1. SEEING THE LIGHT
LED light therapy (LED facials), specifically with red light, is “a great skincare treatment for those looking for added hydration, the elimination of fine lines and wrinkles and to eliminate pigmentation due to sun damage and hormonal changes,” says Cecilia Wong, founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare in Manhattan. “It also evens out the skin tone and brightens skin.” Different light colors target different skin concerns. “The wavelengths in LED Light Therapy stimulate intercellular communication, resulting in skin rejuvenation,” says Wong. “The really good news? You will see results immediately.” ceciliawongskincare.com
2. GET GLOWING
For luminous-looking skin, try a luminizer, says celebrity makeup artist and beauty blogger Katey Denno. “Use a luminizer along your cheek bone, or on the apple of your cheek,” says Denno, whose celebrity clients include Susan Sarandon, Christy Turlington and January Jones. “Swirl a little down the bridge of your nose, and press a bit into your cupid’s bow and under your brow bone.” TRY: Ilia Polka Dots and Moonbeams (fair skin) and Ilia Sway (darker tones), $34; iliabeauty.com
3. FEEL THE ELECTRICITY
“Microcurrent facials use a mild electric current to drain out excess water, tighten the muscle and tighten the skin,” says Joanna Vargas, owner, Joanna Vargas Salon, Skin Care Sanctuary, New York City. You can focus on a specific area—eyelids, neck cheeks, jaw—and it’s becoming increasingly popular at day spas around the country, because it is noninvasive, and, unlike with laser treatments or surgery, there is no down time. “A client can see a big result even after one facial,” Vargas continues. joannavargas.com
4. EYE OPENERS
The skin beneath the eyes is the thinnest on the body, with no fatty layer, minimal support structure and few oil glands to naturally lubricate skin. That’s why eye cream (or gel or serum) is my desert island product, and I recommend that it be yours, too, to keep lines and wrinkles at bay. If your skin is oily, opt for a gel, and if you’re puffy, keep it chilled in the fridge. (Cold contracts and it will tighten up the area.) TRY: Coola Environmental Repair Plus Calm Glow Eye Gel, $56; coolasuncare.com; Tay Anti-Aging Eye Treatment, $78, tayskincare.com
5. TIME TO TONE
Peptides can reduce swelling and skin discoloration, repair damaged skin and enhance cellular communication. “Peptides are short strings of amino acids that act as messengers in the body,” according to Sam Stewart, president, Mad Hippie Advanced Skin Care. According to Stewart, they can also signal to the body to produce more collagen. Vitamin C is another collagen booster, free-radical fighter, and helps brighten discolored skin by reducing melanin accumulation. TRY: Mad Hippie Advanced Skin Care Face Cream, $25.99, and Vitamin C Serum, $33.99; madhippie.com.
6. WATER WORKS
It’s important to drink a lot of water, so your skin doesn’t get dehydrated–and it does show. On a recent trip to the spectacular Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona, my facialist could tell. “You drink a lot of water,” Darlene said. “How do you know?,” I replied. Darlene explained that when you push down on your forehead, if your skin springs back immediately, it means your skin is well-hydrated. If not, she continued, “your cells are depleted and you need to drink more water.” Try it and you’ll see for yourself. And if your skin is parched, eight glasses per day is what believers swear by. miravalresorts.com
7. AN OXYGEN INFUSION
Not quite the same as the air we breathe, but oxygen facials can help correct sun damaged skin and fine lines, tone the skin and deliver serums, says Vargas of Joanna Vargas Salon. “Oxygen is super healing and naturally stimulates collagen production.” Vargas sprays the skin with oxygen using a little gun and infuses it with a serum made with green tea, aloe and hyaluronic acid. You will see a glow immediately, but repeated monthly maintenance is necessary. joannavargas.com
8. BEAUTY BALMS
Also known as blemish balms or beauty balms, these save time and money. Perhaps that’s why BB creams—multitasking products that combine tint, coverage, SPF and hydration with the anti-aging benefits of skin serums—are really catching on. According to a new report by The NPD Group, Inc., BB creams generated close to $9 million in department store sales in the 12 months ending March 2012. TRY: Jane Iredale’s new Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream, $48, janeiredale.com
9. IT STEMS FROM PLANTS
Plant stem cells are extracted from grapes, echinacea, edelweiss and apples grown on the Uttwiler spatlauber tree, native to Switzerland, where the original skin research took place. Because they are compatible with human skin cells, the plant stem cells can increase collagen production, stimulate human stem cell growth, soften wrinkles and restore elasticity to aging skin. TRY: Intelligent Nutrients Stem Cell Science Renewal Complex, $55, intelligentnutrients.com; myChelle Apple Brightening Serum, $44, mychelle.com
10. TOPSY TURVY
By now we all know that yoga benefits the mind, body and spirit. But what about the skin? An inversion—or upside-down pose—offers amazing benefits, according to LA-based fitness expert Beth Shaw, creator of Yogafit.com. According to Shaw, “Inverting in a head-stand or shoulder-stand helps blood flow and circulation to the neck and face for your complexion.” Shaw says even five minutes per day can also stimulate the endocrine system, calm the mind, strengthen the core, enhance ability to concentrate and remain focused, and increase body awareness.