourishing the body through winter.  Ingredients:  ½ cup yellow lentils (moong dal), rinsed   ½ cup long grain rice, rinsed   2  tablespoons ghee or coconut oil  1  yellow onion, chopped  1 large carrot, grated 2 cloves garlic, minced 1  tablespoon fresh ginger, grated  2  teaspoons cumin seeds 1  teaspoon ground turmeric 2  small tomatoes, chopped 5 cups water or vegetable broth Salt and pepper to taste  Cilantro or yogurt for serving, optional  Directions:  While you chop your vegetables, soak the lentils and brown rice together in a bowl of water. Heat the ghee in a large pot over medium and add the onion and carrot. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin seeds and turmeric and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened. Season generously with salt and pepper.  Drain the lentils and brown rice and add them to the pot with the water or vegetable broth. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring regularly until the lentils and rice are very soft. Add more water or broth as necessary if the mixture begins to stick to the pot or become too thick. Serve with fresh cilantro and/or salted  yogurt on top.

Walk us through your morning skincare routine. My skin is very sensitive and our products are the only ones I can tolerate. Having struggled with acne in my 20s, melasma in my 30s and reactionary skin now, I’ve learned to shift my routine intuitively to help my skin achieve balance.  In the mornings, I wash with our Balancing Cleanser, spritz with our Replenishing Mist, dab on our Peptide Eye Cream and then follow with our Tonifying Protective Lotion. I finish with a tinted sunscreen. During allergy season, I may do some light cupping under my eyes to move fluid buildup after sleeping. What is your evening routine like? In the evenings, I wash with our Balancing Cleanser or Rejuvenating Cleanser if my skin is feeling dry. I always swap either cleanser with our Exfoliating Cleanser 2-3 times a week and leave this on for 15-20 mins before rinsing.  Then, I follow with our enhancements: Cellular C Serum, Peptide Eye Cream, and Healing Enzyme Serum as a spot treatment if I have breakouts. I seal everything in with our Bioactive Regenerating Oil.  On the weekends, I use our Time Defense Mask and read for 20-30 minutes while it’s on. I also do facial gua sha at least  3 times a week, paying particular attention to the tension in my neck.  How did you decide to create a clean skincare line? My passion for clean beauty started with a fertility class I took in acupuncture graduate school in 2005. I was in my mid-30s and had heard that I was “hormonally old” by Western medical standards. At the time, soy was very trendy and I ate tons of soy pasta, soy protein drinks, and soy crackers. The midwife who taught the fertility class helped me see that my overconsumption of soy was disrupting my fertility. Because of her, I completely changed my diet and became pregnant with my first son at 36.  Twenty-five weeks into my pregnancy, I began contracting and was put on full-time bedrest. I had fibroids the size of grapefruits and needed to prevent them from growing by reducing stress and avoiding all hormone disruptors–or else risk losing my son. Cleaning up my beauty routine was at the top of my list, but there weren’t a lot of clean brands at the time. That’s when I learned that the US has extremely lax ingredient regulations and started ordering skincare from the UK where they have more stringent guidelines.  My son was born at 37 weeks and I’m confident that the changes I made mattered. After he was born, I continued the clean lifestyle, the fibroids shrunk, and at age 40 I had my second son. I have since devoted a large part of my acupuncture practice to hormone health. When Tori and I opened our first spa together in 2011, we knew we wanted to educate others on the hidden toxins in beauty–that’s how the idea for TOMA was born.  How did you get introduced to acupuncture in the first place? In my 20s and 30s, I worked long hours and traveled constantly. I was so burned out that I started to get terrible migraines. My roommate suggested I try acupuncture. To be honest, the first experience freaked me out: I had no idea I could feel that relaxed with just needles! I kept going and with every treatment, I was able to tune into my body more and begin to recognize my migraine triggers.  What finally got you to make the switch from the corporate world to holistic health? My acupuncturist was a founder of my acupuncture school so we often spoke about me going to school–but I never thought I would actually do it because I was already in my mid-30s. Then 9/11 happened. I was in my office in Pentagon City and remember it like it was yesterday. Shortly after, I met up with some friends and we talked about what we really wanted to do with our lives. I said I wanted to go to acupuncture school– it was the first time I had said it out loud. What have you learned through your work with clients in your acupuncture practice?I attract clients who were like me years ago. We talk about the effects of stress on their body, mind and spirit and how it can impact pain, fertility, migraines, menopause, insomnia and more. I love working with these clients and believe that they continue to show up in my life as a reminder to pay attention to my own balance. In 5-element acupuncture, we talk about the energy of our words and their impact on our body, mind and spirit. I can’t actively participate in these conversations if I’m not doing the work, too. How do you approach your own wellness now? Today at 52, I’m learning to embrace the aging process. I now appreciate my body and don’t worry about changing it as much as supporting what it needs.  What other daily practices do you rely on to feel your best? My entire family got trained in transcendental meditation several years ago and it continues to be an essential practice for me. When I’m with my husband and kids, we love to go biking, take a hike, or cook a meal together.  It’s a delicate dance but sometimes I need to recharge on my own. No matter how tired I am, I end every night with a book. It’s a must for me to let go of the day and relax my mind just before turning out the light. What transformation do you hope to see in the TOMA community through your work? I hope our community can see that we are passionate about helping them cultivate wellness in all aspects, not just skincare. I’d love to see that, through TOMA, they are not only enjoying radiant skin but also paying closer attention to the other pieces in the puzzle that support their overall wellbeing.  What larger change do you hope your work will help spark? This is a huge question and one I ask myself often. From a health perspective, I’d love to be part of the movement that requires beauty companies to remove toxic ingredients and be more transparent. As a founder, I’d love to help female business owners who are starting out. We’ve experienced firsthand that women are not supported enough in business–I want to be part of changing that. 

Walk us through your morning skincare routine I keep it simple in the mornings. I splash my face with water, spritz on our Replenishing Mist, apply a few drops of our Bioactive Regenerating Oil and finish with a layer of sunscreen.  What is your evening routine like? Dry brushing before bathing is a must for me. It moves lymph and detoxifies and I can’t live without it. For my face, I wash with our Rejuvenating Cleanser in the cooler months and Balancing Cleanser in the warmer months or our Exfoliating Cleanser twice weekly. I spritz with our Replenishing Mist and then I hop into bed.  Once my skin is completely dry, I apply a few drops of our Bioactive Regenerating Oil and focus on our acupressure points while lying down in bed (!)– it’s my wind-down routine and it works! A few times a week, I use our Facial Sculpting System, also in bed, focusing on lymphatic drainage and lifting and toning. Maybe it’s because I’m tired and just want to be horizontal, but the ritual of caring for my skin in bed, right before I turn out the light, works for me! How did you decide to create a clean skincare line? When I opened my first spa in 2007, I offered only acupuncture and massage services. I was hesitant to add the next logical addition–facials–because I didn’t trust that I could maintain my chemical-free commitment with skincare products. Clean beauty wasn’t a trend then and the lack of regulations here in the US made it extremely difficult to find clean yet effective products. I started with a couple brands I trusted and then when Marla and I opened the second spa together in 2011, we decided to create products of our own.  Why do you think you were so aware of clean beauty before it was trendy? I felt physically very good going into my second pregnancy, but I had a really difficult second labor and delivery of my daughter in 2009. Everything turned out ok, but the experience made me even more focused on my delicate endocrine system and how it really controls us–life or death. It made me look more closely at not just what I was putting in my body but also what I was putting ON my body.  This awareness has only become stronger as I’ve gotten older: my father recently passed away from Parkinson’s. Because of him, I’m now more aware of brain health and how the chemicals we put on our bodies daily can accumulate over a lifetime.  What are the other ways that you keep yourself well? I have been practicing yoga for 30 years. Meditation is a must for me as well. I practice daily gratitude and am very conscious of my thinking–lately, I have been studying Byron Katie and the art of being truly present. Like most people, I slip out of these things every now and then when I’m stressed–the worst timing! 

As winter gives way to the sunny days of spring, new life is all around us. The markets are abundant with tender greens and plump red berries as we enjoy longer days. But as we make this seasonal transition, we’re also exposed to a host of pesticides and hormone disruptors that can make it difficult for our bodies to do what comes naturally. Here are a few simple ways to avoid toxins and support your body’s natural detoxification processes as we welcome spring.  Buy Organic Berries & Greens  Fragrant, ruby-red strawberries are one of the best things about spring. But strawberries are also the most heavily sprayed crop. Spinach, kale, and mustard greens– reaching peak season in spring–are also heavily treated with pesticides. To ensure that your body is receiving beneficial nutrients without toxic chemicals, shop organic versions of these nourishing spring ingredients. They will cost a little more than the conventional varieties, but you can make up for the extra investment by buying conventional versions of spring veg like asparagus and shelling peas–these crops are not heavily sprayed and are ready-to-eat with just a simple wash. For more information on how to avoid toxins in produce, check out the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list to discover which ingredients you should always buy organic.  Support Your Liver with Herbal Bitters In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is ruled by the wood element, which is associated with the liver. When the liver is not functioning at its best, TCM tells us that we might notice neck tension, digestive upset, hormonal mood swings, irritability and sleep disturbances. In addition to eating plenty of fresh leafy greens, you can also support your liver’s natural detoxification processes with herbal bitters. The bitter flavor awakens the liver–just a few dashes of herbal bitters in a small amount of water is all it takes. You can find herbal bitters, often made with ingredients like dandelion, artichoke leaf or citrus peel, at your local health food store.  Show Your Lymph Some Love  Our lymphatic system is essential to hormone regulation and the processing of both internal and external toxins. When our lymphatic system is not functioning at its best, we might feel tired, bloated, or notice puffiness in our hands and feet. Regular exercise and healthy eating are essential to keeping your lymph system healthy, but surface-level treatments like dry brushing and gua sha can also help get your lymph moving. We like dry brushing before bathing, on dry skin using gentle sweeping motions towards the heart. Apply body oil after bathing to soothe and hydrate the skin. To de-puff your face, check out our Facial Sculpting System, which comes with a soothing oil and step-by-step instructions.  Detoxing doesn’t require an austere juice cleanse or other extreme measures: our bodies naturally detoxify themselves with wisdom perfected over millennia of evolution. But today, we’re also exposed to many chemicals and pollutants that are unique to modern living. By simply supporting the body’s natural detoxification–and doing our best to limit our exposure to toxins we know don’t serve us–we can keep ourselves feeling well all year long.