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.

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!

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.