The secret to beautiful, healthy skin is
basically three simple steps.
(Unless you have issues that need to be dealt with by a Doctor)
First :
We need to tear down the dead unhealthy skin cells by exfoliating.
You can do this at home with a basic scrub.
Of course we carry Intaglio's Liquid Luffa but we also recommend
Alba Sea Enzyme scrub. You can find this at Long's or Sprouts for about $10.00. I love this scrub because it is gentle yet strong enough to do the job. I recommend using the scrub 2 to 3 times a week (In the evening).
For more advanced exfoliation we recommend Microdermabrasion and or Glycolic Peels. Microdermabrasion is a manual exfoliation done with a machine. It removes the surfacey dead skin cells and you feel a difference immediately. Glycolic Peels are fabulous as they go down into the skin and exfoliate at a deeper level lightening those icky dark spots, minimizing pores and giving your skin an overall healthy glow.
(Watch for my annual Micro/Peel series of 6 special in early October)
Second:
Now that we are working on getting rid of the dead skin cell build up, we need to be feeding the new cells with vitamins and peptides which cause them to be healthy undamaged cells.
Dr. Perricone's line of products has all the wonderful ingredients that really make a difference to your skin. One thing that is very important to know and you have probably heard this term before but the "Delivery System" of a product is so very important. If wonderful ingredients are put in a thick white cream form, the molecule make up of the cream is too large to actually penetrate down into the layers of skin to truly make a difference and effect the health of the cell. These ingredients such as Vitamins A, C E and C- Ester along with DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Carosine need to be in a serum base which has a very small molecule make up which allows the product to penetrate and really make a difference. I have found a fabulous line called Youthful Essentials which has all the wonderful ingredients in the more expensive products at a fraction of the cost.
I carry most of these products in my Spa but please take a look at their site so your can learn more about the effectiveness of these ingredients for aging and damaged skin.
Third:
Moisturize and SUNSCREEN!! Yes, you are all sick of me saying it but you have to think of it as a protective mask from the wonderful sun's unfortunate harmful rays. I grew up on the beach in Huntington and my family vacationed in 100 degree San Felipe all the time. My sister and I would lay in the sun until we blistered. Not a pretty site but fortunately my obsession with skin care and not "Showing my age" lead me to the simple fact that religious use of sunscreen can make a HUGE difference in how we age. I recommend any sunscreen but of course I carry my favorite because one morning application lasts 8 hours and it feels like a light moisturizer instead of that think traditional stuff we all hate.
Moisturizing
Sunscreen SPF 30
One Application Lasts ALL DAY!
This formula delivers long lasting hydration into the skin
while guaranteeing all day UV protection. 30 times skin’s
natural protection.
Non-Comedogenic.
8 HOUR WATERPROOF protection guaranteed.
8 HOUR SWEATPROOF protection guaranteed.
Broadspectrum protection.
Fragrance Free. PABA Free
Skin Types: For all skin types.
Key Bioactives: Sorbitol, Aloe Vera Gel, Tocopheryl Acetate,
Lecithin, Dimethicone, Lyphazomes
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone,
Homosalate
My last favorite thing these days is Emu Oil. Yes, I know, weird but it has proven to be a miraculous product for many concerns. As you have probably all been bored with my "Arm Burn Story" Okay well here it is again...
I was researching Emu Oil one day and was in awe over all of the claims. It is suppose to heal everything from Acne to dandruff but did claim to be a great healer for burns. Well, I did burn myself and it was bad!! I burnt my left forearm on a frying pan I had in the oven. I just thought "Wow, good time for an experiment" as now I can put the magic oil to the test. I applied the Emu Oil to the burn morning and night and wrapped it in gauze bandages. Without going into all the gross details it had healed in about 2 weeks and after 1 month there was not a trace of the burn or scar. I was sold!!
Emu Oil is one of those extremely inexpensive finds that I use for many things now. It is fabulous around the eye area for superior moisturizing. I use it on the entire face with my LED Photo Facial Treatment and also after facial waxing. It is most soothing and of course removes excess wax.
(For more info)
I also have to add, I am a firm believer in "You are what you eat".
Our cells are made up of whatever we put into our bodies so if we feed our cells with sodas and processed junk food, our complexions will reflect that.
Instead choose healthy foods and of course lot's of water. Here is one of my favorite links.
