Behind the Mask: On A DPR Level with Lauren Elder & Anna Prukop
DPR SKN is skin care that goes deeper. Our philosophy is about helping people to get on a deeper level with their own skin care by integrating wellness and self-love to promote a healthy lifestyle. Through our product and the Journal, we share our advice, skin care and wellness tips, and overall how to be the best you can be. We love to read interviews and get a glimpse of people’s lives. We see that all day long on social media, and read countless celeb interviews, but let’s get to know each other on a DPR level and get inspired to embrace our natural beauty!
For our latest Behind the Mask feature, we interviewed, best friends Lauren Elder and Anna Prukop. Two Orange County based beauties that recently launched a new lifestyle blog called LA’s OC, which stands for Living Active and sharing their journey as recent college grads living life in Orange County, CA! These girls are all about sharing their real selves on social media and let their natural beauty shine through! Get to know Lauren and Anna on a DPR [deeper] level..
Tell us a little about yourself... age, where you live, what you do, etc!
We were both raised in Southern, CA and met while working at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point in 2015 before going off to college at TCU! Being recent grads, we are back in the OC figuring out adult life! Anna is 22 and Lauren is 23 years old and currently uncertain about what the future holds, but so far “post grad” life has been amazing. Anna works for a modeling agency in LA and she stays pretty busy with that. Lauren just graduated from college and is getting adjusted to moving back home! We are both having fun and enjoying every second of this time, because it really is so special.
You just launched your blog LA’s OC, so exciting! What inspired you to start it and tell us a little about it.
We have been talking about doing this for literally years, ever since we first met and became friends. We’ve always loved following different bloggers and influencers, but wanted to create something more personal and specific to our home, Orange County! There is so much negativity on social media and we wanted to create a place that promotes body positivity and self-love! Our Instagram and blog, LA’s OC represents our names: Lauren and Anna, and the idea of Living Active! Leading a healthy life is not just about eating vegetables and working out, but also taking time for yourself and having fun with friends!
What are a few of your favorite steps in your morning routine when you get ready and your evening routine winding down for bed?
Morning: Depending on how my skin feels when I wake up I either wash my face with warm water or use a cleanser and follow that with my Thayer's Witch Hazel toner and a SPF. We both keep our morning routine pretty simple, but always use SPF!
Evening: One of my favorite parts of the day is winding down before bed with my evening routine. I love to take bubble baths or use bath bombs, then put on a face mask and relax while watching a new show and eating a dessert or having some tea. I think it’s so important to make time for yourself to relax and decompress after the day. It’s important to pamper yourself, take care of yourself, and practice self love and appreciation, no matter what that looks like to you. Lastly, I always either light a candle or put some lavender in my diffuser to help me fall asleep!
What are your biggest skin care concerns? How do you overcome them?
My skin has been my biggest insecurity since high school. I never had severe acne, but when I would get a pimple I would feel so insecure. I went to the dermatologist, bought every over-the-counter product, and I have learned that the simpler the better! I have oily skin so I always buy oil-free products and stay away from highly fragrant products and anything comedogenic because they irritate my skin. The DPR SKN mask help me with redness, blemishes, and makes my skin so soft! I still struggle with this insecurity, but I have also learned that I am my biggest critic and what’s most important is how you feel on the inside, not how you look!!
How do you incorporate the Clay Mask into your skin care routine?
I have been using the DPR SKN mask for almost 6 months now as a full face mask once a week and as an overnight spot treatment for blemishes or acne scars! I find that most other face masks irritate and leave my skin flaky and dry. I love that the DPR SKN Clay Mask is multi-use and I honestly use it as an overnight spot treatment more than a full face mask. After I get ready for bed and wash my face, tone, and apply serums, I dab a little bit of the Clay Mask onto any blemishes or dark spots. In the morning the mask has dried and I just wash it off with warm water! Any redness or irritation that was there disappears by morning and I usually repeat this multiple nights a week. This mask has truly been such a life saver and has helped me feel more confident in my skin!
How do you take care of yourself on a deeper level (what do you do to stay active, healthy, calm and positive, and embrace your natural beauty)?
I love exercising outside! I am powered by the sun so whenever it is sunny outside, I feel motivated to get my body moving! Another way I live actively is by trying out new healthy recipes from Pinterest and finding new ways to drink more water each day! What you eat is just as important as how much you workout, so I love finding a recipe and cooking for myself.
Embracing one’s natural beauty can be hard. I used to struggle with the way I looked. I didn’t feel pretty or skinny enough when I would constantly compare myself to others. Social media can really alter your perception of other people’s lives and how they look. I decided that being real, authentic, kind, and happy were so much more important than being skinny or pretty in society’s eyes. And in order to be those things you need to focus on the positive, cut out the negative, and do things that make you happy. I love being outside, cooking and trying new desserts, cuddling with my dogs, and reading a good book. So I make sure I have time to do those things.
Any last words or advice?! Positive affirmations that you live by?
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and I try to look at the bad days and bad situations as having some sort of purpose...big picture. If you start seeing everything as purposeful, it’s easier to accept and move on.
We want to hear from you… Interested in being featured? Comment below or email us at hello@dprskn.com
