Skin care: Get it right every night!

5 Skin Care Rules

We know, we know: Your days are busy, and by the time bedtime rolls around, you don't have the energy to treat your skin with the care it deserves. So we've streamlined your routine down to five simple steps that will keep your skin glowing.

Fixing your face at night is just as important as the time you spend making it up in the morning. Clear, even-toned skin helps you look -- and feel -- your best. But you can't wake up fresh-faced without a little prep work the night before. Get into the habit of taking care of your face by following these five skin care laws every night. You'll be so glad you did!

The 5 laws of skin care

Wash your face.

Daily washings keep your skin healthy and beautiful. "Washing in the evening to remove daily residue buildup is even more important than a wash in the early morning," says Sasha Prince, a skincare specialist and aesthetician at New U Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas. She recommends using only mild products and avoiding harsh scrubs and cloths. "To cleanse your face properly, use warm water to cleanse, and cool water to rinse," adds Dr. Bernard Gram, creator of GRAM Skincare.

Use a toner.

Toner will deep-clean your pores and remove any dirt and grime that a cleanser might have missed, says Gram.

Apply retinoid cream and salicylic acid.

Vitamin A retinoid creams "penetrate the cell wall to encourage genuine health on a cellular level," explains Prince. Use them daily during the week, but give your skin the weekend off. Follow with salicylic acid, which "penetrates the oils that can clog pores and cause breakouts," she says. Bonus: Salicylic acid also reduces redness and inflammation.

Apply eye cream.

"The skin around the eyes has fewer hair follicles and does not absorb creams as readily as the skin on other areas of the face," explains Prince. That's why it's important to use a product specifically designed for eyes. Gram Skincare's eye rescue can decrease dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. It also helps keep the delicate skin around your eyes healthy. Gently apply the cream on the eyelid and all around the eye. Prince's pro tip: Wipe any excess cream left on your fingers on your upper lip.

Moisturize.

"The most important thing to do nightly is to moisturize," says Gram. Your evening moisturizer doesn't need to include sunscreen, and Prince notes that your nose and chin may not need as much moisturizer as the rest of your face.

That's all there is to it! Five easy steps for one beautiful face.

The importance of regular facials

Soothe Your Skin

The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but it's our faces that people often notice first. For the past 30 years, Deborah Coffey (deborahcoffey.com), esthetician and nutritionist, has been helping women keep their skin young and healthy looking. She says that regular facials help slow the aging process, improve the look and feel of skin and ultimately can prevent the need for more involved measures, such as plastic surgery. Here's her take on how the basic steps of regular facials can help you keep your glow.

Cleaning

“The increased level of pollutants we are exposed to leave dirt, grime and even chemicals on our skin,” says Coffey. “This step in a facial helps clean out clogged pores so the skin can breath — preventing blackheads and breakouts.” In addition, the cleaning phase of the facial helps address the free radical damage done from sun exposure. Coffey says new professional, sonic-powered, hand-held cleansing machines, combined with recent skincare product breakthroughs, allow for deeper penetration into the skin.

Analyzing

According to Coffey, the latest technology in skin analysis allows a facialist to more accurately analyze a client’s skin and prescribe appropriate products. Clear LED light illumination systems that are built into magnifying lenses can help a client pinpoint where problem areas are occurring and take preventative or corrective actions — sooner rather than later. “If a client knows they have a clump of skin damage on their forehead, they can work with their facialist to more aggressively treat the situation,” says Coffee.

Exfoliating

While traditional facials have always involved removing dead skin as part of aiding cellular renewal, in the past few years, peels and microdermabrasion have taken this process even further. Coffey says the result of this type of exfoliating is the stimulation of collagen and elastin production. In general, when the skin is well exfoliated, the top layer of dead skin comes off and the face glows. This step of the facial also helps boost the immune system of the skin and improves circulation which helps refine pores and lessen wrinkles.

Feeding

The ingredients contained in today’s professional skin care products are designed for deeper penetration into the skin. In addition, when microcurrent technology (which is noninvasive) is used, it helps the products to penetrate even more deeply. Coffey says that increased hydration helps stimulate the energy centers of the cells to work more efficiently. This, in turn, helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gives skin a smother and firmer texture and improves facial contour.

Calming

“The last phase of a facial is designed to calm the skin and bring it back into balance,” says Coffey. The biggest breakthrough is the use of LED light, which helps take down inflammation and targets conditions such as premature aging, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

Coffey says that by getting regular facials at every phase of the process, you are taking small steps to buck the effects of aging on your skin — making it less likely that you will have to spend the big bucks on bigger, more expensive techniques down the road.

Dealing with sunburned, peeling skin

Deal With The Peel

After a day in the sun, you may find yourself with an itchy, peeling sunburn. Peeling skin is not only unattractive, it can also be quite painful. Here are a few simple ways to deal with the peel.

Cool it down

If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin.

Moisturize your skin

Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburn or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contains aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to the peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.

Drink up

Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it’s time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged – like after a sunburn – water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Stop the itch

At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it’s peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.

Don't peel it

Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive. It can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don't pull on it - no matter how temping it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don’t tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.

Be prepared

Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don't get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, that means that the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to re-apply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen don't forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned.

Slough it off!

While the importance of keeping your skin hydrated, cleansed and protected from the sun has been the mainstay of morning shows and women's magazines for years, exfoliation has often been relegated to a necessary evil. Our experts weigh in on why at the heart of healthy skin lies a good exfoliation.

Slough off dead skin cells

“As we age, our skin's natural ability to generate and shed skin cells slows down,” says Doug Danielson of the Skincents line. “You can overcome this challenge by exfoliating weekly.” Danielson and his colleague Freytag say that without exfoliating, dead skin cells and excess oil build up, causing pores to clog.

Stimulate your dermal layers

Daron Hope, creator of the herbal skincare line Earthtonics, believes that exfoliation of the skin is key to achieving optimal tone and radiance. “When the face is gently exfoliated, it stimulates the outer dermal layers to regenerate more quickly,” says Hope. “Not to mention the instant gratification of a smoother, more even-toned complexion.”

One more word of advice Hope offers is to be gentle. It doesn't take much to slough away that top layer of dead skin cells. The best practice is to use a light touch.

Create a closer shave and a better tan

“By exfoliating, you are removing those dead skin cells from the top layer, revealing the smoother skin below,” says Tracy Worthington, owner of Ooohlala of Beverly Hills. This not only makes your makeup go on better, and can give you a closer shave, but exfoliating the body before using self-tanners gives you a more even tan. Worthington recommends using a mild daily exfoliater for the face and a sugar or salt scrub two to three times a week for the body.

Get your shine on

Ellen Miller, Senior Beauty Editor for Shape magazine, says that as we age, the process of cell turnover slows down, and cells start to pile up on the skin’s surface — making our skin appear, dull, dry or rough. “When you exfoliate, you remove those dead cells and uncover the fresh new cells below.” Miller says that exfoliating properly also helps the anti-aging and hydrating ingredients in skincare products penetrate more deeply, making them more effective.

Know your exfoliants

“There are two kinds of exfoliation: manual and chemical,” says Miller. Manual exfoliation involves using an abrasive scrub or a skin brush to slough off dead cells, while chemical exfoliation occurs when you apply a product that contains ingredients that dissolve those dead skin cells without scrubbing.

Miller suggests that if you use a scrub, make sure that the granules are smooth and round (like jojoba beads) rather than jagged (like crushed walnut shells) to avoid injuring your skin.

If you’re going the chemical route, choose a peel or mask that contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids for deeper exfoliation. If you have sensitive skin, look for products that contain fruit-derived enzymes (like pineapple, papaya or pumpkin). Lastly, Miller says exfoliating once a week is plenty. Any more than that can leave your skin dry and irritated.

Winterize your skin

Winter's just around the corner, and with the chilly temps inevitably comes the dreaded dry skin. Why? A combination of the temperature change, dry air, and exposure to wind will sap your skin of moisture, leaving you with parched, itchy or sensitive spots on your face. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your skin from the elements this winter - and prevent wrinkles that may form as a result. So here are some ways to save your skin!

You must moisturize

This may seem like a given, but moisturizing is a must all year round. So slather on the moisturizer as soon as you step out of the shower, to trap water in the skin. Having trouble deciding which product is right for you? If you’ve got sensitive skin, skip the creams containing fragrances or lanolin, which may trigger breakouts or adverse reactions. Always look for products with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, two elements that are excellent skin hydrators.

Slather on the sunscreen

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors this winter, coat your face with a cream that contains SPF 15 or higher to keep your face protected from harmful sun rays and potential wrinkles. And don’t forget to cover up with a hat and sunglasses when you hit the slopes or go for a run outside. You can get just as bad of a sunburn in the winter as you can in the summer!

Wash it right

Washing your face is just as important as moisturizing it, but you’ve got to be sure you’re doing it right. Scrubbing too hard can just strip your skin of its natural moisture, while some cleansers are way too harsh for the winter.

Find a gentle cream cleanser (or cleansing milk) that’ll nourish your face without leaving it parched (try Olay Total Effects 2-in-1 Anti-Aging Nourishing Cream Cleanser). And while you’re washing, use lukewarm water (hot water is hard on your skin) and pat your face dry as opposed to rubbing it with a towel.

Drink up

While staying hydrated hasn’t been scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles, experts say it certainly can’t hurt. In fact, drinking about two cups of water increases blood flow to the skin, which may improve your complexion. To maintain the water balance in your body, drink the suggested eight (8-ounce) glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters).

Moisturize your indoor air

The outdoor elements aren’t the only dry skin culprits. The dry air in your home can sap moisture from your skin, too. Keeping a humidifier in your bedroom at night can help maximize moisture in your skin while you sleep.

Deal with the peel

After a day in the sun, you may find yourself with an itchy, peeling sunburn. Peeling skin is not only unattractive, it can also be quite painful. Here are a few simple ways to deal with the peel.

Cool it down

If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin.

Moisturize your skin

Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburn or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contains aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to the peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.

Drink up

Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it’s time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged – like after a sunburn – water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Stop the itch

At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it’s peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.

Don't peel it

Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive. It can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don't pull on it - no matter how temping it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don’t tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.

Be prepared

Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don't get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, that means that the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to re-apply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen don't forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned

Get smooth glowing skin

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin radiant and smooth. Whether it's bikini season or you just want soft, clean skin, exfoliating from head to toe will get you glowing.

Many women exfoliate their faces but forget about other body parts. As the weather heats up and you get bikini-ready, you should exfoliate all over. Exfoliation is also important before applying tanning products or when rejuvenating winter-weary skin.

Items you need for exfoliation

• Exfoliating cleanser
• Loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves
• Pumice stone
• Body lotion

How to exfoliate

1. Before stepping into the shower, brush your dry skin with your loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves. This will help remove the loose skin and prepare your skin for the exfoliating process. Begin with the soles of your feet, working your way up your body.

2. Get into the shower and wet your body from head to toe. Don't exfoliate your skin if you are sunburned or have any open cuts or wounds.

3. Use a pumice stone on your feet to eliminate rough spots and calluses. If your feet are extremely rough, soak them in a basin of warm water mixed with a cup of milk for 30 minutes before getting into the shower.

4. Apply your exfoliating cleanser to your loofah or gloves. Begin scrubbing your body in a circular motion starting with the bottoms of your feet and working your way up. When you reach the bikini area, don't scrub too hard because the skin is very sensitive.

5. Use a body brush to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places.

6. Be gentle on your face, particularly around your eyes and mouth. Use an exfoliating product especially formulated for the face, which is gentler than products designed to be used on the body.

7. Don't forget about your hands. You want them to look and feel soft and smooth too!

8. Rinse your body with lukewarm water, follow by the coldest water you can stand. Apply a shower gel to soften your skin, if you'd like.

9. After stepping out of the shower, apply a moisturizing body lotion all over. Body lotions and facial moisturizers containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids are ideal choices because these acids contine to remove dead skin cells.

10. Use body moisturizer once a day. Exfoliation is drying to the skin, so you must keep your skin hydrated.

Exfoliating products

Select exfoliating cleansers that contain sea salt, sugar, ground almonds, walnuts, seeds or other grainy components.

Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough to achieve silky skin; however, women with oily skin should exfoliate more often than those with dry skin. If your skin become excessively dry or irritated after exfoliation, don't scrub so hard. Cut back on how often you exfoliate, and explore the possibility that you may be allergic to the products you used.

Here are some of our favorite exfoliating products:

• Belli Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator
• Zia Age-Defying Skin Clarifying Body Polish
• Lucky Chick Mimosa Jasmine Violet Sugar Body Scrub
• Sundari Omega 3 and Flaxseed Body Exfoliator

How to stay safe in the sun

Whether you're in store for a beautiful weekend or the forecast shows some clouds rolling in, protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Sunscreen filters out the sun's dangerous -- and invisible -- ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin cancer.

The International Dermal Institute (IDI) advises us to use sunscreen not only on warm, clear days, but also on sunny winter days, when it's cloudy -- even while driving. "We need to protect our skin any time it's exposed to daylight, not just when we think our chances of exposure are higher," says Dr Diana Howard, vice-president of research and development for the IDI.

Research shows that daily low-grade exposure to sunlight can be just as damaging as short, intense exposure with sun protection. Howard adds, "The proper application of sunscreen on a daily basis is as mandatory to skin health as proper cleansing."

Who should wear sunscreen?

Put simply: Everyone. The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes, and skin of all colors can be harmed by those ultraviolet rays.

Apart from those who spend a lot of time outdoors -- for work or play -- you're more likely to get skin cancer from exposure to the sun if you have one or more of the following:

• Lighter natural skin color.
• Skin that easily sunburns, freckles or gets red (or becomes painful from the sun).
• Blonde or red hair.
• Blue or green eyes.
• A family member who has had skin cancer.

Kids are among the most vulnerable, as illustrated by a 2006 review article published in Pediatric Dermatology that says most people receive 50 percent of their total lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. So, it is more important than ever to educate kids and families about skin cancer and smart sun protection.

When to use sunscreen

You need protection from the sun even on slightly cloudy or cool days. For best results, you should apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being in the sun so that it will be absorbed by the skin and less likely to wash off when you perspire. Before application, shake the bottle well before use to mix particles that might be clumped up in the container. For ease of use, consider using the spray-on or stick types of sunscreen. "I'm going to get some of that spray for [my son]," says Sheila, one of the SheKnows.com community members. "He doesn't sit still for a second while I'm trying to get him dressed, so this way, I can just point and shoot -- and it seems like it will be so easy to re-apply it while we're outside."

sunblock application basics

Use sun protection on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders and the backs of your knees and legs. If blemishes or sensitive skin is an issue, special non-oil-based sunscreens are available for use on your face. Be sure to apply enough; as a rule of thumb, use an ounce (approximately a handful) to cover your entire body every couple of hours. Apply it thickly and thoroughly, and get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. (Two trouble spots that don't work so well with suncreen: Your scalp -- especially if you have a part -- and your eyelids. A hat and sunglasses will fit the bill there.)

Keep in mind that sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, and after you swim or do anything that makes you sweat.

Which sunscreen is best?

Sunscreens come in many forms, including lotions, creams, gels, ointments, wax sticks and sprays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UV-A and UV-B rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Read product labels, and be aware that, while a pricey brand might feel or smell better, it is not necessarily more effective than a cheaper product. Realize that not all sunscreens have the same ingredients. For example, buy one that does not contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) if you are sensitive to that ingredient. And, of course, if your skin (or your child's skin) reacts badly to one product, try another brand or call a doctor for advice.

"I'm allergic to something in most sunscreens -- I break out and itch all over," says SheKnows.com message board member Annmarie. "The only kind I can use is Neutrogena. That stuff is expensive but worth it."

Speciality formulations are available: Look for a waterproof brand if you will be sweating or swimming, and use a water-based sunscreen if you have oily skin or are prone to acne. (Follow the directions on the package or consult your child's pediatrician when using a sunscreen product on babies younger than 6 months old.) Finally, check that expiration date before slathering on the sunscreen -- some ingredients degrade over time.

Are you a lotion-phobe?

If you're like many and cringe at the thought of applying sunscreen lotions to your face and body, here's a something you'll love for daily use. The multi-vitamin SPF 10 body bar from Bethesda Sunscreen Soap offers a great-smelling bar soap that has sunscreen built in, which means you can simply shower and get get that sun protection, while also reaping the benefits of vitamins A, C and E, along with selemuim which protest your skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, and zinc, which reduces inflamation and promotes healing.

While it's a great start, remember that the bar is only SPF 10. If you're going to spend time in the sun, you'll need more protection than that, but this is a great start for daily sun protection without even having to think about applying after you shower! Find it at bethesdaskincare.com.

Beyond sunscreen

Combine these sun-protective options to help protect your skin from damage in both the short and long terms:

• Seek some shade if outdoor activities are unavoidable during midday, when the UV rays are the strongest and do the most damage.
• When it's cloudy, remember that the sun's rays can still penetrate the clouds and harm your skin.
• Choose more than one way to cover up when you're in the sun. Wear a hat, throw on a T-shirt, grab your sunglasses and seek out some shade.

And just think: By following these simple tips, you may never have to deal with the pain of sunburn again!

At-home facial massage techniques

What's the best way to get rid of wrinkles? There are many things you can do -- and the most luxurious of these techniques is the facial massage. Such a massage is not only relaxing, it can also help you avoid wrinkles. By getting a facial massage on a regular basis, you will relax the muscles in your face and stimulate your blood vessels. Together, these will help prevent new tension lines and wrinkles from appearing. Find out more here!

Though it's great idea to get a massage at a spa or salon, it's not always feasible to get a professional treatment. Fortunately, it's easy to give yourself a facial massage at home!

Follow this basic procedure to give yourself a relaxing and beautifying facial massage:

1. Start by washing your face thoroughly using a gentle exfoliating scrub.
   
2. Rinse your skin with cool water and pat dry.
   
3. Stroke your entire face beginning with your neck.
   
4. Work upward and rub gently in a circularly motion working your way out across your cheeks.
   
5. Apply light pressure to your temples and rub for 2-3 minutes.
   
6. Use the back of your hand and roll your fingers up your cheeks.
   
7. Do this under your chin as well to help prevent a double chin.
   
8. To relieve pressure on your forehead and sinus area, use the pads of your index and middle finger and press down firmly.
   
9. Repeat, while moving your fingers across the face underneath the eyes and across your nose.
   
10. Continue the same process along the center of your forehead.
    
11. Give yourself a facial massage twice a week for 10-15 minutes for best results.

The secret to youthful skin

You've likely heard about the active ingredient tretinoin, which has been the mainstay of acne treatment for nearly 40 years as first-line treatment for inflammatory and noninflammatory acne. Many of your friends have used it, and you've been a fan, too. It has treated others time and time again.

Retin-A for anti-aging

Julyne Derrick, About.com's Guide to Beauty, has always thought of Retin-A as something you’d find in the medicine cabinets of pimply teens. A friend told her that it was an anti-aging lotion and cited it as the reason she has flawless skin. So Julyne tried it.

There’s more to Retin-A than meets the eye. What you may not know is that there are improved forms of Retin-A that actually help slow down the process of aging. This ingredient, which is found in lots of skin creams, helps to absorb excess facial oil to reduce facial shine and help prevent acne breakouts. However, the same product can also remove wrinkles and fine lines, and foster freshness in one’s face.

How it works

The minute you start using it, you might not see any changes for six to nine weeks. But after that, you should see a noticeable difference. Retin-A improves the blood supply to the skin, which makes the turnover of dead skin cells faster. That way, the new, younger-looking skin will appear. Now don’t get the two uses confused -- if you want to get a product with Retin-A for acne, go with the 0.1 percent cream. If you’re using it to slow down the aging process and prevent or improve wrinkles at the surface, go with the 0.05 percent cream.

Just use a thin layer at night, wash your face in the morning with a mild facial scrub or wash cloth (to get rid of the flaking on your face from the treatment), and then apply a good water-based moisturizer. This will also help with Retin-A’s drying effect.

Retin-A fan Julyne even posted about how her skin has never looked better at the age of 35. “It’s dewy, clear and pretty flawless,” she says. And she owes part of that face success to Retin-A. She attests that she’ll never stop using it. “I suggest it to all my friends, most of whom look at me as if they don’t really believe me,” she says in her blog. “I think the fact that you can’t get it over-the-counter scares them.”

Shopping for Retin-A

Lucky for you, Retin-A Micro is now available in a convenient, easy-to-use pump that delivers a consistent amount of medication with each use, making the beauty regimen easy. With the proper amount, there is a less chance of over-application and the irritation associated with using too much medication. By using Retin-A Micro Pump, there is increased patient compliance which was named one of top barriers in treating acne, according to results from a recent survey. Plus there are no more messy tubes, which we have been known to battle with in front of our bathroom mirrors time and time again.

Now when it comes to purchasing the product, do your research as it can be a little expensive. At Drugstore.com, they sell three tubes for $220.44 (one tube is $80.77). You can get an even greater deal if you buy even more tubes! Good luck!

Look younger & fight wrinkles

To fight wrinkles and other signs of aging, you must keep your skin protected and hydrated. Though you can't turn back hands of time, these anti-aging skincare tips will help keep your skin smoother and younger looking.

Eat well

Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries, are great for your skin. Eat blueberries and strawberries as a nutritious snack, or add them to your breakfast cereal or yogurt. Vitamin C and Vitamin E both act as antioxidants as well. Therefore, eating foods high in these vitamins is also important for healthy skin.

It's also vital to eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids can help regenerate your skin at the cellular level. High omega-3 foods also reduce inflammation, help prevent cancer and offer many other health benefits. Foods high in omega-3s include salmon, halibut, sardines, albacore tuna, flaxseed and walnuts.

Stay hydrated

Water is important for your overall health. Drinking eight glasses of water a day will help you lose weight, aid digestion, improve your energy and concentration, remove toxins from your body and keep your skin glowing and healthy.

You also need to hydrate your skin with proper cleansing and moisturizing. Gently wash your face both morning and night. Avoid cleansers that have high alcohol content and other drying agents. Exfoliate your skin weekly with a gentle facial scrub. Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells leaving your skin younger and smoother.

Moisturize often

Apply moisturize over your entire face and neck twice a day. Dry aging skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles form around the eyes and mouth. Look for skincare products with special anti-aging ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, retinol, peptides, coenzyme Q10, alpha hydroxy acids and EGCG (also found in green tea). Most major skincare brands offer products with these anti-aging ingredients. These products will help reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, as well as help slow the process of aging.

Protect your skin

No matter your age, you need to protect your skin from the sun. Not only can excessive sun exposure lead to skin cancer, it will also cause dryness, sun spots, wrinkles and other skin problems. Always use a moisturizer, sunscreen and cosmetics that contain SPF 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time in the sun each day, wear both sunglasses and a hat.

Homemade skin care

Though you can buy anti-aging creams and other skincare products at the store, you can also make effective anti-aging remedies naturally at home.

Apple Anti-Aging Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp apple juice
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp rosemary oil
• 3 seedless grapes
• 1/2 apple
• 2 egg whites
  

Directions:

1. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
2. Use a cotton ball and dab the mixture over entire face.
3. Pay special attention to areas around the mouth and eyes.
4. Allow mixture to dry completely and then rinse with cool water.
5. Use twice a week for best results.
6. Refrigerate leftover mixture for up to a week.

Thrifty spa treatmentsA day at the spa is a great way to unwind and refresh, but even one treatment can be a burden on your budget. Want to pamper you

A day at the spa is a great way to unwind and refresh, but even one treatment can be a burden on your budget. Want to pamper yourself and still have money for rent? Here are some special ways for girls to enjoy spa treatments on a budget.

Purchase an at-home spa treatment

We love Slimmer Silhouette, a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system you can use at home. Instead of shelling out money for one body wrap treatment at the spa, which can cost anywhere from $110 to $150, you can have several treatments for the price of one. The kit includes 12 wraps (several weeks of supplies) and an average $21 per wrap -- far less than the cost of a comparable body wrap treatment at a spa or resort. Spa-inspired accessories such as sponges, loofahs, lotions and essential oils can usually be purchased at budget-friendly prices at your local pharmacy.

Go DIY

There are tons of recipes online for homemade spa treatments that cost no more than the ingredients with which you make them. And chances are, you probably have most of what you need in your fridge or pantry. From body scrubs and facial cleansers to foot scrubs and hair masks, there are countless ways to mix your own magic spa potions. Keep the creativity going with spa-inspired eating. Make yourself a delicious smoothie for breakfast, stock up on veggies for lunch and go vegan for dinner!

Search for deals online

Short of calling every spa in your area to see which, if any, are offering deals, it's not easy to find a spa-centric sale. Sites like SpaFinder allow you to search by location and spa deals. When we searched, we found over 300 deals listed for the U.S.

Make it a group thing

Whether you want to get together with your girlfriends or create a romantic spa evening at home with your honey, have some fun giving each other spa treatments. If you're making it a girl's night, pretend you're back in high school having a sleepover – manicures, pedicures and makeovers for everyone! If it's a more romantic night for two you're after, have him give you a massage.

Sometimes going to the spa is worth the splurge, but when there's no room in the budget for a body scrub or hydrating facial, get resourceful and create a fabulous spa experience for yourself at a fraction of the cost.

Skin signals

Aging skin is inevitable. No matter how well you've taken care of yourself, wrinkles will eventually make their way onto your face. But sometimes the signs of aging appear too early on the skin and indicate a serious problem. There can be a vast difference between what is considered 'normal' skin aging on your face and what should send you to a dermatologist ASAP.

What's Normal

Dr. Susan Stuart, chief of the division of dermatology at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California, and a dermatologist recognized by the American Research Council, says changes in skin are "both progressive and additive." Here are some of changes that you can expect to see on your face as you age:

Pigmentary Changes

In your 30s, your skin may start to show signs of discoloration called dyschromia. Melasma, a brown discoloration often due to sun exposure, is also possible. It's more common in women with darker skin tones. Applying skin lightening creams that contain hydroquinone and retinoic acid can help. Be careful though, since pigmentary changes can also be a sign of skin cancer or a more serious condition, especially if they occur around a mole.

Fine Facial Lines

Rhytids, another name for wrinkles, may start to form around your eyes in your 30s and may be due to genetics -- people with fair skin who burn easily tend to age more quickly than those with olive or darker skin color, Dr. Stuart says. Eye creams will help, but protecting the area with sunscreen and protective eyewear is most effective, since the sun breaks down collagen causing volume loss, says Dr. David E. Bank, founder and director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in California and author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman’s Guide to Looking her Best at Any Age.

Marionette Marks

The wrinkles that extend down from the corners of your mouth, called marionette lines, may pop up in your 40s, along with lines on your forehead. Dermal fillers, which replace the lost volume between the mouth and chin, can be helpful to treat these lines.

Deeper Facial Wrinkles and Neckbands

As you age into your 50s, you might see deeper facial lines emerge around your mouth and face that give a sagging look to the cheeks and neck. Neck bands also become more prominent. You can delay these changes by cleansing and moisturizing your neck and applying daily a rejuvenating skin cream specially designed for the neck. If you already have these issues and are looking for procedures to remove them, light skin peels, thermage, microdermabrasion and Botox can help smoothen and prevent further wrinkles, Dr. Bank says.

What's Not Normal

Other changes in your facial skin are caused by habit, especially smoking and sunbathing. Both can not only cause early signs of aging to mark your mug, but can also increase chances of several types of skin cancer.

A Sallow Complexion

If you are a smoker, your skin is going to grow sallow and coarse. Puffing on a cigarette will also speed up the appearance of facial lines and make them deeper, especially around the mouth in the form of "smoker's lines." Quitting smoking is the most helpful way to stop these wrinkles in their tracks.

Pigmentary Changes in Your 20s

Though an eventual sign of aging, pigmentary changes in your 20s mean you've probably worshipped the sun. Sun bathing can also cause deep wrinkles to show earlier. Keep sun exposure to a minimum and apply moisturizers with SPF to prevent further damage or use make-up with SPF.

Broken Blood Vessels

Also known as telamgiectasia, small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes can pop up after too much sun exposure. They can develop anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen on the face around the nose, cheeks and chin. Laser treatment is the most effective way to remove these marks.

Lesions and Changing Moles

Lesions that crust and bleed can be an early sign of skin cancer. Moles that suddenly change size, color or shape may indicate malignant melanoma -- the most deadly type of the disease. Scan your body for changes in moles or marks once a month, and visit the dermatologist once a year for a check-up.

7 Skin care rules dermatologists swear by

Want smooth, pretty, age-defying skin? We thought so. Who better to learn from than the pros who think about dermal health all day long? From what you eat to when you wash your face, here are 7 small changes that can make a big difference in tone, texture, and overall glow.

1. Suds up at night

"The most important time to wash your face is before you hit the sack," says Doris Day, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist. Dirt, bacteria, and makeup left on overnight can irritate skin, clog pores, and trigger breakouts. Remove this top layer of grime with a gentle face wash (skin should feel pleasantly tight for 10 to 15 minutes post-cleansing), which also allows anti-agers to penetrate deeper for better results. Because oil production dips with hormonal changes in your 40s, cleansing twice daily can dry out your complexion and make wrinkles look more pronounced. To refresh skin in the morning, splash with lukewarm water.

2. Be UV obsessed

Nothing is more important than wearing sunscreen (ideally, SPF 30) every day if you want younger-looking skin. Even 10 minutes of daily exposure to UVA "aging" rays can cause changes that lead to wrinkles and sunspots in as few as 12 weeks. If your moisturizer isn't formulated with a built-in broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, be sure to apply one daily to block both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Manage stress

Emotional upheavals can make your skin look 5 years older than your chronological age, says New York City dermatologist and psychiatrist Amy Wechsler, MD, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection. Constant anxiety increases the stress hormone cortisol, which causes inflammation that breaks down collagen. It also triggers a chain of responses that can lead to facial redness and acne flare-ups. To quell inflammation, eat antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, oranges, and asparagus. When you're feeling tense, Wechsler recommends a few minutes of deep breathing (inhale through your nose, hold for 3 counts, and release through your mouth).

4. Use a retinoid

Research shows that these vitamin-A derivatives speed cell turnover and collagen growth to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and fade brown spots. Prescription-strength retinoids such as Renova provide the fastest results--you'll start to see changes in about a month. To help skin acclimate to any redness and peeling, apply just a pea-size drop to your face every third night, building up to nightly usage. Milder OTC versions (look for retinol) are gentler, although it can take up to 3 months to see noticeable results.

5. Update your routine

Altering even one thing in your regimen every 6 to 12 months jump-starts more impressive improvements in tone and texture. "When you apply products consistently, your skin slides into maintenance mode after about a year," says New Orleans dermatologist Mary P. Lupo, MD. To keep your skin primed for rejuvenation, substitute a cream that contains alpha hydroxy acids for your prescription retinoid twice a week to boost the benefits. Or bump up your OTC retinoid to an Rx formula.

6. Eat omega-3s

These "good fats" in foods such as salmon, flaxseed, and almonds boost hydration, which keeps skin supple and firm. The same isn't true of the saturated fat in dairy products and meats, which increase free-radical damage that makes skin more susceptible to aging. Limit saturated fat intake to about 17 g daily.

7. Exercise regularly

Studies find that women who work out regularly have firmer skin than similar nonexercisers. The reason: Exercise infuses skin with oxygen and nutrients needed for collagen production. To keep your skin toned, make time for at least three 30-minute heart-pumping workouts per week.

New Lash and must say.....

Best Mascara from Mac to date. and i love my Zoom Lash

www.M.A.C.cosmetics.com

Opulash

Big, fat, bouffant lashes. Dramatic density and curl achieved with a giant brush. Fibres go in all directions for a thick, rich, even application. No clumping. Long-wearing formula, up to 15 hours, quickly thickens lashes, root to tip. Contains natural beeswax.

$14.00

Flawless Makeup...

Want to know what I have on my skin?

Luminess Airbrush System

Includes:
• Micro Compressor and NanoDot Stylus
• 4 Shades of Foundation, Blush, Shimmer & Bronzer
• Complete Tanning System
• 2 Bottles of Tanning Solution
• GO Battery* -Portable Power Supply

$369.00

*Always get two or three colors so that in the winter and summer months you will have the right shade. Customizing colors for perfect match.

First Skin Care Blog Post " The Eyes"

Best eye cream for 2010.

iS CLINICAL Youth Eye Complex


www.isclinical.com

$100.00 dollars and worth every penny!

Before. Puffy bags under eyes

Within Minutes of use, Bags and Puffy Eyes are gone

Welcome to My Blog ... Beauty is not only Skin Deep.

This will be the place to find the best of everything in the Beauty Industry.

My goal from this blog is to help people achieve flawless skin as I have.

Come take this journey with me to find the best products this world has to offer.

Over 15 years of experience in the skin and makeup industry.