I thought this article was very interesting especially the last paragraph about how to avoid a double chin.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Exfoliation Season
By ELLEN BYRON
December 6, 2007; Page D8
In addition to keeping the faces of celebrities such as Madonna, Kate Winslet and Susan Sarandon looking radiant, New York-based skin-care expert Tracie Martyn must keep her own skin aglow, a particularly difficult task during the winter months.
Healthy, glowing skin is a critical asset in her business, putting her skills on display, says Ms. Martyn.
During the winter, Ms. Martyn exfoliates more often -- about three times a week -- to get rid of dead skin. That allows the skin to easily absorb moisturizer, preventing dryness, she says. "I think people can make the mistake of buying very expensive, heavy creams, thinking their skin is dry, when really they just need to exfoliate," says Ms. Martyn.
She prefers exfoliating products with fruit enzymes, such as papaya and pineapple, because they feel gentler than other exfoliants on her sensitive skin, Ms. Martyn says. After leaving them on for about 10 minutes, she takes them off in the shower. "I do it in the morning because I want to look good all day," she says. After exfoliating, she always follows up with a moisturizer.
Application techniques matter, Ms. Martyn says. When applying products to her face, she uses upward strokes; if you're pulling down "every day over a period of several years, it makes a difference," she says.
As the weather grows colder, Ms. Martyn begins sleeping with a humidifier in her bedroom. "As soon as you feel that really dry air happening, that's when you need to use it," she says, adding that she advises clients to use them in their offices during the day, too.
Despite frigid temperatures, the sun can still damage the skin in the winter, so Ms. Martyn continues to apply sunblock every day, and when headed out during especially cold weather, she applies extra moisturizer before covering up as completely as possible with a scarf.
With holiday parties in full swing, Ms. Martyn advises clients to drink only in moderation, as alcohol takes a toll on skin.
Beauty sleep helps, too: Ms. Martyn says she has learned to sleep flat on her back, keeping a pillow on either side of her face -- a trick, she says, to help her avoid getting a double chin. "I can tell if my clients use pillows by looking at their chins," she says.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Exfoliation Season
By ELLEN BYRON
December 6, 2007; Page D8
In addition to keeping the faces of celebrities such as Madonna, Kate Winslet and Susan Sarandon looking radiant, New York-based skin-care expert Tracie Martyn must keep her own skin aglow, a particularly difficult task during the winter months.
Healthy, glowing skin is a critical asset in her business, putting her skills on display, says Ms. Martyn.
During the winter, Ms. Martyn exfoliates more often -- about three times a week -- to get rid of dead skin. That allows the skin to easily absorb moisturizer, preventing dryness, she says. "I think people can make the mistake of buying very expensive, heavy creams, thinking their skin is dry, when really they just need to exfoliate," says Ms. Martyn.
She prefers exfoliating products with fruit enzymes, such as papaya and pineapple, because they feel gentler than other exfoliants on her sensitive skin, Ms. Martyn says. After leaving them on for about 10 minutes, she takes them off in the shower. "I do it in the morning because I want to look good all day," she says. After exfoliating, she always follows up with a moisturizer.
Application techniques matter, Ms. Martyn says. When applying products to her face, she uses upward strokes; if you're pulling down "every day over a period of several years, it makes a difference," she says.
As the weather grows colder, Ms. Martyn begins sleeping with a humidifier in her bedroom. "As soon as you feel that really dry air happening, that's when you need to use it," she says, adding that she advises clients to use them in their offices during the day, too.
Despite frigid temperatures, the sun can still damage the skin in the winter, so Ms. Martyn continues to apply sunblock every day, and when headed out during especially cold weather, she applies extra moisturizer before covering up as completely as possible with a scarf.
With holiday parties in full swing, Ms. Martyn advises clients to drink only in moderation, as alcohol takes a toll on skin.
Beauty sleep helps, too: Ms. Martyn says she has learned to sleep flat on her back, keeping a pillow on either side of her face -- a trick, she says, to help her avoid getting a double chin. "I can tell if my clients use pillows by looking at their chins," she says.
