Why You Should See a Licensed Skin Professional

Are you always looking for the 'next best thing' to combat your wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin, general aging or acne?  Are you someone who will try something because your neighbor, friend or 'everyone' is using it?  You should keep reading!

The skin is our largest organ.  It protects our internal organs from invaders and injury.  You should treat your skin with TLC, using products specifically created for your type of skin and your specific skin concerns.

A Licensed Esthetician (LE) is trained specifically in how to treat different skin concerns, product ingredients & how they help these concerns/conditions.  The most common skin concerns people have are:

• Pore Size
• Fine lines & Wrinkles
• Deep Wrinkles
• Sagging Skin
• Redness/Sensitivity
• Acne/Breakouts
• Blackheads 

Not everyone has all of these concerns/conditions. Everyone's skin is unique and your skin care routine should be unique and customized for you as well.   There is a large array of skin care products out there.  They fall into 3 catetories: 

1. Over the Counter (OTC)
2. Professional Grade 
3. Medical Grade 

The differences lie in the active ingredients, the amount of active ingredients allowed in each level, and the delivery system.  The delivery system is important as these are the ingredients that allow the active ingredient to penetrate the upper most layer of the skin.  They also control how deep a product can go into the epidermis or dermis to effectively treat concerns.  

Medical grade products have prescription levels of active ingredients and can only be administered by a doctor or a medical spa with a medical director overseeing product prescriptions.  

Professional grade products have higher levels of active ingredients than OTC products, but less than prescription strength.  These can and should only be administered by a licensed esthetician trained in the product line(s).  Your LE can analyze your skin, discuss your concerns and recommend the proper professional grade products (or medical grade if in a medical spa) that will address your concerns.  They can monitor how your skin reacts to these products and make necessary adjustments. 

If you buy OTC (which includes anything you can buy without seeing a doctor or LE), you may be getting less active ingredients which may address your concerns, but could take longer to see results.  You will also not have the added value of a licensed professional to monitor your routine, consult with about your skin concerns and address any adverse reactions.

You only get one skin!  Please take care of it by seeking out licensed pros who are trained to guide you!  There is no One Size Fits All in skin care!   

What Can Professional Skin Care Products Do For You?

It's been some time since I've written a post and I figured it was time!  So, have you been thinking of starting a professional skin care routine, but aren't sure where to begin?  Let me show you some real result and explain them to you!

Look at the line next to her nose and how filled in it is! 

Look at her under eye area!  

This is a 50 year old woman who previously didn't have a skin care routine.  She used whatever was in her shower.   We used 5 professional grade products on her skin for a week (morning & night) and just look at her results!  Let's break down what we did.

1.  A 100% organic, exfoliating professional grade cleanser morning & night.
2.  An anti-oxidant serum
3.  An anti-wrinkle peptide serum
4.  An anti-oxidant moisturizer with SPF
5.  A retinol night cream

What do these products do?  Why did she have such great results?

• Consistency.  She used the products as prescribed by a licensed skin care professional. 
• Efficacy of products.  She used professional grade products that are only sold by licensed professionals.  The products have a higher grade of active ingredients to achieve results faster than OTC products. 
• Customized.  A licensed professional knows what products and ingredients will correct your skin care concerns.
  

Do you have concerns about your skin?  Schedule a professional  consult with a licensed skin care specialist to go over your concerns and work together to find the best products and treatments for you!  

Natural Makeup

Natural Makeup...sounds like an oxymoron right?  I mean, if you're wearing makeup, you're not 'natural' and all natural means no makeup.  Well, hold on a second.  You know how you have to 'do' your hair for that 'just rolled out of bed-head' look?  The same applies to having a just rolled out of bed, but polished, glowing face.   Here are my go-to products and application:

• Foundation/Concealer - If you prefer (like me) to even out tone all over, use a light  foundation that matches your skin tone.  Do not try to  change your skin color via foundation - it will look fake!  If you don't want all over coverage, use a concealer a shade lighter than your skin to cover blemishes and blend blend blend!  
• Blush - use a sheer cream  blush for a glow that looks like it comes from within.  Blend onto the apples of cheeks. 
• Eyes 
• A neutral shade of eye shadow works here.  You can use 2 shades to blend and shadow if you want, but don't go for the smokey eye look.  
• Skip liner for a natural look.  Liner is a makeup dead give-away.  If you must, use a brown and blend well! 
• Don't go overboard on mascara, but don't skip it either!  Long lashes gives a youthful look.  Apply one coat and comb through to remove any clumps.  
• Brow powder - I love to frame my eyes using brow powder.  Use one shade darker than your natural brows and blend well with a brow brush.  
• Lips - use a natural gloss to a finished look.   

Easy right?  You can be ready in 15 minutes and people will think you woke up looking that great!  

Remember, good makeup starts with good skin!  Your skin is the canvas for your makeup, no matter what look you choose.  See an esthetician to get your skin in the best possible condition and health!  

Here is my natural look: