Hello, this is MeSO. Our skin comes into contact with countless ingredients every day — and many of them are chosen with emotion rather than science. We often think, “It’s natural, so it must be good,” or “It’s plant-based, so it’s gentle.” But at MeSO , we take a slightly different perspective. Not all natural ingredients are effective, and some are included only in trace amounts — just enough to make a product sound appealing. Today, let’s uncover the truth about the Top 5 plant-based ingredients that look pretty but do little for your skin. Remember, true slow-aging begins with thoughtful, evidence-based choices — not emotional marketing. ❌ 1. Rose Extract “Lovely scent, minimal skin benefits.” Roses symbolize beauty and elegance, so it’s no surprise that “rose extract” often gives skincare a luxurious image. But when it comes to proven results, there’s little to no human data confirming any antioxidant or soothing effects. Most of the time, it’s added for its fragrance and emotional appeal. The actual amount in most formulations is less than 1% , far too little to make a visible difference to your skin. In short — it smells divine but does almost nothing for your complexion. At MeSO , we value science-backed ingredients over sensory illusion. ❌ 2. Yuzu Extract “Vitamin C? It’s mostly gone.” 🍋 Yuzu is often marketed as a “vitamin C powerhouse,” leading many to assume its extract brightens the skin. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Vitamin C is extremely unstable — it breaks down easily with heat and oxidation during extraction. What remains in most skincare formulas is simply yuzu fragrance and emotional value. To make matters worse, yuzu contains photosensitive compounds that can irritate the skin when exposed to UV light. So while the citrus scent feels refreshing, the benefits are nearly nonexistent. For real brightening, opt for stabilized vitamin C derivatives or clinically proven antioxidants instead. ❌ 3. Rice Extract “An ancient beauty ritual, but not so effective today.” You’ve probably heard that royal courtesans in ancient Korea washed their faces with rice water for glowing skin. That’s where rice extract gained its image as a whitening or brightening agent. But scientifically speaking, rice extract has never been approved as a functional brightening ingredient. While rice contains amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that can be beneficial, the extract concentrations used in cosmetics are so low that visible improvement is unlikely. In other words, rice extract survives mainly on nostalgia — not modern skin science. True beauty comes not from tradition alone, but from understanding what your skin truly needs today. ❌ 4. Propolis Extract “Natural power? More like unstable and inconsistent.” 🐝 Propolis — the resinous material made by bees — is often praised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It sounds like the ultimate healing ingredient. However, the quality of propolis extract in skincare products varies widely because the extraction process isn’t standardized. That means the concentration of active compounds — and their actual effects — can differ from one product to another. Propolis may also trigger allergic reactions , especially for sensitive skin. At MeSO , we believe that natural should never mean uncertain. We prioritize ingredients that are proven safe, stable, and compatible with real skin. ❌ 5. Tea Tree Extract (※ Not Oil) “Same name, very different results.” 🌿 Tea tree is famous for its acne-fighting properties — but here’s the catch: only tea tree oil , not the extract , has clinically proven antibacterial effects. If you see “Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract” on the label, that means it’s just water-based tea tree extract, not the essential oil. The extract form contains negligible levels of active compounds , far too low to deliver real acne benefits. Brands often use the term “tea tree” as a marketing cue, even when the ingredient itself has little efficacy. For genuine acne control, look for formulations that clearly state tea tree oil concentration, or use proven actives like salicylic acid or azelaic acid instead. Science Over Sentiment — The Balance of True Beauty Today’s beauty market is overflowing with “plant-based,” “vegan,” and “clean beauty” labels. These sound wonderful, but sometimes they rely more on emotional appeal than science. At MeSO , we believe that true slow-aging doesn’t come from trendy ingredients — it comes from balance, consistency, and scientific integrity. When choosing skincare, ask yourself: ✔ What is the actual ingredient? ✔ At what concentration is it included? ✔ Is its efficacy backed by research? Natural can be beautiful, but scientifically supported natural is powerful. At MeSO , we continue to share insights that help you make smarter, safer, and more confident choices for your skin — because slow, steady beauty always lasts longer. About Us Me:SO Medspa Opening Hours: Monday — Friday : 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Saturday : 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Sunday : Closed Address: 20321 SW Acacia St, Suite 150, Newport Beach, OC, CA 92660, USA 5585 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd. Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 Phone: 949–617–1221 714–294–2113 Follow Us On: Homepage | Instagram | Facebook

Hello, this is MeSO. Today, let’s take a closer look at the MarkVu skin analysis system — a professional device that helps us understand your skin using different light modes . Each light reveals something unique about your skin condition, allowing us to diagnose and treat more accurately. Why Skin Analysis Matters At MeSO, we believe that every treatment should begin with an accurate skin diagnosis . That’s because what we see with the naked eye can often be very different from what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Using a professional skin analysis device like MarkVu , we can assess the depth and distribution of pigmentation , hydration levels , and signs of aging — helping us design the most effective and personalized treatment plan for you. When we rely on visual inspection alone, it’s easy to misjudge pigmentation, redness, or oil balance. That’s why a proper diagnostic process is essential to truly understand your skin before any treatment begins. The Four Light Modes of MarkVu MarkVu captures 12 detailed images of your face — from the front and both sides — using four different types of light: Normal Light (NL) Specular Light (SL) Polarized Light (PL) Ultraviolet (UV) Each light source highlights a different aspect of your skin, giving us a more comprehensive and scientific picture of your condition. Normal Light (NL) Image source: blog.naver.com/tryallthings This mode captures your skin under standard lighting — the way it appears to the naked eye. It allows us to assess your overall skin tone, pigmentation, texture, pores, and fine lines , making it ideal for evaluating general skin conditions such as uneven tone or rough texture. Specular Light (SL) Image source: blog.naver.com/tryallthings Also known as “gloss light,” this mode captures the reflected light that bounces directly off the surface of your skin. It emphasizes surface texture, oiliness, and fine lines , helping us identify early signs of skin aging or rough surface texture . If you’re concerned about dullness, uneven skin texture, or early fine lines, this light helps us determine what type of resurfacing or rejuvenation treatments may be most beneficial. Polarized Light (PL) Image source: blog.naver.com/tryallthings This mode uses two polarizing filters placed at right angles to each other, eliminating surface reflection and revealing what’s beneath the epidermis. It clearly shows melanin pigmentation, vascular changes, and inflammation within the upper dermis. It’s particularly useful for identifying: Dermal pigmentation (deep melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Post-acne redness Capillary dilation In short, Polarized Light is excellent for evaluating redness, pigmentation, and underlying vascular issues that aren’t always visible on the surface. Ultraviolet Light (UV) Image source: blog.naver.com/tryallthings The UV mode visualizes melanin concentration and sun damage beneath the skin. Areas with high melanin absorb UV light and appear darker , which indicates pigmentation such as freckles, sunspots, or epidermal melasma. In the UV mode, white sebum is observed on both cheeks, and a reddish-orange fluorescent porphyrin is visible on the bridge of the nose. This indicates a high likelihood of inflammation developing in the nasal area. On the other hand, sebum reflects UV light, appearing as bright white areas , while porphyrin , a byproduct created by acne-causing bacteria ( C. acnes ), glows orange-red under UV exposure. Here’s what you can typically observe in UV mode: Bright white areas → Excess sebum production Orange-red fluorescence → Acne activity and bacterial metabolism Dark areas → Pigmentation (melasma, freckles, sun damage) UV mode helps visualize acne-prone zones, sun damage, and pigmentation — all before they become visible on the surface. The truth is, our skin can look very different on the outside than what’s happening underneath. A MarkVu skin analysis provides an objective, measurable view of your skin condition — making it an essential step before any treatment. If you want to truly understand your skin’s current state, or if you’re not sure which treatment suits you best, we highly recommend starting with a MarkVu diagnostic session . Because accurate analysis leads to precise treatment , and at MeSO, we’re here to help your skin become its healthiest, most radiant version. About Us Me:SO Medspa Opening Hours: Monday — Friday : 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Saturday : 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Sunday : Closed Address: 20321 SW Acacia St, Suite 150, Newport Beach, OC, CA 92660, USA 5585 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd. Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 Phone: 949–617–1221 714–294–2113 Follow Us On: Homepage | Instagram | Facebook

Collagen vs. Collagen Extract: Key Ingredients and Recommended Combinations for Boosting Skin Elasticity Hello everyone! We are MeSO MedSpa. Today, let’s talk about collagen , one of the most important factors for skin firmness and overall skin health. We’ll go over the difference between collagen and collagen extracts, the key ingredients that support natural collagen production, and practical ingredient combinations with recommended concentrations. Collagen vs. Collagen Extract — What’s the Difference? The collagen we often see in cosmetics refers to the same type of protein naturally found in the body. However, because its molecular size is quite large, it’s difficult for it to penetrate the dermis when applied topically. Instead, it mainly works by forming a moisturizing film on the skin’s surface to help retain hydration. On the other hand, collagen extract (hydrolyzed collagen) is broken down into peptides and amino acids, making it easier to absorb into the skin. These smaller fragments can stimulate fibroblasts, aiding collagen production and skin regeneration. That said, even so-called “low molecular weight collagen” still lacks solid scientific evidence of penetrating fully into the dermis. Most research suggests that it’s absorbed into the outer layers of the skin, where it indirectly supports collagen synthesis. This means that topical products alone have limitations. For true collagen regeneration, direct stimulation methods — such as RF (radiofrequency) lifting treatments or skin boosters — are often necessary. Ingredients That Support Collagen Production If we want the skin to naturally boost collagen production, here are some of the most effective ingredients to look for: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Essential for collagen synthesis and also brightens the skin. Commonly used at 5–20% concentrations . Peptides (e.g., Matrixyl): Deliver signals to skin cells to stimulate collagen production. Typically used at 0.01–5% concentrations . Retinol (Vitamin A derivative): Activates fibroblasts to enhance collagen and elastin synthesis. Best used at 0.01–1% concentrations , adjusted to minimize irritation. Amino Acids (e.g., Proline, Lysine): The building blocks of collagen, supporting skin repair and renewal. Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Green Tea, Grape Seed Extract, etc.): Protect collagen from free radicals and slow down skin aging. Proven Plant-Based Antioxidants Among antioxidants, these plant-based options are especially well-researched: Green Tea Extract (EGCG): Strong antioxidant and UV protection Grape Seed Extract (Proanthocyanidins): Improves elasticity and combats signs of aging Rosemary Extract: Helps prevent UV damage and reduces inflammation Chamomile Extract: Soothes the skin while providing antioxidant benefits Vitamin E: A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes These ingredients have been shown in multiple studies to help protect existing collagen and support new collagen formation . Recommended Combinations and Concentrations Here are some practical ingredient pairings to maximize results: Vitamin C 10% + Peptides 1–3% → Synergistic effect for collagen synthesis and skin renewal Retinol 0.3–0.5% + Peptides → Boosts dermal activation and enhances wrinkle reduction Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Green Tea Extract → A powerful antioxidant trio that helps prevent collagen breakdown Amino Acids + Hyaluronic Acid (0.1–1%) + Collagen Peptides → Improves hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and supports collagen production Rather than relying solely on topical collagen , it’s far more effective to use collagen-stimulating ingredients or to incorporate direct stimulation methods like RF treatments or injectable boosters for long-term skin firmness. Of course, don’t forget the basics — daily sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits are just as essential for maintaining youthful, resilient skin. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime! About Us Me:SO Medspa Opening Hours: Monday — Friday : 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Saturday : 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM Sunday : Closed Address: 20321 SW Acacia St, Suite 150, Newport Beach, OC, CA 92660, USA 5585 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd. Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 Phone: 949–617–1221 714–294–2113 Follow Us On: Homepage | Instagram | Facebook