SKINCARE - WAXING - SPA - PRODUCTS- CONSULTING

I created Laura's Beauty Lounge to inform and inspire but I also welcome you to interact. I would love to hear your comments, questions and suggestions on topics you would like to know more about.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Shopping For Skincare Products? Consult Your Esthetician!!

Okay, here we go... My first post on my first blog!  When setting out to purchase your skicare products, I would like to emphasize how important it is to understand your skin type and your skin conditions!  It is important to remember that skin conditions can change regardless of skin type.  This can be confusing, thus receiving a professional consultation from your esthetician can make the process seamless and produce results.  True Story:  After giving one of my bff's a facial, we headed over to Sephora to purchase some skincare products.  When I approached the first sales associate (in the skincare department), I told her we were looking for an 'all-in-one' product that would exfoliate and provide brightening benefits.  She replied that she was so hungry that she could not even focus so she was going to refer us to someone else cuz she hadn't had lunch yet, LOL! (true story!)  I proceeded to explain what we were looking for to the next associate who persistantly tried to sell us a $44 cleansing pad product; basically Stridex with a higher price tag!  I am telling you all this to say, please be informed when going to a mass retailer or cosmetic counter to make sure you get the best value for your dollar.  Who wants to spend hard earned cash on a product that is not going to deliver the desired result?  By the way, Sephora, I love you for the vast product selection, but nothing beats the knowledge of a skin care professional!
My Recommendation:  Ask your Esthetician for a product consultation or schedule a facial at your local spa if you don't currently have one.  A facial will include a thorough skin analysis and product recommendation and it's a good way to start on a healthy skin care routine.

I will post more about skin types and conditions so stay in touch...

4 comments:

  1. My skin goes through phases. Sometimes it's clear and other times...not so much. I have very small pimples, whiteheads on my face, and let's just say it drives me insane. What can I do to exfoliate my extremely sensitive skin to help clear up my skin and prevent this from occurring? Also, my back is breaking out a little too. What do you think about Neutrogena's or the like medicated body scrub/wash?

    Curious

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  2. Hi Curious,
    Thanks for you question. As annoying as it can be, it is especially common for women to experience periodic breakouts; regardless of skin type. This is most often associated with our menstrual cycle, but rest assured, it can be remedied with a consistent skin care routine. Introducing AHA/BHA’s (glycolic acid, salicylic acid) into your routine will usually do the trick. I will outline some tips with examples of recommended products to use as a guideline. Also keep in mind, when using AHA products, your skin will be more sensitive to sun, so make sure to use minimum SPF 15 daily!

    Start with a gentle medicated cleanser to start the exfoliation/treatment process.

    Next, use a treatment serum or spot treatment also containing AHA/BHA’s. These are Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids that kill bacteria, exfoliate, and provide anti-aging properties by renewing the skin cells: A multi-tasking ingredient that all skin types can benefit from! I recommend starting with a lower percentage like 5% and using at night during the 1st week or 2 to allow the skin to acclimate to a new ingredient.

    Lastly, follow with a lightweight moisturizer containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Green Tea.
    Remember the SPF during the day!

    For Back and Body Acne, I recommend using a product that will stay on the skin and continue to work after applying. The Neutrogena Medicated Scrub is fine to cleanse, but back acne can be stubborn and you want treat it, just as you would for the face.
    Pleas keep in touch and let me know what works out for you!

    Recommended Products

    St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Oil-Free Scrub
    Epicuren 5% Skin Peel Gel www.epicuren.com or Murad Acne Spot Treatment
    Origins Have A Nice Day w/SPF 3 or Balanced Diet moisturizer
    MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Body Clearing Complex Spray (For the Back)

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  3. Hi Laura! Very nice site!!!! I would like to know what you recommend as a facial cleanser that does not dry the skin, but helps to remove build up, cosmetics and oil. Also what moisturizer do you suggest?

    -Jar Jar from the 313 aka (J.A.V.A.Y) LOL!

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  4. Thanks Javay! My favorite cleanser that can be used by all skin types is the MD Formulations Glycolic Cleanser. It's formulated in cream base so it won't dry the skin out. It's a little pricey ($32) but I also like St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser, for the budget concious!

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