JUST STEP AWAY FROM THE COUNTER...An Intervention

Have you felt overwhelmed lately with an abundance of suggestions about what you should be doing to be the BEST you?  Take New Year’s Resolutions and add on end-of-year regrets, you are bound to be just a little susceptible to advice that can come with some hefty price tags.

Personally, I have been knee-deep in magazines this past month losing myself in the dreams of spring.  It was hard to miss all the articles telling me what I should be doing to preserve my skin (and great looks), especially now that I am in the age bracket of (ahem) 30-35. 

Among other things, I was told that I should be applying eye cream twice a day, staring to worry about wrinkles and buying expensive anti-wrinkle cream to prevent them along with serums and day-creams.  

Adding a little bit of irony to the mix, my end-of-year stress levels sent my skin back into my teenage hell of breakouts, so I added (on my own accord) an acne regimen from Clinique.  Because I wear makeup, I also use make-up remover before I used my cleanser at night.  Now I need to add anti-aging products, I am barely 30!

It was all too much.  I needed an intervention.  Because of the stress in my life, I decided a trip to the spa was in order, set with a facial.  The facial I chose was a remedy facial at my favorite spa in Philadelphia.   Aside from being super relaxing, I always walk away with helpful information. 

Now a spa technician (no matter how wonderful) is not a dermatologist.  But, we discussed cleansers, stressors, and what I should cut from my regimen.  The technician also applied tea tree oil to calm my skin.  After the facial and a massage, I floated off into the day feeling confident and with a new resolution that I want to share with all of my readers.

You are beautiful.  You do not need a ton of products to bring out that beauty.  Skincare products should be just that...skin care.  They are not anti-aging, miracle-working, fountains of youth. For legal reasons most products now must say that "most users notice a change" not that the products have clinically shown such.  This reinforces the adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which, when you are looking in the mirror, is you. 

Remember, the best thing for your skin is keeping a consistent care regimen.  When you do introduce a new product, do so slowly, giving your skin time to adjust.  But don’t forget, it’s always about the basics: a good cleanser, moisturizer (with SPF), and periodic exfoliation.   Drink plenty of water and always remove your make-up at night. You will save time, money, and probably save (your) face.

CONFESSION (RELAPSE?): I did buy the tea tree oil and apply it occasionally.  Love it.  The smell is just a tad bark-like, which is why I apply it at night about once a week.  I cut out some of the other things though.  I stick with my cleanser, eye cream (winter has been harsh under my eyes), moisturizer, and exfoliation pads twice a week.  When I look in the mirror (and touch my skin), I know I am better off for it.