Travel Skin Care Essentials

by Gina Thompson

What skin care products do you take when you travel?

Every time I get on an airplane I attempt to avoid checking a bag. This presents a challenge pretty much every time I travel, but I am getting better at it with each flight. Limiting my assortment of shoes is an obstacle (thankfully I have small feet), but the liquid and gel regulations are what really perplex me. According to the Transportation Security Administration if you want to carry on, you must follow the 3-1-1 guidelines. This means that your liquids and gels must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less and all must fit in1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

I realize that a quart size bag may seem quite small, but you can get lots of travel size goodies in that little bag. Think about the essentials you will need for each particular trip and pack minis of everything you can. Also, call your hotel for a list of products that will be available in your room so you can streamline your choices. If you are confused about what you can and cannot bring in your carry on, download the My TSA app to your smart phone and ask, ‘Can I bring my…’ and get answers.

Here are some of the skin care essentials that I always travel with.

GlyMed Plus Purifying Cleanser
This multi-tasking cleanser removes makeup and cleanses the skin. It is creamy, refreshing and infused with real lavender oil to calm the skin. I never travel without it.  

Clarisonic Mia 2
The latest version of the Clarisonic Mia gives you all the benefits of sonic cleansing in a compact, easy-to-use style and comes with a protective case. I take this with me when I travel and it isn’t a liquid or a gel, so it doesn’t have to fit in my quart-sized plastic bag. Perfect!  

GlyMed Plus Photo Age Protection Gel SPF 15
I have used the Photo Age Protection Gel daily for almost 20 years. It is a great daytime moisturizer that lightly hydrates the skin and provides good protection as well. It works in most climates, so it is always with me when I travel.

Avene Thermal Spring Water
The mini size (50 ml) of this Thermal Spring Water is compliant with the TSA regulations so you can bring it with you on the plane. Simply spray the water onto the skin. It refreshes and hydrates without disturbing your makeup. I love it.

GlyMed Plus Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex
This light treatment cream is an essential when traveling because it can calm redness, moisturize the skin and soften lines. You can layer it under your daytime moisturizer, use it at night and also as an eye cream. I never forget this little pot of gold when I travel!

I think that it’s O.K. to skip your complete regimen for a couple of days when traveling. 
 Pack a few skin care essentials and get back to your complete routine when you return. Also, treat yourself to a hydrating facial treatment before your trip to look and feel refreshed.

Take Me Out To The Spa: Men's

by Gina Thompson

According to the International Spa Association men now account for 31% of spa goers!

As we are basking in the heat of summertime, it is easy to envision men of all ages watching a baseball game, enjoying a cold beer or standing over a flaming hot grill, but can you imagine these same men spending a day at the spa? The image is almost comical: Men in fluffy robes and slippers, meditating next to faux waterfalls while sipping a cup of detoxifying green tea.

The truth is more and more men are taking time out of their busy schedules to visit the place that most people affiliate with ‘ladies who lunch’ not our brothers, husbands or the average macho sports fan. Ironically, back in ancient Egyptian and Roman times it was in fact the men, not the women, who were the primary spa goers. Balneotherapy was a natural approach to health and healing utilizing hot spring waters, gases and other natural elements from the earth with massage techniques and aromatherapy to create physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The art of water therapy is how the concept of “spa” originated and the men were actually our founding fathers.

According to the International Spa Association, men now account for 31% of spa-goers and create annual revenues of 9.7 billion dollars for North American spas.

More and more men are taking the time to improve their looks with Aesthetic products and treatments, but most of them probably aren’t discussing it with their friends at a ball game. The truth is, men are one of the fastest growing populations of the cosmetic market and many services are available just for them.

• Skin care products for men are created with their needs in mind. You will find simple systems and practical packaging with masculine scents to suit your specific needs. 
• Microdermabrasion and facial peels are great choices for superficial resurfacing to smooth fine lines, improve rough skin texture and lighten age spots. 
• Botox and Dysport are perfect for those angry frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet near the eyes. 
• Dermanl fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm can fill in those deep creases around the mouth and redefine the jaw line. 
• Laser hair treatments can be an effective solution for excessive chest or back hair. 
• Cosmetic surgery is also available for more dramatic results. An upper blepharoplasty can improve droopy eyelids, a lower facelift can tighten aging skin and liposuction can be considered for those love handles. 

The most popular spa treatment for men is the basic massage, but their menu of services is growing and ‘men who spa’ are becoming a new normal- not the exception. So, if you are a man and secretly desire a little pampering of your own or just want to look and feel a little younger, you certainly have options.

Summer Skincare

By Gina Thompson

What products do you use for summer skin care?

 

Summer is definitely my favorite time of the year. I happily trade out my Uggs and heavy layers of black clothing for flirty sundresses and open toe sandals of every color. I modify my skin care wardrobe this time of the year as well by swapping out creamy moisturizers for lighter serums and lotions and spending a little more time pampering my feet, hands and body skin.

Seasonal skin changes are common for most skin types and may require minor adjustments throughout the year. Your summer skin care routine may require simply switching to a lotion instead of a cream for nighttime moisture, using a more active cleanser in the morning to feel squeaky clean, adjusting your Retinoid use based on your sun exposure or layering on more sunscreen.

I look forward to lightening up in the summer months and I want to share my list of summer essentials with you.

GlyMed Plus Stem Cell Serum
This is my number one summer skin care essential. It is super lightweight, feels great on the skin and provides an extra layer of anti-oxidant protection under my sunscreen. I will not be caught without my Stem Cell Serum!

GlyMed Plus UltraHydro Gel 
UltraHydro Gel is a staple in my skin care wardrobe, but it definitely gets more use in the summertime. It works great alone to hydrate oily skin types, but I like to mix it with my day and nighttime moisturizers. It thins out my creams and lotions while boosting hydration levels. Perfect!

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50
Most of my clients would agree that Physical Fusion is probably one of the lightest sun blocks out there. It is compliant with the current FDA guidelines for sunscreens providing an SPF 50 protection with a soft tint. It feels like nothing is on your skin and even the oiliest skins swear by this amazing product. This is a staple all summer long for me.

GlyMed Plus Chocolate Masque
Who doesn’t love chocolate? This delicious masque contains cocoa, reservatrol, and the acai berry for anti-aging and restorative benefits. Use it before a special event for a beautiful glow, after a professional skin care treatment to prolong the benefits or to soothe a burn. If you get too much sun one day, just apply this masque at night to reduce inflammation. It will not only soothe and calm the skin, but it will also help prevent pigmentation that may develop from inflammation after sun exposure. Fabulous.

Glytone Lipo-Lift Massage Kit
This product has been around for a while, but it is new to us! The shower gel and body massager are used together in the shower to help stimulate microcirculation and maximize drainage for firmer looking skin. I definitely feel like it helps keep my legs toned and smooth during swimsuit season. It takes a little extra time in the morning, but it is worth it!

Be sure to share your summer skin care essentials with us on the CPRS Facebook page or in the comments below.