Skincare

My great grandma told my grandma (who tells me constantly today), "you only have one face, take care of it". Many teens and adults alike would say that their skin is the feature they would most likely want to improve, and most people treat concealer as a necessity. If you take a few simple steps each day to take care of your skin, it can really improve.

1. Go to a dermatologist. They can assess your skin and tell you what you need to be focusing on to improve. They can also perscribe medication (the MUCH smarter and effective alternative to putting toothpaste on a zit) to help with acne or other skin problems you might be facing.

2. Make sure you are using good products. I have tried a ton of face cleansers and the one I swear by is Mario Badescu.  Their facials are the only ones that don't make me break out. Each product is designed for a certain skin type and to help a certain problem. If you have oily skin, go for something oil free with glycolic acid. If you have sensitive skin, get something less harsh and probably without the glycolic acid. Get the right products for your skin (dermatologist can help - see step 1) and make sure they are good quality because anything less can damage or irritate your skin.

3. Make sure you follow a strict routine! I can't stress this enough to you! Say you come home after a party and you're wearing makeup but you're tired so you don't wash your face - Not going to work!!! Even everyday makeup gets inside pores and clogs them, so you have to wash your face every morning and night to clean not only your pores but also any other dirt that is on your face at the end of the day. I use the seaweed cleanser every day and the glycolic cleanser 2-3 times a week, followed by the Aloe lotion, which is a toner, and moisturizer. Sounds like a lot, right? It really isn't, and sticking to it every day helps your skin so much - you don't even understand. Then, every Monday is "Mask Monday" where I use a mask to help further cleanse and detoxify my skin, instead of getting more pricey facials frequently. Moisturize day and night! It won't make your skin oily if you use a FACE moisturizer - don't just put what you put on your legs on your face - and remedys dryness. It's best to choose one with an SPF, so you get the extra bonus of protection from the sun.

Over the summer I had really problem skin, and when I discovered Mario Badescu (seriously guys, try it. It's so amazing - and I'm not the only one who thinks so! In the lobby of their NY spa there is pictures of tons of celebrities who owe them their skin!) and stuck to my strict routine, my skin instantly cleared up. Wearing makeup every day worsens the problem - letting your pores breathe seriously makes a difference. A person's skin is the first thing someone notices, so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.