You know I love your questions, so here goes….

Anonymous said…

What's your opinion on exfoliating scrubs? I've read everything from "use once a week" to "use twice a day." Thanks!!

In every proper skin care routine, there is a time and a place for exfoliation. Buffing off the dead skin is an essential part of keeping the face beautiful and youthful. Through the course of living day to day, cells die on our face. The result, when left on its own, will be dull, old looking skin. The act of exfoliation actually removes those layers, exposing the fresh, younger layers that are waiting beneath. This powerful step also serves a valuable second purpose, by sloughing off the dead cells, you will keeps black heads and other pimples at bay. Many pimples are caused when dead cells mix with surface oil and falling into a pore.

I always recommend a gentle exfoliation. I have found that over and/or improper exfoliation lead will to irritated and damaged skin. When the skin is irritated, the pores begin to overproduce oil to soothe and compensate and the over production leads to pimples. Improper exfoliation causes micro-tears on the surface of the skin, and these can do far more damage than just a little redness. Pores actually butt up pretty close to each other on the face. Micro-tears, can break the barrier that separates one pore from another and turn two small ones into a giant one. And, those are only a few of the negative side effects.

To get the job done and keep your face safe, I recommend Crystal Ball by Beauty Society (34.50, http://joannlong.societyskincare.com). This formula contains a brilliant mix of volcanic micro crystals, green tea extract, chamomile, licorice, and a carefully chosen array of exotic oils that actually surpass that of an in-spa micro-dermabrasion treatment. What makes it so amazing is the fact that the pumice crystals are coated with a silky powder. By protecting the skin while resurfacing, you gently but effectively buff away a whole myriad of skin woes (sun damage, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and acne scars), without any tears, irritation or scratching.

Zhi Asks…

Can you provide specific brands of cleaners and moisturizers that you would recommend for men?

A healthy cleanser is a healthy cleanser, whether it is packaged for men or women. But, I do understand that (most) men would rather not take a big pink container out of the medicine cabinet at night. The line I am about to tell you about surprised me when I tried it. From the subtle rugged scent to the bulldog mascot, it is about as masculine as you can get. And better, it is completely organic.

For a cleanser, try Buster's Organic Ocean Mineral Face Wash ($24, www.bustersskincare.com). Their formula features and astonishing 92 + Ocean minerals that work hard to nourish and repair skin, diminish blemishes, ease rough, damaged skin and heal wounds. A little goes a long way and it feels amazing, both while cleansing and afterwards.

Buster's Organic Face Moisturizer Peptide Complex ($24) is off the hook. My face feels firm and young immediately after I apply it. It boasts a series of peptides that stimulate collagen and improve the elastin in the skin. Continued use guarantees healing and repair, increased skin thickness, lessened appearance of wrinkles, even skin tone and texture and restored elasticity and firmness to skin. You have got to try it.

When it all comes down to it, using something is better than using nothing at all, but now you have a brand to be proud of if your buddies open the medicine cabinet.