Approximately seventy percent of our body mass is composed of water. Without water, we would be unable to survive. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day is essential for healthy skin – skin that is refreshed, dewy and hydrated.

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as an esthetician is, "What can I do (or what product can I use) to make my pores smaller?" Pore size is determined genetically and depends on the amount of oil an individual's skin naturally produces. The more oil the skin produces, the larger the pore size. Regardless of skin type, the build up of dead cells and debris can get trapped in your pores; this build up then stretches out the pores and makes them appear larger.

The light of the sun warms our bodies, gives us energy and lifts our moods and spirits. But the UVA and UVB rays the sun gives off are the enemies in the battle against skin damage and aging. It is estimated that 95% of the UV rays that reach the earth are UVA rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and wrinkle formation. They can penetrate cloud cover, light clothing and un-tinted glass.

As skin ages, the ability to slough dead, damaged and maturing cells slows making young, healthy cells less able to surface. Enzymes help break down the impacted layers of dead cells that cause skin to become dull, stiff and crease easily. Enzyme exfoliants are ideal for “digesting” dead cells. They provide gentle exfoliation that targets dead skin cells that slow down healthy cell renewal – the leading cause of the appearance of dull, sluggish skin.

Understanding and taking proper care of your skin at a young age and continuing a professional homecare routine throughout your lifetime is the best strategy to prolong your skin’s youthful appearance. The skin we are born with is determined by genetics, but how we care for our skin and what we put into our bodies on a daily basis has a huge impact on skin health and appearance.

Professional products are formulated for specific skin types and conditions. They contain a higher amount of active ingredients than drugstore and department store brands. Active ingredients are the ingredients that actually effect, benefit and improve the skin. On average, over the counter products contain 1 to 3% active ingredients, whereas professional products contain 10 to 20%.