Diana Seo is the founder and president of The Collagen Bar, a medical aesthetic and skincare clinic, with locations in Greenwich, CT and NYC. Diana's clinic combines both Eastern and Western teachings, with infusion of Ayurveda, yoga, reiki and acupuncture. 

 andI grew up in Stamford, CT and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Biophysics and minor in Chemistry and Mathematics.

I have over fifteen years of combined experience in the health, medical and beauty fields. I started my career as a researcher/technologist in the Cytogenetics Department at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. I then enhanced my understanding of skin aesthetics working for one of the most notable plastic surgeons in the world, Dr. Charles Thorne, the editor-in-chief of the “Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery” textbook.

I received my aesthetician license and ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council, which is recognized in over thirty-nine countries) certification from the Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics.  

What is The Collagen Bar? What is Forma?
The Collagen Bar is skin clinic where we design a custom program to deliver results. We call it ‘Optimal Collagen Remodeling’ using the most advanced ingredients & devices with no downtime and no pain.

Forma is a radio-frequency device that helps tighten skin.Forma  stimulates the formation of new collagen and improves the skin’s elasticity for long-lasting and remarkable results. The radio frequency current flows between the electrodes to provide a comfortable thermal experience, without concerns of hot spots or undertreatment.

Built-in temperature controls allow for the attainment of clinically proven optimal epidermal temperatures. In addition, Forma has the exclusive capacity for prolonged exposure at therapeutic temperatures, which can be reached quickly and uniformly.

Where do you live?
NYC!

What are some things everybody should know when it comes to wellness?
Balance is key to achieving a healthy lifestyle. Your body systems work together, therefore, they are interdependent of each other. From learning how to manage stress, knowing what and what not to eat to remembering to hydrate and use SPF will all contribute to well being. 

What is your skincare routine?
I follow the ‘Less is more’ concept: I cleanse only at night using Priori’s Gentle cleanser , I use the Dmore products that contains top three ingredients ‘Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen & Vit C’ day & night, I also exfoliate then apply a hydrating mask once a week. Sometimes I will add a soothing Cbd oil from Hempfields Botanicals that contains lavender and chamomile.

Collagen plays a major role in skin and hair. 

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in your body. It is found in your bones, muscles, skin and tendons, where it forms a scaffold to provide strength & structure. (Medicalnewstoday.com 2015) 

After the age of 30, both men & women lose 1% of your collagen level each year. During pre-menopause and menopause, the loss is exponential. (Dermalinstitute.com 2016)

What results were you the happiest about from Crushed Tonic? How long did it take for your results to take place?
My skin looked more refreshed and I had more energy overall.  I believe that I noticed a real difference after the 5th week of taking the crushed tonic packets daily.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about wellness?
It’s not just about looking good on the outside, it’s about feeling good in the inside first. People need to take care of one’s well being from inside out.

What is your wellness mantra?
I'd rather prevent than cure. All about taking care of the inner first. 

Who are you inspired by?
Not only world leaders like Oprah and Ellen who practice what they preach and give back so much, but real clients of mine. I am truly inspired by moms that have a full time job at work and/or at home, take care of everyone, but make time to take care of herself.  In order to help others, sometimes it’s necessary to take care of oneself first ☝️!

What are 3 other foods or supplements you try to incorporate to your diet daily routinely?
1)Lemon 🍋 water 💦/ 
2)more Greens/veggies 🥬 like kale and avocados 🥑 
3)antioxidants ie pure cacao or goji berries or Crushed Tonic collagen supplements

Any wellness or skincare/ hair tips?
1) Skincare Tips:
Dull, dry, dehydrated sagging skin can be contributed from a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that your skin is not hydrated to a proper level. Then there's exposure to the harmful UVA/B rays, imbalance of hormones,  genetic reasons, stress, clogged pores filled with dirt and oil, poor diet & more.

The optimal solution to aging skin is prevention!

Here are some ways to help get back your glow.

A)Always stay hydrated by drinking more water (lemon water w some parsley is the new trend- more alkaline based diet)

B)Eat more fresh fruits (ie apples,oranges, pears) and veggies (mostly greens). 

C)Get your Beauty Rest! (SLEEP is important, but proper, quality deep sleep is better- min 7-8 hrs a night) 

D)Stay active! Commit to your consistent workout, walk or jog everyday if possible. Good circulation leads to good blood flow which leads to more nutrients in your skin!

E)Use serums that contain collagen, hyaluronic acid and plant extracts to keep the water retention rate high so it's harder for dirt and oil to clog the pores. Then use a Vit C soluble moisturizer to protect the skin and its barrier from the UV rays and pollutants. The double layer helps the skin stay hydrated all day (double or triple layer if you can- we need 12 hrs of protection but who has the time to reapply during the day?)

F) for the hair, apply a hydrating mask as well once a week. Get those SPF sprays for the scalp when going to the beach or if you’re out in the sun ☀️ for more than an hour.

Any morning / evening rituals?
I always try to hydrate as soon as I get up, and sometimes digest a spoonful of pure honey to cleanse my throat/digestive tract. 

At night, I use a gentle cleanser, scrub 1-2 times a week with a good hydrating mask, no need to over wash.  (key word is balance!) once a month, I give myself a relaxing bath 🛁 .

At moment, Turmeric is great mixed w almond or oat milk.

Favorite Crushed Tonic recipe?
In my banana/strawberry/kiwi smoothie w coconut and almond milk, I add matcha 🍵 to this recipe.

Favorite restaurant in your neighborhood?
Basta Pasta (they use fresh ingredients ie sea urchin and roe)

Favorite magazine?
Vogue and Rachael Ray

Favorite athletic brand?
Athleta

Favorite place in the world?
NYC (my home)

Favorite dessert?
Magnolia’s hummingbird cupcake