The other day on TV I saw save vs. splurge beauty product comparisons on the NBC Today Show. This sort of information I try to store in the back of my head untill I am out searching for a certain item I think I “need” at that moment.  So, there I was in Walgreens yesterday and there in front of me was the Caress Evenly Gorgeous exfoliating body wash. What is so special about this body wash is it contains actual brown sugar to slough away dead skin cells, just like FRESH Brown Sugar scrub. Only difference , the price is a mere fraction of FRESH! I love you FRESH but in these tough economic times and with this diamond of a find, why would you pay more? Caress Evenly Gorgeous also smells delicious, so you aren’t deprived of the yummy scent of brown sugar that you get in the more expensive scrub.

What I am craving right now is a serious exfoliation of my face. Now, I am a huge advocate for daily exfoliation with scrubs, and or acids but, every now and then I need to make an appointment and get a Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel. 

Although, the kits available today for at home microdermabrasion are wonderful, they don’t quite get as deep as a MDA at a clinical spa. Microdermabrasion machines combine suction with mechanical exfoliation. This stimulates blood circulation and removes the top layers of dead skin, enabling your skin cells to renew themselves.

Chemical peels come in many different strengths, and types, and should be discussed with your esthetician as to which is best suited for your skin type. In most cases chemical peels go a bit deeper than microdermabrasion, in cell exfoliation. Also, depending on the strength of the peel you can create a combination package of MDA’s and Chemical peels, rotating as close to a week apart, to achieve more noticeable results. 

What is even better about going in and leaving with smooth, clear skin, is that these treatments cost the same or less than traditional facials. And there is no guessing as to whether or not the facial you just received actually did anything, it’s guaranteed.  So, check it out next time your skin is feeling drab and needs a pick me up.

As the temperature starts to cool down outside, temperatures inside start to rise.  This can make your skin start to become dry and flaky. Once your climate changes so should your skin care regimen.

1. Start by getting yourself an exfoliating cleanser, one with a synthetic bead that will be gentle enough to remove dead skin cells without scratching the skins surface. Use only once a day, one time per week for sensitive skin, every-other for normal.
2. Apply vitamin C, or other Antioxidant cream.
3. Apply moisturizer. Try to use one that does not contain alcohol, or a lot of ingredients you can not pronounce, and have no idea what they are.
4. Don’t forget SPF!

This regimen I recommend using year round. Just remember the more you exfoliate the more your healthy skin is exposed to free-radical damage and harmful rays. So, don’t forget to add an antioxidant and SPF to your daily skin regime, as well as exfoliating regularly.

Healthy skin = more beautiful skin!