There are five skin types –

• Normal/healthy skin – This skin is soft, moist and plump with no open pores.
• Dry skin – dry, tight, prone to wrinkles, poor skin tone
• Oily/Combination – Oily shine, open pores, coarse texture possible blackheads
• Acne – Oily with blackheads, papules, pustules. Often red and sensitized
• Sensitive – Thin, very fair, delicate, easily turns red from touch or heat.

Skin type is determined at birth. Skin conditions occur throughout our lives as a result of environmental damage, illness, medications, stress and other factors. Skin conditions include dehydration, aging, pigmentation, sensitization, rosacea, and others.

Sensitized skin is skin that has been rendered sensitive from medications or from conditions like rosacea, and it is treated with a sensitive skin regimen.

When you know your skin type and conditions, you can choose the skin care that will work best for you.

• read the labels for specific skin type recommendations
• Remember that better brands contain more active ingredients
• For Dry skin, choose ultra hydrating products, like Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution
• There are lots of options for normal skin. One of my favorites is MD Forte Facial Cleanser III.  You can use it even if you have a slightly oily T-zone. Lots of great reviews on this cleanser.
• For Oily / Combination skin use products that clean thoroughly without stripping natural oils. I recommend Revision Skincare Alpha Cleanser.
• For mild to moderate acne, I’ve seen good reviews for Murad Clarifying cleanser. Of course, People with severe acne should consult a dermatologist.
• For Sensitive Skin (or sensitized skin), stay with products that are formulated for sensitive skin. My favorite is Dermalogica Ultra Calming cleanser.

Getting the most from your spa experience

One of the best ways to de-stress is to have a spa day. And if you are one of the thousands of Americans who are doing sta-cations, a spa day is a must.

Here are some tips to make your spa day truly relaxing and enjoyable:

• Choose a spa that offers robes, a relaxation area and refreshments. Ask about packages and specials, so you can get the most for your money.
• Choose a package that includes a facial.  They are very relaxing and offer great benefits for your skin.
• Choose to make this a retreat from the stress.  Leave your work and your problems at home. Give yourself the gift of 3 or 4 hours away from it all.
• Plan to arrive at the spa at least 30 minutes before your first service, so you can take your time getting your robe, slippers and refreshments. Take in the scenery and the scents. Spas usually smell wonderful!
• Go to the relaxation area. Lie down and close your eyes. Visualize a relaxing picture in your mind (a sunny beach, waves lapping on the shore, a fragrant garden, or a happy place of your choosing) until your first service provider calls you.
• From now until your spa time is over, you want to practice being in the moment.

• Leave your cell phone in the locker or turn it off.
• Take advantage of essential oil aromatherapy upgrades. They are usually inexpensive and uber-relaxing.
• When you get to your first service, clear your mind again. When outside thoughts occur, let them pass over like clouds. Focus on what is happening every moment of your service—every touch, every smell and the relaxing spa music. Service providers usually take cues from the client, but if you get a chatty service provider, tell them that you would like have quiet so you can focus on the service.
• During a facial, you can expect the esthetician to speak during the first 10-15 minutes. This is not idle conversation. They should be giving you the results of their analysis of your skin. After extractions, the esthetician should be quiet until the service is over. Again, you are in charge and can always ask for quiet.
• If you book a massage and facial, have the massage first and ask for a 15- to 30- minute break between the two services.  If there is a steam room, then take a steam after your massage. Never steam after a facial, because your skincare is complete and you don’t want to remove the moisturizer.
• Therapists are professionals, make use of whatever advice they give you.
• Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and do it at least once a season. You deserve it!

When you shop for skin care products, check the label near the bottom. There should be a graphic of a small jar with an open lid. Inside the jar is a number with the letter M next to it, for example 6M, 12M, 24M. This number tells you the number of months the product will last from the time you open the container.

If you are at a self-service store like a pharmacy, Target, Walmart, Kmart, etc., make sure you purchase products in sealed boxes or containers. If the products on the shelf are unsealed jars, how will you know if someone hasn’t already opened them?

Keep it Fresh and Safe. Products packaged in tubes and pumps are less likely to build bacteria, because you deliver the product to your fingers, you don’t need to scoop it out with your fingers. If your products are in jars, and you use your fingers to get them out, you have a greater chance that your product will build up bacteria. If your products are in jars, then use a clean spatula or cotton swab to remove the product. Inexpensive wooden sticks that you can buy at a craft store also work well as spatulas.

If you are buying high quality products from a department store or even online at my store, your products will be handled by individuals who understand the need for precautions, and you, the customer, will be the first to open your product. Then you can have confidence that your shelf life code is accurate.

Do you have products on your shelf but are not sure when you bought them? Here are some ideas for handling your inventory:

• Consider discarding products if they have developed an odor, changed color or separated.
• If you are not sure how long you have had the product, try to estimate if it has been more or less than one year. If it has been more than one year, then, using a permanent marker, label it yourself with an expiration date not to exceed six months. If it has been less than one year, mark your expiration date no more than one year from the date you did your inventory.
• Exercise extra caution on all products that are used in your eye area. If it is an eye cream or gel that you have had more than six months, and if you put your fingers in the container, then you should discard it, get a new product and start using it more safely.

• Mascara is one product that we like to stretch as long as possible, and it is the one product that must be replaced every three months. If you don’t keep track of anything else, make sure you use the three-month rule with your mascara. When you discard your mascara, keep the brush, clean it with makeup remover, and you can use it as a brow brush.

If you have questions on product shelf life, be sure to leave a comment, and I will reply to you with an answer.

In the last ten years or so, we have seen lots of serums arrive on the market. They claim to accomplish many things. But some consumers may ask, “What makes them different from a skin care cream”? There are several differences. Most serums come in small containers, so they may seem expensive. Not to worry, a small bottle of serum may last longer than a jar of your favorite moisturizer. Serums contain highly concentrated ingredients, which are formulated with tiny molecules that absorb deeply into the skin for a more effective result. They can be a great addition to your skin care routine to improve your skin by addressing your very specific needs. Here are some tips to get the best results.

1. Serums, always work better when you are following a consistent cleansing routine, using products that are appropriate for your skin type. My Personal Skin Care Assistant will help you select products that are just right for you. Just follow the easy steps: Make your choices in each category, and then click the Start Search button to display your personalized results.

2. Thorough cleansing and regular exfoliation will enable all your skin care products, and your makeup to absorb more thoroughly. My favorite product for thorough cleansing is the Clarisonic Brush. You can use it with practically any cleanser. And see my article, Exfoliate!!!, for suggestions on finding the best exfoliant for your needs.

3. What is your goal for enhanced skin care? Lines and wrinkles, brighter skin, hydration, relieving redness? There are more than 300 serums in my store, but you can narrow your choices with my Personal Skin Care Assistant.  For example, if you want to relieve redness from rosacea, you might want to try Noxadem Serum.

4. How to use your serum. After cleansing, apply one or two drops of serum to your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin. This tiny amount of serum will cover your face and neck. Follow your serum with moisturizer, and if it’s daytime, don’t forget your sunscreen, at least 20 SPF.

I hope you try my Personal Skin Care Assistant, and find a great serum for your specific needs. If you have tried serums and have not been satisfied with your results, don’t give up. Try again by using serum as an enhancement to a regular skin care routine. Then, please leave a comment and let me know how you like your results.

Once you have accomplished the habit of a good daily skincare regimen, you might consider the occasional use of a mask appropriate to your skin type. Masks serve many purposes.  Some clarify or purify the skin. Others exfoliate, soothe, nourish and/or firm the skin. But the one thing they all have in common–they are very pampering if you let yourself relax and enjoy the experience.

So light a candle, draw a bubble bath, get some herbal tea, play some soothing music and  add an appropriate mask to your routine. For best results, do this one night a week. Your skin will soak it up, literally, and you may even get a great night’s sleep.

Here are some of my recommendations:

For acne-prone skin, try Murad Clarifying Mask. Acne breakouts can be uncomfortable as well as unsightly. This natural clay-based formula absorbs impurities as it deep cleans and helps to quiet acne breakouts. Sulfur reduces acne’s severity as it encourages the skin to clear. Soothing zinc and licorice comfort and calm irritated skin. Apply an even layer over clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

For dry, dehydrated and delicate skin, try Celazome Botanical Hydrating Masque.  Maximum hydration and nourishment promotes silky smooth skin. Helps slow signs of aging, promotes cellular renewal. Skin is left re-texturized, soft and supple. Soothes skin irritations. Ideal for post peel treatment. Apply Hydrating Masque in a thin layer over the entire face and neck.

For oily/combination skin, try Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Mask. This aromatic mask leaves the skin with a remarkable glow. Contains natural china clay which is a mixture of various aluminum silicates. Kaolin is known for its ability to absorb oil and sweat secreted by the skin. Non-comedogenic and all natural. Use once or twice a week after cleansing the skin with the Fondamentale Cleanser Followed by the Fondamentale Lotion, apply a thin layer of this mask all over face and neck half an inch away from the eyes. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Follow with the Fundamental Lotion.

For mature skin, try md formulations Vit-A-Plus Firming Treatment Masque.Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increases skin hydration, resiliency and firmness. Alpha Retinyl Complex, BHAs and natural papaya extract gently exfoliate while plant extracts soothe and calm. Hydrates, firms and refines. Triple exfoliation action improves skin clarity, smoothness and softness. Rejuvenates and renews. Ideal for all skin types. Cleanse thoroughly. Apply a smooth film over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on 10-15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry. Use 1-2 times weekly.

As an esthetician, my two favorite parts of a facial are the mask and the massage. It’s all about pampering and relaxing. So take some time, destress, and treat yourself. It’s the next best thing to going to the spa.

Proper exfoliation is the key to many aspects of healthy, beautiful skin. Let’s start with the most important one—cell turnover.

Exfoliation helps accellerate cell turnover. As we get older, our skin cells take longer to regenerate. Exfoliation sloughs off the dead skin cells that are the main cause of dull-looking skin. And when the dead cells are gone, the new ones regenerate.

Exfoliation helps your skin look fresher. Here are some of the added benefits:

• All your skin care products absorb into your skin and work more effectively. So you will notice better results from serums, anti-wrinkle creams, moisturizers, etc.

• Your makeup should look like it is within your skin, not on top of it. Flawless makeup application happens only on properly cleansed and exfoliated skin.

A few simple rules for exfoliating:

• Use product that is appropriate for your skin type.
• Exfoliate twice a week, preferably at night, since skin cells regenerate while we sleep
• If it is a manual Exfoliant, scrub gently—let the product do the work
• If you have rosacea or very sensitive skin, exfoliate very gently only once a week with a product formulated for sensitive skin
• If you have problem skin, check with your dermatologist before purchasing any skin care products

Here are some product recommendations:

For normal to oily skin; good product for adult/mature acne.

Featured in the February 2009 Issue of O (Oprah) Magazine, DDF Glycolic Exfoliating Wash (5%) is a combination of ultra pure Glycolic with a gentle foaming action for both face and body. Invigorating Minty smell. Removes dead skin cells. Softens skin. Eliminates excess oil. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

For Dry or Sensitive Skin

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. This unique, rice-based enzyme powder microfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves the skin noticeably smoother and brighter.
Activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. The unique Skin Brightening Complex of Bearberry, Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice help to balance uneven skin pigmentation. Active agents derived from Rice Bran and Rice Extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. free.

For Normal Skin

SkinMedica Skin Polisher Facial Exfoliant. A luxurious skin polisher with soft, ultra-fine jojoba spheres to gently lift dead cells from the skin’s surface without stripping moisture or over-exfoliating the skin. May be used 1-2 times per week.

I welcome your comments or questions.

Fresh, clean skin looks younger…that’s a fact.

With the Clarisonic Brush, you can keep your skin clean and fresh in just two minutes a day–one minute in the morning and one at night. And more than clean skin, you will also experience  softer, smoother and younger looking skin.

Using a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second, the Clarisonic Brush loosens oil and impurities from your pores more effectively than regular cleansing.

Great for all skin types, the Clarisonic Brush improves dry, oily and blemished skin, tightens pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And when your skin is thoroughly cleansed it absorbs all your products better. Your cleanser, moisturizer, masque, serums, etc. will do a better job. Your skin will look brighter, and your makeup will look fresher.

The Clarisonic Brush would make a super gift for any occasion. Shipping is FREE when you purchase the brush on my website, and right now there is also a GIFT with purchase!

Visit my store today and browse over 2,000 doctor-recommended skincare products. You will love it!

There are never enough hours in a day! You want to look great for work, but you need to do it as quickly as possible. If you’re like me, you’re not going to skip breakfast to put on makeup. I don’t skip any meal if I can help it! Anyway here are some tips to help get you on your way more quickly and easily.

The first step is preparing your supplies. Get a plastic tote from the $1 store and place your makeup and supplies in the tote, so they will be quickly at hand.  You will need:

Makeup brushes: (See the section on Beauty Tools in my web store)

• kabuki brush for foundation

• medium powder brush or kabuki for bronzer

• small powder brush for cheek color

• shadow brush and eyeliner brush.

Mineral Makeup (My favorites is bareMinerals). You will need:

• powder foundation

• bronzer

• blush pink for cool skin tones or peach for warmer skin tones

• at least two eye shadows one medium and one a little darker

• Lip liner that is close to your natural lip color (Jane Iredale pencils are interchangeable for lips and eyes)

• Lipstick and/or lip gloss: pink/rose colors for cool skin tones, peach/bronzy colors for warmer tones (bareMinerals has a nice selection of mineral lip colors)

• Makeup sponges or soft facial tissue

Follow these steps, and with practice you will be on your way in less than seven minutes:

• Makeup always looks best on skin that is properly cleansed, toned and moisturized. Always make sure to use an SPF of 20 or higher. You may not always find the moisturizer you love with the proper amount of sun block. I say use the moisturizer you love and use a separate sun block. The fairer the skin the more protection you need:

• Mineral powder foundation is the easiest and quickest product to apply. There are usually instructions in the package. If not, it’s really simple: Tap the brush lightly into the powder, swish it around in the lid to get it all over the brush, tap off the excess and buff all over your face. I use about three coats, and it takes about one minute. You can see from the foundation photo that with three coats, the skin tones are evened out. Mineral foundations usually contain a natural sun block for added protection. And for a great way to keep your skin protected during the day, try the bareMinerals Refillable Buffing Brush. Fill it with your favorite bareMinerals color and take it with you for easy reapplication.

• Say “ooooo” and apply your mineral bronzer. My bronzer is freshMinerals Bahama. You only need a few grains of bronzer. Swish, tap and buff in the hollow of your cheeks and also a little on the forehead, bridge of the nose and chin. This gives some color and contour to your skin, and it takes less than a minute to apply. For a sun tanned look, use more bronzer.

• Now say “eeeee” and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and just under the cheek bones to blend into the bronzer. I recommend medium to bright pinks for cooler skin tones and peachy colors for warmer skin tones. Tap the excess blush onto a facial tissue before applying. This makes your application more even and prevents you from depositing large amounts in one place. Application takes less than one minute.

• Apply two eye colors. For all over the lid, use a mid tone (any medium tone or neutral color). Put a few grains of powder on the brush, swirl, tap off all the excess and apply. If the color is too dark when you apply it, then you are not tapping enough off the brush. You can build on the color by adding layers. I use one or two. This takes less than one minute to apply.

• Make a liquid liner with water and mineral eye shadow. Choose a little darker color that blends well with your mid tone. I put a few grains of shadow into a small container (like a bottle cap). I wet the eyeliner brush, dip it into the shadow, swirl it around and scrape it off on the side of the cap. It should be wet but not dripping. Apply one or two coats in about a minute. Anchoring tip: Anchoring helps you be more precise. Let your little  finger rest on your cheek to steady your hand before you apply.

• Lip color completes the look. If you’re not a fan of lipstick, then get some nice glosses. I use both. Apply a neutral lip pencil to the outer area of your lips. Then apply lipstick, blot it with a facial tissue so that it leaves a thin layer of color, then top it off with lip gloss. I like medium, natural looking tones for daytime, and I save the bolder colors for evening wear. It takes about one minute to apply lip color.

• The last step is blending. Take a cosmetic sponge or a folded soft tissue. Tap, tap, tap with a firm but gentle touch all over your face to blend the foundation, bronzer and blush for a more natural look. (Sometimes just before tapping, if I’m looking a little shiny, I will brush on a fine layer of translucent powder or mineral veil.)

There you have it! A beautiful finished look. It’s a great idea to carry some powder and lip color with you to freshen up during the day. I hope you have fun with it, and I look forward to your feedback.

Here are five steps to a fresher, more youthful look. Before you start, you will have some investigating to do. Go online and look for Salon/Spas in your area. Check out the customer reviews and choose one with good ratings. Or ask your family, friends or co-workers for advice.

Then start your adventure, and have some fun. Why not do this with a friend. This is also a nice mother/daughter project. Get out your digital cameras and take “before” photos of each other, with or without makeup. Then in the next two weeks follow these steps and take “after” photos when you are finished.If you want to save some money, call the salon spa of your choice and see if there are any package deals or specials. You would be surprised how many salon/spas will offer discounts when you ask.

1. Have your brows professionally waxed and shaped. This is one way to take a few years off instantly. Go to your salon professional and let them know you would like a clean, natural look—not too thin. Removing excess hair and having a nice shaped brow opens the eye area and gives your entire face a lift. If you have hair on your upper lip, you should get that zapped as well. Yes, I know it’s painful—but only for a few seconds, and the results are worth it!
2. Have a facial. You don’t need the super duper 80-minute facial with warming mitts and foot massage, etc. etc. If you want the extra pampering, then go for it. Otherwise, a basic facial with steam and extractions will do just fine. Make sure the person performing it is a licensed esthetician. Facials revive otherwise dull skin and leave you with a fresh, healthy glow.
3. Maintain a Good Skincare Regimen. A great skin care regimen can improve the look and feel of your skin. Soaps are alkaline, and over time will strips the skin of its natural protective barrier, thus speeding up environmental damage and aging.  I recommend using skin care products that are specific to your skin type. My Personal Skin Care Assistant will help you select products that are just right for you. Just follow the easy steps: Make your choices in each category, and then click the Start Search button to display your personalized results. One of my favorite cleansers is IS Clinical Cleansing Complex, which is gentle and formulated for all skin types
4. A Little Makeup, Please. If you don’t usually wear foundation, you will be pleasantly surprised at how the right foundation can even out your skin tones. I like bareMinerals the best. These products are easy to match to your skin color and very easy to apply—just swirl the brush in a small amount of powder, tap the excess off the brush and buff your face starting at your forehead and brushing down below your jaw line, so you don’t get that mask effect (repeat once or twice until you get the look you want). Add a little bronzer or blush, some eye color and lip color and you’re done. If you don’t  have time for anything else, do your cheeks and lips. This will brighten your face and give you a more youthful appearance.
5. Change Your Hair Style. If you haven’t changed your hair style in a long time, this would be a great time to do it. Be a little adventurous. I know, I know. It’s hard to make too many changes at once. How about this: If you have long hair and wear it down, try wearing an easy up-do. I use a shine spray, put my hair in a pony tail, and then put a fancy jeweled clip over the top of my ponytail. It’s simple but classy. Add some highlights or lowlights, or get a new style cut. I also like the flat-iron styles for long hair. They are very chic and young looking as well.

There are lots of other things you can do with jewelry, accessories, etc.  The one thing that stands out for me is to wear earings. I try to choose colors and shapes that will compliment my makeup, coloring and clothing. It’s amazing how earings complete your look. But I will leave fashion advice to the fashionistas. My hope is that you pick up some great skin care habits. When your skin is happy it will thank you by looking fresher, brighter and younger—hopefully for a long time to come.

Let me know how you do. Send me your comments or your questions, and I’ll answer them in future blogs.

Don’t have time for makeup? One of my next posts will be a quick and easy (5- to 7-minute) makeup routine.

As an esthetician, I am a “double 0″ when it comes to pimples…I have a license to pop. Even as an esthetician, we can’t pop them all. The red papules and pustules should be left alone. These are usually a sign of  cystic acne, the most serious and painful type. This acne needs a dermatologist’s care, because there is usually infection involved. Popping pimples could spread the infection and worsen the condition.

In many cases it can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH happens when the skin becomes inflamed from the lesions themselves, or worse from manipulating those lesions. The darker your skin tone, the darker the pigment problem. PIH is not serious, but it is ugly and you hate it when it happens because it takes months to clear, and diligence to avoid in the future.

The first step is changing a longstanding bad habit. Some people love to pop pimples. They just can’t help themselves. They pop their own, and good grief, they pop pimples of their close friends and family members. If you are a pimple-popper, STOP IT IMMEDIATELY.

For an interesting poll on pimple poppers, visit  www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/skin-care/do-you-pop-other-peoples-pimples/

The next step is getting treatment for your skin problem. If you think the problem is a result of cystic acne, then you need to see a dermatologist first.  However, if it’s just congested skin with blackheads, regular facials with a licensed esthetician and a great home care routine can do wonders for you. Your skin care professional will make recommendations that will work in concert with the spa treatment products.

I’m working on having an eStore in the future, so I can make recommendations on great products.

For more information on PIH, visit http://acne.about.com/od/acnefaqs/f/whyextract.htm