By Charis Michelsen for EGW LUXURY MAGAZINE
One name stands out amongst all PMU-certified restorative artists, Ilona Malygin, of Luna Skin Solution. Ilona is an extremely gifted, fine artist who shares her brilliant talent with those looking for a new chapter, enhanced self-esteem, and to feel whole again. Physical trauma can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
With Ilona’s focus on personalized care, she ensures each client’s skin color, type, and sensitivity is considered, and masterfully and meticulously hand-mixes pigments until they’re a perfect, personalized custom-blended color for each skin tone, giving clients smoother, healthier skin tissues that look as natural as possible, which erases much, if not all, of the reminders of physical trauma. Ilona generously offered to share more about her wonderful work and the process of how she transitions physical trauma into a fresh start for her clients.
Charis: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, Ilona. You’re a very talented fine artist who uses your artistic gift to beautifully restore others. How did you get your start in the dynamic field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine and become a medical tattooist?
Ilona: Thanks for having me, Charis. My path to cosmetic tattooing kicked off in 2018. At first, I was all about the usual stuff–microblading, powder brows, lip blush, and eyeliner. But you know, having spent over ten years as a physical and massage therapist, I started getting really into the skin itself, not just for beauty but for its own sake. Turns out, all those years at art school were leading up to something! Back then, not many people were talking about paramedical tattooing. I got interested when I heard about this woman in Brazil who camouflaged her stretch marks with tattoo pigments. It was such a cool idea, but experts were few and far between, so I ended up learning from one of the top Korean trainers here in the States. Starting with my scars and then working on friends’ scars, I got to see how different each person’s skin is–kind of like fingerprints, each one unique. That drove home how important it is to tailor everything just right. I spent a lot of time tweaking and refining my techniques, making sure I could match the skin tones and get the best results, to really make sure each client feels their best. And, between you and me, my friends and my husband’s scars were my first guinea pigs–luckily, they didn’t mind being part of my mad science experiments! This approach has been a cornerstone of my practice, enabling me to truly restore and beautify with a personal touch.
Charis: Can you share some of the stories of restoration that have been the most impactful on you, with how your work changes lives?
Ilona: Absolutely, Charis. Each client brings a unique story and a profound opportunity for healing, both physically and emotionally. One of the most impactful cases involved a woman who came to me after undergoing a breast reduction surgery. She was determined to minimize the visibility of her scars, a decision that wasn’t initially understood by her husband. He felt that the scars were inconsequential and didn’t see why she would want to camouflage them. But her response to him was deeply moving. She said, “I’m doing this for myself. You might ignore them, but I see them every day. Our journey towards beauty is an ongoing process.”
This story encapsulates a common sentiment among my clients. Many of them seek paramedical tattooing not just for aesthetic enhancement but for deeper psychological wellness. They are looking to start anew, to see themselves in the mirror without the constant reminders of past surgeries or injuries. By helping them conceal scars or other marks, I’m not just working on their skin, I’m helping them rewrite their personal narratives. They move forward empowered, carrying only the memories they decide to focus on or not, not the visual reminders of their past experiences. This ability to contribute to someone’s journey of self-acceptance and renewal is truly what makes my work so fulfilling.
Charis: In addition to being an accredited paramedical tattoo artist, who offers various types of physical restoration, you’re also a licensed massage therapist and offer lymphatic drainage, which addresses deeper wellness concerns. Can you share what types of paramedical tattooing you offer and how massage and lymphatic drainage can assist in enhancing a person’s well-being?
Ilona: My work in paramedical tattooing spans a wide range of treatments, each tailored to address specific physical imperfections and enhance natural beauty. Apart from working on the more traditional cosmetic enhancements like eyelash and liner enhancements, I also specialize in what I call a ‘diamond lip blush.’ This technique enhances the natural color of the lips, making them appear more vibrant and luminous, complementing the client’s natural features. In terms of addressing more medically-oriented concerns, I work extensively with clients who have scars from various sources, such as tummy tucks, ‘mommy makeovers,’ liposuction, injuries, burns, laser treatments, stretch marks, facelifts, and post-acne scars. Each type of scar or skin condition has its challenges and requires a customized approach to ensure the tattooing provides not only camouflage but also blends seamlessly with the surrounding skin. Additionally, my background as a massage therapist with a specialization in lymphatic drainage further complements my tattooing practice. One of my favorite techniques is Colombian Sculpting, which I often perform using iced coffee, açaí berries, or lemongrass. This method is not only holistic but also manually sculpts the body, enhancing the detoxification process and improving overall circulation. My clients particularly appreciate this service as it supports their recovery and wellness, helping to reduce swelling and accelerate healing, especially after cosmetic surgeries. The combination of paramedical tattooing and lymphatic drainage offers a comprehensive approach to beauty and health, addressing both aesthetic concerns and physical wellness.
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.
Charis: Is there anything you wish to share, such as a special message or advice, with EGW readers?
Ilona: I’d love to share a simple yet profound message: Talk to your body. Talk as you would to your best friend. It’s important to remember that our bodies are incredibly intelligent. They are walking, living testimonies of grace. Every part of our body constantly communicates, providing signals about what is happening internally. By paying attention to these signals, we can better understand and address our needs appropriately.
Treating our body as a temple is not just about spiritual or philosophical beliefs; it’s about practical, everyday respect and care. Whether it’s choosing the right foods, engaging in physical activity, or even deciding on medical or cosmetic treatments, every decision should be made with consideration for our body’s well-being.
Charis: You’re based in Los Angeles, but can treat people from across the globe who travel to see you. How can one get in touch with you to find out if they’re a candidate for aesthetic tattooing and book an appointment for services?
Ilona: Yes, while I’m based in Los Angeles, I’m fortunate to work with clients from all over the world. Clients can text a photo of their scar or the area they wish to have treated to ilona@lunaskinsolution.com or +1 818-300-7930. This allows me to assess the feasibility of treatment remotely and provide some preliminary advice. Additionally, potential clients can visit my website at www.lunaskinsolution.com, where they can find more information about all the services I offer. The website also provides more resources about the treatments and what clients can expect when they come to see me. I strive to make the process as smooth and informative as possible, ensuring that each client feels confident and well-informed before proceeding with any treatment.
Charis: Thank you so much, Ilona, for the wonderful interview and the beautiful life-changing work you do to help others look and feel their best. Many people are now living happier lives because of you.
Ilona: Thank you, Charis, for this opportunity to share my work and passion. It’s fulfilling to know that what I do can make a significant difference in someone’s life, helping them to feel confident and at peace with themselves. I’m grateful for every client who trusts me to be a part of their journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Thank you for highlighting this important aspect of aesthetic medicine.
Photography by Valeria Artemyeva
Follow Ilona Malygin on Instagram: @lunaskinsolution
Follow Charis Michelsen on Instagram: @charismichelsen_official
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