Skin Care Tips, Notes & More

Looking and feeling your best begins with sound beauty and relaxation practices. If you think visiting a day spa or having a beauty treatment is a luxury designed for other women, think again. Many people are finding they think better, get more done and feel great once they start taking care of themselves with a little pampering.

Let’s face it - looks matter. They’re important when it comes to making that all-important first impression whether interviewing for a new job or meeting your future in-laws for the first time. More importantly, looking your best influences your self confidence. You’re likely to perform better because you believe in yourself.

Anti-Aging Skin Care

Keeping your skin moist, firm and wrinkle-free is one way to look great. Most women think about implementing an anti aging program only when they begin to see those dreaded signs of aging - the onset of fine lines and wrinkles, increased dryness in the skin and maybe even some weight gain or the development of a double chin.

Well, it doesn’t have to be that way if you take steps when you’re younger to prevent premature aging. Start as soon as possible - like right now if you haven’t already - and decide that you’ll cleanse your face morning and night with a facial cleanser designed for your skin type. Also use moisturizers and other products to enhance or correct you current skin situation. This will be different for everyone so if you’re unsure or have a particular skin problem, have a visit with your dermatologist for specific guidance.

Stay Lean And Minimize Cellulite

By getting or staying in shape and keeping your body fat percentage at an acceptable level, you’ll reduce your chances of health complications as you get older. On a purely cosmetic level, you’ll lessen the effect of cellulite dimpling on the skin that often makes women lose confidence in themselves. While a minimal amount of skin irregularity is usually not of much consequence, severe cases due to genetics or excess fat can cause quite a bit of distress.

Because everyone responds differently and there are various reasons certain people develop the condition, cellulite reduction will vary from person to person. Many opt for natural remedies combined with diet and exercise and usually see good results. Because the condition is typically not medically threatening, cosmetic surgery and invasive procedures are not recommended by many experts.

Whether your beauty issue is related to reducing cellulite, getting rid of wrinkles or simply enjoying a relaxing day at the spa with a menu of treatments, start to see its remedy as a necessity rather than a luxury. By taking some time for yourself, you’ll not only improve your life but also that of everyone around you.

For an overview of some of the best skin care wrinkle creams, keep reading.

Price Point: $100 - $200
Product: Peter Thomas Roth’s Un-Wrinkle ($120)

Peter Thomas Roth’s Un-Wrinkle is a highly concentrated solution that’s marketed as an injection alternative. It’s chock full of peptides, vitamins and other ingredients that are designed to not only fill in fine wrinkles, but also relax the muscles around the wrinkles - creating an almost Botox-like effect. Deep wrinkles caused by facial expressions are typically reduced.

With its high price tag, Un-Wrinkle should work and while it definitely does the job, it’s not a complete miracle worker. Users need to understand they are simply not going to see the results they’d get from surgery or Botox injections, and some may be happier with a lower price point product that’s just as good.

Price Point: $20 - $50
Product: Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar ($38 for 2 oz.)

First designed for the medical, dermatological market, Hope in a Jar is probably one of the best wrinkle creams and all-around moisturizers I’ve ever found. It’s the kind of product that you tell your friends about.

The ingredients list in this product seems basic - a few antioxidants, a touch of lactic acid - and yet, this is a moisturizer that produces almost instant results. Skin feels softer, looks smoother and even appears more plumped, as if the wrinkles are filling out. If you’re looking for a product with wrinkle prevention properties too, take a shot with Hope in a Jar (SPF is included).

Price Range: Under $20
Product: Eye Rev-er Upper from Bare Escentuals ($19)

This is a product that’s both a wrinkle and eye cream. It’s a lightweight balm designed to brighten the under-eye, reduce puffiness and lighten the skin color, but also fills in and softens the appearance of wrinkles. So, it reduces that fatigued look of tired eyes while simultaneously making you appear younger, fresher and brighter.

For only $19, it’s a very good buy. The cucumber extract actually soothes the eye when it’s applied, meaning it’s the perfect product for a late night spent up with the baby or waiting for your teenagers to come home.

The best wrinkle creams aren’t always the ones that cost the most. Nor do they necessarily boast the hottest new technology or gimmick. Sometimes you don’t need a massive price tag or a wild new gimmick; rather, you just need a product that’s tried, tested and true.

Remember, to always test wrinkle creams, makeup, or any skin product, particularly those that contain any hydraulic acids, on your skin before applying to your face or eye area.