In the beauty world, it’s hard to navigate what the must-haves are for your skin and what you can do without. I love prducts with natural ingredients and no synthetic fragrance.
I spoke with Anne-Cecile Curot, Aesthetician and Spa Director at Marc Harris salon and we discussed what skin care products she feels every women should have in their skin care regiman.
Cleanser
Curot says, "Whether you wear make-up or not, it’s crucial to invest in a quality cleanser. Every night, you should wash your face AND neck to create a clean surface for your moisturizer. Cleaning the skin allows it to absorb your moisturizer better. Pick a gentle cleanser (especially in winter so that it doesn’t strip your skin). You can determine whether you’ve chosen the correct cleanser for your skin type by seeing if your skin feels tight or comfortable. If the cleanser is working well on your skin, your face should be comfortable and clean – not tight or dry."
Since I wear a lot of makeup for work, I prefer a makeup removing cream cleanser. I just rub it all over my skin and remove it with moistened cotton. Mario Badescu Cucumber Makeup Remover is still my favorite. For a cleanser you rinse off with water, I like But, if you do not wear makeup, a simple cleanser is fine. For a regular cleanser that you rinse off with water, I like Fresh Soy Cleanser.
Serum and Treatment Oils
I believe if you are over 30 and your skin tends to be dry, you need a serum day and night under your moistrizer. If penetrates deeper into your skin for added hydration. I love Amala Treatment Oil and Amala Serum. It is organic, smells incredible and makes your skin look incredible.
Moisturizer with SPF (day time)
Curot suggests wearing a moisturizer with SPF 15 or 18 daily. During the summer months its best to use a higher spf especially if you will be outside.
Moisturizer (night time)
Curot reccommends you look for an anti-aging cream with specific ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), minerals, stem cells, vitamins and antioxidants. The texture of a night cream is usually thicker, so don’t be intimidated if it feels too heavy for your skin. Apply all over the face and don't forget the neck! I say the heavier the night cream the better. I find heavier night creams sit on top of the skin and help it retain moisture all night.
Eye Cream
Don't be lazy and forget the eye cream. Curot says, "When you start to age, it shows first on three key areas: your hands, neck and eyes. I recommend different eye creams depending on the person’s main issue. If you have puffy eyes, bags or wrinkles, the best way to try to prevent and fix any "problems" is to look for a cream with peptides that strengthens blood vessels’ walls and improves lymphatic drainage. As for dark circles, if you are born with them, it's genetic and probably impossible to get rid of them. If you have dark circles the come and go, try to get more sleep, stay hydrated and use a serum or cream with Arnica in it, day and night, all around your eyes. This will increase the blood flow and diminish the shadow around the eye area."
Scrub/Exfoliator
Curot likes scrubs and exfoliators because it prevents breakouts, clogging, evens out your skintone, smoothes skin texture, diminishes lines, reduces wrinkles and prepares the skin to absorb the ingredients of a future mask application or cream. Which type of exfoliators should you buy? Scrubs using the ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide (provides an anti-bacterial, bleaching effect) offer a quick fix, but do not solve all acne or breakout issues. Your skin is an organ and it needs balance. Exfoliating once a week is important to keep your pores clean, however you don't want to disturb the skin barrier. The skin’s surface is covered with hydrolipidic film, which is formed of water and oils and protects us from germs and free radicals. If you strip it down too much, don't be surprised to have irritated, itchy, swollen skin! Less is more with exfoliation!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:42AM 
To make an Easter Garland:
