Self Care 102- Skin Care

Moving into the second quarter of  2021, we are all feeling hopeful with more people getting vaccinated, cases of Covid-19 starting to decline and a new President who is busy with the issues facing the country and not twittering. As we cautiously venture back out into the world,  it might be a good time to reevaluate our self-care routines. I've spent some time reading about new advances, trends and philosophies in skin care during the pandemic, and although I've always been diligent about taking care of my skin, (even a bit of a skin care junkie, always trying new products) I've learned a lot. I am surely not a dermatologist or aesthetician but think there's some info here that is helpful in taking care of yourself.

Skin changes dramatically as we age, because of how our cells function, or lose function, and is reflected in how we attempt to correct and prevent the damage in our skin care regimens. While office procedures can offer quick fixes ( Botox, fillers, peels, laser treatments and even surgery), the right daily skin care is most important for a fresh and lasting result.

Almost weekly it feels like we hear about new skin care ingredient that will our skin for the better. Some are a lot of hype, but others genuinely make a difference  skin for the better. 

A well-designed skin care regimen should contain the following ingredients:

Retinoids to increase cell turnover and stimulate the specific cells to make collagen. Most Derms consider Retin-A or retinols the gold standard in skin care. For super sensitive skin plant-based alternatives such as Bakuchiol provide comparable results.

Antioxidants to protect against the constant attack on skin cells by environmental issues, smoking and all forms of light. These harmful rays cause oxidation within the cells, which contributes to aging. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with antioxidant properties to protect against free radicals, while reducing sun damage, brightening skin tone and fighting inflammation.*

Hylauronic Acid (HA) is a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin binding to water and collagen to plump you skin and give it a glowy effect. As we age, we lose collagen and HA naturally and skin becomes dehydrated. HA is often found in moisturizers,masks and serums to help increase moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to help gently exfoliate dead skin layers, stimulating skin turnover and assist in better absorption of your products.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens with iron oxides, antioxidants and active mineral ingredients protect against damaging light rays.

Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. They assist in building more collagen which can mean younger-looking, firmer skin. They are naturally occurring in the skin, but are also in some skincare products for a boost.

There is no quick and easy fix to slow down the effects of aging. It takes consistency and commitment. Your skin care regimen is the most important part of your overall anti-aging plan. One of the good things to come out of this pandemic is the philosophy that "less is more". You need just a few good products suited to your individual needs rather than a medicine cabinet-full. Most dermatologists will tell you the keys to a daily routine are cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize and protect.

Finding products that combine several of these ingredients and can do more than 1 thing will help streamline your routine. Finding a line you love and following their own regimen makes life easy (they've done the research and combine the ingredients for you!) Also, if you are watching what you eat to be healthy, you may want to watch what you put on your skin, too. Look for clean, non-toxic ingredients, like those in BeautyCounter www.beautycounter.com/juliemorales1, Naturopatheca, Follain, True Botanicals, Tata Harper and more. Check online for clean skincare or Sephora. Be aware natural, green or organic does not necessarily mean clean. 

Colorscience makes two of my favorite sun protection products that multitask. Face Shield Glow is a tinted moisturizer and/ or primer for a healthy glow. I keep a Sunforgettable  brush in my car to remember to use on my hands when I'm driving or if I'll be outside and need extra protection later in the day. Because it is a powder it does not go bad if left in a hot car.

Taking the time to find the right products to take care of your skin will keep you looking as young on the outside as you feel on the inside! "60 is the new 40" is my mantra. (For my younger readers, starting your routine early will keep you looking ageless and healthy longer) 

*While vitamin C provides sun-protection benefits, it's not a substitute for sunscreen. Apply a moisturizer with an SPF or a separate SPF lotion daily.

Always look forward to hearing your thoughts :)

Beauty Tips for Fall

Just as we look to Fall for changes in our wardrobe each year, we can also explore new beauty trends and skincare routines to help look our best.



NAIL TRENDS
Your regular manicure is an easy and quick way to flaunt the hottest fall trends. On-trend autumn nail colors from creamy nudes to moody blues will update your look without putting a dent in your pocketbook. Look for deep berry shades. Deep, rich, chocolates are stylish and work for most any skin tone. All the cosmetic designers are showing elegant browns. Royal purples from rich plums to sparkly amethyst are a new look. Shiny metallics in golds and silvers are perfect for cocktail and holiday parties. Deep, dark blues are moody and new, but not as goth as black. Classic neutrals -dusty pinks, griege (gray and beige) and nudes are fresh in a matte finish.

Christian Louboutin has created nail color in bottles as outrageous as some of his stilettos. Each $50 bottle is an "object d'art." The story goes that early in his career, the designer famously grabbed some polish from his assistant and painted the sole of a shoe he was working on to make it more vibrant and so his signature was born. Nail polish was the natural next avenue for him. The collection includes" Pops, Nudes, and Noirs" in 30 colors. His red is a perfect match for the orangy-red Louboutin soles and an absolute classic.I understand you can definitely get by with 1 coat so you can stretch that $50 splurge into a lot of wears.

             
            
HAIR TRENDS

A change in seasons is a god time for a hairstyle change or even a tweak,
especially if you've been sporting the same style forever.

Change your part
During Fall 2014 Fashion Week, center parts were all over the runways.
It's sleek and modern, but sometimes a bit severe. A tight ponytail with a center
part is dramatic. For a softer, feminine look pair the center part with soft waves
 or curls.

Ballerina Buns
A bun is always a classic look and it's this seasons's answer to a bad hair day.
Prada's Fall Runway Show featured a traditional, polished top knot.  Use a
smoothing serum to keep this look sleek. Or try a slightly undone, messy look
 from Roberto Cavalli's show. You wear it a little lower on the crown
with loose strands falling down.

Play with Platinum
Platinum tresses are seriously in this season. This hair trend isn't for everyone.
You need to be bold and uber confident and have the right complexion to pull
it off (unless you're a runway model- than anything goes:)  Platinum looks best
on those with cool undertones, (not great on those of us with yellow or golden
undertones) so if you have pink or blue tones in your skin, give it a try and
 let us know if"blondes really do have more fun".

Versatile Lob
The lob, or long bob, is really hot this Fall. It's also the answer to brittle ends
after a summer in the sun. You can trim your hair and still have a healthy,
stylish cut. The versatile lob works with wavy, curly and straight hair. It
typically ends just at or above the shoulders and is cut blunt. Your stylist
can add stacked layers in the back for some movement.

  



SKINCARE

DYI Dermabrasion

This is a quick and easy go-to that people have been using for ages.

All you need is 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. Simply mix together your two ingredients in a bowl until they form a paste. 

On a clean face, gently rub your paste onto your skin using circular motions. Be careful around your eyes. The skin below your eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive. After about 1 minute of scrubbing, rinse off your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply some moisturizer and you are set!

*Tip — If you have extra sensitive skin, strain the natural juices from a fresh cucumber and use as a substitute for water. Cucumber has a naturally soothing effect on your skin.

Radiant Orchid

Pantone Color Institute has named it's color of the year, as it has every year since 2000. The color for 2014 is Radiant Orchid 18-3224, a beautiful blend of fuchsia, pink and purple. "Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and exudes great joy, love and health."     

The Pantone experts travel the globe studying color influences from the entertainment industry, interior decorating, art collections, and even sports events to forecast color directions that are then used in fashion design, interior decorating, graphic design, and packaging. Further, they explore how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions.

Below are some ways you can work the color of the year into your life.




  
Radiant Orchid is a complex color, rosy with undertones that radiate on the skin. It produces a healthy glow with a blend of both cool and warm undertones. Try a pop of orchid color on your eyes, lips, or nails, and in your accessories. It complements most hair, eye and skin colors, making it universally flattering — a must have color to own in your wardrobe.



I don't want to tease you while everyone is experiencing one of the coldest winters ever. It's hard to imagine Spring is just around the corner ( and already in the stores). Watch for more about the newest trends and colors in coming posts.

New Year, New YOU

2014 is just days away. It seems like the perfect time to suggest health fitness and beauty tips.  We are not only getting older, we are getting better and smarter. I don't know anyone over 40 who wants to be 20 again. Yet while we embrace our confidence and experience, we are concerned about looking and feeling our best. So for those of you not ready to go under the knife, I've compiled, what I hope are, some helpful and practical tips.

Fitness

Weight training is just as important as cardio as we get older. We lose muscle mass with age, which in turn causes a loss in strength. A regular routine that combines  a mix of cardio and weight/resistance training will maintain strength, posture and help you sleep better. Using your own body as resistance counts, too. Pilates, yoga, barre classes and TRX are all effective options besides weightlifting.

Exercising more or longer doesn't necessarily help you lose more weight. It's the intensity more than the duration that has the most impact  Adding intervals to your routine boosts your metabolism. Think walk  2 minutes (or one song) jog/run 2 minutes, or one song....

Do something you enjoy not something you think you have to do. You'll stick with it and not resent it. Mix it up. Do a work out with a friend. It's healthier to catch up with someone on a long walk than over lunch. Finding an activity you enjoy regularly beats giving up your nightly glass of wine :)    

Shopping tip- check out Gapfit workout wear for a great fitting, well- priced alternative to Lululemon

Beauty

Skincare is a concern as we age and selecting the right routine to fight aging is essential.

Top priorities are:

• Softening lines and wrinkles - Diligent suncare is a must because older cells are more vulnerable to UV rays. Load on moisturizers using creams and washes with glycerin and ceramides. A vitamin A based retinol product speeds cell turn-over at night.

• Minimizing sagging, boosting volume & moisturizing - Products with peptides increase collagen and repair skin. Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient for plumping and hydrating. Cleansing oils help give back the moisture/oils older skin is no longer producing and adding serums to PM routines is an anti-aging  benefit.

And don't neglect your neck and decollette! Use your creams and moisturizers. The neck is often the first place to show aging, even when you have used sun protection. Neck exercises do work. Try repeating the 5 vowels in an exaggerated manner opening your mouth wide and stretching your neck in front of a mirror.  Also lift your tongue to the roof of your mouth and repeatedly jut your neck forward. Not so pretty but effective.

Beauty buy tip- Dermatologists and beauty editors alike are touting Cerave products - cleansers, moisturizers and body lotions-loaded with ceramides and hyaluronic acid that rival well- known cosmetic lines' products.  Also embraced by the specialists, Olay Professional Pro-X deep wrinkle treatment with retinol. It has it all going on - vitamin B3, peptides and vitamin A (retinol).  Both are available at CVS or Walgreens!  With a mineral sunscreen and a formula spiked with antioxidants, like vitamin C, alpha lipoic and astaxanthin, Perricone MD Photo Plasma with SPF 30 is getting  rave reviews. It makes skin radiant and younger looking while nourishing.

      

Fashion

You don't have to sacrifice fashion and sexy styles for comfort when it comes to shapewear and underwear thanks to Jockey's new lingerie line. You will feel comfortable and confident in Jockey's lacy, smooth and glamorous styles. Their boyshorts look like hanky pankys and "skimmies" or slipshorts are like spanx but in fun colors. Stylist Rachel Zoe counts Jockey's latest additions among her "must haves."  Check out Jockey for chic and stylish undergarments.

Enhance your personal style for the new year  with a 2 hour closet edit, 3 hours of personal shopping and a 2 hour wardrobe styling session for a new you in the New Year. Regularly $525 now $425 if you schedule by January 30, 2014 (but don't have to actually make the app't that month). I can save you time, money and anxiety when it comes to your wardrobe.

Mark your calendars for January 21-February 4 for Etcetera's Spring Collection Show- invitations coming soon

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and stylish New Year!