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I get asked a lot of great questions every day so I thought I you might like the answers as well. Here are a few of the more frequently asked questions.

1. What is the most important step in my skin care routine.

I believe that cleansing with a product appropriate for your skin type is the most important part of a daily skin care routine. If you are wearing make-up, it is essential to cleanse once to remove the make-up and again to cleanse the skin itself. Take your time to gently but thoroughly work the cleanser into the pours with just your fingertips to remove dead skin, oil, dirt and make-up and then follow up with a good rinse. Cleansing the skin helps to remove debris full of free radicals that can age your skin if left on the surface. A nice gentle massage of the skin during the cleanse also helps to relax facial muscles and reduces the look of wrinkles! Follow up with an appropriate serum or hydrator.

2. Are moisturizers really necessary?

Yes, in most cases, even with oily skin, a hydrating product is necessary for healthy skin. Your skin needs both water and oil in balance to function properly and be healthy. Don't be afraid to use an appropriate cream or serum for your skin.

On a side note: The word "moisturizer" is actually incorrect when describing most skin care creams on the market. Most creams sit on the surface of the skin to prevent water loss but add little to no hydrating benefit. A good serum or hydrating cream that contains a humectant like hyaluranic acid or aloe vera is a good choice. Avoid products containing mineral oil..it can not penetrate the skin nor attract moisture to it and leaves a film on the surface that can encourage the growth of acne bacteria and "trick" the skin into a false sense of hydration leaving it drier in the long run.

3. I have oily skin, should I use oil free products?

  Yes and no. You hate that don't you? I understand. It can be confusing. Where make-up is concerned this may be an issue of trial and error. However if you are using a mattifying hydrating fluid on your skin it MAY interfere with the oil blockers in your base make-up and create a blotchy effect. Ask your make-up counter if this is something you need to watch with your product.

  As far as skin care goes I would tell you to stay away from oils like mineral oil and coconut/palm oils in your products. These oils do not work well with oily and/or acneic skin types. On the other hand, oils such as jojoba and shea are wonderful for oily skin and may actually help dissolve oil plugs in the pores. Jojoba oil is the most similar to our skins own oil and is wonderful for all skin types. Essential oils are not actually "oil" but extracts so you don't have to worry about those in your skin care products. Good essential oils for oily skin are clary sage, tea tree, geranium, grapefruit and lavender.

4. Does nutrition really make a difference in your skin health?

  In my opinion, yes! Without a doubt! Dr. Nicholas Perricone wrote several books on healthy skin and aging from the viewpoint of nutrition. Healthy aging foods are those high in Essential Fatty Acids or EFA's (nuts,seeds, and oily fish,), polyphenols (Bright colored fruits, veggies and berries, green tea), good quality proteins (fish, legumes, tofu) along with plenty of good filtered water. This all adds up to an anti-inflammatory diet. Inflammation is the root of all disease and aging regardless of the source. Food is a major contributor to inflammation and lessening your inflammatory response with a good diet is essential for achieving and maintaining healthy skin as well as a healthy body.

  There are also certain skin conditions such as rosacea that respond very well to an anti-inflammatory diet as well as avoidance of stimulants (also inflammatory) like coffee, chocolate, hot beverages and soup, peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits and alcohol.

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All of these questions and more can be addressed in your pre- facial or reflexology consultation where I will be more than happy to offer more specific advice for your needs. Book an appointment and lets talk about it.

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