Q: Can I use Mount Lai facial oils for oily skin?

There is a common misconception that using facial oils can make you break out, especially for those with oily skin types. However, not all oils are the same! Using a facial oil can actually provide a multitude of moisturizing and healing benefits, and can even make oily skin less oily over time – you just have to look for the right kind of facial oils. Oftentimes, those with oily skin may be suffering from lack of moisture, which causes an overproduction of sebum because the skin tries to compensate, making the skin appear “shiny.” Too much sebum production also leads to clogged, irritated pores, and more frequent breakouts. Despite what many think, a facial oil can actually help regulate how much sebum is being produced by balancing the skin. The oils we use in Mount Lai skincare products are non-comedogenic, meaning that they do not clog pores, and mimic the natural oils we have on our skin. This is why we call our skincare "biocompatible.”  Our favorite oil to use for balancing the skin is Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil. In addition to supporting and calming the skin barrier, Plant Root Remedy provides moisture to drier areas of the skin and helps reduce sebum production of oilier areas of the skin, resulting in less irritation and breakouts. Biocompatible botanical oils signal to the skin that the oilier areas can produce less oil, while still providing needed moisture to dry areas.  Other benefits of Plant Root Remedy include: Nourishing the skin Fighting against environmental stressors Improving moisture and plumpness with naturally lipid-rich plant oils Supporting cellular regeneration  If you are looking for a brightening facial oil, try Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil to brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and firm the skin. All of our skincare products and facial tools were created to be beneficial for all skin types, even the most sensitive. To get the most out of Plant Root Remedy, pair it with a Mount Lai facial tool for a facial massage that relaxes and enhances absorption into the skin. SHOP PLANT ROOT REMEDY

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The Mount Lai Skincare Edit

What are the differences between each of our skincare products? All of our skincare leave your skin feeling balanced + renewed, and utilize ingredients based around Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including soothing purple gromwell root and brightening goji berry, to benefit the skin. Each product targets specific skin concerns to make your routine more personalized.  Made in small batches in the U.S., all Mount Lai skincare products are non-comedogenic, clean, vegan + great for all skin types. (Plus, Leaping Bunny Certified!) We do not use synthetic fragrances, sulfates and other harmful ingredients to ensure the quality and safety of products. To maximize the benefits of your skincare, complete your skincare ritual with any Mount Lai facial tool.  Use our guide below to learn more about our skincare collection.  Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist Key ingredient(s): Tremella Mushroom + Fermented Black Tea The newest addition to our skincare collection, Tremella Tonic Activating Essence is the first step to skincare prep. This essence, like our other products, contains ingredients based around Traditional Chinese medicine to heal and nourish, including tremella mushroom. Use a small spritz of Tremella Tonic to boost hydration and the effectiveness of your other skincare products.  Calming Herbal Repair Serum Concentrate Balm Key ingredient(s): Healing purple gromwell root A nutrient-dense serum concentrate balm that soothes + restores the skin barrier. Helps to balance the skin and lock in moisture with the help of potent botanicals and nourishing plant butters, all while leaving the complexion radiant. Also contains a proprietary blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine roots to accelerate cellular repair and healing to address visible signs of aging. When to use it: After essence, before moisturizer! Pro tip: Warm in hands to activate and massage into damp skin before moisturizer, just as you would apply a serum.  Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil Key ingredient(s): Antioxidant rich goji berry + Vitamin C Containing tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C!), this facial oil brightens and firms the skin to lighten dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. In addition to all these benefits, Brightening Berry works to support elasticity and firmness of the skin.  Lightweight and absorbent enough for morning use, use after applying moisturizer, before your daily sunscreen. Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil Key ingredient(s): Ceramide rich rice + oat  Great for healing the skin barrier with nourishing plant herbs and oils, Plant Root Remedy is the perfect companion to fight against environmental stressors. Not only does it improve moisture and plumpness with naturally lipid-rich plant oils, it also supports cellular regeneration to promote skin renewal.  Amazing for evening use. Use as the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizer.  Try mixing it with Calming Herbal Repair to boost its benefits.   SHOP ALL SKINCARE

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Q: What are the differences between warm and cool tools?

Did you know that you can use your Mount Lai facial tools cool or warm? Your skin type and the benefits you are looking for can help you determine whether you want to use your tools warm or cool. For example, drier skin types may benefit more from cooler temperatures, whereas those with oily skin can benefit from warm. Knowing what's best for your own skin can help you achieve optimal skin health. Continue reading to learn the different benefits of warm vs. cool tools! Benefits of warm tools Stones to use: Black Obsidian Ideal for acne-prone skin. Our Black Obsidian tools, for example, encourage stimulation of the lymphatic system, which helps reduce inflammation.  Great for de-puffing the skin, especially with the combination of facial massage.  Boosts circulation. Heat increases blood flow, which results in glowing skin! Stress and tension relieving. Not only will warming your tools aid in your own relaxation, but will also help relax your muscles.  Increases skin permeability. The addition of heat can aid in product absorption, and allow them to penetrate deeper into the skin.  To heat your Black Obsidian tools before use, try placing them in a bowl of warm water! Shop Warming Black Obsidian Tools  Benefits of cool tools Stones to use: Jade, Rose Quartz, and Amethyst  Minimizes the size of pores. The cooling of the tool will cause the pores to constrict, making them appear smaller. This won’t permanently reduce pore size (It’s genetic!), so it is important to use retinols and/or chemical exfoliants alongside your facial tools.  Reduces inflammation and redness. Just as you treat an injury, cold tools can alleviate inflammation by constricting blood vessels + reducing blood flow to the inflamed area.  Tightens the skin. Same effect to your pores, but can boost the lifting effect of your gua sha tool.  Enhances glow to help with dullness. Cold temperatures calm and brighten the skin. Plumps skin. Blood vessels are constricted with cold temperatures, but dilate back to normal when skin is brought back to its original state. This gives the skin a plumping effect.   To cool your tools before use, try storing them in a refrigerator! Shop Cooling Jade Tools  Shop Cooling Rose Quartz Tools  Shop Cooling Amethyst Tools  References: Ghura, Priyanka. “Hot vs Cold Temperatures: What Is Best for Maintaining Glowy, Healthy Skin?” Vogue India, Vogue India, 13 Aug. 2020. Kester, Sarah. “Washing Your Face with Cold Water: Is It Beneficial?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 Jan. 2021. Palmer, Angela. “Is It Possible to Shrink Large Pores?” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2021. Person. “Cold Water Therapy: Benefits of Cold Showers, Baths, Immersion Therapy.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 July 2020. “Why Does Heat Relax Your Muscles?” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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A Relaxing Wintertime Routine With Traditional Chinese Wisdom

Did you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends changing your habits and routines depending on the season? From the food you eat to the activities you do, in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, we adapt our routines and rituals based on the seasons to nurture our bodies and minds based on our environments. This makes it especially important to take extra care of your overall health during the wintertime, where the weather can adversely impact the body and the skin. During this time, colds, flu, aches, pains and dry skin are at its peak. Doing self care rituals, such as acupressure, a skincare routine and mediation, can help balance, renew and restore your energy and body back to its restored, well-rounded state.  Here are some ways you can incorporate TCM into a relaxing weekend routine! 9:00 AM - Wake up to start your day. Waking up at an hour that isn’t too early or too late in the wintertime is a way to keep the body warm. It also results in an early opportunity to be productive and recharge from the day prior. 9:30 AM - Begin morning skincare routine. The skin is extra delicate in the wintertime because of things like wind, rain and the cold. These not only affect the skin’s permeability (ability to absorb products), but can also damage the skin barrier. The usage of skincare products that harness the power of TCM herbs can help rebuild your skin’s moisture, as well as strengthen the skin barrier for ample protection.  Some products that we recommend for A.M. use are our Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil, Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, and De-Puffing Facial Roller. Combining these three powerful products together can support skin barrier repair, boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage (your body’s way of releasing toxins!). 10:00 AM Sip a cup of warm herbal tea to start your day, and maybe enjoy a treat on the side.  Listen to your body’s needs. We personally love the TCM recipes from TCM chef Zoey Gong, especially her goji berry granola, for a tasty early day snack. Our Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil also harnesses the power of goji berry for brighter, firmer skin. This is another great product to use in the morning, followed by your favorite sunscreen!  11:00 AM - Do your morning stretches or practice meditation. Ensuring that your body is constantly moving is extremely important in TCM—even if it is at a low intensity. Doing low impact activities like stretching can alleviate all of the stress that throws your immune system off, and prevents it from being at its best.  12:30 PM - Second meal of the day.  Fuel your body with warm foods that are easier to digest. This includes warm soups and broths. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, it is recommended to avoid cold foods like salads during the winter.  1:30 PM - Take a stroll around your neighborhood or local park.  Connecting yourself with nature is one key aspect of TCM. Since most people reduce their outdoor activities in the wintertime, it is important to keep your body active to maintain its energy and warmth.  5:00 PM - Journal and/or read.  Take some time to gather your thoughts and journal, or read a book to replenish the mind with new knowledge and ideas.  6:00 PM Dinner time! Continue to nurture your body with warm foods. Consistency is key for a routine based around TCM. 8:00 PM Begin nighttime routine. Your evening skincare routine is the perfect opportunity to de-stress and prep the skin for renewal. Before gua sha and facial massage, use skincare products like Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm to accelerate cellular repair and healing. This balm to oil serum concentrate contains potent botanicals and Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs that heal the skin and lock in moisture and keep skin dewy throughout the night.  We also suggest practicing traditional treatment methods outside of gua sha, such as acupressure. With the help of our Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon, acupressure can be great for melting tension and draining puffiness in the face.  9:00 PM - Unwind for the evening.  Going to bed early is one of the easiest ways to nurture the Yin, which according to TCM requires more care in the wintertime. Slow down, rest, and take care of yourself!

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The Holiday Gift Guide

It’s finally that time of year! As 2021 comes to a close, we want to take this moment to give thanks to those who have helped and supported us through the highs and lows of the past twelve months. Shopping for friends and family can be time-consuming and stressful, but we hope that our holiday gift sets & best selling products will make your shopping experience a little bit easier. These are the perfect items for that important person on your wishlist who deserves a wellness & self-care beauty ritual this holiday season. Here are our gift recommendations to give your special someone. FOR THE AVID TRAVELER Shop The Self Care Minis Set - a $43.50 value for $36.00 Our Self Care Minis Set is the perfect gift for that special someone who loves the little things in life, and is always up for an adventure. Perfect for travel, this set includes a few of our best-selling mini products, including our Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil, Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil and Mini Jade De-puffing Facial Roller. It is a trio that provides everything for a calming facial massage, no matter if you’re at home or on-the-go. SHOP THE SELF CARE MINIS SET FOR A COMPLETE MOMENT OF WELLNESS Shop The Tranquility Amethyst Skincare Set - a $110 value for $80 After a stressful and overwhelming year, we all need a moment of wellness more than ever. We wanted to incorporate a stone that is both healing and promotes tranquility, which is why we decided on using our Amethyst tools for this special limited edition product. This set, with Amethyst’s powerful properties, promotes a calming facial experience thanks to our Amethyst Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool and Mini De-Puffing Facial Roller. This pair not only soothes the skin, but also gently de-puffs and massages. To complete your experience, the kit also contains a mini Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm and Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil to pair with the tools. Try Calming Herbal Repair Balm to soothe sensitive skin with healing ingredients like Purple Gromwell Root or Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil to support the skin barrier with natural ceramides.  Shop The Tranquility Amethyst Skincare Set FOR AN INSTANT MASSAGE AND PAIN RELIEF Shop The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - $28 to $38 While gua sha tools have been blowing up on social media over the past few months, the practice of gua sha has been utilized for centuries. Incorporating gua sha into your self-care routine has many benefits, some visible to the eye and others that go deeper than the skin. Whether you’re looking to relieve tension in your jaw from clenching during your sleep, or trying to promote lymphatic drainage, any of our gua sha tools can help you do so.  Shop The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool FOR THOSE WITH LONG 9 TO 5 DAYS Shop The Tension Melting Massager - $72 The Tension Melting Massager is the ultimate stress reliever to reduce tension in the face, neck and shoulders. It is perfect to have next to your computer desk for a quick de-puffing sesh, or to have on your bathroom counter to recharge. If they’re looking for a mult-faceted facial tool, our massager has over 100 facets in each head to hug every corner of the face and body. Thus, providing that much-needed luxurious massage after a long day at the office.  Shop The Tension Melting Massager A GIFT FOR THOSE WHO DESERVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Shop The Facial Spa Set - $50 to $56 The perfect gift for anyone who needs a little extra me-time. Our facial spa sets include one of our favorite duos: the De-puffing Facial Roller and Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. Pairing these tools together not only provides all the benefits of a relaxing facial massage, but also leaves the skin radiant, glowing and sculpted. Shop Facial Spa Sets FOR SOMEONE SEARCHING FOR A SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE  Shop The Eye Mask - $48 to $84 Ideal for anyone who loves the spa, but can’t make it there often enough. This intricately woven eye mask is something we can’t help but rave about because of its versatility. For those moments when you want to unwind and relax, our eye masks help soothe and de-puff the delicate eye area. Other benefits include reducing eye bags/puffiness, awakening the eye area and soothing the skin. It is everything you love about a facial, but in the comfort of your own home. Shop The Eye Mask FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE WHO LOVES TO SMELL AS GOOD AS THEY FEEL Shop Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm - $60 With a balm to oil formula, our Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm not only pairs perfectly with all of our tools, but smells amazing at the same time. In addition to accelerating cellular repair and hydrating the skin, this leave-on balm leaves your complexion feeling balanced, renewed, and radiant throughout the day. Shop Mount Lai Skincare THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOU AND YOUR TOOLS Shop Ritual Refresh Tool Cleansing Kit - $40 Like ourselves, one could say our facial tools also need a “self-care” routine. This holiday season, be sure to invest in our Ritual Refresh Tool Cleansing Kit not only for the special person on your gift list, but yourself as well. With gentle soaps for your tools, a specialty spa headband and 2 bamboo cloths, this kit will make your tools as happy as you are when you use them. Shop The Ritual Refresh Tool Cleansing Kit Shop All Now

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Meet TCM Chef and Nutritionist: Zoey Gong

We are so excited to finally launch Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil, and celebrate the powerful ingredient inside: the goji berry. This small yet mighty fruit has been used for its healing properties and sweet taste in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chinese cuisine. As a way to commemorate Brightening Berry, we spoke with TCM chef and nutritionist Zoey Gong (@zoeyxinyigong) about the benefits of the goji berry and its role in TCM. Zoey owns a company called FiveSeasonsTCM that shares education content, provides high quality products and helps amplify the voices of the Asian community. Through this mission, Zoey hopes to encourage more people to include TCM in their daily lives.  Read our interview with Zoey below.  ML: How did you become a TCM chef? Z: I've been a TCM chef for a couple years now, but I didn't start my career as a TCM chef. I was born and raised in Shanghai, China and I came to the US when I was 16. After just a couple months of eating the foods here, I got very ill. That's when I really paid attention to changing the way I ate and it helped me tremendously. And because of that, I decided to pursue nutrition as my first career. I was in hospitals, in community centers and worked as a clinical nutritionist. And on the side, I was also a chef cooking very western kinds of healthy foods. But after a couple years of doing that, I realized there was something missing. I wanted to offer something more holistic, something that is closer to nature. That’s when I decided to look back to my culture and my roots, and discovered TCM and medicinal cuisine. It has been so inspiring for me and my clients and guests to see the magic of eating for yourself with the season and with this traditional wisdom. ML: The goji berry is a key ingredient in our newest launch, Brightening Berry. What are the benefits of this fruit for skin and nutritional health, and does TCM play a role? Z: Goji berry is probably one of the most important and famous herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used in both medicinal cuisine as well as in herbal decoctions. This amazing berry has a neutral temperature and neutral energy. Personally, I love goji berry. I have a brand called FiveSeasonsTCM and we source organically grown goji berry from Central Ningxia, the best land in China to grow goji berry. It's such a versatile berry. You can use it in soups, in tea, smoothies, in granola and so many ways. It is really amazing to brighten our eyes, to help with liver function, treat dizziness, fatigue and some chronic lung issues. I'm very excited to see it being used as skincare. From a biomedical nutrition standpoint, goji berry contains a lot of antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. These amazing compounds can help our skin to look younger and smoother. ML: What do you think of the new Brightening Berry Vitamin C Oil? Z: The Brightening Berry Vitamin C Oil is so nourishing for the skin. I actually love to put it on my hands because my hand is always under either heat or water all day long. It's really important for me to take care of my hands.ML: How do you incorporate TCM in your work? Z: I think most of you probably have heard of acupuncture, Gua Sha and Chinese massage. These are all different branches under a big umbrella called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). And what I do is another branch under TCM, and it is called food therapy but you can understand it as TCM nutrition. I use around 111 different kinds of herbs, and combine them with fresh produce. Discover our newest launch, Brightening Berry Vitamin C Oil, here.  Credits: Images courtesy of Zoey Gong (@zoeyxinyigong).

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Brightening Berry Inspired Goji Berry Granola

Follow along this fun and easy recipe for a Traditional Chinese Medicine inspired granola, featuring goji berry! Goji berry is the hero ingredient of Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil, and has incredible healing benefits when consumed and used on the skin.

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A 30 Second Guide On How To Use the Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon

Our Mount Lai sculpting spoon encourages the gentle release of facial + jaw tension through acupressure 😌 Learn how to use this specialized gua sha tool with our founder, Stephanie Zheng! The Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon is a fantastic to add to your existing gua sha ritual, or to use on its own. We love how this tool can really target specific points in the face. Don't forget to prep the skin with skincare product before using your facial massage! Shop the Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon

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A NEW Facial Oil to Support the Skin Barrier - Meet Plant Root Remedy!

What is Plant Root Remedy? A lightweight and healing facial oil that contains protective lipids and oils from nutrient-rich plants and antioxidant-rich herbs. It is the perfect oil to pair with your Mount Lai tools, and boost other skincare products. After using Plant Root Remedy Oil the skin is left balanced, nourished and renewed. Who is it for? Plant Root Remedy is non-comedogenic, vegan and cruelty free. It is extremely important to us to not use any ingredients that are toxic for the skin and body, so Plant Root Remedy is formulated without synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, silicones, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, sulfates or mineral oil. We ensured to craft PRR with all skin types in mind, including: Acne-prone skin Aging skin Sensitive skin Dry skin Oily skin Normal skin Combination skin Pro tip: Facial oils do not worsen oily skin. In fact, oily skin benefits from facial oils as they help regulate and balance oil production. Look for ingredients like Squalane, which is in Plant Root Remedy, that hydrate + balance the skin barrier. Benefits Plant Root Remedy is formulated to help heal, protect, and hydrate the skin, while promoting healthy radiance and a natural glow. Regular use of Plant Root Remedy can help: Care for the skin barrier  Fight against environmental stressors Improve hydration and plumpness Support cellular regeneration Ingredient Highlights Crafted with ingredients you and your skin can feel good about. Below are some key ingredients: Purple Gromwell Root accelerates cellular repair and healing Blue Tansy Oil calms the skin and promotes cellular regeneration Licorice Root fights free radical damage and inflammation with antioxidants Rhodiola Root protects from environmental stressors Astragalus Root soothes skin irritations Squalane + Meadowfoam Seed Oil balance and hydrate the skin What is the difference between CHR and PRR? Just like our Calming Herbal Repair Balm, Plant Root Remedy’s ingredients are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both products are crafted with care and made in small batches in our U.S. studio. We formulated each with clean ingredients that nourish the skin, such as Purple Gromwell Root, which gives them their natural purple hue. Calming Herbal Repair Balm is a leave-on balm that is meant to be a more moisturizing and soothing treatment. Ingredients like Murumuru and Kokum Butter make it ideal for drier and sensitive skin types. Plant Root Remedy Oil is a lighter formulation that relieves and nourishes dull or irritated skin. You may use this facial oil as a booster to add to your moisturizer, or on its own as the last step of your routine. Because CHR is meant to replace a facial oil, you would not use both products together at the same time. Instead, you may choose to use CHR in the evening for extra hydration, and PRR in the morning to revive the skin. We equally love using both products and pair them with Mount Lai tools for a luxurious facial massage. Shop Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil

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