Do You Only Cleanse Your Face With Water?

Let's talk about why you need more than just "water" to cleanse your face winter, spring, summer or fall.

Testimonial! “The best cleanser on the planet earth!!!!" -Lora G.

I have heard about a few, and I do mean a FEW people that are using "water only cleansing" to cleanse their skin.

They are saying cleansing with just water leaves your skin glowing. Even some dermatologists are getting in on this "water only cleansing" process. I will forever say, "you do you", but hear me out when I say "water only cleansing" is honestly just not enough.

Let me tell you a story about my skin...

Plus the first job I had in a lighting and plumbing store, then you can make your own decision if "water only cleansing" is the best way to cleanse your skin.

When I was a junior at Montgomery High School (Santa Rosa, CA)...

A friend told me about this job opening at a lighting and plumbing store. I thought great, this could help me pay for my gas since I lived way up on Sonoma Mtn. Rd, not too far from Glen Ellen, Kenwood, St. Helena and Sonoma/Napa, wine country! Living so far out also meant I used a lot of gas going back and forth from home to school, etc.

I started my first official job working at a place called Yardbirds, a plumbing and lighting store, first in the office filing, but also on the floor stacking shelves, learning how to assemble hanging lights and then hanging them on ceiling hooks in the front of the store. PLUS they had me training as a checker. I was taught a little bit of everything!

Yardbirds is where my skin dilemma started!

My skin was always clear except for an occasional breakout (mom and gma taught me well about skin care thankfully). So after about one month of working at Yardbirds, my skin started breaking out like crazy, and I don't mean just a little, I mean flat out, full blown, red, inflamed acne!

Mom really took notice!

She thought about my dilemma then put 2 and 2 together! She said lovingly, you always come home with a dirty face. Yes I did, an oily, dirty face! Then she asked, are you putting your hands on your face during the day? She knew the answer to the question already. I was a very shy child and had my hands on my face a lot, so yes, my hands were on my face on and off ALL during the day!

Together we made up a plan to conquer my skin breakout problem...

First, I had to become hyper-aware of this habit of putting my hands on my face and stopping it! Trust me, this was easier said than done.

Second, I had to wash my face with this crème cleanser (oil based) my mom had, both morning and evening. Actually as soon as I got off work and walked in the door!

Third, I had to change my pillowcase every morning when I woke up to help this process of keeping my skin clean. I also had to wash off the steering wheel in my car every evening because of all the dirt I had on my hands, even though I washed them at work! Like I said, I had to be hyper-aware with this new skin care regime.

Did all this due diligence payoff?

YES! Within two weeks my skin was almost clear again! I had to continue this process the whole time I worked at Yardbirds and beyond!

How does this story have anything to do with cleansing your face with only "water"?

Water alone does NOT and will not cleanse your skin. Cleansing with "water only" will not take off the makeup, old sebum, dirt, grime and dead skin cells (just to name a few). Water will only smear all this gunk around your face, helping it to do a deep-dive into your pores and aging your skin unnecessarily faster.

There is a very good saying about cleansing your skin with oil or an oil based crème cleanser, "good oil takes off bad oil".

Here is a dermatologist that does believe in oil based cream cleansers and why cleansing properly with them is the best way to cleanse your skin!

"When massaged into the skin, oils in the cleanser bind to surface impurities (pulling out dirt without clogging pores) and allow them to be comfortably rinsed away leaving the skin clean, soft and hydrated, explained Dr. Diane Walder, a Miami-based cosmetic dermatologist."

Some Q & A about cleansing your skin properly.

According to dermatologist, Dr. Kang Seung Hun, skin sebum and sweat production increase by 20 percent during summer. During this period, the skin also produces more dead skin cells to protect itself from UV rays.

To ensure that our skin stays in tip-top condition, we’ll need to be extra aware about our cleansing routine when the temperature increases to prevent clogged pores, acne, and other possible skin issues under the warmer climate.

So how do we get our cleansing routine down pat during all four seasons? Here are some professional tips according to Dr. Hun based on some common cleansing questions.

Question #1. Can you wash your face using only water if you don’t use makeup?

Tip: You should always wash your face with a gentle crème, oil based cleanser morning and evening like Dr. Lucy's Gentle Crème Cleanser, even if you haven't applied makeup.

Why?

Even if you haven't applied makeup, your skin still has bodily wastes and sebum caused by sweat and dirt remaining on your skin. Water alone can’t wash them off. So you’ll need to use cleansing products like an oil based crème cleanser to aid in the gentle, deep cleansing process.

Question # 2. Is it beneficial to use an electronic facial cleansing brush if you have a lot of dirt and makeup on your skin?

Tip: Facial cleansing brushes can do a good job of cleansing your skin thoroughly, but it can also irritate your skin. Some women swear by their Clarisonic. Others reported skin allergies and rashes after using the brush.

Why?

According to Dr. Hun, the key is in how you use the brush on your skin. You should never use strength to exert the brush on your face. Always be gentle to ensure the brush feels soft on your skin.

I am personally using only a soft, wet, warm washcloth on my face. I have less Rosacea flare ups this way.

Question # 3. How should you cleanse if you only wear sunscreen and no makeup?

Tip: You should double cleanse even if you only wear sunscreen and no makeup.

Why?

The higher the amount of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in sunscreen, the harder it is to wash them off. You will definitely have to double cleanse. In fact, you should be worried if your mineral based sunscreen can be washed off relatively easily because it might not have withstood your perspiration and did not last as long as you’ve desired it to.

I personally do not use a waterproof sunscreen on my face. Hynt Beauty Broad Spectrum SPF25 is what I use.

I hope that gives some food for thought about the "water only" cleansing method.:)

With Love and Blessings,
Rebecca

P.S. And By The Way!

Some people use olive oil, coconut oil, etc., as a sunscreen. Some people swear by these which is great! They are natural, easy to apply, etc. but with only an SPF of about 4-8.

Should You Be Shaving Your Face?

Contrary to popular opinion, face shaving is not just for men...

It’s actually a popular treatment trend among women, and I am a big advocate of it for multiple reasons. The main reason though is, shaving removes peach fuzz, which allows for seamless foundation application, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

For women in their 40s and up, the slow decrease of estrogen in our bodies can cause an increase in facial hair, but shaving can keep that hair growth in check. Any product you put on the skin directly after shaving (ideally a high-potency specialty serum for your skin type) will absorb into the skin more effectively.

The first fear many women have is that shaved hair will grow back faster, darker or coarser.

Dr. Debbie Palmer, who co-founded the Dermatology Association of New York told The Huffington Post that “hair will not grow back thicker or faster. Shaving does not change the number of hair follicles in the skin or the rate of hair growth.” Many people are under the impression that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker and darker, but this is definitely not the case. If shaving actually made the hair grow back thicker or darker, I believe we would have just discovered a cure for male patterned baldness. However, the hair that comes in after shaving may feel slightly different than it did because the hair has been cut straight across, but it is neither coarser nor thicker.

"While shaving your face may seem like an intimidating addition to your skin-care routine, it’s actually pretty easy and can help you in your quest for smoother, hair-free, and glowing skin. Woman don’t realize how much peach fuzz they have until I call it out, so I’m always recommending this easy, at-home treatment to keep the skin looking youthful." - Renne Rouleau

Simply put, shaving removes surface dry cells and we all know the benefits of exfoliating the skin.

P.S. Make sure you use your toner, serum, moisturizer and or face oil after shaving to calm, plump and super hydrate your skin!

What? You Want Me to Put Acid on My Face?!

“I absolutely LOVE my Dr. Lucy skin care. Yes! I seriously love my skin care line! Best I have ever used :-) I live in Colorado and it’s amazing with this dry climate.” -mommapete5

Acids and skincare don’t exactly sound like a good pair...

However, acids encompass some of our favorite ingredients–things like Hyaluronic Acid (preferably Botanical), Glycolic Acid, and even Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)! Let’s delve in to how we can use them.

First of all, an important note:

There are two different types of acids used in skincare; exfoliating acids and fatty acids. When used properly in your skincare routine you can see the benefits in the way your skin looks and feels.

Below, we have listed some of the most common types of exfoliating acids used in skincare...

Exfoliating Acids
Exfoliating acids help skin to look its best by removing dead skin cells and revealing a fresh complexion.

Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the smallest and most highly soluble of the alpha hydroxy acids making it especially efficacious in exfoliants and chemical peels. It reduces cell adhesion in the uppermost layer of the epidermis, promoting exfoliation of dead skin and cell replacement contributing to a smoother brighter complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polymer found in connective, neural, and epithelial tissue in both animals and humans. Hyaluronic acid can hold about 1,000 times its weight in water. Because of its ability to hold water, HA is an easy choice when looking for an ingredient that will hold moisture when applied to the skin. As always and forever, we recommend botanical HA only!

Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid manufactured by fermentation of non-GMO corn derived carbohydrates. Lactic acid is used in the formulation of cleansers, splashes, astringents, and moisturizers to enhance the appearance of dry or mature skin. Lactates are also effective humectants and buffering agents in soaps and wipes due to their excellent ability to attract and hold moisture within the skin.

Citric Acid
Naturally occurring citric acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group and in skin care products it is often used as an ingredient in exfoliants and chemical peels, Most often citric acid is used to adjust the pH in personal care products such as lotions, cremes, shampoos, etc.

Fatty acids
Are critical building blocks in helping skin to appear hydrated, plump, and more youthful. Essential fatty acids are not produced by the body naturally so they must be eaten or applied directly to the skin.

Myristic Acid
Myristic acid is a non-toxic fatty acid that occurs naturally in some foods, such as animal fats and most vegetables. Nutmeg, palm oil, and coconut oil contain relatively high levels of myristic acid. The saturated fatty acid myristic acid has 14 carbon atoms. Myristic acid is used as a cleansing, surfactant and opacifying agent in cosmetics and personal care products.

Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a vegetable (castor) derivative used to stiffen and stabilize lotions and cremes. Stearic acid occurs naturally in the human body and vegetable fats.

With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca

P.S. So the next time you reach for a pretty bottle of shampoo or face & body care products, look at the ingredient deck and think about which kind of "acid" you are wanting on your skin and what is it's main purpose.

So You Are Sleeping In Your Makeup?! Oh Mon Dieu!

Sorry if I'm being a bit blunt, it's all done with love and caring.

You don't need to be a licensed dermatologist to realize that sleeping in your makeup is not the best idea. It's not good for your skin or your sheets. You might think, "It's late, I'm tired, what's the harm of crashing without washing my face just this once?" Well, it causes more harm than you might think. Going to be bed without washing your face is bad news and can have a cumulative harmful effect.

Sleeping in makeup is murder on your skin, please read on to find out why!

"Going to bed with makeup on will leave you with clogged pores, since so many makeup [products] have ingredients like silicones that block the pores," says Debra Jalman, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From A Top New York Dermatologist. "When the pores are blocked, your skin gets bumpy. If you are acne-prone, it can even lead to breakouts." You are effectively damaging skin by neglecting to remove makeup at the end of the day.

"Foundations and thick, oil-based primers are often the worst offenders. They prevent the skin from renewing itself naturally at night, causing blackheads, acne and dullness." Says Dr. Erin Gilbert, an NYC-based dermatologist.

Here are just 17 (yes, there are more!) major problems that can occur when you sleep in your makeup, or decide to not wash your face before you go to bed, even if you are not wearing makeup! ...

Damaged skin cells

Clogged pores

Interrupted cell regeneration

Acne can happen...at any age

Skin becomes dull

Skin dries out

Uneven skin tone

Irritated eyes can occur

Eyelashes can break off

Eye styes

Eyelid eczema is a real thing

Scratched corneas

You make a mess of your sheets

Chapped lips

Aging process goes into overdrive, aka wrinkle faster!

Whew and Yuck!

Moral of this story?

Keep your skin youthful as you age by cleansing, toning and moisturizing with fresh, natural, skin care products like Dr. Lucy's Gentle Crème Cleanser, Balance and Refresh Toner, and Ultra Moisturizer. I promise you, when you take care of your skin you will naturally have younger looking skin for the rest of your life!

With love and blessings,
Rebecca

Gratefulness Can Become Happiness!

I thought I would talk about being grateful the day after Thanksgiving in this French Friday email. How we can cultivate gratitude by becoming more conscious of what we are grateful for. It feels like our world is full of ungratefulness, harsh attitudes and selfishness, and yes there is love also, but I feel we all could use a bit of a mindful reset.

Let's talk a bit more about gratefulness and why?

This time of year can be hard emotionally, with high expectations. Not everyone feels that their life is like a Hallmark movie. Actually very few people feel this way, but there is always something to be grateful for. Being grateful can not only help you to count your blessings, but gratitude can actually help you to become a happier person, and our relationships more copasetic.

Here are some simple ways to be grateful and show gratitude from the Harvard Health Publishing.

"Giving thanks can make you happier."...

"Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Certainly, major depression or a severe anxiety disorder benefits most from professional help. But what about those who just feel lost or overwhelmed or down at this time of year? Research (and common sense) suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it's built right into the holiday — being grateful".

Gratitude will make you stronger...

Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.

Here are some ways to physically cultivate gratitude on a regular basis.

Write a Thank-You Note.

You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter or email expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself.

Thank Someone Mentally.

No Time to Write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual.

Keep a Gratitude Journal.

Make it a habit to write down or share with a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day.

Count Your Blessings.

Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings — reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for. Sometimes it helps to pick a number — such as three to five things — that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.

Pray.

People who believe in God can and should use prayer to cultivate gratitude.

Meditate.

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.)."

P.S. I am grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you for your patronage through out the years. I am honored and humbled you have chosen Dr. Lucy as your natural skin care company.

P.P.S. A great movie to watch about gratitude is the movie, "Pollyanna". Yes it has been around for a long time, but the gratefulness and happiness this little girl has in her heart changes the people in this small town to a loving community. Plus this movie just makes you feel good! I think we could all use a little bit of that! I know I loved it as a child and so did my kids. They were always so calm and happy after watching it!

With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca

Obsessing Over Your Looks?

Realize this: There is nothing wrong with the way you look. There is something wrong with the way you think you look.

Beauty is an attitude.

What you look like doesn’t bring you joy.

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.”
Marilyn Monroe

You are not your face.

Work on your self confidence.

Confidence is really relevant when it comes to attractiveness.

“Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand-break on.”
Maxwell Maltz

Practice gratitude.

We think that if we look a certain way then we will feel valued and loved.

My experience is that we often project our feelings of inadequacy on one part of ourselves, and physical appearance is one of the most common parts to scapegoat.

“Why should we worry about what others think of us, do we have more confidence in their opinions than we do our own?”
Brigham Young

When you’re meeting someone, don’t ask “What will they think of me?”. Instead ask: “Do I actually like this person? What can I learn from them? Do I feel good in their presence?”

"In 1974, French psychoanalyst and Freud disciple Didier Anzieu first introduced the concept of “the skin-ego.” The skin-ego, he wrote, is a “psychic envelope” that defends the body—and the psyche—from external aggravators. Skin protects our insides both physically and in figures of speech: Don’t let it get under your skin; I’ve got thick skin." -The Walrus

Besides Twitter and Reddit, skin care is big on Instagram, too. There, showing off a sheet-masked face is a performative way of saying “I take really, really good care of myself.” Scrolling past a friend or influencer in a weird-looking mask triggers a series of escalating thoughts: “This mask is disturbing. This mask is goofy. This mask is captivating … maybe it will make me look as good as she does … I’ll take two.”-The Cut

1 Peter 3:4
"Instead, make yourselves beautiful on the inside, in your hearts, with the enduring quality of a gentle, peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is very precious in God’s eyes."

With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca

Did I Overwork My Skin?!

Does this sound familiar? You're excited about discovering high performance products and advanced technology you can use at home. You start the skincare journey only to look in the mirror two weeks later and your face looks worse instead of better.

Don't throw out your products and devices. Simply stop and consider you may have overworked your skin in the zeal to do a good job. Listen to what Christine Byer, Master Esthetician has to say in her article, "Did I Overwork My Skin?".

Here's a list of questions to determine if your skin is overworked.

Is it possible your skin is dehydrated?

Excess water loss from the skin can result from: heat, exercise, burns, or skin diseases according to a report by the National Library of Medicine. Remember, when you are using high performance skincare and advanced technology on the skin, you are adding energy and exercise to the skin and underlying fascia and muscle. Dehydrated skin can look dull, feel tight, be overly sensitive, take on a shiny but flaky nature, have dark undereye circles or experience an increase in fine lines. To avoid dehydrating the skin, drink a glass of water prior to using devices, use plenty of conducting gel, and only use devices as directed.

Are you overusing devices?

It's not uncommon to get excited about the possibilities advanced technology can do for anti-aging. It might seem that if a little is helpful, a lot would work wonders. More is not always better in skincare. Consistency is the goal. New collagen growth can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks. It's important to create a consistent routine which balances the use of high performances products and advanced technology, without overdoing it.

Have you started too many new products at once?

It's important to give skin a chance to adjust to new products and devices. A good rule of thumb is to add one new product or device at a time if skin feels overworked. Use it for a week to allow the skin to adjust. This will also help to tell if a product isn't right for your skin, or which combination of products do not work for you.

Remember, there is no such thing as one size fits all skincare.

Shocking your skin with too much at once can show up as white bumps, red bumps, pimples forming under the skin (cysts), blotchy, red patches, dry patches, and clogged pores to name a few.

What lifestyle choices are impacting the health of your skin?

We're investing in the care of our skin but if we don't also make supportive lifestyle choices, we can sabotage our results. Is your diet deficient in nutrition? Do you consume excess caffeine or alcohol? What is your stress level? Are you using low quality makeup? And, is your routine consistent? Our bodies will tells us when something is out of balance. We just have to pay attention and make some necessary adjustments.

How to Reverse Overworked Skin...

The biggest thing to do is, don't panic. After making a few adjustments right for you, your skin will begin to make progress and you'll get results from your investment in self-care with quality skincare products and devices.

Stay on this modified routine for at least one week, longer if needed. You're looking for signs your skin is recovering by seeing less of the overworked symptoms.

Increase your water intake and reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption. Eat a diet high in nutrition with less processed food or fad diets which leave the body lacking in nutrition.
Simplify your routine by starting over with the basics. Choose your gentlest pH balanced cleanser, one serum daily, and one moisturizer. Sunscreen if you're going to be outdoors.
Use LED only 3 times a week with a day of rest in between.
When your skin starts to recover, add only one new product or device at a time.
Incorporate stress reduction of some kind. I.E. Breathwork, meditation, prayer, EFT Tapping, bubble bath by candlelight with soft music, get more sleep (go to bed earlier), listening to your favorite music instead of watching TV, etc.

If you have any questions about this article please contact me!

P.S. I personally would add using a microcurrent home device to stimulate cellular activity, collagen, elastin, tighten skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

P.P.S. Please share this informative article with your friends and family! Merci!

To You and Your Beautiful Skin!
Rebecca

What Has Happened To My Collagen?!

There's only so much you can do to slow the natural decline of collagen in your skin. Let's talk about what can help or harm this very important protein!

"The collagen in the skin is affected by age in various ways. The skin becomes thinner and drier, and develops sags and wrinkles due to the collagen and elastin becoming disconnected." Says, Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel, M.D. In his article: What is collagen and what happens to it when we age?

Dr. Spiegel also states:
1. Growth of new cells slow down dramatically.
2. Dull colored skin can occur as the dead cells do not shed as quickly.
3. Aging skin is more susceptible to the development of brown spots on the face and body.
4. Intrinsic aging (hereditary) Extrinsic aging (caused by tobacco and environmental factors).
5. Smoking-contains chemicals that stimulate collagen-destroying enzymes and slows down the cells which produce collagen by 40%.

Here Are a Few Answers To Some Very Important Collagen Questions...

Does Rubbing Your Face Produce Collagen?

Yes, a simple massage can both strengthen muscle memory and spur collagen production. Gently massaging your facial muscles daily can also boost blood circulation, making the skin look refreshed and more youthful.

Does Coffee Affect Collagen?

Caffeine suppresses collagen production by preventing cell growth and interfering with the development of cartilage. In turn, this affects the ability to make new collagen and the genes involved in maturing cartilage cells. One study found that caffeine reduces collagen synthesis in human skin.

What Causes Rapid Collagen Loss?

The collagen tissues support the formation of bones, tendons and cartilage that form depending on the level of mineralization. However, an individual can lose collagen components in the body due to exposure to ultraviolet light, tobacco, excessive intake of sugar, and aging.

Here Are Just 13 Foods That Protect and Increase Collagen Production?

1. Broth

2. Chicken

3. Fish and Shellfish

4. Egg Whites

5. Citrus Fruit

6. Berries

7. Tropical Fruit

8. Garlic

9. Leafy Greens

10. Beans

11. Cashews

12. Tomatoes

13. Bell Peppers

Take Always!

Help stabilize and reverse the signs of aging on the inside with foods that strengthen, increase and protect collagen. Fresh, natural skin care products like Dr. Lucy Pure Natural Skin Care on the outside. Our products contain the highest quality of naturally potent, plant based ingredients with botanical hyaluronic acid on the market today.

To You and Your Beautiful Skin!
Rebecca

Picture-Perfect Skin for Your Wedding Day or Everyday!

As commonly seen in the skin care world, there are many great ways to improve your skin for your wedding day or everyday! Follow along to see the 12 easy steps in achieve beautiful skin everyday.

1. EAT WELL and TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS! The skin needs basic vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy and achieve a youthful glow.

2. MAMA SAID TO EAT YOUR GREENS! Vegetables like dark greens will help to oxygenate your skin, encourage lymphatic drainage, and keep you de-puffed and glowing from within!

3. USE A DRY BRUSH? Dry brushing is my favorite method of body exfoliation because it is multitasking – it's an amazing cellulite treatment as well and increases elasticity. Start at the tops of the feet and brush upwards towards the heart. Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more stagnant, like the inner thigh, and don't forget to include the backs of the arms and your back.

4. SLEEP!!!!! Be like Sleeping Beauty and get your eight hours! Proper sleep is the best known beauty secret in the world!

5. DR. LUCY MASQUE... Applying a hydrating masque like Dr. Lucy's Luscious Rose Equalizer Hydrating Masque twice a week is the perfect treatment combination for beautiful, fresh, glowing, youthful skin!

6. NO ALCOHOL (FOR THE BIG DAY)! Step away from the alcohol. Don't drink alcohol the week of the wedding. Most brides are stressed—and having relatives arrive daily certainly doesn't help. Drinking will make you puffy and look tired, so try and skip it!

7. YOGURT ON PIMPLES. If you get a pimple the week of your wedding, put a dab of yogurt on it, it's a quick fix. The lactic acid, along with the probiotics, will calm it down and heal it fast!

8. BYE BYE DARK CIRCLES! Dark circles are better addressed by giving up coffee than by applying just a topical eye cream. The Dr. Lucy 2-in-1 Hydrating Face and Eye Serum contains mega benefits from green and white tea, with their anti-inflammatory properties and powerful antioxidants. Also with botanical hyaluronic acid and Willow Bark extract to calm, plump and refreshed skin.

9. YES TO OMEGA-3's! You should also look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acid to improve and balance hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging.

10. DEPUFF YOUR EYES! I also suggest cold compresses in the morning or chamomile tea bags on the eye lids to calm puffiness and dark circles.

11. ONE GREEN JUICE A DAY. A green juice a day definitely helps to keep your skin clean and glowing. Plus, it will help hydrate you from the inside out.

12. KEEP IT NATURAL! Products like Dr. Lucy's that are potent and fresh have amazing results on the skin...naturally!

To You and Your Beautiful Skin!
Rebecca

Our Essential Basics “Trinity” Trio is a “must have” as the foundation to your fresh, natural French style skin care line.

Power players come together as a team to gently, yet thoroughly, cleanse, soothe, balance, stimulate collagen production and start you on your way to beautiful skin!

Testimonial!

“This is true from when I was in AZ. It was insane. I modified it if you want to use it for a review.”

“Dr. Lucy is such an amazing product. When I forgot my Dr. Lucy travel kit while on the road for work, I used Cetaphil for the 4 days I was gone to hold me over until I got home. While using Cetaphil my skin became completely splotchy in red marks and it only took me 3 days of being on my Dr. Lucy regime to calm my skin back down and be back to smooth, even, hydrated texture it once was. Never using anything else again!” -A. Denney

"Why do you talk so much about skin care, isn't this a bit narcissistic?!"

Believe it or not, I have been asked this question.

Let me break this down for you, then I'm sure you will be on the exact same page as I am.

First and always - I will only talk to you about natural skin care products. I do not believe in chemical products for the skin, they cause more harm than good...period.

Second - The skin is your bodies largest organ. It is the only one that is exposed and assaulted by the outside elements everyday.

Third - If you are looking to protect your skin, plus keep it healthy and more youthful with fewer issues, then you need to cleanse, tone and moisturizer it properly. When you do this everyday without fail, you will FOREVER have healthier skin that is protected and more beautiful! It's the 1+1=2 rule :).

Skin care is important because:

"It protects your skin, which is the body’s largest organ. According to Dr. Wassef of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Institute, good skin care helps your skin stay in good condition. With proper care and maintenance, your skin can look better than ever before. Your skin sheds itself daily, a major reason you must begin taking care of it. Future skin can be dull with lots of imperfections if not cared for properly. That’s why it is so important to take care of your skin now -- to protect your future skin." DCSI Dermatology, Wellington Florida

Washing and moisturizing your face seems like a task we’ve done a million times, but there are some easy tips that can make a big difference in how it looks now and in the future.

In case you need a refresher, here are some basic tip!

Step 1: What is your skin type?

Here’s a quick guide to identifying your skin type.

This step will help you find out which type of skin you have on your face...

Dry Skin – Can’t get enough crème? Flaky or rough skin? If you’re not sure, wash and dry your face and wait a few minutes. Does your skin feel tight? If so, you likely have dry skin.

Oily Skin – If your skin is often greasy-feeling or extra shiny, you likely have oily skin.

Combination Skin – A mix of areas that are dry and oily.

“Normal” Skin – No notable problems, and not sensitive to common products.

Sensitive Skin – Will likely react to common products, stinging or burning after use.

Step 2: Choose a gentle crème cleanse like Dr. Lucy Gentle Crème Cleanser.

This special crème cleanser will not strip your natural oils, but will take off old sebum, grim and even bullet proof mascara!

Step 3: Using your hands, gently rub the crème cleanser over your face, then add lukewarm water, never hot.

There’s no need to scrub your skin however tempting it is, because this damages the soft layers of your skin. It can be hard to remember how delicate your skin really is, but the goal is to avoid micro-abrasions. This is also why we don’t recommend using a physical exfoliant with scrubbing granules—it can be wonderful for the skin on the rest of your body, but the granules are too rough for your face no matter how smooth they are.

Step 4: Take your crème cleanser, dirt and grim off very gently with warm water and a SOFT washcloth, then gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Don’t worry that the cleanser doesn't lathered! Non-foaming cleansers are the best!

Step 5: Tone & Moisturize...

These steps will help skin stay soft, supple and avoid skin "dry out" from the cleansing process.

Using a toner - is a slightly newer step in the US skin care routine, but it is sooo important in helping to lay the foundation for the wonderful ingredients in your serum and moisturizer. You have heard me say this time and time again.

Serums - are the nutrient-rich step of your skin care routine. The Dr. Lucy 2-in-1 Hydrating Serum is formulated for all skin types. Plus! 2-in-1 refers to face and eye area!

Moisturize - your skin and help keep its youthful glow with a good moisturizer like the Dr. Lucy Ultra Moisturizer. Then topped off with a natural sunscreen.

P.S. Washing your face really is as simple as it sounds. Make sure you have the right temperature of water, a cleanser that is gentle on your skin, and avoid being too rough can make a big difference.

With Love and Blessings,
Rebecca

"She is clothed in strength and dignity, and laughs without fear of the future." -Proverbs 31:25

Essential Basics "Trinity" Trio: Purify, Balance, Hydrate, Renew

Our Essential Basics “Trinity” Trio is a “must have” as the foundation to your fresh, natural French style skin care line.

Cleanser: Gentle Crème

Our luxurious Gentle Crème Cleanser is a hydrating and replenishing cleanser for sensitive, dry, normal, combination and aging skin types.

Aids in promoting collagen production, healthy cell regeneration with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen properties.

Your skin will reap the benefits of the overwhelming concentration of super anti-oxidants, with a crème texture which leaves your skin soft, smooth, clean and nourished.

Ingredients like Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Organic Olive Fruit Oil and Atlantic Sea Kelp are key benefactors for your skin.

Balance and Refresh Toner

For dry, normal, combination and aging skin types.

The reason why the French place significant emphasis on a natural toner in their skin routines, is because a natural toner can balance our the Ph level (potential Hydrogen) of your skin. This allows the skin’s Ph to stay around 5.5 or a little lower, helping the skin to maintain and retain the skin’s fatty protective layer and moisture.

Our natural Balance and Refresh toner allows all your other skin care products to perform at a higher level with deeper penetration.

Aids in protecting, softening and moisturizing skin.

Ultra Moisturizer

Our Ultra Moisturizer with botanical hyaluronic acid, has the abilities to balance to your skin type, power to hydrate, protect and heal the skins barrier while producing youthful, glowing skin. Naturally potent ingredients aid in collagen stimulation, cell renewal and regeneration leaving your skin calm, buoyant and with a luminous finish.

7 Tips and Tricks To Help Keep Your Skin Beautiful and Dewy Through The Cold Seasons!

Days are getting shorter and the chill is in the air! This also means your skin is probably getting a bit more dry, flakey and dehydrated.

1. Exfoliating with an enzyme peel (no drying peels) frequently during the colder, drier months is essential for healthy, plump, renewed skin! I use a natural enzyme peel at least twice a week…

P.S.! Sign-up for the Dr. Lucy “Bonjour French Friday!” and receive 5 more important cold weather skin care tips and tricks today!

P.P.S.! Sign-up today by clicking the “SIGN ME UP!” pink button below and join our NEW, once a week “Bonjour French Friday” email club and receive tips, tricks, and all things French!