Hi Lovelies! Lisa from the Four Seasons Maui Resort in Hawaii is back with the answers to your skin care questions (previous post here). I found her answers to be super helpful myself so I hope this new series can help you on your path to better skin for 2012.
One of the best products that Lisa recommended to me last fall was the Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Cleansing Brush ($225) as it works both for your face and body. It's really helped my clogged pores and I find it has worked well for my skin care routine. I use it about three times a week for my face and twice a week in the shower for my body. Yes it's a bit more than the Mia but not by that much. You really aren't going to need to buy this product frequently so why not get the best?! The Clairsonic PLUS has three speeds for the face and a body mode as well. For those of you that don't know, Clairsonic uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just a minute, the micro-massage action removes six times more makeup and twice the dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. You can use your own cleanser with the Clairsonic. (I use Kate Somerville's Gentle Daily Wash.)
Lisa Mascaro of the Four Seasons Maui Spa
And if you ever make it to Maui, you must get a facial with Lisa at the Four Seasons Maui Spa. It's amazing and your skin will thank you for it!
Lisa's skin care answers to your questions are here after the jump! (I also included an edited version of the questions for easy reference.)
Rebecca: My question has to do with what order do you wear your skin products? I have heard that you should wear the most potent product first for example, a serum, then your sunscreen, moisturizer and finally your foundation. I have also read that your sunscreen should be first. I am confused! Is it based on what product line you use? I live in AZ and so sunscreen is a must, but sometimes I feel as if I have way too many products on my face. My other question is there a general rule about when you can rely only on the SPF that is coupled with the moisturizer or foundation? Again, I feel that I always have to a sunscreen on but what if your moisturizer or foundation already has a high SPF in in?
Lisa: Dear Rebecca, You have an excellent question, and each skincare line will give you a different answer. I am going to go with what I do, living in Maui, and have eternal sunshine like you do in Arizona.
I put on my serum, moisturizer, sunscreen then foundation. However, I also love Epicuren’s Extreme cream, it is a 45 sunscreen with a moisturizer in it. I use that under my foundation on a daily basis. That eliminates using two products. You can do this if you are feeling you are using too many products, and use your serum with your night cream in the evenings.
I also have used foundations with spf. To be honest, I like to rely on an actual sunscreen and if the foundation has a sunscreen in it, that is just a bonus. The sun is what ages our skin, and we need to be sure that the sunscreen has UVA AND UVB protection. I am not sure what foundation you are using, but I believe in being very protected from the damage the sun does, so I would double up!
Hope that helps!
Lisa
Jess: I started developing acne in my late 20's with the most severe area affected being my chin. I have been to the dermatologist who just recommended two types of medication and a skin regimen with La Roche products which I can't say really worked (I did not take any medication). I was wondering if you have come across any situations similar to this. The only cause that I can attribute to the acne is stress.
Lisa: Hi Jess, This is a common issue, breakouts in the chin area. Usually the chin area is hormonally related. My philosophy is looking at not only what we put “on” our skin, but how we are living our lives. Our skincare regime is crucial, of course, but so is our lifestyle. The health of our body is connected to our thoughts, our food, stress and skincare.
Couple of things to look at, you mention stress, which is something we all deal with. What are you doing for stress reduction? May I mention yoga or meditation? If that is something you feel comfortable looking at, it can help with stress reduction. If not, then practice some simple breath work.
Takes only five minutes, twice a day. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in through your nose, hold a couple of seconds and release through your mouth. After doing this for a few minutes, you will feel the tension releasing in your shoulders.
The other thing to look at is your diet. Are you drinking enough water? Is your diet including fresh vegetables? There are all sorts of foods that help with healthy skin. Arugula, watercress, blueberries, flax seed (ground) are among the champions for healthy skin.
As for your skincare routine. Are you cleansing your skin twice a day? I would recommend this. I enjoy the Clarisonic Brush which helps to cleanse deep into the pores, removing debris at a deeper level. It also gently exfoliates and tones the skin. It is a marvelous product.
Also, I suggest changing your pillowcases daily when you are in extreme breakouts. Yes I know, it sounds tedious. However I have recommended this for years, and one idea: Put five or six pillowcases on your pillow and remove one every night when you retire. You see, our skin heals itself in the evening, releasing more oil than ever. That oil is now on your pillowcase, and overnight it will become rancid. Then you make your bed, throw the pillow on the floor, or have your little kitties or puppies on your bed and your pillowcase is not so clean. Yes, I know, we never think of those things! That is why you have me to illuminate you as to how your routine can be crucial to healthy skin.
Then, the next night when you go to sleep, after you have thoroughly cleansed your skin and applied your night treatment, you put your clean face on your pillowcase! Yes, the rancid oil is now smooshed against your beautifully clean skin! Yikes! Not a good idea! So if your pillowcase is fresh and clean, you have a better chance on keeping the bacteria off your skin. Does that make sense?
Hope that helps you Jess!
Elisa: I have had Lisa as an esthetician at the Four Season's Maui and she is wonderful!!!!:) My question is I have started having more facial hair and I cannot wax. I break out terribly. I have been tweezing, but get small white pimples after. What can I do? Help! Thank you, Elisa:)
Lisa: Hi Elisa,
Exfoliating the lip area, and prepping it with an antibacterial product, such as tea tree can help to eliminate the breakouts. There is also a product on the market, called the Anser Beam, which has a red/blue light capacity. The blue light aids in helping the skin not to break out and the red light is anti-inflammatory. We use this red light in our facial rooms and have found it to give us great results.
Hope that helps!
Lisa
Chiun: My question is that I am a 31 years old bride-to-be who always trouble with acne, oil and dehydration. In my age that I am concern about anti-aging, but with my sensitive adult acne skin, I am afraid to try products. What kind of skin treatment and care routine should I have to preparing myself for the big day?
Lisa: Hi Chiun, I suggest using a mild, gentle cleanser and two to three times a week, cleansing with the clarisonic brush. Use a toner and an oil free moisturizer. Although you have oily skin, you still require hydration so you must use something to moisturize that dehydrated skin. I would suggest the herbal cleaner by Epicuren, followed by their protein mist. Then I would use the Botanical Elixer which is an oil free moisturizer which will give you the necessary hydration for your skin. Please focus on drinking 8 glasses of water a day, and eating at least two fruits and two vegetables. It is just as important what we put into our body as it is what we put on our face! Also, practice being still and conscious BREATHING at least twice a day for five minutes. Use some aromatherapy with lavender. This will help calm the central nervous system to ease the stress of bridal jitters! Good luck with your wedding!
Erica: Vitamin C - What's the truth? Necessary?
Lisa: Hi Erica, I personally love Vitamin C and use it in my daily skincare routine. I use a serum under my moisturizer. There are many types of Vitamin C on the market. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to nourish the skin. I like the vitamin C in Isun’s product, Ultra Restore and Intense Ultra Restore. (http://isunskincare.com/) Isun is our organic skincare line. Vitamin C is proven to help boost the synthesis of collagen in the skin, helping to reduce the signs of lines and wrinkles, also aiding in the reduction of scars. Vitamin C is fragile, and should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place to keep the potency at the highest level.