Skin Type Analysis

Today we're going to tackle something that gets most skin care beginners totally confused. The skin type. I want to go on the record RIGHT NOW and tell you that you are not going to be only one skin type forever. So, don't get wed to the results you get today. In a few years, you will have different concerns. Your skin may or may not change. Let this merely be a guiding tool to help you choose your products wisely.

Every skin care brand out there has some kind of classification system and different lines of product for different skin types. But how do you know what skin type you really are? Mature, sensitive, dry, oily, combination, normal, teen, acne prone..... it's enough to make your head spin. In order to really gauge your best skin type, Mario Badescu (you know I love him) has this excellent questionnaire on their website. Now, of course, most all skin care websites have some sort of questionnaire, but I find this one to be very thorough and helpful. This questionnaire will not merely spit out a random skin type at the end, but will have someone send you an email with your results. Quite helpful, and much more personalized than the typical analysis.

One thing to keep in mind is while it helps to know your skin type, this is a fluid concept that you should check annually. At different points in your life, your skin will have different concerns, and it's important to change your skin care routine accordingly. For example, at the moment, I am both sensitive and dry. While I have been dry most all my life, my sensitivity has increased in the last few years. I can also be acne prone, depending on stress and hormones. So, I am not just one type! And, my guess is that neither are you. You may be oily, but only in the summer months. You may be dry, but only in the winter months. You may become pregnant and find that your skin totally changes texture and tone. As you age, you may find that you need to begin to work in mature skin products to help with wrinkles, fine lines, and firmness. You may take a new job and find that your skin changes because of the increased amount of time inside or outside. This is all normal and just takes you being in tune with your body and skin to realize these changes.

Now let's discuss how your skin results from this questionnaire can help you buy products from lots of different lines. Mario classifies skin in the following groups: Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive. You'll see each of their products has little letters on it telling you which product is right for you. But, you can also use these results to help you purchase products from other lines, as well. If you are dry, you may consider adding a serum to your regimin, like the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel that I have mentioned in previous posts. If you find that your skin is sensitive, you may want to consider trying organic and botantical lines, like pevonia, boscia, ole henriksen, NUDE, or Jurlique.

So, take a small mental health break from work and go check your skin type. Did you get the results you expected? I hope that when you get home you will check your bathroom cabinet and look to see if the products you are currently using fit with the results you got from your analysis. If they don't fit, it might be time to try something new!

Pevonia's Lumafirm Line

By now, you know that I am willing to try just about anything. This amazing product line came in the form of a mail-order sample, and as it was from one of my favorite brands, I was excited to try it. (I'm on so many skin care mailing lists, my husband thinks we should go into skin care witness protection just to stop getting the catalogs.)

Pevonia  came out with a great new line called "lumafirm" in April of this past year, and it was recieved with rave reviews. Personally, I tried just the sample kit, and had several people ask me if I had been getting more sleep lately. One woman even asked me if I was pregnant because she claimed I had "pregnancy glow!" It's not often you see instant results with a product, but this did seem to have an instant effect.

Lumafirm is touted by the brand as "freeze-dried technology" and to use the entire line, you need just two steps. The first is a a mud colored, free-dried disk called the Freeze-Dried At-Home Intensifer. Basically, you wash your face, and once you have a clean, damp face, you peel off the back of the disk, hold the disk by it's butterfly handle, and wipe it all over your face, neck, and décolleté. Once the disk is finished, wet your fingers and keep gently massaging your skin until the disk is totally absorped in your skin. The key here is to keep your skin nice and damp from beginning until the disk is absorbed. (And at $20 for a box of these, it's not a bad deal.)

The next step is to apply the lumafirm Repair Cream Lift & Glow. Use it like you would any other moisturizer, applying it to face, neck, and décolleté morning and night. You can use this cream without using the freeze-dried disks. However, step two is a bit more costly, as the costs $78 for a jar. Most boutique moisturizers will run you in this price range, and I do believe this to be a good one. However, you may want to start with the above mentioned sample kit, just to see if you like it, before investing.

For those who have never used Pevonia, it's a great brand that is great for people with sensitive skin or rosacea. You can order it online, or ask your dermatologist who carries it at a spa or boutique near you.

Jurlique Calendula Cream

Let me start off by saying, it's not often that I fall in love with a moisturizer. More often than not, I find that it doesn't wear well all day, or it's too greasy. Especially creams that are formulated for dry skin, very often they are thick and uncomfortable to wear every day. And, because I am such a nut about my skin, I tend to be VERY picky!

However, I have just tried a sample of Jurlique's Calendula Cream, and I have fallen head over heels. This lightweight cream is great for my sensitive skin because it contains witch hazel, calendula, and evening primrose (amongst other things) which are all known to have anti-inflammatory qualities.

I like the way this cream sits lightly on your skin, and how it seems to absorb but not disappear. I was left feeling supple, but not like an oil slick, and it didn't make my skin feel itchy, like some moisturizers tend to do. Also, and perhaps most importantly, I was left with moisturized and soothed skin that felt calm and happy!

It's $35 for a tube, which isn't cheap but it's also not nearly as outrageous as some other creams that I have tried (that I didn't like!). Click here to order it for yourself from their website!

Ho, ho, ho!

The holidays are fast approaching, and there are some great deals out there if you are interested in trying any of the products that I have mentioned in my blog (or any other great lines listed below!). Here are some deals to help stuff your stocking!

1. REN Clean Skincare- 10% off your first order, use code WELCOME. http://www.renskincare.com/

2. Mario Badescu- Free shipping and gift with all purchases over $50, use code shipgift. http://www.mariobadescu.com/

3. Sephora- A 7-piece set with your order that includes some of my favorites, including Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate, REN's Glycolactic Renewal Mask, and Boscia Night Lotion. Use code SKINSTARS http://www.sephora.com/promo/skinstars/

4. Drugstore.com- Spend $50 on philosophy products, and get a free Winter Favorites Kit for free (a $40 value)! http://www.drugstore.com/user/promo.asp?code=560BFA2B&trx=GFI&trxp1=135441&trxp2=118147&trxp3=4

5. Clinique- Pick 4 mini skincare or make up treats for free when you spend $25 or more. Get what you need and put the others in your sisters/moms/mother-in-laws stocking (or your own)! http://www.clinique.com/cms/product/supercat/offers.tmpl

6. Dr Hauschka- This Jennifer Aniston favorite is offering free shipping and three free samples between now and December 31st. Or, you can save 20% on all travel kits, which is a nice way to introduce yourself to this fabulous line. Splurge on Rose Day Cream Light, or one of my personal favorites, the Soothing Mask. http://www.drhauscka.com/

7. Bliss- Order $135 worth of products from Bliss, and receive a huge stocked gift bag when you use code HOLIDAY11. Bliss carries several of my favorite brands, including Dr. Dennis Gross, 3LAB, and Strivectin. Order gifts for the gals on your list, and you can keep the goody bag! There are also some great skincare sales listed here. http://www.blissworld.com/

Hope you enjoy! If you have any other deals that you have found, let me know. I'd love to hear them.

The Three S's... Stress, Sleep, and Skin

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. We all remember finals weeks in college and the inevitable breakouts that followed from the stress and lack of sleep. Stress can have a tremendous physical impact on your body. You know how it feels when you look in the mirror and see bags under your eyes, red blotchy skin, and in general have lost your "glow". You know how much better you look after a restful week of vacation, when you've eaten and slept well and really have taken the time to unwind.

A long time ago, a dermatologist of mine gave me this excellent tip. It changed the way that I thought about my skin, and I hope that it might do the same for you. She said to stop thinking about your skin as a cosmetic coating that needs to be scrubbed, picked, waxed, and loofahed within an inch of it's being. Think about your skin like an organ. Just like any other organ in your body. Like your heart, or your stomach, your throat, your kidneys. You see a doctor for it's care. When you are tired, overworked, overweight, overstressed, dehydrated, allergic, or sick- your skin will show this just like any other organ. It's actually more likely to show some of these signs, as it is the organ we see the most! We can't open up and peek at our arteries, tummy, liver, or kidneys!

You know that when you are stressed, you also tend to feel tired. It's because stress and sleep often go hand-in-hand. When we are stressed, we are also likely to not be getting enough sleep or good quality sleep. We know this is taking a toll on our body- our tummies get out of whack, our eyes twitch, our immunity to infection weakens, and we don't feel so hot. Because we are now thinking of our skin as an organ, we know that this is taking a toll on our skin as well!

Perhaps we are working to finish a project for school, staying up late to clean the house or do the laundry, sitting for long hours by the computer to work on our finances. Or, even when we get to bed on time, studies show that a high level of stress can have an effect on the quality of sleep that you get each night. Highly stressed individuals have a more shallow sleep pattern, instead of sinking deep into their REM cycles, where restorative sleep occurs.

Ok, now I know what you are thinking. You can't magically remove all the stress from your life. You are going to have nights where you just don't get as much sleep as you'd like. Life happens, and we can't avoid it. I know that. You don't have to achieve Dalai Lama style Zen to have great skin.

You can, however, take some really simple steps to help make a big difference. Let's start at the source- stress. I want you to try these five simple steps RIGHT NOW- no matter where you are! Just trust me.

Step One- Get up, walk to the sink/water cooler, and make yourself a big glass of water. Sip on this glass while you complete these next steps.

Step Two- Focus your energy on your brow and forehead. If you are like me, you may tend to tense this area, which can result in fine lines. Close your eyes and try to release the tension from your forehead. This may take some practice. Think about trying to release your wrinkles and flatten the skin on your forehead and brows. Release all that tension that you are carrying in between your eyes. It feels amazing!

Step Three- Focus your energy on your shoulders. Are the crunched up and tense? Release them! Let them fall naturally, and straighten your spine so that your chest feels open and your neck feels longer.

Step Four- Close your eyes, and breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Really take a big breath from the pit of your belly. Take a few breaths while you are at it! Doesn't this feel divine? Doesn't it make the world feel like it's moving a bit slower? Utter chaos might surround you at home or work, but you are taking deep luxurious breaths that say, "I am special, I deserve a moment to myself to re-center, to get in balance, and to restore my sanity."

Step Five- Rub your temples. Take your pointer and index fingers, and gently rub the temples of your head, those soft spots beside your eyes and above your ears. Don't rub hard, just a gentle pressure. Close your eyes while you do this and take another deep breath. If you are at home and have a teeny bit of olive oil, just barely wet your pointer finger and use a touch of oil.

Repeat these steps often, even multiple times a day if you'd like. Try them right before bed and see if perhaps you get a better nights sleep. And guess what, your WHOLE body will thank you. Skin included.

Dr. Oz's Aspirin & Lemon Juice Flawless Skin Home Remedy

Alright readers, I have to admit that I have not yet tried this "miracle" remedy from Dr. Oz, but I am very intrigued, and so plan on trying it as soon as I get back from the holidays. I stumbled upon it while I was doing a bit of research on the effectiveness of my previous post regarding baking soda as a means of DIY Microdermabrasion. I'm a bit leery of trying anything right here before the holiday party season begins, so I am going to stick to my tried and true regimen for a bit, before I go back to being experimental in the new year!

However, I do believe that this "recipe" should work, as all of it's ingredients are well touted as skin-perfecting pantry finds. Dr. Oz is said to swear by this as a way to clear your complexion. Aspirin, as it is an anti-inflammatory, should help take the redness out of any pimples or blotchy spots, and the vitamin C in the lemon juice should also help reduce redness. (It should be noted, that you may not want to try this on sunburned skin, as I believe this might be a bit harsh for that.) You will use the baking soda at the end of the facial, much like you do in my previous post about Lauren Conrad's DIY Microdermabrasion. So, here it goes, and if you have tried this before, please let me know what you thought! I'll make sure to post my own results as soon as I try it.

Dr. Oz's Aspirin and Lemon Juice Flawless Skin Home Remedy

You Will Need:
1. At least 6 non-coated aspirin pills
2. A fresh lemon
3. 3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda

Step One: Dissolve the non-coasted aspirin in a small dish with the juice of a fresh lemon. You may only need half of the lemon to get the right amount of juice, measure by sight until you have a healthy paste.

Step Two: Use the paste as a mask, applying in a gentle circular motion.

Step Three: Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes.

Step Four: Wash off with a wet cotton ball dipped in baking soda. Finish with a water rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.

Are you interested in other at-home beauty tips from Dr. Oz? Check out this section of his webpage, which has a great list of viewer beauty secrets that have been tested and reviewed!

More Winter Skin Tips!

The Beauty Department: Your Daily Dose of Pretty. - I PLEDGE…

I found this website (founded in part by one of my favorite ladies, Lauren Conrad) and it had some great additional tips for keeping dry skin at bay! Hope you enjoy.

Do you have any tips? Please submit below! I'd love to hear them.

Olive Oil Facial

As the holidays draw near, we are all working to beat the winter dry skin, on both our faces and bodies, that I discussed in my last post. Hardly anyone is immune to it, even the oiliest of complexions can be dry this time of year. You may notice dry cuticles around your nails, flaky skin around your nose or eyebrows, and in general a bit less of that rosy complexion that you enjoyed over the summer. And, contrary to popular belief, facial dry skin is actually quite prone to breakouts, as rough dry skin sits atop your dermis and dulls your complexion and clogs your pores.

In the winter, you may find that you need to take extra measures to keep your skin smooth and supple. So, I decided to try a much recommended homemade Olive Oil Facial. The premise is simple, you slather up your face with a high quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and then you gently lean over a pot of steaming water to open your pores. I thought I might as well try it!

Now, for many of you, putting pure oil on your face is going to seem contrary to things that you have heard your whole life. Aren't zits just little oily spots just waiting to be zapped by creams, gels, and prescriptions that strip our skin of it's oil? The answer is no. Actually, our dermis really desires to keep a nice balance between moisturized, greasy, or dry. Many of us find that is a fine line to walk! I know I do.

So, I gently cleansed my face and patted it dry. I applied Colavita brand EVOO to my face like it was a regular moisturizer.

Then, I leaned over my steaming water and let myself steam for about five minutes. It felt great! After I was done, I used the same gentle cleanser to wash the EVOO from my face, and patted dry. (Always pat, never rub, ladies!) I felt very soft and supple! And, my skin never broke out from the application of the oil. In fact, I believe it may have helped clear up some spots that had left a bit of redness. This is a "facial" that I will certainly put into my rotation, especially when the skin care dollars are running a bit low!

**My skin tends to be dry, so I'd be interested to hear how this facial worked for you if you tend to be oily. Please comment below if you've tried this!

Winter Dry Skin

Ah, December. The weather is cold, the heat is on in your office, and we are building nice warm fires in our fireplaces. Sounds cozy, right? Well, not if you have terribly dry skin! These conditions are just perfect for dry, itchy skin to rear it's uncomfortable head. But how do you know if your dry skin isn't something more serious, like eczema?

Eczema is a non-contagious condition that causes itchy, scaly, red patches of dry skin. Normally the patches are small-medium sized and the condition is most common in infants and children. However, it can present itself in adults. If you have patches that look and feel like this, consult a dermatologist! More often than not, eczema is only successfully treated (sadly, it's not a curable condition) when you use a prescription like Elidel.

If your skin feels tight, ashy, or slightly itchy, you may only have dry skin and this can be treated quite easily with this 3-step system:

1. Lotion, lotion, lotion. Pick a good moisturizer for your face, and also one for your body. Apply liberally after you have toweled dry from your shower, and always at night before bed. (You may also try turning down the temps in your shower, as scalding hot water will dry out your skin!) For dry, irritated skin, I like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion.

2. Drink more water. It may seem obvious, but drinking water helps your skin rebuild itself an stay hydrated. Make sure that you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day. This is a free tip that everyone should try! It helps you look younger!

3. Start taking a fish oil or a Vitamin E supplement. I have noticed that taking Fish Oil (the coated kind, so as to prevent fishy breath!) or a Vitamin E supplement also helps my hair, skin, and nails. Of course, if you are pregnant or nursing, you must consult a physician before starting any kind of supplement. However, the good news is that a prenatal vitamin may also help your hair and nails as well!

The Pesky Whitehead

Now, I do not mean to post anything super gross right here before Thanksgiving, but a while ago, there was a post dedicated to the blackhead, and I have since neglected to post anything about the other blemish devil- the whitehead.

I will refrain from adding an image, because if you google image "whitehead" I assure you that you won't care for what you see. However, a whitehead is, by look, a small or medium sized white bump on the surface of your skin. You know what I'm talking about.

So what causes them? What are they? And, more importantly, how do we get rid of them? Well, there are no simple answers but I will try to tackle the subject just a bit. As always, if you have severe acne or cystic acne (the kind that hurts to the touch) then please contact your dermatologist. The following information will help for mild to moderate acne, but is not a suitable treatment prescription for more severe acne.

What is a whitehead? Let's start there. Medically speaking, a whitehead is a closed comedo. Often, when people talk about "zits" they mean a whitehead, or group of whiteheads. You may remember that it's cousin, the blackhead, is an open comedo. The difference is simple and fairly easy to understand. A whitehead's pore is closed at the skins surface, meaning that the pus and infection inside has not been exposed to oxygen, therefore keeping it white, and also making it large and perhaps more swollen. The blackhead, which is smaller, flatter, and open, and has a small opening and has been exposed to oxygen, therefore turning the top of infection black. However, they are both made up of the same stuff- sebum, which is an oily substance created by your sebaceous glands.

Are you grossed out yet? I am sure. It's not super glamorous stuff we are talking about here. I'll knock off the yucky medical talk. But, understanding exactly what we are treating does, in fact, help us treat the problem at hand.

You may think that since these pesky whiteheads are made up of oil on and from our skin, that the solution would be to strip the skin of all oil! Well, you'd be wrong. Too often people make that mistake, making their skin red, angry, and often your acne or pimples worse. The human skin, your epidermis, needs oil to stay healthy, happy, and glowing! However, we can gently treat these whiteheads, helping them to go away and stay away!

Your first line of defense is a good face wash. If you are experiencing mild to moderate whitehead breakouts, take a good hard look at your skin care routine. Are you washing your face in the morning and at night? Are you washing all the make up off your face before bed? If you answered "no", then you have a good place to start in the fight against whiteheads! Begin and end each day with a good cleanser. Some of my favorites are Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser and Mario Badescu's Enzyme Cleansing Gel.

Then, depending on the dryness of your skin, you need to exfoliate once or twice a week. I like suki's Lemongrass Cleanser, but it will run you around $45 a jar, which isn't cheap. I can normally find this at Whole Foods. If you are on a budget, you can try the baking soda recipe listed in my previous post. I would only do that once a week, but if your skin is more oily, twice may be suitable for you.

This next step is up for debate and may also be an issue of time. Once you have clean skin, you can do two things. You can use a toner, or you can steam and then use a toner. Toner helps get red of the excess impurities and also helps give skin that balanced and even tone. I personally like Clinique's Clarifying Lotion #2...

...but I am having good results with the previously mentioned Neutrogena's Triple Clean pads, also. This is an important step, so don't leave this out. However, I also like to give my face a good steam before I use toner, I find it really opens the pores and helps the toner do it's job, so you may consider adding steam in your routine if your breakout happens to be fairly severe, or if you have time. It's a good step before bed, as often in the mornings we are rushing out the door!

After toner, use your moisturizer. There are several good kinds out there. At the moment, I am loving Kiehl's Rosa Artica Anti-Aging Moisturizer, as it does not leave me feeling greasy but is also heavy enough for wintertime dryness. In the summer, I can sometimes get away with only a light serum, SkinCeutical's Hydrating B5 Gel, is my favorite. I never go to the beach without this on my face!

Lastly, blast the little sucker overnight with Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. Try it, you'll thank me. Drying Lotion is one of the only products I have ever found that works to kill the whitehead, but also keep the surrounding skin healthy and moisturized (so you don't end up with a huge, red, blotchy patch that was bigger than the original pimple!).

If breakouts persist, talk to your doctor. Hormones, genetics, stress, lifestyle, and skin care all contribute to whiteheads and acne. You may need something stronger (like medication) to treat your whiteheads, and that's ok! It's important to get the right treatment for your skin so that you feel healthy and beautiful.

Lauren Conrad's DIY Microdermabrasion

Recently, I ran across a recipe for a "do-it-yourself" microdermabrasion on Pinterest that claimed to be from one of my favorites, Miss Lauren Conrad herself. So of course, I had to try it!

Now, before we go into the recipe and the results, let me just say that technically microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that works to reduce acne scars, discoloration, fine lines, and other imperfections with the use of a mechanical tool and some type of solution. It is a non-surgical procedure that abrades less deeply than it's more intense cousin, the dermabrasion. While the two processes do have some similarities, the recovery time on a microdermabrasion is much less, making it more popular with people who are looking for an instant pick me up and brighter skin. I have to admit, I have never had a professional microdermabrasion, as I have sensitive skin and was recommended to stay away from them by my facialist. So, if anyone has any stories they would like to comment, please do!

I have, however, used over-the-counter "microdermabrasion" products, which give ok results but are a bit of a mis-nomer. Basically, these products are using this term as a marketing strategy, as the popularity of the microdermabrasion has grown significantly in the last few years. It does not mean these products won't work for you, it just means that more than anything, you are really getting more of a strong exfoliation instead of a real microdermabrasion.

But, I digress. Let's get to Lauren Conrad, shall we?!

So, here's her recipe. It's very simple. 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water. I had to play with this a bit to really get a good paste, but you'll know when you've found it. Don't go too overboard on the water, as you really are looking for a paste that you can pick up with your fingers and use as a scrub.

So, once you have your paste, apply it to a clean face (one that has been rinsed of make up) and start gently scrubbing in a circular motion. Keep adding the paste as needed, until you have really given yourself a good scrub of your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, as well as the the entire jaw line, which can be prone to blemishes and is often ignored. Rinse with warm water.

I didn't notice huge results (this will not eliminate fine lines or discolorations), but I will say, my skin felt nice and soft and very clean. Also, I had a bit of a dry spot on my chin, and I probably should have avoided scrubbing that area, as too much scrubbing on a sensitive patch can lead to redness. But, it didn't seem to be bothersome.

All in all, I will try this again. Not bad to have on hand if you need a little pick me up before bed or if you are out of your regular exfoliating scrubs. And of course, the price tag is lovely!

Beauty on a Budget

It should be stated, I would spend my every last dime trying crazy facial stuff. If I was on a deserted island, forced to choose between food and Bain de Soleil sunscreen, I'd pick the sunscreen. (Who wants to be on an island all burnt up and red like a lobster? Honestly.)

However, I just so happened to be married to a rather budget-minded accountant, who can't seem to wrap his CPA head around a $75 bottle of pore minimizer. (Alas, he could stand to use some, but that's neither here nor there.)

So, whichever way that you became a budget-minded beauty gal, this one is for you.

Here is a list of my absolutely-swear-by-can't-live-without products that all fall UNDER $20 each. Because, lets face it, we can't all drop cash like J Lo.

1. Mario Badescu's Drying Cream- This stuff is amazing. It helps dry up your whitehead or blemish, soothes your skin, and, if you happen to be Caucasian, also serves as a nice little concealer if you don't want to wear make up. A little 1/2 oz container will last you forever, and it only runs $14.

2. Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser- This is one of the very few products that I have always (and I do mean ALWAYS) had in my rotation. It is gentle, non-drying, and for around $6 will give you a nice healthy glow and a comfortable, clean tingle while you use it. Extra perk- my husband doesn't mind using it, since he doesn't consider it to be too "girly"!

3. Noxzema Triple Clean Anti-Blemish Pads- You might not believe it, but these little pads really do seem to agree with my sensitive skin. I have started using them again recently, only once a day, and I love the feeling of seeing the pad swipe any remaining dirt from my skin. My pores feel tighter, and my skin has been left with a nice overall smoothness, especially considering that a container of these pads will only set you back about $5 at your local drugstore.

4. Bain de Soleil's SPF 4 Orange Gelee Sunscreen- This stuff, while not delivering a large amount of sun protection, is a great moisturizing sunscreen for your body (not the face). If you have darker or more olive skin, you can likely use this all over and get enough proection, so long as you also wear a hat or sit under an umbrella to protect your face. As a fair-skinned gal, I find that this stuff is one of the best sunscreen's for my legs, which don't tend to burn like my chest or shoulders. Chlorine from the pool or salt from the ocean can dry out frequently-shaved summer legs, so this stuff really helps keep my legs looking sexy from head to toe. I find that a $12 tube will last me most all summer. Extra perk: the French name makes you feel like you splurged on fancy sunscreen!

5. Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion- Now, I know I reference my main man Mario fairly often, but his stuff is great and very reasonable. This is my all-time favorite whitehead killer. I use it every single night. My college roommate had a boyfriend who saw me out one night and told me it was the first time he had ever seen me "without those pink dots"... woops! However, this stuff is pretty fabulous and only costs $17. You'll want to read the instructions carefully, http://www.mariobadescu.com/drying-lotion, as the application is sort of different. (You don't shake the bottle, you actually want the pink stuff to settle at the bottom.) Now, because you'll likely want to use it all the time, one bottle may not last you but a month or so, but it's worth it!

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

No, this is not a face mask from outer space, though I am fairly certain the term "glycolactic" sounds like something I heard on Star Trek as a kid. It's actually one of my new favorite products! A while back, I was in DC for a friend's wedding and my sorority sisters and I popped into Sephora. In typical Sephora fashion, I walked out with a bunch of little samples in my bag, and this mask was one of them. I have to admit, it took me a while to work up the courage to use it, as the sample says "not for sensitive skin." So, I waited until a nice rainy Friday night when I planned to stay home and decided to give it a whirl.

It tingled, so if you plan to try it, get ready for that. I did have a moment of panic that my face was going to turn into a splotchy mess. And, I made sure to only keep it on for the recommended 10 minutes. But when I washed it off, boy was I impressed!

My skin had a nice cherub like glow to it, and my pores felt tighter and smaller. I couldn't really tell if it made any difference on fine lines, but I only used it once, and let's face it, miracles do not occur overnight!

All in all, I am definitely planning on buying the full sized bottle. Unfortunately, this goes on the list of "beauty splurges" as it runs about $55 for 50 ml. You can get it from Sephora, http://www.sephora.com/, or directly from the REN website, http://www.renskincare.com/p/3036. The good news is that you only use it about once a week (perhaps a bit less if you do find it be a little irritating) and so the supply should last you a while.

As always, remember to avoid the eye area when you use products like this, as the skin around your eyes is more delicate.

Lactic Acid Sensitive Skin Peel

Well, I finally broke down and tried a Sensitive Skin Peel at my favorite spa which is run by, and attached to, my favorite dermatologist. Now, for those of you out there who are regular peelers, I defer to your wisdom, as this was, suprisingly, my first. I have really sensitive skin, and dry skin, and so I worried that a peel was not for me. But, I was feeling a bit brave and plus, I needed something to write about!

So, off I went. My facialist suggested that we start with a light Lactic Acid Peel. I really liked it! I was not red or irritated afterwords. It didn't burn while I had it on. My skin did, indeed, feel a bit smoother and tighter. I did have some flakiness later that week (I had the peel on a Saturday morning, and was a bit flaky Wednesday-Friday.) I did become a little bit red in one spot on the right side of my chin, but that soon faded.

So all in all, I'd recommend this type of peel, even for those of you with sensitive skin! It's a good starter and one I will likely try again. Of course, don't try try a peel right before a big event, you never know how your skin will react!

Fun in the Sun

As Labor Day Weekend is quickly approaching, I figured this is my last chance to get in comments about the importance of using good, quality sunscreen for a while. Sunscreen, no matter your skin tone, is a vital piece of a good skin care regimen. Using at least SPF 15 everyday, and higher SPF when you plan to be outside for longer periods of time, can not only prevent painful burns, but can also help prevent wrinkles, dry skin, early on-set crows feet, and skin cancer. Ever noticed how the older ladies working at the tanning beds tend to look like beef jerky? Yep, that's what sun overexposure can do! Sexy, huh?

As a fair skinned gal, I swear by sunscreen, big sunglasses, and a big hat. I may look a little ridiculous, but at least I am all covered up and protected! And, I won't look like strap leather by the time I'm 40. Those of you with darker complexions may be able to get away with a lower SPF, but no one should go naked on the sunscreen.

So, what are some good sunscreens to try? Here's a few of my faves, in no particular order.

1. Clinque's "SPF 30 with SolarSmart Face Cream" is a great buy. Try it in a lower SPF for everyday.

2. Aveeno's "Continuous Protection Sunblock" is great, and also comes in a variety of SPF. If you are planning to use it on your face, just make sure the word "FACE" is right above the SPF, just like it is on this one.

3. Mario Badescu- You know I couldn't leave you without a recommendation from my favorite skin care brand. This SPF 10 sunscreen is perfect for daily use.

Enjoy the sun this weekend! See you Tuesday.

Pillow Talk

A while back, I came across a book, "6 Weeks to Sensational Skin: Dr. Loretta's Beauty Camp Handbook for your Freshest Face" and, of course, immediately dove into it's recommendations. This is a great book, and I'd recommend it to you if you are dorky enough, like me, to enjoy reading about your skin. One of Dr. Loretta's recommendation's is to purchase good pillowcases. Over 250 threadcount. Not your entire sheet set, just your pillowcases. I chose white, as those seem the "cleanest", and they can be washed on HOT to really kill the germs. You can find great pillowcases at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, these fabulous white ones are only $24.99 for a set of two. Or, splurge on a set from Pine Cone Hill  or Sferra.

Also, Dr. Loretta recommends washing the pillowcases in All: Free and Clear Detergent once a week. Her reason was simple- every single night, you lie down on your pillowcases and, if you are like me, smush one side of your face into it as you peacefully pass your way into slumber. Rubbing your face with bad linens and perfumed detergents for 8 hours straight can't be wise. So, I took her advice. I even made a rule that from then on we would have all-white towels as well. And I must admit, I think there is something to it. I felt a bit less blotchy upon waking up in the morning, and I enjoy sleeping knowing that my face is protected by a good, clean linen.

Lastly, and we'll discuss this further in the future, while you are resting on your new clean pillowcases, make sure that you are getting enough sleep. At least 7 hours, if you can't get 8. Sleep is when your cells rebuild themselves, and that's pretty important for your skin.

So, switch out your linens and your detergent. Get at least 7, if not 8, hours of sleep a night. Then be amazed at the results! You'll look, and feel, refreshed.

Blackheads

Even those with the clearest skin are prone to blackheads. Look carefully in the crease and on the bridge of your nose and on the flat of your chin. For those of you blessed with small pores, you may have to use the bright lights and mirror in your bathroom. Normally, blackheads are much easier to see on a man's skin, as they tend to have larger pores. However, almost everyone is prone to blackheads. The medical term for a blackhead is open comedo.

A quick medical description, found on About.com, is this: "Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are follicles that have a wider than normal opening. They are filled with plugs of sebum and sloughed-off cells and have undergone a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin. This gives the material in the follicle the typical black color."

Below is an image (not of my own nose) for those of you who  may be questioning exactly what a blackhead looks like.

Unfortunately, blackheads tend to be rather stubborn little devils. You can try to squeeze them, and often they will "pop" in rather gross, curly little spirals. However, popping does more damage than good. Though I am guilty of it from time to time, it's a terrible habit and can lead to long term scarring. Your best bet for blackhead removal? It's a three step process. First, a good exfoliation should help. Secondly, Mario Badescu (one of my favorite skin care brands) has a wonderful product to help clear blackheads. It's called Silver Powder, and it's good stuff. You'll feel a bit strange as you are using it at first, but you'll see a noticable difference. Lastly, don't skimp on moisturizer just because you have blackheads. Moisturizer is an important step in your skin care process and your skin will dry up like prune without it.

Skin Care 101

Ok, so for my first foray into the subject of skin, I've decided to first discuss good skin care regimen basics. These next steps are the basic steps that every person should begin with as they begin to build good skin care habits. I have broken them into daily, weekly, and monthly steps. It might seem like a lot at first, but remember, this is your foundation. Once you have mastered these steps as a habit, and you've perhaps done a bit of experimenting with products, we'll dive more deeply into specific product recommendations and skin types. For some steps, I have noted brands in parenthesis that I have found to be good across the board, but this by no means is the only brand out there, and it may not be the brand for you. You won't truly know your skin type until you've mastered a good basic regimen, so I have tried to keep these recommendations at a reasonable price point. If you follow these steps for 2 whole weeks, you may begin to notice that you are dry or oily, or that some products suit you better than others. This is part of the learning curve!

Daily
1. Wash your face twice a day with a good cleanser. (Neutrogena has wonderful cleansers and bar soap.)

2. Use a gentle toner after you wash. (Clinque's toner is strong, but fabulous. Mario Badescu is a bit more gentle.)

3. Moisturize with non-comedogenic lotion.

4. Use sunscreen, every morning, regardless of your outdoor activity. Thank me when you're 65. (Oil of Olay, SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin is not bad and very reasonable.)

5. Use eye cream, every night, regardless of your age. Thank me when you're 65.

Weekly
1. Exfoliate with a gentle exfoliant. If you are new to using an exfoliant, try twice a week at the beginning. (Suki's Lemongrass Exfoliator is heaven, but pricey. St. Ives' Apricot Scrub is a good basic to get you started, as well.)

2. Use a face mask on a day that you did not exfoliate. Later, you may find that it's better to use one immediately after or before exfoliating, but for now, let's keep it simple. (Mario Badescu)

Monthly
1. If it's in your budget, have a facial performed at a top-ranked spa.

2. If facials aren't in your budget, consider performing them at home. I like to put a pot of water on the stove, standing over it by about 10-12 inches, and let the steam work it's magic on my pores. Cost of heating water on your stove? $0.00!

Welcome to Good Clean Skin!

Well, I suppose I should start by saying that this is, without a doubt, my very first blog entry ever. Actually, I find most blogs to be, well, a bit much. But, this blog is not about me, or my dog and the cute things he does, or my life. This blog is about skin. Good clean skin to be exact. Because I don't know much about much, but I am obsessed with skin. Good clean skin. Flawless, poreless, porcelain, babydoll skin. I work at it every day. I've tried every regimen out there that you can possibly imagine. From Drug Store to La Mer, prescription to vitamins, diet to department stores, I've tried it. Once, my husband actually told me that the best part of coming home from work was seeing what color my face would be when he got there. Blue masks, green masks, white masks, gel masks... oh yes, I have them on rotation.

This blog will follow my crazy, zany trials, and hopefully help a few others of you out there to make some better skin choices. Let's face it, trying all the skin care products you might like to can get expensive! So, why not learn from someone elses' mistakes and success? And, perhaps we can have a laugh or two (hopefully not at my expense) along the way.

As a quick disclaimer, if you have skin issues that are beyond the scope of cosmetic imperfections, you should consult a dermatologist. I have my dermatologist on speed dial, and I invited his wife to join my book club. I send them a Moravian Sugar Cake at the holidays. You don't have to be that close with your dermatologist, but when you're trying to get in an emergency visit for the pityriasis alba that popped up after your girls beach trip, you'll thank me for the advice.