Worrying about age and its impact on our appearance does not allow us to be present or mindful but rather compares how we look today with how we looked in our youth (the past) or how we fear we will look in the future. I absolutely believe better care of the skin can improve its appearance but I avoid the term anti-aging for this reason. Who wants to be against our very destiny?

The Beauty Sort-Out is 90-minute service that is a makeup application and discussion using your cosmetics and brushes from home with products from my kit, some of which I retail. Brand names that I sell include Lavera, Mineral Hygienics, Glominerals and Blinc. Be introduced to makeup, brushes and techniques that complement what you already have while gaining clarity about what is working and what is not. We all know it doesn't matter where the item was purchased or how much you paid, for that matter. The criteria; does it agree with your skin and serve a purpose toward the greater good of your look?

​I will also cover best practices for preparing the skin with oils, serums and moisturizers and sunscreens, including the order of layering multiple products.
 
This playful interaction will expand your range and address challenges brought on by various skin conditions, including aging, acne and rosacea. I believe that your skin and beauty rituals need adjusting from time to time, just as it is necessary to change your nutrition and ways of moving and exercising the body. Many women are stuck doing what they have always done and can benefit from some tweaking.
 
Enjoy what department and makeup specialty stores do not offer; a clean and beautiful private room, skin care advice from a mature esthetician, and the eye of an artist who holds a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts).
 
Proper technique for washing and caring for makeup brushes is demonstrated on one or more of your brushes, as time permits.
 
Pack your bag and get creative with me!

Retin-A and Renova are both brand names for products with the active ingredient of tretinoin or retinoic acid or vitamin A acid. Generally speaking, Retin-A in its various strengths and forms are used for treating acne and Renova is used to treat fine wrinkles, spotty skin discoloration and rough feeling skin. Because the active is the same though, doctors prescribe them interchangeably sometimes. Renova is often the choice for dryer skin.

Many clients, with a suggestion from a physician, have tried prescription strength retinoids like Retin-A and Renova to mitigate the visible effects of aging only to find themselves not using them. Here are, what I believe to be, the reasons for this:

1.    They experience irritation, called retinoid dermatitis; redness, swelling, breakouts, flaking etc. so they stop before improvement of condition/s can be seen. 

2.    They aren’t getting support on how to use this complex skin care product properly (or they have forgotten) to minimize the irritation and maximize results. No one is looking at their whole skin care routine.

3.    They don’t realize that this has to be ongoing. To get the results, the product has to be used. Stop using the product and the effects are lost.

4.    They are advised to use daily sunscreen or avoid sun and they know they will not.

5.    They realize they can no longer safely do waxing for facial hair removal.

6.    Buying and using such a product does not match their values.

I was surprised to read clinical trial data on Renova recently. 24% of patients saw moderate improvement in Fine Wrinkling (36% saw no improvement), 38% saw moderate improvement in Mottled Hyperpigmentation (35% saw no improvement) and 16% saw moderate improvement in Tactile Skin Roughness (49% saw no improvement). Most improvement in the categories was noted during the first 24 weeks of therapy and maintained thereafter with continued use. Details can be found here. Pretty lack-luster results for an expensive high-maintenance product with un-established safety when used for more than 48 weeks.

If, after consideration, you decide to proceed with one of these products, I suggest a 24 week trial to look for signs of improvement. During the trial, follow these best practices:

I don’t like the term anti-aging. I understand the desire to turn back the clock but we need to be graceful and accepting with some aspects of aging. Resist media messages and sales people that use this fear to sell. Many products simply cannot do the things they claim to be able to do! A balanced life that includes whole food nutrition, ample physical activity, and deep connections with family & friends is key to a beauty that reflects health. Intuitively we know this.

How do I decide what I will use in treatments and retail? It takes me a great deal of time. 
For every hour I have spent with my hands on a client I have logged countless more reading, researching and sampling products. My collaboration with my formulator offers me extra confidence, as she also does her homework and has been at this for 16 years.
 
Yes, there are synthetic ingredients that I avoid but the risks of some of them have been overblown--yet another way fear is used to market to women.
“Natural” is the buzzword of the decade and it is important to know that the term isn’t regulated. I chuckle when I see advertising washed in green knowing that it consists of very commonplace ingredients, synthetics included. “Organic” is a term that is regulated, though commonly used without the proper certification. Many ingredients in my own line have met this distinction. Equally important to me is that they perform well, are affordable to many and their ingredient lists are non-manipulated and honest.

Botanicals can reduce inflammation, irritation & hyperpigmentation, improve tone, stimulate collagen, reduce cellular damage and aid in detoxification. They can address all the concerns that come with aging. They work gently for gradual, dependable, beautiful and sustainable results!