Looking Good While Doing Good...

My first thought on walking out of the Salon on a warm recent Wednesday evening was,"How have I not shared this on LinkedIn before?"

It all begins from within. Water....water...and more water! on your face and in your body. H20 is the number one beauty treatment favored by every age. You cannot create beauty without starting with a clean palette. Women all around the world spend twice as much time and money on their skin than any other women in the world.

Cleanse: The first rule of beauty is to stop over cleaning it. This is an unnecessary habit practiced by many, especially true of women. Unless you spend all day working on cars (so sorry if you do), your face is not dirty. Your morning routine should be nothing more than rejuvenating last nights moisturizer with a splash of warm water or milk. Why milk? Milk is a lactic acid and will allow your skin to absorb the natural acid as treatment.

Tone: Use a skin toner that suits your skin type and does not disturb the skins delicate pH balance. Choose a gentle toning lotion containing natural botanical agents rather than one with harsh chemicals. You may be surprised at how much more dirt will be removed with a cotton pad and toner that had been missed with the cleanser. The main purpose of using a toner is to remove residue, soap, moisturizer, and oil.

Moisturize: Don't forget the moisturizer! Your skin needs to be replenished every night after a day of exposure to the elements and wearing make-up. Don't forget your lips and eye area using a very light product. Good basic moisturizers can be found in any drugstore. Just read the labels and do your research.

If you are looking to downsize your routine, consult a professional, discuss your budget, concerns, and what you are looking for. They can recommend the best products for your particular skin and concerns. What works for me might not work for you.

Sometimes the above steps are just not enough. Blemishes and dry skin may need some extra attention and/or exfoliation. There are lots of products available and I talk about some on my blog in the ask Eric section but ultimately, it’s what you are happy with and works best for you. Make-up and skin prep is a very personal thing.

Now that you’re dirt free, we move on!

Tip: If you don't already have them, you will need to buy a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, exfoliant, cotton pads & a face mask.

Lastly,Try to develop a habit of giving your face an ice cold facial first thing in the morning. In addition to reducing wrinkles and minimizing large pores, this will leave your skin feeling refreshed and glowing all day long.