Tag Archive for: hydration

Pain in the Neck-the uphill battle of aging

In the fight against aging, one of the most important areas of the body to pay attention to is the neck. The neck is often ignored and left out of the daily anti-aging regimen, resulting in crapey, sagging and dehydrated skin. The neck skin is not attached to any bones, and therefore will be one of the first areas to display the pull of gravity. Luckily there are many options to correct and prevent neck aging.

CQJ_1196

How to fight it

Always use a neck cream that contains anti-aging ingredients. When choosing a neck cream look for peptides, hydrating lightweight oils, and ingredients that offer brightening and DNA repair. Wearing an SPF on the neck and chest area is a must everyday. We also look down a lot (at our computers and phones), which causes more wrinkles. Try and place your computer higher up on your desk and hold your phone up when texting or reading. Always stand up straight as good posture can help prevent wrinkles.

Other options

While most doctors will admit that topical skincare won’t entirely cure the neck area, it definitely will help. Plant based stem cells can aid in collagen and elastin encouragement, DNA repair, brightening, skin thickening and hydration.There is also a lot of chatter about lasers and the neck. Lasers will probably never take the place of actual surgery or a ‘lift’, but they can help the surface appearance of the neck. However, lasers are pricey and not guaranteed for everyone.Botox injections are another option but starting them early is the key to success. Botox paralyzes the muscle and will not allow neck muscles to contract and sag, so starting before that happens is imperative. Early to mid 30’s is recommended start age.A neck lift can be beneficial for some who are not ready to take the leap into a full facelift. Also, pricey and still ‘real’ surgery, this may not be the best choice for some.

Ultimately we are all aging; there is no way to stop it. Fortunately there are many options to fight aging and to stay looking youthful longer. The most important thing is how you feel inside because that is where the true beauty comes from. If you’re still not sure where to start, invest in a topical neck cream, (like our Lifting Neck Cream) wear sunscreen and hold your head up high.

 

 

by

How to combat that lingering dry and flaky Winter skin

Winter weather always wreaks havoc on our skin no matter how many oils, creams, lotions and potions are applied. Dry and flaky skin is simply inevitable given the harsh conditions in most areas of the country (and world). With Spring now officially here to stay, we wanted to share a few staples that we work into our regimen to keep the flakiness at bay while our skin is transitioning with the Spring season.

Screen Shot 2015-04-14 at 10.28.03 AM

Prep your skin (right): Arguably the most important first step is exfoliating (with something gentle) to remove the surface layers of dead skin and follow with a super hydrating moisturizer or oil. We love Goldfaden MD’s Fresh A Peel, an effective but very gentle Lactic Acid enzyme peel or Tatcha’s Deep Rice Enzyme exfoliator followed by Fleuressence “Native Botanical Cell Oil”. If you’re feeling extra dry, you can seal with your preferred heavy cream moisturizer to ensure that all moisture is locked in.

*Tip: For extreme dry areas, pat an extra dab of oil onto the targeted spot and let soak in.

Say goodbye to powder: Powders tend to lay on top of dry surfaces, build up, clog pores, and make it appear that your make up looks “caky”. Instead of grabbing your compact foundation, opt for a blush stain (we love Tarte, Benefit and ByTerry), as it will give you an elevated natural flush glow and stay on all day long.

Introduce a skin highlighter (game-changer): We have talked about skin highlighters before (because we LOVE them) and they are perfect for adding in that extra POP to your skins glow. Best to be used to accentuate the bone structures – cheek bones, nose brim, eye brow OR mix in a tiny drop with your foundation.

We love: Nars Copacabana, Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Illuminator and Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfecter.

Drink water: As much as people talk about this, it’s true. Drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day not only keeps you hydrated, but it also helps to flush out all of the toxins and impurities that lead to pore-clogging mishaps. Keeping your skin hydrated is the least expensive way to take 5 years off of your age and eliminate dark circles and splotchy skin.

 

 

by

Tips to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

cukesMost of the country is experiencing an arctic chill right now, which never helps with already dry winter skin. Covering your face if you have to go outdoors is a must, as skin can freeze within 5 minutes of exposure. But what about other ways to keep skin hydrated all thru the winter? This is an ongoing struggle for me because I tend to be naturally dry. This winter I have been very diligent about keeping my skin hydrated, here are a few tips that work for me.

Blow Cool Air

Sleeping with a humidifier on has been a big help. Cold temperatures, low humidity and indoor heat are killers when it comes to sucking skin dry. By using a humidifier you are adding water/cool steam/basically humidity back into the air. If you work from home or spend a lot of time at home, run it as much as possible. Bed Bath and Beyond has the best selection of humidifiers varying in sizes and prices.

Switch Up Your Skincare

As loyal as I am to certain brands (wink wink), I have to switch it up during the winter. Gone are the warm days of Vitamin C serums and retinoids-my skin cannot handle them during the winter months. This season I decided to alter the beginning of my regimen instead of the serum/moisturizer step for hydration. I added a creamy cleanser, kept my serum and moisturizer and added an oil for that extra glow. I’ve also been using a hydrating mask that I’ve noticed a difference from when I wake up in the morning.

Eat Your Water

Drinking more water is a new years resolution of mine. Drinking water and liquids will keep you hydrated internally. During the winter I never crave cold water so I have been drinking a lot of Red Tea (Rooibos) and eating veggies and juices with high water content. Cucumbers and celery are full of water as well as vitamins. Some of my other favorite water filled yummies are radishes, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and green peppers (which are 92% water)!!

The good news is these are easy steps to take and the better news is Spring is only a few months away!

Stay warm and hydrated!

by