What do you do when you have a big event to go to and you have a zit the size of a meteor? Do you pop it, put toothpaste on it, or pray to the skin gods? Charlotte James, distinguished paramedical aesthetician and president of the Charlotte-James Facial Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif., has the solution to this dilemma as she shares her top 25 skin care tips in celebration of her 25th year in practice.
"Through my years of experience, I have learned many of the 'secrets' of skin care and am happy to share them," said James, a paramedical aesthetician who merges scientific and dermatological procedures with classic aesthetician's treatments. "Most of my tips are derived from what I have learned while treating and observing a multitude of skin conditions from acne and wrinkles to rosacea."
1. If you need to get rid of a pimple quickly, call your dermatologist to inject it with cortisone. If the zit is red and inflamed, try icing it and applying over the counter cortisone cream to decrease the redness.
2. If you have acne-prone skin or you are sensitive to iodides, watch for foods that contain iodine like sushi, which can exacerbate it.
3. To fix an oily T-zone while in a public bathroom, use a piece of the toilet seat cover to dab on skin and blot excess oil.
4. To reduce puffy eyes temporarily, mash a raw potato, then strain it and apply "the juice" directly to the under-eye area.
5. Try an herbal poultice to quickly reduce a zit; simmer 1/4 cup each of chaparral, dandelion and yellow dock in 1/2 cup water. Pour the solution onto a small clean piece of cotton cloth or gauze; gather up ends like a sachet and place poultice directly on the site for 15 minutes or more. Make sure to clean the area with hydrogen peroxide before you begin.
6. If you run out of face powder, cornstarch makes an excellent replacement and absorbs oil quickly.
7. Apply sunscreen as the last part of your skin care routine, after you have cleansed and moisturized your skin.
8. If you have a negative reaction or sensitivity to make-up, apply over the counter cortisone or aloe. Topical/internal antihistamine like benadryl will also help.
9. If you have acne, you might want to change pillowcases every third day.
10. To make a quick and effective body exfoliator at home, mix olive oil with sugar or salt.
11. Use a salicylic acid cleaner and a loofah to reduce Karatosis Pilaris, the 'goose bumps' found on the backs of arms and tops of thighs. A lotion containing lactic acid, like AmLactin, or one of the stronger glycolic acids may also help.
12. Use topical retinoids and/or mild glycolic formulations which help with acne, pigmentation and help foster collagen/elastin formation.
13. Sanitize home, office and cell phones regularly. The dirt and bacteria that builds up on them can lead to breakouts where the phone touches your face.
14. A quick way to determine if you suffer from Rosacea instead of acne is to watch for a "red mask" which is characterized by a red flushing on the forehead, nose and cheeks.
15. If you get a sunburn while on vacation and there's no access to a pharmacy, use plain yogurt or sour cream and apply to burned areas. Over the counter cortisone cream is always good to have on hand for burns, rashes and bites.
16. Check your moles at least once a year, especially those that have changed in size.
17. After cleansing, make sure you incorporate an antioxidant which has been 'micronized' for deeper penetration. This helps the skin to repair itself.
18. If you're using a glycolic acid formulation, make sure it's at least 10% in strength or it won't do much for your skin. Remember to avoid sun exposure and be diligent about sunscreen after you use it.
19. Mix honey and oatmeal to make a natural exfoliant for your face.
20. Use a moisturizer that maximizes the hydro capacity of the cells, (which is the maximum amount of water the cell can hold) to plump up and hydrate the skin.
21. Eliminate stress as much as possible because stress can lead to the over production of hormones, increasing your cortisol levels. Yoga, meditation and keeping a journal can alleviate stress and help your skin stay clear.
22. If you have oily skin, do not over-wash your face, this will only dry it out more, and make your skin produce even more oil.
23. Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and apply it over your regular moisturizer and/or under make-up.
24. Do not smoke and do not drink excessively. These actions dry out your skin and cause deep wrinkling.
25. The most important steps in your skin care routine are to exfoliate, moisturize and protect. These three simple steps will help keep your skin smooth and supple.
James was also among the first to use microdermabrasion in LA. She specializes in treating numerous skin problems and identifying different kinds of skin cancer. She and her team specialize in anti-aging treatments, the treatment of acne and advanced electrolysis services.
Charlotte-James Facial Clinic is located at 10921 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. For more information, visit www.charlottejames.org or call 310-208-2556.
