System: Skin Care

I'm starting a new category of posts called "Systems" because these are little things I've figured out. Feel free to add if improvements can be made.

So, skin. It's the first thing that people see. Mom likes to point out all the time how none of her children have her beautiful, clear skin and how she's never had a zit in her life. Yes, mom. We all take after my father in a number of ways and skin is one of them. Very oily, prone to breakouts and lots of clogged pores. The good news is we won't wrinkle.

Some of my friends had the fortune (they may not admit it and I'm sure it was torture at the time) to have been taken to the dermatologist and shown proper skin care. I wasn't able to get around to that until I started working. I now have a dream team. My facialist Dana is AMAZING and should take all the credit for getting me where I am today. Prior to this whole budget yuckiness, I would go the week after my periods to clean up all that period break out nastiness. Now, I go every other month (boo). I have a Bioelements acne facial package at Glow Skin Spa (http://glowskinspa.com/). Smoother skin, clean pores, and really fun girls chat time.
She has taught me everything. I use the Bioelements line at home, this awesome chemical exfoliant called Transport Pads (chemical exfoliants are BETTER than manual exfoliants) and the Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash. A chemical exfoliant uses chemicals to breakdown dead skin and gross stuff. A manual exfoliant (think scrubbing beads or apricot seeds which are really walnuts) only takes away a superficial layer (not completely) and even worse, irritates the skin causing it to make MORE oil to be trapped under that layer of yuck that didn't come off. Bad. I'm also super paranoid about aging (that may backfire if I look too young to get promoted) and LOVE the Bioelements Probotix Anti-Aging Serum. Note, it is really important to have a professional check you out because certain products are only good for certain skin types. For example, most anti-aging stuff have a lot of grease in them but since I'm already greasy and need hydration and not oil, Bioelements Beyond Hydration moisturizer (like a jelly!) and the Anti-Aging Serum are super.

Dana also referred me to Dr. Day (yes, her name is DORIS DAY) (http://www.myclearskin.com/) whom you've probably seen on television or in Elle magazine (she reviews the beauty products). I see her about every year or so and she is the epitome of professionalism and efficiency. She whizzes in with her laptop, scans you like an eagle, types everything in and even points out where you've gotten a new birth mark. I get benzoyl peroxide pads that I use when I'm in the shower. Phenomenal.

So, wash face at least twice a day, every day and especially after working out, getting dirty, etc. In the AM: face wash, peroxide pad if in the shower, Bioelements Breakout Control, Bioelements Beyond Hydration moisturizer, lip balm with SPF (I love Alba). At night, face wash, Transport Pads, anti-aging, breakout control, moisturizer, lip balm. Once a week, Bioelements Amino Mask (so awesome for overnight spot treatment, too).

I try to use vegetarian products that have not been tested on animals, organic, and free of alcohol, parabens and laurel sulfates.

Favorite body lotion: Alba Cocoa Butter (http://www.drugstore.com/). M uses the Kukui Nut Body Cream - it smells so delicious. M: you like it because it makes me smell like food!
Favorite body wash/ all over soap: Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Pure Castille Soap