I’m veering away from fashion just temporarily for a few weeks to discuss skincare and hair styles! Not to worry; fashion topics will be back. I may even sprinkle in a few in between these posts.
Great skin and an updated hairstyle make a such a difference in your overall appearance. It applies directly to my tagline: Helping women to LOOK, FEEL and DRESS their best.
It was difficult to know where to start on this important topic. There is so much information out there. I’ve been blessed with great skin. I really didn’t know this or pay any attention until the last 5 years. I have had many people compliment me on my skin. It’s been so frequent lately that I decided that this is one of my assets.
I like to get a facial 1-2 times a year. It is a splurge and more about the relaxation of it all for me. Each time the aesthetician comments about my skin.
What do I do? First of all, I stopped getting significant sun on my face at the age of 26. Before that, I was a sun worshipper and grew up in the baby oil era. I love to vacation in warm places, and certainly my face has been tan since I was 26, but I wear sunscreen and limit the sun on my face. I recall one time I came back from a cruise and some friends even asked why I didn’t look more tan. The first thing they saw was my face and it wasn’t very tan. I’m so glad I could brush that off and think, “who cares”. In the long run was being tan for a few weeks really all that important?
In addition to keeping out of the sun, I’ve used good products on my face for years. Not all have been high end at an expensive price.
Rather than read dozens of articles, I decided to go right to the best source of all. For this article, I’ve interviewed aesthetician, Deborah Kirkendall of Nico Bella Salon.
She was a wealth of information. I’ve got the basics here–you need to delve into this more for personal goals.
K: In addition to your routine skin care, what are the most important habits when it comes to skincare.
D: Sun screen, water, sleep and diet. Sugar and Caffeine can also have a detrimental effect on your skin over time.
K: What are some key points for each age group?
D: It’s important for all age groups to recognize the changes skin goes through as we age. It is so typical for women to use the same product they had success with in their 20s and continue with it decades later. Skin changes; products must change.
Tips for the Twenties age group: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize! Suncsreen is absolutely key. Avoid the sun if possible. The damage doesn’t show until years later.
What to do when you hit your Thirties:
-When fine lines appear, it’s time for eye cream
-The normal cell turnover is 28 days. In your 30s, this process slows slightly and is more like 30-32 days. The top layer of skin is removed so collagen is replaced. A product with lactic acid promotes cell turnover. Collagen is important as it helps us feel and look younger.
Now, what to do when you hit 40?
At this point the 28 day process of cell turnover can take up to 45 days. Exfoliating should be part of your routine 1-2 times a week. You will also want to incorporate a heavier night moisturizer and an eye care product for dark circles and puffiness.
What about 50?
In addition to all of the above, extra anti-aging products are now necessary. Deep peels, microdermabrasion, and plastic surgery are options.
If you are in your Sixties:
Continuation of all of the above with more hydration. Hyleronic acid draws 1000 times its weight in moisture. Also recommended: Professional level of exfoliation 1x a month.
Seventies and Eighties:
All of the above suggestions apply. Diet becomes more important as well as as exercise. When you are not exercising, you are not oxygenating your skin.
These are some basic generalizations. Each one of you has individual skin care needs. It can be overwhelming with all the products out there. My best advice is to make an appointment with an aesthetician and ask some questions about YOU! Great advice from a professional will help immensely. She will be able to individualize a plan for you.
Start with an appointment for a facial and receive some individual consultation. Deborah is giving away a FREE FACIAL based on your skin type. So make a comment and you’ll be entered. Contest ends: Saturday October 16 @ 9 AM PST. “Like” Deborah’s Facebook page and make another comment for another entry. Comment must be made on the blog home page to count, but feel free to leave Deborah a comment on her page as well.
Special for ALL Style by Karen readers: Book your appointment within a week (of end of contest) and you’ll receive 20% off any service.
Call Deborah anytime and mention you are a Style by Karen reader and you’ll receive 10% off.
Take a look at this inviting photo and you’ll want to be a winner. Coming soon I’ll share what Deborah recommends for me.
