The Esthetician Students are Published!

My esthetician students and I collaborated in class and wrote an article about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun, but ALSO enjoying the sun!... I mean we DO live in Santa Barbara and can't deny our beautiful sunshine! The article was featured on Girlfriend Celebrations -- one of my favorite blogs! Read..and then take a long stroll on the beach!

Do I sound like an infomercial?

Lately I have been reviewing many skincare products. It takes time though because not only are there a lot of products to sample, but I like to give my skin a break between each one so I can really see and know what product has which results. It's not an exact science, but it does help being an esthetician -- knowing the purpose of the product, being familiar with ingredients and labels, etc.

When it comes down to it, I have a simple skincare regimen, but if you looked in my bathroom cabinet now, well ... you would see Murad, Obagi, Valmont, Sisley, Rodan and Fields -- cleansers, exfoliators, sunscreens, masks, serums.

In the past several months I have tried products from France, Switzerland, and various skincare lines from the U.S. I am an esthetician and spa writer ... so, yes, I confess, I have a weakness (okay, I'm an addict) for skincare products. My favorites are the exfoliators and treatments/serums. I love trying new products and the first thing I will do is look at the ingredients label -- some of my fave ingredients are DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Here's the honest truth, I don't have just one skincare line that I use; I have favorite products from different lines. And I have many favorite skincare lines, not just one. Depending on your skin TYPE and your individual skin CONCERNS, that will lead you to your favorite products and ingredients.

Some of my random favorites include: Sisley's eye cream, Arcona's serums, Ole's eye make up remover, Youngblood's mineral liquid makeup and Sisley's foundation also, Dermalogica's daily microexfoliant, Valmont's 30 SPF, Rodan and Fields Retinol capsules, Jurlique Rose and Lavendar products .... there are so many wonderful products for all skin types!

Wanna know something though? There are 3 products that I consistently use that work for my skin type and concerns. I have a problem with breakouts in the chin area -- I never had this problem until my late 20's (it's hormones ladies) and the only product (and you know I have tried it all) that keeps my skin clear is Proactiv. For me, it's a combination of the vehicle method of which it is delivered to the skin (mechanical exfoliation) and the ingredient benzoyl peroxide. My skin does not react well to salicylic acid which many acne lines use. I use Proactiv about 3 times a week and I can't argue with the results. Hello $19.99.

The second product that I absolutely love (and every client I have ever recommended to also loves it!) is Skin Eternal Serum, easily bought at ... Lazy Acres or Whole Foods. It contains DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Q10, Vitamin C Ester; it diminishes my fine lines and makes my skin glow. Hello $19.99.

And I also struggle with Melasma (discoloration/pigmentation in the skin) and the most effective product is Obagi Nu Derm with 4% Hydriquinone. I also took the more natural route and tried grapeseed and licorice extract, both which also helped. This one is quite pricey, but the results are amazing. It's available at medical spas.

Lastly, I always wear 30 spf, get a facial once a month and ... if I don't drink a lot of water and eat salmon regularly my skin suffers, so I try to do both in addition to NOT eating inflammatory foods like SUGAR.

For me, the best skincare regimen is quick and simple (if I'm motivated I will throw in an eye and lip cream at night...which will become more of a practice as each year goes by:). My skincare regimen is more about simple, a few favorites and treats to use and sample, a facial once a month and diet. What's your secret?