“You don’t want to look like a dried-up raisin”, my grandmother would say to me, and so I say neither do you, right? Care for our skin is usually not practiced until we notice the first little wrinkle or reach a milestone birthday, whichever comes first…. When to start skincare?  I was taught basic skincare when I was thirteen years old.  It was very easy, a facial wash with light moisture formulated for tender teenage skin…  Oh, I know that some people think that you are either born with great skin or not. Whatever the case, we need to take care of the skin we were born with so that it looks good for a lifetime.  For a lifetime, moisture should be our best friend forever! It is the only thing that slows down the aging process. Let me say it again, “the only thing that slows down the aging process is moisture”.

To hydrate the skin from the inside out we need to drink at least eight to nine glasses of water a day. Think about this, what we put inside the body, we will wear on the outside… Give more thought to what you drink and eat. Try to eat healthy foods and drink healthy liquids. Eat fresh fish, fruits and vegetables that are in season, add a few nuts and dry fruits here and there. Eat and drink everything else in moderation. Oh, and yes, skin can be improved just by making a few little changes. We are always improving to be our best, every day, in every way and at every age. So, a skincare regime can start now if you don’t already have one.

The face needs to be moisturized at least twice a day.  In the morning cleanse the skin with a facial cleanser, rinse the skin with a toner (or an astringent) for your particular skin type. Then apply a daytime moisturizer for your skin type before you apply makeup. Whether or not you wear makeup, the skin needs to be cleansed and moisturized. Never apply makeup to skin that has not been cleansed and moisturized first. Take time to find the best products for your skin. They should fit your lifestyle too. For example, if you travel a lot, you might want a quick and easy system such as a cleanser and toner all in one product, and a moisturizer that can be used for both day and night. When I shop around for products for my face, I ask for a five day sample to try first before I buy.

In the evening, do a double up!  Wash your face first to remove makeup and dirt. Wash it again to cleanse the pores. Remove your makeup with a makeup remover and then rinse your face with your toner using cotton balls or cotton pads. I like to use makeup remover cloths to remove my makeup….. Once the skin is clean, apply a night moisturizer, a night cream or a special night treatment (all three can be used in layers but only if the skin requires it). You know your skin is clean when no makeup or residue is on a clean cotton ball or clean cotton pad when it’s rubbed across the face.  Never go to bed without removing your makeup.  In other words, do not sleep in makeup. Skin cells regenerate while we sleep so clean skin is important along with nighttime moisturizing as they work hand-in-hand for best nourished skin results. Clean the ears front and back, clean the neck, throat and chest every night, moisturize too. Since these areas often require special attention there are neck, throat and décolleté creams on the market formulated especially for below the chin skin…..  Try to treat yourself to a facial at least once a month or as often as you can.

For the body, try a nourishing moisturizing body lotion or a body oil if your skin is dry. I use a body cream and an oil twice a day. Once after my morning shower and again in the evening after my bath before bedtime.

Okay girlfriends, some of you have asked me to share products that I use.  Long story short, I have used many products over the years.  Currently, L’Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Cream and their Age Perfect Eye Renewal are my go-to daytime moisturizes….. For my sun spots, I use Vantex by Fashion Fair…. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are the best that I have found for removing my makeup……  TaTa Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum, Boosted Contouring Serum and Restorative Eye Cream are my nighttime moisturizers, a little of this stuff goes a long way….  My go-to facial is Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Intense Wrinkle Sheet Mask, it comes in a six pack. My daughter gifted me two six packs, now it’s a habit I do not want to break. This mask is great to do just before a special occasion or a special night out on the town……  For the body, it is Jo Malone’s Bath Oils and his Vitamin E Body Balm, luscious….  In the winter, I sometimes use extra light virgin olive oil on my dryer skin areas….  I love to take salt baths, I keep it simple with Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt and my bubbles are by Deep Steep….  For my morning shower, I enjoy St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash. The fresh clean scent of this body wash reminds me of early country mornings after a rainstorm….  For my body’s health, I have a body massage with acupuncture by Melinda Wiggins across the Bay in Albany. She has healing hands, check her out!

Now you know, what I know.  Your skin can look its best for a lifetime! Take good care of “you” first ladies. It makes everything else that you do more exceptional.

Be bold and bloom.  SuperSelf with Zalise.