TIme To Moisturize

There was a chill in the air this morning. Just as we change our wardrobe with the seasons, we need to change our skincare routine as well.

The first thing that we notice this time of year is dry skin. As we get older, the drier it seems to get. As I have already written, a good mid-depth peel is a great starting point. The peel will resurface and prepare the skin for better product absorbtion and more effective hydration.

Everyone needs a great moisturizer, even oily skin needs to be hydrated with a light oil free moisturizer. One of the biggest mistakes made by some people with oily skin is to strip the acid mantle of moisture through harsh cleansing. Skin that is stripped of moisture will go into over drive to produce even more oil than before and can cause inflammation and possibly even infection. Remember, hydrated is different than oily.

Mature skin needs a good dose of hydration morning and night. Night time sleep is when most of the skins repair takes place so I recommend a moisturizer that contains, Antioxidants to fight free radicals, B5/Hyaluronic Acid to plump and hydrate & Vitamin A/Retinol to aide in more rapid cell turnover.

All skin types need a daytime SPF 30 or higher formulated with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. These two ingredients provide a full spectrum sunblock which will protect your skin from all of the suns harmful rays. Luckily more and more day time moisturizers contain sunblock.

In my opinion, not all skincare products are created equal. Over-the-counter moisturizers are not bad but not necessarily good either. The problem is they don't contain high enough levels of the effective ingredients to make a difference. Your doctor or esthetician is the person to go to for your skincare needs. In the long run you will save money by being prescribed the correct formulas instead of playing hit and miss again and again, at your local drug store.

Leave Your Vanity At Home

My clients are always concerned about how much time they will have to hide out at home while their faces are healing from a peel. With my peels, there is no need to stay at home while peeling but I guess it depends on ones vanity level.

My vanity, I believe, is in check. I went about my regular business yesterday with my skin falling off my face. The guy at the UPS store was the only person who seemed a little bit alarmed to be talking to a woman who's skin was falling on his counter. I am sure he got over it.

For those who are vain, remember, having a peel is fashionable. Where I live and work, skin falling off the face is a status symbol. Oh yes, the joy of living in Southern California.

So remember, when having a superficial or mid-depth peel, no down time, a good, full spectrum sunblock, and a wide brim hat when going out into the sun. It's just that easy and the end results are well worth a little awkwardness.

Autumn is finally here and in my world that means PEEL TIME! After a long summer of sun, heat, sweat and pollution it's time to treat your face to one of the hottest treatments available today for revitalizing skin.

I just returned from Long Beach where I attended The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa. This year I was fortunate enough to meet and train with Rhonda Allison, the queen of peels. I have now added her extensive line of Fruit Enzymes and Peels to my arsenal of treatments and I am so excited to introduce my old and new clients to the new and radiant skin that is lying beneath the wear and tear of last summer.

As I write this entry, I am happy to say that I have recently applied the Apple Wine and Vitamin A Peels to my own skin and I am now waiting for my new and beautiful glow to be revealed.