The Facial Bungalow – a Hidden Skin Care Oasis in Los Angeles!
I recently had a facial with the amazing Trina Renea, owner of The Facial Bungalow. The bungalow is like a hidden gem – slightly out of view of main street, Santa Monica Blvd, in West Hollywood. It’s super cute – like being at someone’s adorable cottage house, but filled with skin care goodness!
Those in the know go to Trina (she came highly recommended by Amber from Beauty Junkies Unite), and she has a superstar celebrity clientele, along with regular peeps like us, who want clean, clear, rockstar skin. Trina is truly gifted at what she does. She went over my entire medical background and skincare regimen (which is hard to pin down since I’m constantly reviewing new skincare products). I was impressed with her knowledge, training and background (she worked as a medical esthetician before opening up her salon).
Trina Renea started her first career in Los Angeles as a singer in a punk rock band, (OMG! How cool is that?) entertaining fans around the world. Trina’s band Lo-Ball was a success for Interscope records in the early 2000’s. After a world tour and post 9-11 USO tour in the middle east the band decided to go their separate ways.
In 2004 Trina started a new chapter in her life. She became an Esthetician and opened her own spa. Coming from the world of music and entertainment, she understands the importance of maintaining beautiful skin. She is passionate about the world of skincare and enjoys helping her clients gain knowledge on a perfect homecare regimen.
Trina has a passion for cosmetic chemistry and product knowledge and has worked for years on developing her own skincare line. She has worked with some of the best chemists in the United States to create her new line “Trina Renea Skincare”.
With special skin care techniques and nearly a decade as lead medical esthetician formerly at Rapaport Dermatology, Trina, owner of the Facial Bungalow has developed a personal and particular style that put her on the leading edge of the skin care industry. She is referred to today as a “skin master”
I told Trina that I had been using a lot of exfoliants for my recent “breakout from hell” (my skin has been freaking out after I stopped taking a medication I had been taking for 18 years). Because of all the treatments, my skin was a little thin and sensitive, so I asked her to go easy on me. She used her own products and a few cruelty free extras during the facial. She used steam, a sonic brush, and did some cleansing before doing very thorough extractions (which I needed desperately)! She put on a mask and finished with antioxidant moisturizing products and acne spot treatments (avoiding Vit C because I told her that is one ingredient my skin hates). She can also do microcurrent, ultrasonic treatment, light therapy and oxygen. Check out the treatment menu here.
Because my acne is cystic (and some very deep), she told me that benzoyl peroxide is the best treatment. I had already been in love with Jan Marini’s 10% benzoyl peroxide lotion for some time. She sells Jan Marini products, so I bought the 5% version to use all over my face (I was using the 10% as more of a spot treatment). She recommends these products highly because they are made with tiny molecules that are able to penetrate deep into the skin. They tend to be less drying and irritating than other products I have tried. Here’s a great article on acne care by Trina herself!
Trina sent me home with three products from her own line, Trina Renea Skincare! I was very excited to try them out. She told me that there are several different oxidant groups, and there are antioxidant ingredients that will work for each group. So, if you’re just using one, you’re missing the boat! Her 24/7 Defense sounded like just what I needed – antioxidants to prevent aging and to prevent and buffer skin from sun damage and the heavily toxic LA smog! I also took home her Laid Back Aloe & Azulene Gel Mask. It’s perfect for my upcoming vacation. I’ll use it after being out in the sun. And, her Hydrate Me! is just what I need for the plane. She gave me a 1 oz. size that will get me past airport security and will keep me hydrated during the flight – and while I’m out and about! It also protects against environmental assaults and good ‘ole LA smog! I’ll give you a full report on these products when I get back!
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Looks like an amazing place to relax! I’m a mom, so I’m unsure of how that would work! I do try to pamper myself at home! I need that relaxing time.