Skincare...not just for the Elite!
It's amazing to think that after all of these years, there are those who think that a facial or skincare service is either a novelty or just something for those who are vain, elite or used to "such luxuries".
In our culture, we are told that we are supposed to look a certain way in order to be beautiful. Then there are those who have Nana's or Dad's who remind us "we are beautiful exactly as we are." Sadly, some are chastised for caring too much about how we appear, or shamed for not caring enough. In our culture, we are told that we are supposed to look a certain way in order to be beautiful. We are told that we are beautiful exactly as we are. We are shamed for caring about how we look, and shamed for not caring enough.
Beauty is often criticized as a feminist issue. But is it really?
Women and girls of all colors and creeds are the target market in a gigantic, multi- billion- dollar, worldwide, ad-campaign from an unregulated industry that preys on and profits from our deepest insecurities about our bodies. The true sense of "beauty" has been hijacked by multi-national cosmetics companies led mostly by rich white men advertising their wares as "Dermatologist tested" or "Acne-Clearing".
It's true, women are far more worried about their appearance then men. But as long as their is the opposite sex and the need to impress the opposite sex, then as one of my male clients put it " This shit will always mess with our minds." Let me just sy that Men are just as worried about wrinkles as women are!
Skincare Saavy
My clients know there are five (5) main MUST DO's for proper skincare. They are:
Cleanse
Exfoliate
Lubricate
Sunscreen
Don't Over Do It!
Most Consumers are baffled by the range of products available and don’t know where to begin. Sadly, thats pretty common. Cleansing > Choose a nourishing water-soluble cleanser and use morning and evening with a vibrating cleansing gadget such as a Clarisonic is perfect for cleansings. This simple change can make a big difference to your skin in just two weeks.
Exfoliating > Would you believe baking soda is the most affordable thing to buy when it comes to pruchasing exfoliant? A hand-full mixed with water and used as a facial scrub balances pH and exfoliates gently.
Lubricating > Many people think this is all in their moisturizer and sunscreens. But wait, Serums applied BEFORE the application of mositurizers and sunscreens acts as a "primer". Please consult with your skincare professional to be assured you are getting the proper product ingredients.
Sunscreen> I dont care where you are in the world, the moisturizer in your makeup or aftershave cream isnt enough to save you from UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The sunscreen I recommend contains a 13.5% Zinc Oxide base! Broadband Protection is what to look for.
Don't Over Do It! > I LOATHE the companies that hard sell products that "clear acne", promise anti-aging effects and so on. The reason why a visit to my offices is so beneficial is that we take a look into all aspects of care. Diet, Care, what you are doing at home as well as the combined advice of your PCP and Dermatologist. A lot of people have a lot of advice including the cosmetic companies. Mine is Don't Over Do It!
If you’re using the wrong products for your skin type the chances are your complexion will look dry, dull and lack-lustre. Having a skin consultation with me will assure you that I am trained in understanding skin. This will also disprove the advice of cosmetic companies that everyone is categorized into 3 types of skin. (Dry, Combo and Oily!) In the end, systematic care rendered by a trained professional trumps any label on any product.
