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Today, I would like to share a few skincare recommendations and tips that I've discovered throughout my time in the beauty industry and found them very useful.
Hope you will too!
Washing Your Face -
Always use lukewarm water when washing your face. Extreme hot or cold water expands and contracts the capillaries, and over time, will break them, causing redness - particularly around the nose and cheek areas. People with rosacea or eczema should especially know this.
Wash your face twice a day - once in the morning before applying any skincare and makeup, and then again at night before your nighttime skincare routine. A lot of my clients ask, "Why do I need to wash my face in the morning when it's clean?" And I tell them, "Your bed pillow breeds bacteria as you sleep. So, it's important to give your face one quick wash, preparing it for your skincare products."
Using Face Exfoliants -
Do not use physical exfoliants on your face. They are too abrasive and can cause damage. Use only AHA/BHA or enzymatic exfoliants. They are much more controlled and gentle. The two exfoliants I linked to are my absolute favorites. They are highly effective, yet very gentle.
Do not over-exfoliate. Once or twice a week is more than enough. Most clients exfoliant way too much. They assume more is better. And it's not. Over-exfoliation it can strip away your skin's natural barrier responsible for keeping the bad stuff out (pollution, irritants) and the good stuff in (water, oils).
Pain Means Gain -
I kid you not, many clients I assist tell me, "Whatever you recommend, I want it to BURN and HURT, because that way I know it's working!" And I tell them, "No, that does not mean it's working. It means it's too much." And yet, do you know what they always say? "I don't care. Give me the most severe product you have. I can take it. I'm tough!"
It continually blows me away how clients psychologically believe that something has to hurt to be effective.
I used to work with a woman who believed that pain means gain. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her, but she and I had a completely different approach to skincare. Therefore, I would refer all those "hurt to work" clients to her. When I was first trained in cosmetology school, I was taught skincare in the European way, that you treat your facial skin as if it's a delicate piece of tissue paper and be GENTLE. The woman I worked with believed that skincare had to feel as though you got hit by a Mack truck and dragged 10 blocks. Then, and only then, did she believe something worked.
I used to call her The Dominatrix.
Sunscreens: Physical Versus Chemical -
Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I've tried both chemical and physical sunscreens, and I much prefer physical.
The chemical sunscreens not only irritated my skin but also my eyes. I perspire a lot when I'm hot, so the chemical sunscreens would sweat their way into my eyes and burn like HELL.
Physical sunscreens have come a long way. They no longer feel heavy on your skin or cause a white cast. They are now much more sheer, but still very effective.
They're also better for people with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, and acne-prone skin.
The bottom line is that physical sunscreens are better because they act as a wall between you and the sun.
Skin Bruises -
One thing I noticed as I reached my 60s was how easily my skin bruises. And I don't have to bruise my skin hard for it to create a mark like this (not a photo of my arm):
Why Does This Happen?
As we age, our skin gets thinner and we lose some of the layer of fat that cushions our blood vessels and protects us from injury. Also, our blood vessels become more fragile. Both things mean we may get more bruises, even from a minor bump.
So, in case anyone reading is experiencing this, I would like to share what works for me to speed up the healing process.
I use a homeopathic cream from the company Boiron that is quite effective. It's not only great for bruises but also cuts, scrapes, chafing, minor burns, sunburn, and dry skin.
This light cream soothes and moisturizes, while the active ingredient, made from fresh Calendula, heals.
I always keep a tube in my backpack so that if I'm out and about and bruise my skin, I can immediately apply it. I will often apply it to my cuticles and lips during the colder, winter months. It's one of those things that I always have handy, just in case I need it.
It has a light, natural scent I find calming.
How to use: I apply it 3-4 times a day and usually see a reduction in the bruise within a few days. Be consistent. You can't just use it once and expect the bruise to be gone.
I've seen nothing work as well as this cream. I highly recommend it. And be sure to get the cream, not the ointment or gel.
Extra tip: Before applying the cream, apply a cold compress on the bruise. This helps with any inflammation and swelling.
In Conclusion -
Don't Believe Everything You Read And See On TikTok and Instagram -
Be very careful when reading things on Instagram and TikTok, promoting skincare, makeup, and haircare. Understand that these people are receiving free products and/or getting paid to promote those products. That is why they're called influencers. Do your own research and don't believe everything that's plastered all over social media.
When looking for a product in-store, find a beauty advisor you fully trust before making a purchase. Get a sense of whether they are genuinely assisting you to find a product to match your need, or just selling you something to meet their daily goal.
FYI -
Here is an article and video from CBS News Boston about how kids all over TikTok and Instagram are sharing their skincare routines, and while many of these brightly packaged creams, lotions, and serums are harmless, dermatologists say most of these expensive products just aren't necessary. Influencers as young as 9 years old are promoting products.
Trust me, I see this every day that I work. And what surprises me is why the parents allow it.
Just remember, social media is both positive and negative. Use discernment before purchasing.
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Hope you found this helpful and informative!
*Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have about skincare in your comments. I will be more than happy to respond. Thank you! 💕
