Put Your Best Face Forward

  

Your face, it's the first thing you see when you look in the mirror every morning and the first thing others see when they look at you.  When your skin is clear and glowing, it instantly makes you a happier and more confident person. Not to say that you are vain, but it's true, and it's ok.  Fact is, that if you look and feel healthy, you exude a confidence that is contagious.  That smile that you will carry around with you will inspire others to smile and will make them view you in a pleasant way.  So embrace the power of your face and treat it right, morning and night.

  Being the daughter of a  dermatologist, skincare has been integrated in my life for as long as I can remember.  Whether it was fighting the sun, acne, or aging, I have always been aware of the latest and greatest products available.  One thing that is for sure, is that no matter what your issue may be, there is always a solution. The best part is that you don't have to spend a fortune to make it happen! Below I'm providing you with a list of budget friendly options for acne prone, aging, and sensitive skin.

 Acne Prone: Have no fear you will be clear

BEYOND CLEAR is a great new line for acne prone skin.  Actually it is what I have been personally using for about 6 months now.  Although my acne has never been that bad, I was still victim to the occasional frustrating break out.  Being a makeup artist, I was lucky that I could cover it up, but now I don't have to! My skin is looking and feeling fantastic. This is a 3 step system that is easy and effective.  

Step 1 is called Pure, which is a purifying cleanser that clears and prevents breakouts. It has Salicylic Acid and fruit enzymes that unclog pores and regulate cell turnover, and glycerin which strengthens the skin's moisture barrier. It makes your skin fresh and clean without feeling overly tight and stripped of moisture.

Step 2 is called Clear, which is a foam delivery system that has a super potent 4.25% benzoyl peroxide to eliminate that nasty bacteria that causes acne. It being a foam actually eliminates the irritation that is commonly associated with benzoyl peroxide.  Also the anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe, comfrey and chamomile strengthen the moisture barrier and create a soothing effect.  You only need to apply a small amount of this, a little goes a long way with the foam.  

Step 3 is called Healthy, I am obsessed with how this feels on my face. This antioxidant, nutrient rich serum repairs and strengthens, reduces pore size, evens skin tone, and reveals a brighter more refined complexion. It contains Retinol which regulates cell turnover, Niacinamide which exfoliates and targets acne and a unique blend of fruit seed extracts to provide the antioxidant protection power and nutrients to promote healthier skin all together. 

What makes me so excited about this product is that even though it is marketed as an anti acne solution, it can work for all skin types.  For someone like me who is dealing with a combination of somewhat sensitive skin, occasional breakouts and in need of anti aging, this comes in as a big winner.  Since they have blended in so many soothing and moisturizing properties you get the clearing benefits without stripping your skin which would be horrible for both aging and sensitive skin. To top it off it happens to be very affordable.  You can get the whole system for $29.95, learn more at: 

www.beyondclearskin.com

Aging: Make it right and keep it tight

One company that understands and meets their client's demand to have youthful & beautiful skin is OLAY. They are in a class by themselves when in comes to making truly effective skincare affordable and accessible.  Two lines by them that I highly recommend are OLAY REGENERIST and OLAY PRO X.  They have had the best of the best in doctors and scientists working on these products, making sure that they perform as promised.  Using many of the same ingredients that their much pricier competitors offer, they respect the average consumers needs and provide top of the line products for the babe on a budget.

A great way to get started with their Pro X Anti Aging line is with this Starter Kit : http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/OlayPro-X/anti-aging-skin-regimen?pid=075609027048

In addition to that kit you may want to get their Advanced Cleansing System which will accelerate  your results by stimulating and exfoliating your skin to properly prepare it for the the treatments you apply next. 

 http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/OlayPro-X/facial-cleansers 

I use and absolutely LOVE this Advanced Cleansing System tool! You may recognize that it resembles a tool that Clarisonic offers for around $200. But why would you spend that when you can get this one for $25?! (prices may slightly vary depending on retailer) 

As for the Regenerist line, there are tons of products to choose from, you can learn more here: http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/Anti-Aging

But one new product that they came out with that I'm particularly excited about is the Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum, it's fragrance free and the super concentrated amino-peptite + B3 complex penetrates the skin to deliver firmer skin within 5 days! 

Sensitive Skin: Find your power delicate flower

Sensitive skin can be a very frustrating dilemma, it can seem like absolutely everything either makes your skin red or sting or itch or break out. Thankfully the people at LA ROCHE POSAY have seen this problem and decided to do something about it.  They have put together a Sensitive Skin product line that provides a product for every need. Whether you need to cleanse, tone, soothe, correct, moisturize, or protect, they have you covered with a gentle solution.
To give you an idea of how gentle, The Physiological Cleansing Gel uses a cleansing ingredient called Poloxamer, which is so mild that it is actually used in contact lens solutions. Yet it still effectively removes impurities while keeping the skin's natural balance of hydration. You can access and learn more about these products here:
http://www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/Consumer/Catalog/ByType/Sensitive.aspx?

Although the Posay products are quite reasonable, it may be more of an investment than some of you are ready to make. So in that case I recommend a drugstore brand called YES TO CUCUMBERS! This is a full line of sensitive skin friendly products at a very affordable price point.  My absolute favorite product from them is their cleansing wipes, I use them daily to take of my makeup and my clients makeup.  It's really the only wipe I have come across that really gets everything off and doesn't sting around my eyes.  Learn more and access the line here:
http://www.yestocarrots.com/category/soothing-/-sensitive-skin?category_id=0000004

Protect & Respect

Lastly I want to make sure that absolutely each and every one of you knows to protect your skin every day from the suns harmful rays! If you don't you are disrespecting yourself and doing more harm to your body than you can imagine.  With all the knowledge and endless options for sun protection now there is no excuse! It doesn't matter what your skin type is or if you're going to be outside all day, you still are exposed even when you are in the car.  The only time you should be without suncreen is when that sun goes down... all the way down.  If you are young and you start this simple habit now you will be thanking me later. If you are fair, learn to embrace your porcelain beauty, you would be surprised how many people are envious of your snow white glow. But if you still love the look of a tan, get a bronzer! I  get it, I live in Miami, I have more self tanning products, bronzing powders and lotions than one person ever should, but underneath all that my skin is staying healthy and strong.  So show your skin a little respect, and don't forget to protect!

Personal Favorite Sun Protection Options:

Suntegrity Skincare: All natural, great for sensitive skin

http://www.suntegrityskincare.com/

La Roche Posay: The Anthelios line as the best overall protection from the sun. They also offer light weight formulas that are good for acne prone/ oily skin.

http://www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/search/results.aspx?SearchKeywords=anthelios