Give me some skin...

I LOVE skin care products and am a freak about skin care, period. Whether it was my mother always saying to “stay out of the sun” or my darling Kelly (whose face is like a baby’s rump) constantly moisturizing — I can comfortably say I am too, a true addict.

Skin care is more than just looking young…its prevention to keep our skin healthy. Our skin is our protection, our shield. After all, it’s the ONLY skin you have so be good to it.

Bottom line – the condition of your skin comes from genes but mostly is a reflection of what is happening inside your body so if you do unhealthy things – BAM, they will live and be free on your face.

When I first moved to L.A., my face started to look like a diaper rash. It was bumpy, creepy and I finally consulted a dermatologist (who is still in my life…). It was there I learned that besides the smoggy air that was a part of my skin reactions, I was stressed out. Stress goes right to your face, so my friends ….stay chill.

Beyond just stress, our everyday actions always have consequences whether it’s waking up with a bad hangover or years later, receiving a clump of wrinkles as your reward for being a party maven. What we do when we're younger plays a role in how well we age. Nothing will stop aging but we can keep it at arms length by taking care of what we have.

I get regular peels. I call them “chemical” peels but they are actually acid peels which are fruit based. BE CAREFUL with peels, people. Any peel is “chemical”. Only get them from an actual dermatologist’s office. Many skin care specialists will offer peels, but often times they are overly harsh and / or abrasive and can cause burns and even scarring. The idea of a peel is to remove the dead top layer of skin which in turn improves skin texture, slowly removes scars, fine wrinkles and other skin blemishes. Less is more. The peel lasts less than a week and then your skin looks shiny and new J

But beyond the peel, everyday should be a good skin day. Since we are all different, it’s important to test different products and see what works. Is your skin oily? Is it acne prone? Is it sensitive? I highly recommend going to a dermatologist. If you don’t have good insurance or are too shy, I also recommend Whole Foods for beginners because their products tend to be effective, lovely, but much milder.

Another good thing to do is to get samples and try different products: what works for one person may not work for another. Everybody has different skin and everyone reacts differently to products. Having sensitive skin / high histamines like I do, I need to be way careful with what I put on my face or I end up looking like a Puffer fish!

Products I use / love:

o I love Chanel products but let’s face it…they are expensive, but I will say, they are luscious and make you feel privileged … tee hee.

o I use Epicuren moisturizer every morning and night. A little dab will do you. You can also use it under your eyes, which I love because it forces you to not need two face products. It’s light, it smells oh-so fresh and it lasts about 2 months if you use it daily.

o In the morning, I always use an SPF 25 – 40 sunblock before applying my makeup.

o Get breakouts? Seriously, use Dial soap. For real. Try it.

o Every evening I use Epicuren herbal face wash and follow with a swab of Witch Hazel. And then a little moisturizer.
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Treat yourself. Get a facial. The rule of thumb is to get a facial every season, more if you have problem skin. Facials are not only effing relaxing, but it is the most effective “cleaning” your skin can get.

o Drink water. It sounds like a myth, but water is not only cleansing for your insides, but definitely plays a part on your outside. Think of how dank you feel if your are overheated with no water: that is how your skin feels. Hydrate! If you don’t love drinking water or find it annoying, a good trick is either to use a straw (which I do) or make a nice water stew. Take a pitcher of water and in it put cucumbers, oranges, lemons (thinly sliced, kids) and let the fruits / veggies settle in the water. It creates a very nice, crisp flavor (all of the spa’s are doing it, you can to!!)

o I love a good mask. I love a good old fashioned mud mask (which you can find at the local drugstore). Lush has a few good masks as does Epicuren, but I find they are VERY strong, so use them sparingly. A mask is good to clean up and tighten your skin, but like everything, use in moderation.

o A good homemade mask can be as close as your fridge! Got eggs? A full raw egg is perfect for normal skin, egg whites good for oily and yolks good for dry. Put egg on your face and let it dry. Remove with wet, warm washcloth. Niiice.

Products rock, but don’t use too much. A little goes a long way. Except sunblock:

STAY OUT OF THE SUN or at least be smart. A little sun goes a long way. SUN BLOCK yourselves. It’s NOT cute to get sunburned anymore. Being bright red should only be for blushing cuz you’re so darn cute. Beyond adding years to your skin, our atmosphere is too messed up to protect you and skin cancer SUCKS.

(Thanks for the idea, Jillie...!!!)