Vintage and Modern: Secrets of Celebrity Skincare!

I recently read "The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets" - a book originally published back in 2006 that shared some tips and secrets of the trade in celebrity skincare - and was amazed by how relevant a lot of the advice still was! Sure, the skincare industry is one of the leading industries to innovate and update their technologies, but the philosophy of skincare has changed little in the past seven years.

Let's focus on some tips the celebrities in the book swore by - and see how their skin is faring today.

Celebrity #1 - Alexis Bledel.

In the "Black Book," Alexis Beldel discusses the importance of skincare - and shares a cheap and easy treatment - olive oil! "About once a week, I steam my face with pure olive oil... You just get a bowl of hot water, dab a little olive oil on your dry spots and let it do its work. It's an old trick that really works and your skin stays soft and line free."

Alexis Bledel, 2012

Alexis Bledel, 2006

Celebrity #2 - Paris Hilton

I know, she's irrelevant. But let's compare the skin she cared for using the philosophy "I don't work out. I don't diet. I just have a good metabolism. I guess I'll start Pilates though - everyone does it." I'm pretty sure that is the exact OPPOSITE approach you should have to skincare. But here, you can see the results for yourself.

Paris Hilton, 2012

Paris Hilton, 2006

Celebrity #3 - Felicity Huffman

Despite her statement that "I'm lucky if I have time to wash my face all day," Felicity Huffman still does "a lot of moisturizing and I'm really into Leaf & Rusher." [Leaf & Rusher uses highly active forms of vitamins, algae, and peptides - just like many of our Skintology products!] "I look at my face after I put it on and it's almost like my skin is saying 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.'"

Felicity Huffman, 2006

Felicity Huffman, 2012

Obviously, our celebrity "analysis" requires some suspension of reality - make up, lighting, and other factors can all affect how skin appears. But it's evident that the aging process has been more kind on some celebrities than others - can you believe Alexis Bledel is 30 years old? And Paris Hilton is just 1 year older! Our girl Felicity Huffman is turning 50 this year - and look at how amazing her skin looks.

Whether using products from high-end department stores or found on our kitchen shelves, skin maintenance will always be extremely valuable. It doesn't always mandate, as the beauty industry will often tell you, running after the newest or latest secret ingredient - you just need to be knowledgeable!

That being said, is there a particular ingredient you have always been curious about? What at-home skincare regimen do you swear by? Ask or tell us in the comments section - we'll gather up the Skintologists and put their knowledge to the test!

*All quotes in above post reference: Douglas, Kym. and Pearlman, Cindy. The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets. New York: Penguin Group, 2006. Print.

Tips on affordable skin care!

Let's be realistic - professional spa treatments can get expensive, especially in New York. Not everyone can afford monthly facials when a facial can cost upwards of $200 in some neighborhoods. So how is the average Josephine supposed to maintain their largest organ - their skin - in an effective and affordable way?

Tip #1: Break down the cost of professional treatments. Let's say, for example, that a facial costs $150.00. With a professional deep-cleaning and proper maintenance, the effects of a facial should last 4-6 weeks, on average. $150 / 6 = $25/week - which seems a much more acceptable price. It's all about perspective when it comes to these things - skincare is not a luxury. Basic facials with highly trained aestheticians are a great and relatively affordable resource.

Tip #2: Find specials! In the age of online deals and email promotions, you'll be sure to find discounts on services somewhere. Plus, many spas (especially in office-heavy neighborhoods) offer "lunchtime specials" which are often quick 30-45 minute previews to services like peels. (Shameless plug: Skintology, of course, offers a wide array of off-peak specials.) These specials are a great way to try certain services and experience the spa before committing to an expensive treatment. You can get a great feel for a place when you can see how they treat their discount-clients.

Tip #3: Once you find an aesthetician or spa you like, stick with it! Many spas offer loyalty discounts to their long-standing clients, or referral programs if you bring your friends. Besides the financial benefits, though, it's also useful for an aesthetician to have a comprehensive history of your skin and treatments. Every spa performs procedures slightly differently, and every aesthetician needs at least one visit from you before being able to determine exactly what you need.

Tip #4: Splurge on at-home skincare. Even with professional help, we can't emphasize the importance of maintaining an at-home skincare regimen enough! That glow you get right after a facial will subside within a couple of days, but you can prolong its purifying effects using cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers. Again, break down the cost of a reputable moisturizer by daily use - if one jar of expensive creme costs $65 but lasts you 6 months - you are literally only paying 35 cents a day! Plus, with a consistent at-home skincare regimen, you can push back your professional facials to about four months apart (depending on your skin's needs).

There you have it - skincare can get expensive, but it is much more necessary than many people think. I always break down skincare into two major categories: maintenance and reparation. Often times, you won't think of your skin until it's already in the reparation stage - and you're spending tons of cash just trying to find that one serum that actually reduces dark spots or fine lines. If you start maintaining your skin now, you'll save yourself a lot more stress later!