Charis: Can you walk me through the process of a client getting paramedical tattooing?

Ilona: The process begins with an initial consultation. This is crucial as it allows me to assess whether the scar or skin condition is suitable for treatment. During this consultation, I discuss with the client their medical history, the nature of their scars, and what they hope to achieve with paramedical tattooing. Setting the right expectations from the start is key. Once we determine that the client is a good candidate, we move on to develop a detailed treatment plan. This plan outlines the expected outcomes and the number of sessions that might be needed. After this, the client fills out all necessary medical forms to ensure there are no health concerns that might affect the procedure. Before the actual tattooing begins, I apply a numbing cream to the area to minimize discomfort. While the area is numbing, I work on creating a custom-made pigment that matches the client’s skin tone. This is a delicate process because matching skin tones requires precise adjustments to ensure the colors blend naturally. I usually start with a small test patch to see how the skin reacts to the pigment. This step is important because it helps predict how well the skin will accept the tattoo and allows us to make any necessary adjustments to the pigment or technique. Once satisfied with the test results, I apply the first layer of pigment.

This initial application is typically quite light and conservative—it's better to build up the color gradually, observing how the skin absorbs and heals with the pigment. This approach ensures the most natural and effective restoration possible. After the initial application, we allow a healing period of about forty-two days. This timeframe is significant because it aligns with the skin's natural cell turnover cycle, which is essential for achieving optimal results. During this period, the skin heals and fully absorbs the pigment, fading around 30-40% and allowing us to assess the outcome of the first session. When the client returns after six weeks, I evaluate the healed tattooed area to see how the skin has taken the pigment. This is when we can make more precise adjustments to the pigment's tone and undertones. Based on this evaluation, I can apply additional layers or adjust the color to achieve a closer match to the surrounding skin or to enhance the camouflage effect. These follow-up sessions are crucial because they target the final appearance, ensuring that the tattoo not only helps conceal the scar or skin issue but also looks natural and seamless. This approach helps ensure that each client receives a personalized treatment, maximizing both the aesthetic and psychological benefits of paramedical tattooing.  

Charis: You also own a line of organic skin care products, with one exciting product in particular that smells like heavenly chocolate. Could you please tell EGW readers more about your line and how they could order your products?

Ilona: Absolutely Charis, I'd love to talk about that! My skincare line, Bodyfornia, is all about creating products that blend natural and organic ingredients. We focus on developing formulas that are gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free, designed with both body and environmental wellness in mind. 

One of our standout products, an Amazon Bestseller, is the Chocolate Massage Oil, which we initially created for couples’ massages. Luckily, it turned out so wonderfully aromatic and effective that many clients now love using it as a body moisturizer. It has a rich Swiss chocolate scent that's quite immersive during treatments and designed to linger for just the right amount of time and then gradually fade leaving behind a subtle, fresh jojoba scent. It feels luxurious on the skin and is quite a sensory experience! 

Last year, we launched a new product called Bodyfornia Face & Neck Firming Skin Renewal Gel. It's infused with caffeine, green tea, and turmeric. This gel is fantastic for skin tightening and is perfect for morning routines to help makeup stay flawless all day. 

We proudly manufacture and package our products in California, using only the highest quality ingredients and most gentle compositions. This allows us to offer the products for high-end consumer markets at reasonable pricing. If you're interested in learning more or would like to order, you can visit our website at bodyfornia.com, where you can also contact us directly. We're excited to share these creations with everyone looking to enhance their skincare routine with effective, eco-friendly options.