Now you can receive greater results from your facials

Please do not use Kleenex to wipe your face; that is like rubbing your face with a tree, since it is made from wood. A big no-no!)

by Linda Leibl — 

Are you older than 30 and frustrated with your adult acne, oily complexion and large pores? Do you still get ugly, irritating breakouts and blemishes? Are you starting to see little brown spots and fine lines when you smile?

More than half my new clients have oily skin and/or their skin is not as glowing, smooth and radiant as it was when they were younger, and they are quite unhappy about it. Some have an oily complexion by noon, their makeup needs to be reapplied by 1 p.m., and four hours later they feel like they need to wipe their face with Kleenex, again. (Please do not use Kleenex to wipe your face; that is like rubbing your face with a tree, since it is made from wood. A big no-no!)

You may also resemble many of my clients who have purchased product after product, some of which seemed to help for a while — but six months later, they are still dissatisfied with their complexions. You may have large, visible pores on your nose and chin areas, not to mention a greasy forehead. The pimples are endless and get worse with every monthly cycle. The pits and scarring have been there way too long. If you have oily skin, you may have asked, “Is there anyone out there who can help?

Mary’s story may be similar to yours. She is nearly 40 and has had oily skin since her teens. She also has noticed that the scarring has not reduced; in fact, it seems to be worse lately. Mary also has noticed fine lines beginning to appear around her eyes.

With a stressful job, two teenage daughters and a marriage making demands on her time and energy, her lifestyle is now totally different than when she was a teenager. Over the years, Mary has spent lots of time and money trying a bevy of different products, and seeing several professional aestheticians. She was looking for someone who had more than 15 years’ experience and a reputation for getting results quickly.

Mary was referred by a friend, and also brought her daughter, Stephanie, for acne treatment. Stephanie, who is in her teens and very active with sports and school activities, had acetic skin on her face and back.

During our consultation, Stephanie explained that she is in the process of reducing her sugar, chocolate, carbonated soda, dairy and wheat intake. I suggested that she drink more water and accelerate her exercise program, along with drinking a detox tea and setting the focused intention of creating a much healthier lifestyle. I also suggested that she use a cleanser free of polyglycol, sodium laurel sulfate, wax, fatty acids or additives, along with a soft scrub containing no nutshells, which can scratch the skin.

She had been using an astringent containing alcohol, which dries the skin but does not treat the problem. While alcohol may seem to help control problematic skin, it does not clear up the breakouts and pimples; it just dries out the skin. I had Stephanie switch to an oil-free moisturizer with mineral water and lavender, rather than mineral oil and squalene.

Both mother and daughter were anxious to get real results as quickly as possible. They were curious about my new “4-in-1” facial that offers four times the results of a European facial and is the only one of its kind offered in Arizona. This facial is similar to one that was featured on the Oprah show.

After receiving a series of therapeutic, results-oriented 4-in-1 facials and following my rejuvenation program, both Stephanie and Mary are overjoyed with their new skin and healthy lifestyles. Mary lost 12 pounds while she was on my new “Figure 8” weight management program, which improved her eating habits tremendously. Now, her friends are all asking about her new look. She looks 10 years younger and they want to know how to accomplish the same results.

Carol, another client who is past 40, has an interesting story. She had enlarged pores on her nose and cheeks, with combination skin, sun damage (brown spots), fine little lines around her eyes and creases starting on her neck. At her free consultation, I told her I had helped hundreds of clients with similar skin concerns and, as always, would do my best to help her. She was very open to new information that would help her transform her skin and get the results she has always wanted.

After one “4-in-1” facial treatment, Carol’s skin started to respond and she noticed a big difference in her complexion. Three days after her treatment, she was receiving many compliments and was anxious to receive her next “4-in-1” facial treatment.

Tips and tricks for healthy skin

• Always read the labels. All products you use should be botanically based, pH correct, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and formulated without animal products or byproducts, mineral oil, dyes or chemical fragrances.
• Protect your skin. Every day we are exposed to car exhaust, environmental debris, desert dust and more. Use a foundation base to protect your skin.
• Cleanse your face. Wash your face in the morning, the evening and immediately after your workouts. Do not work out while wearing makeup.
• Try not to pick at your face. Our fingers and fingernails are covered with bacteria that cause further skin problems.
• Use oil-free products on oily skin. A gentle exfoliating scrub and cellulose sponge are best for cleaning your face and reducing dirt in your pores.
• Never sleep with your makeup on. This is a biggie. It will age you more quickly than anything else.
• Clean your keyboards and phones with an alcohol wipe weekly. The dust and bacteria that may build up into a big pimple when you touch your face after using them.

Linda L. Leibl, B.S., has been a clinical aesthetician since 1986 and founded Advanced Skin Technology in 1993 in Scottsdale, Ariz. She recently created the MicroDerm Plus, “4-in-1” facial, and offers facial sculpturing. www.mybeautifulskin.com, [email protected] or  480-443-3445.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 6, December 2006/January 2007.