Skin Deep

To continue my skin saving sermon, I'd like to touch upon the subject of skin care products.. Developing a skin care regimen is crucial. What you use, however, can be the most important factor in achieving better skin.

• Go look at your skin care products. Does your moisturizer contain mineral oil? If so...toss it immediately!





• Does your toner have alcohol in it? Alcohol dries out the skin and causes it to produce more oil. People with naturally oily skin can be doing themselves a great disservice by using alcohol based products to help control oil.





• Are you over twenty? Now is the time to think anti-aging.





• Over thirty? Time to start incorporating some peels and glycolic products.





• There is such a thing as over exfoliating. While I highly recommend exfoliation on a weekly basis, doing too much can cause damage to the dermis. Ask your esthetician about your ideal frequency.





• Masks are good to supplement. Find one that is specific to treating your issues.





• Don't have an esthetician? GET ONE! Sometimes, you need to be able to call on an expert.





• Research your products. Read reviews with the knowledge that everyone has different skin. If you look at the ingredients, they will help you decide which products are right for your skin type.





• Steer clear of companies that claim outrageous results or keep in mind that it is an advertising ploy.





• Considering getting a facial, skin treatment or rejuvenation technique? Only use a licensed and experienced esthetician who uses a specific line of quality skin care.

My favorites?

YonKa:

Glycolix:

MD Formulations:

For more skin care tips and product recommendations, visit http://www.glamour.com/

Live Glamorously~ Kadi

I'm My Own Worst Enemy

Pink is right. Most often, we are our own worst enemies. We expect others to respect us, but do we respect ourselves? Today I'm talking about respect for your skin. Skin is the body's largest organ. It is our protection from the brute forces of nature and man. However, it is greatly mistreated and overlooked. I am not innocent. I take my skin for granted all the time. So here are a few tips that I will be following this summer to repay my skin for being so good to me.

• Use sunblock DAILY, reapply if you are out in the sun for more than a few hours.
• Buy foundation with a built in UV shield factor of 15 or higher.
• Remember your skin's best friend is water. Drink plenty of it or your skin will suffer.
• Steer clear of tanning beds.
• Do not smoke! The carcinogens in those cancer sticks will not only kill you, but make you age significantly faster while you are on your way out.
• Moisturize morning and night.
• Wash your makeup off before bed. I'm so guilty of not doing this. Makeup, dirt and oil will collect on your pillow, creating a lasting bacteria playground for you to sleep on.
• Wash pillows, towels and linens regularly. Weekly, is recommended.
• Wear a hat outdoors. Preferably, a wide brimmed one. Straw cowgirl hats are both functional and stylish!
• Throw out old makeup and face products. Check the normal shelf lives of cosmetics here:

Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
Concealer: 12-18 months
Powder: 2 years
Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Cream Blush: 12-18 months
Powder Eye shadow: 2 years Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
Eyeliner: 2 years
Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
Mascara: 3 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip liner: 2 years
Lip gloss: 18-24 months
Nail Color: 1 year

*Products without preservatives need to be discarded sooner.

Be good to your skin and it will be good to you!

Live Glamorously~ Kadi