Skin Care: Luxury Treat or Lifestyle Habit?
Everyone likes to look and feel good, but all too often taking care of other priorities can get in the way of taking care of ourselves. The days seem to fill up quickly and have us running from one task to another – tending to family responsibilities, children and pets, as well as work obligations and household chores. So where does taking care of ourselves fit into the mix? Many times “me time” gets pushed aside and workouts, skin care, relaxation and mediation moments are few and far between. But the truth of the matter is, the better care we take of ourselves today, the better we’ll feel, and the more we’ll have to give of ourselves to those around us.
Our skin is one of the most valuable assets we have, which is why protecting it is so important. The benefits of personal skin care are twofold: Treating skin well can help to keep it looking years younger, while also providing a feeling of beauty and a confidence boost from the inside out.
Establishing a daily skin care regimen is the first step toward better skin care. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a lengthy process, but instead can be just a couple minutes in the morning and a couple minutes at night where you correct, repair, rejuvenate and preserve your skin. Just as a window needs cleaning to remove dirt, residue and build-up, so does your skin. The environmental factors that we are exposed to everyday – pollution, smoke and steam, wind, sun, hot and cold temperatures, etc. all contribute to build-up on the skin’s surface. By taking just a few minutes each day to establish a healthy skin care routine, we can reap invaluable benefits for a lifetime.
Get started with a simple 28-approach to jump start your skin revival today. Contact me to find out more details on how easy it is to get started.
Let’s Talk about BB Cream
Let’s Talk about BB Cream
We all want to look our best and this means having flawless skin. There are several options that we have in order to look flawless during the day. From the days of Cleopatra’s time, make up has been one of the biggest rituals in a woman’s world. There are many components that we use to foster our flawless looks, from foundation liquids to powder, foams, tinted moisturizer, and more.
The latest craze is the BB cream. I have been aware of the BB cream for decades, simply because of the treatment I have in which I offer BB cream for my clients to bring home. It is also called Blemish Balm. Today the BB cream has many definitions. For me as long as you feed your cells with ingredients that have purpose, I’m game. SPF is a must in order to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays that come from too much sun exposure. I find BB cream offers all the surface treatment and cover-ups that you desire.
What it does for Your Skin
Looking at BB Cream up close, you can only help but wonder isn’t this just another type of tinted moisturizer? Well, it is a tinted moisturizer, but it is also so much more in one container. Not only does it offer you moisturizing properties, it also contains SPF, is designed to soothe your skin and also offers you the full coverage that you desire. Sure, the effectiveness will vary amongst the different types of BB Cream, certainly, but the formulation is one that is designed to replace several products that may exist on your vanity table.
It is designed for daily use, and with the right formula, you can smooth out any skin issues including acne, blemishes or even imperfect skin tone since BB Cream offers full coverage. Some women may find that they have to add some foundation into the formula with each use, but this is usually only true with women who have darker skin tones. Those with fair to natural skin tones will be able to suffice simply with the formula as is.
As with any skin product, in order to get the benefits of the product, you have to give it a fair shot. This means applying it each day religiously and noting any effects that occur. However, since the formula is so versatile and offers a variety of benefits, it is not just for people with blemishes, anyone can use it and trust me, you won’t be sorry you did.
What is the Latest Beauty Trend? I get asked a lot – what’s the beauty trend all the celebs are doing?
What is the Latest Beauty Trend?
I get asked a lot – what’s the beauty trend all the celebs are doing?
I have to say, I simply don’t know. I really do not follow the must-have fad of the moment that typically involves crazy, not to mention expensive ingredients that prove to go nowhere.
Why, you ask?
The reason is simple: my trend is my skin fitness, not the skin treatment that is going to basically just tease the cells for a day. Sure most of my clients would say, I like to torture them on my table using all the crazy tools and ingredients but the end of the day they look healthier and younger for longer, which is what they are looking for. Would you rather have tough love that produces actual results, or a fu fu facial that does nothing in terms of longevity? The choice is yours.
Today’s trend is finding a long-term solution for the frownies you hate, sagging lower face, deep lines around the mouth region, loose neck, sun-damaged chest and aging eyes. In order to do this I have to apply my philosophy that is based on the four principles: Correct, Repair, Rejuvenate and Preserve.
My job is to find ways how to encourage cell renewals, repair damages below the skin, stimulate collagen to plump those lines, maintain the facial muscles foundation to support your face structure, how to feed the cells internally and externally for that glowing skin. I do tons of research on procedures that makes sense and that you can tolerate without surgery, because going under the knife is not what everyone wants.
I would also like for you to learn this mantra because you have to do the most part of it if you wish to look your best at any age.
I think these four principles go beyond the skin care. In life itself, you also need to correct your mistakes, repair loose ends, rejuvenate your daily lifestyle with what you love to do and preserve the results you have accomplished.
You are the trendsetter when you begin to work on what you, your body and skin need. Believe me, people will notice that you look great and have positive energy wherever you go.
Me? I’m just a tool to provide you what I can but do remember I am not a magician. Long-term results takes more than a day of renovation and that, my friends, is why I do not follow the new celebrity fads. They will soon be yesterday’s news, but my skin fitness program will be your key to lasting results.
beauty news
Bird-Poop Facials, Velvet Manicures, and Other Bizarre Beauty Treatments in This Week’s Alluring Links
‘Dry Sponge’ Skin Type
When I see clients with dry skin, I call it “dry sponge” skin type. A term I came up with that relates to thirsty looking skin. I know it sounds harsh but the term does help my clients to understand what their skin need.
How does thirsty skin look like?
Skin feels tight after cleansing, skin looks dull, fine lines are more visible, you can feel dry patches and start seeing minor redness in some areas, skin looks older and lack of glow.
Imagine if you soak this dry sponge in water. Slowly it will expand to its normal size, flaws and dimples are plumped out and minimized. Compare this to your skin.
What does your thirsty skin need? Here are the basics:
1) Drink more liquid to nourish your entire body
2) Eat more greens or simply add green shake/juice at am. This will give you the glow from inside out.
3) Take supplements like Omega, Hyaluronic acid, Collagen capsules and Vitamin C
4) Exfoliate your skin to get rid of top layers. Face and body
5) Find the right serums and cremes for your skin type to nourish from top down
6) Energize and increase circulation with a walk, yoga, exercise or do my Skin Fitness Face Workout
7) Get professional facials frequently
If you don’t want to have a “dry sponge” skin type then I suggest you start taking better care of your skin today. Its your skin and you know when it doesn’t look well. Let these basics be part of your daily lifestyle.
If you think you are ready to go further than the basics, I have a 28day program that can help your skin look healthier, younger and feel rejuvenated inside and out.
Stay beautiful,
Julie
Q & A : 5minutes a day to keep cellulite at bay
Question of the Week:
Q One of my clients recently asked me, “How do you get rid of cellulite? I can’t wear shorts or skirts because I am self conscious, but I am a skinny person.”
A You can’t really get rid of Cellulite totally, but you can minimize the appearance of it. It can appear in any size, at any age and even in men.
I am going to share with you my 3 secret weapons that I’ve been using for several years that are part of my lifestyle, it’s like brushing my teeth.
Those who have followed my tips, know how well this works. So start today!
1) Increase circulation 
AM ritual – Weapon 1. Before you enter your am shower why not help to awaken your skin and boost the circulation by dry brushing your body. Sweeping motion towards the heart at least 3 times per area. Then take a cool rinse for 45 seconds at the end of your shower. Total invigorating!
2) Nourish your skin
PM ritual – Weapon 2. Involves my secret potion. A body oil that you can blend yourself. They are: essential oils of cypress, juniper berries, grapefruit and lemon. Blend this with a carrier oil of your choice which could be grape seed, jojoba, coconut, canola, etc.
I personally use jojoba and avocado oil because my skin loves it. I apply this oil after my evening shower or bath all over my body. My skin stays smooth and silky through the night and into the morning. The oil helps to detoxify and relieve water retention so you feel thinner at am.
3) Smooth the dimples out
PM ritual – Weapon 3. You need a tool that helps to break apart dimples or cellulite capsules and also prevents these dimples from occurring. I have used many different types of these but the one I use currently is the most effective. A great roller tool needs to have an edgy surface, not sharp, but uneven. When you roll it on the skin it needs to massage deeper layers in order to attack the cellulite. I use it after I apply the oil and roll it back and forward at least 10x.
These are my 3 secret weapons, they are affordable and they work, but you must do it every day. Be diligent and you will see results. I promise you after 21 days, your skin will look firmer, smoother and ready to be bare!
Q and A
Q:
Hi Julie,
I have heard so much about you and your customized facials. I think one of the facials you offered to my close friend not too long ago was called emotional facial. Not sure if this is correct. I feel like my skin could use some tune up after a break up. Thought you be the right person to do some magic on my sad looking skin. I think you should post this topic up on your blog so that everyone knows where to go after a break-up:)
-Anonymous
A:
Hello,
I do call one customized facial MOODY SKIN THERAPY. Basically it is a perk up treatment that will help to increase circulation in your skin as well as to control some breakouts or impurities that have been increased during the emotional roller coaster. Some skin follows the mood or emotional state and the skin tends to look sallow, uneven color, dryness, break outs along the jaw, forehead or mouth area. Some redness and irritation could also appear. I often include a Mind Detox session during your treatment and a follow up 30min session 7 days after to monitor the progress of healing the skin.
I hope you are feeling better knowing that I do have a cure for sad skin.
Best,
Julie
Question of the Week!
Q:
I have, for many years, been using the same basic products for my skin and have read somewhere that it’s good to change up a bit. I keep seeing new products out there I wish to try but I’m afraid how my skin will react.
Why is it important to change up? What will it do to my skin? Thanks.
Tiffany Shaw
A:
Hello Tiffany,
These are questions you should ask yourself to determine whether to switch your products or not:
1) Does your current product achieve the results you want?
2) Do they help to minimize or control anything you don’t like on your skin?
3) How much time would you spend on your skin care?
I highly suggest you switch ingredients every season due to the weather and mood changes. Look at the Skin Care Seasonal Protocol below. Of course this may differ depending on which city and country you live in.
January-March
Skin needs good hydration to keep fine lines at bay. The drier your skin is the faster those lines appear.
April-June
Skin needs rejuvenation due to the dull winter. Use ingredients that will prepare the skin for sun exposure and keep your skin looking healthy by increasing blood circulation.
July-September
Skin needs high sun protection, as well as products to control breakouts and clogged pores. Exfoliate skin more frequently and use ingredients to prevent future skin damages and delay the aging process.
October-December
Skin needs focus on correction and repair due to the summer.
I hope this helps you to determine whether to change your current products or not. Again, if you love what you are using and they achieve the results you want, stay with it. Although introducing your cells to something new may help you to achieve healthier, more radiant skin and keep you looking younger for longer.
Have radiant glowing skin!
Julie
Question of the Week
Q:
Julie,
I know this might be out of your territory but I know you always said skin is skin. Ok, for the past 3 years I started to develop small tiny bumps on my upper arms. I scrubbed, scratched, exfoliated but they seemed to never leave me. I noticed that during the winter I get red tiny bumps, during the summer they turn brown or even black. I don’t know what to do. My dream is to wear sleeveless blouses. Do you have a treatment for this or products you recommend?
Thanks, Cass
A:
Hi Cass,
Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition. I know it’s frustrating to have those tiny bumps. I have treated several clients with a special resurfacing p
eel method and it seemed to respond well. I suggest weekly treatments for 4 weeks to achieve the results. For at home I give tell my client to use my Oil Balancer Gel which has natural salicylic acid to help minimize the bumps.
Question of the Week
Q
Julie, I need your advice. As you know I have issues with my chest getting sun. I haven’t even been in the sun much yet, but my chest is red and has brown spots. I’ve been trying to take care of it and wear SPF daily but can’t minimize the redness and spots. 2 questions – any ideas for repair and secondly – what kind of sunscreen do I need? I wear high SPF and this still happens. Thanks! Hope to see you at your next visit!
~Anonymous
A
Hello,
When you have sun damage on the chest area due to excess sun exposure or areas that were burnt by the sun at a younger age in your life, you will begin to see the visible signs of the damage. The redness shows below the surface due to slow healing and the brown spots cover the surface producing pigments trying to prevent further damages. The permanent brown spots act as an alert.
1) A chest treatment weekly for 6 weeks can help to slowly repair the area. It may take longer time for the redness to heal but will surely improve the texture and lighten the brown spots.
2) Avoid direct sun exposure between 12pm and 3pm. Wear zinc based SPF30 and apply every hour. Cover exposed areas with t-shirt or scarf.
3) I would suggest using Stem cell Serum daily and Pigment Correction Serum nightly. If you are interested in getting my 6 week Skin Correction Treatment, please email me for customized program details.
Julie’s must haves:
Guerlain Terracotta Teint Dore Spray 150ml
Guerlain Teint Dore Moisturising Bronzing Spray is a gentle gel-cream, which sprays effortlessly on the body, legs, arms and decollete. Guerlain Terracotta Teint Dore Spray is exceptionally easy to use with subtle and beautiful results that last all day. Guerlain Terracotta Teint Dore donates the skin a subtle make-up effect that perfectly simulates the natural glow of a tan. Guerlain Terracotta Teint Dore Spray also donates the skin a silky soft and moisturized texture donating the skin 12% more hydrating after six hours. Guerlain Teint Dore Spray makes the skin feel ultra-comfortable with a long-lasting, gorgeous bronzed effect. Guerlain Teint Dore simply melts into the skin, spreads easily and dries instantly without staining clothing, thanks to a special color fixing polymer.
ALBA BOTANICA Sport SUNBLOCK SPF 45
A great natural sunblock for chest area and when you are sun bathing. You can find this brand at whole foods.
Q and A
Q:
Ms Lindh,
I’m Pete. Found you while doing some research on the web. I have a question about wrinkles around the eyes. I have pretty good skin in general but this year I have started to notice the small lines around my eyes are deeper than before. What can I do to get rid of them? It may not be possible but what can I do to minimize the lines/wrinkles? I saw you have your own line of products, would you suggest any of them to use?
Thanks, Pete, MA
A:
Hello Pete, I get this question frequently from my male clients. I have done some spying and I will say that the # 1 issue with me is the crow’s feet. To better assist you, I would suggest we make an appointment for a consultation over Skype but below are my suggestions.
1) Do wear sunglasses whenever possible during sunny days.
2) Introduce your eye areas to products. I highly suggest Peptides for during the summer or at A.M. and Retinol based ingredients during the winter or P.M.
Yes, I do have 2 products from my line I like to suggest and they are popular among my male clients. Rejuvenate and Repair from my Ageless System. For greater benefits these 2 serums can be used all over you face as well. If you would like to get more info or to order, please go to www.skinfitnessbyjulielindh.com
3) Go for eye treatments to help minimize and prevent deeper lines. I know you are in MA so it may be hard to visit me in NYC for treatments but there are several SPAs and dermatologists you can visit for light therapy, peels and laser treatment.
I hope this helps, if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to connect back.
Best, Julie Lindh
Beauty Secrets of the Week
Want smaller pores? Try this quick treat.
The # 1 question I get wherever I go is: “Julie! How can I make my pores smaller?”
When it comes to your pore size it is pretty much luck of the draw. You are born with your size of pores, it’s genetic. Yet, throughout the course of your adult life, you can affect your pore size depending on many factors. Sunbathing, living in hot humid weather, too much spicy foods or if you pick on them more than you need. Pores act as ventilation as well, when you feel hot, you sweat and the food you eat (especially spicy food) is also being eliminated through the pores.
Now, what can you do to help minimize your pores?
Well, they are several tricks to temporary make them look smaller or even vanish for few hours. You can buy a pore minimizer that many brands are offering today like L’Oreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Gel or Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizer. There are many products out there that claim to shrink your pores or prevent them from being clogged and/or visible. I am sure you have heard of primers that are to be applied before your makeup to achieve pore vanishing effects.
But how about we try it like the pros?
KNOW ONE RULE!
Do not squeeze your pores too often without prep or post treatment.
If you want to do it like a pro try this method:
Take baking soda, wet your finger with water and then dip your finger in the baking soda powder. Rub your finger around your nose. Exfoliate gently around your nose with circular motions. Baking soda helps to fizz off the tip of the pores which is the black oxidized debris. This will help to make your pores
look cleaner.
Please remember this is not a solution for getting rid of the bacteria that is contained deep within your pores. Your pores look like a golf hole, and in order to clear clogged oils and debris, you need to get deep pore cleansing performed by a skin care specialist.
This is a simple trick I give to my model clients before a photo shoot for a quick and easy fix, especially for our pesky nose, using this baking soda trick is perfect. It is like a buffer for the skin, giving it a nice, clean and polished appearance.
Q and A
Q
Hi Julie,
I have a question about dark pigments on my skin. I am Asian and each time I get pimples, it leaves dark spots on my face for at least 2 months. I hate covering them with makeup because its hot and humid here in Hong Kong. What can I do to get rid of them? Any product suggestion? My skin is super sensitive. Thank you.
Wan K
A
Hello Wan,
Thank you for your email. Asian, Hispanic and African American skin have darker pigments in the skin and often leave spots and scars after breakouts. One of the reasons why is because the healing process is slower and due to melanin in the skin it appears darker after it has fully healed.
1) Use right products
On existing spots, I highly recommend using ingredients that have Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, Mulberry and Vit A. They help break apart the pigments and slough off slowly. It may take couple of weeks but it does help to quicken the process.
If you wish to try my Pigment Corrector Serum, you may purchase it online. Go to www.jlskinfitness.com
2) Exfoliate skin regularly
If you are in a humid and hot environment do help your skin to breathe by exfoliating. This will help to get rid of dead skin cells and also clear clogged pores.
3) Clean house with Diet
I can’t stress this enough because tweaking your diet just a little bit can change the way your skin looks and feels. If your breakouts come from internal factors I suggest you avoid: dairy, processed sugar, soda, and fried food.
4) Invest in your Skin Health
Get facials at least every season. Facial treatments can definitely help with getting your pores cleaned, increase circulation in the skin, minimize fine lines, prevent future sun damage and help repair past damages.
There is no short cut if you want to achieve healthier, smoother and younger looking skin. Let it be part of your lifestyle because you will thank yourself in the future.
Best,
Julie
Q and A
Q – “Hi Julie, I’m glad you finally have a blog. I have a question in regards to my skin. I want to change my diet and it seems you gear diet with skin. I want to know what it can do for my acne prone skin?” – Cara, Mexico
A – Thank you for your question. A diet change can definitely improve your skin if you follow through with the changes. You need to eliminate foods from your diet that may cause acne. In order to determine which foods to omit, I suggest you first test yourself to see what food groups affect your skin. Make a food journal. Record how your skin reacts and how you feel.
1) I suggest you eliminate Dairy, Processed Sugar, Soda and Coffee, and Fried Food. Your triggers for acne will be different than someone else’s. You have to see what foods irritate your skin and cause acne.
2) Slowly clean house. I tell my clients to do this every season even if they have great skin. By doing internal cleansing, you will help to eliminate toxins out of your system. It can help to clear acne, minimize dermatitis, make you look younger and help you feel energized.
Today many celebrities are doing an internal Detox, you just have to find out which one is right for you. I am a believer in Alkaline diets and have been helping clients change their diet slowly by introducing Alkaline food groups to their system. Many of my clients actually continue this diet after the Detox period because they love the way they feel and look.
You may experience some breakouts during the cleansing process, which is normal. Although a great diet change can bring clear skin, it will not treat old acne scarring. To treat your acne scarring, you must see a skin care specialist for treatments and use products that will help to repair and minimize their appearance.
If you are interested in moving forward, I’ve created a 3Phase Glowing Skin Diet. Its 7days x 3 and easy to follow. A good start before choosing an intense Detox. For more details regarding this Diet, please email jlskinfitness@gmail.com and we can set up a consultation over skype.
Best, Julie
Question of the Week
How often should I get a facial?
-LM from San Francisco
It’s like going to the gym. The more often you go the better the results. I have different protocols for each client depending on what their skin needs and certain preparation for special events. I have weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and every other month and seasonal visits. They are also combined with how well you take care of your skin at home. It all comes down to how you wish to look in a year, 5 years or 10 years from today.
The earlier you start, the better you are going to look when you get older. I first recommend those who are between 16 and 23 to start using the right skin care for their skin. Avoid sleeping with Make-Up! This goes for all ages. If you had your Make-Up on all day and were exposed to street air, you can imagine what gets stuck in your pores. If you want to have clear pores, you must wash your skin before going to bed.
I suggest you find the right skin specialist to address your skin issues and have a program created for you to achieve the results you desire.
Have a glowing radiant skin,
Julie Lindh
FACE READING
I offer 15min FREE Face Readings in-person (selected cities) or Skype if you wish to learn more about your past skin damage, the way you look now and how you can change the outcome of your future skin health.
To get this reading, please email Jlskinfitness@gmail.com
Question of the Week
What food group for the skin should I focus on in Spring?
Question from McKenzie, in NYC
Hello McKenzie,
That is a great question. For me spring time is all about introducing your body to Antioxidant ingredients.
The sun is peaking out more and more, and you are outside being more active. Increasing your Antioxidant intake can help fight free radicals – which basically make your skin age faster, and if we can avoid that easily by eating more antioxidant rich foods or supplements, hey why not, right? I cannot say this enough, please everyone be good with your SPF as well!
The most common causes of free radicals are excess sun, smoking, stress and obesity.
Some examples of great antioxidant foods are blueberries, grapes, strawberries, ginger just to name a few! For a delicious Antioxidant-rich treat–try this smoothie recipe below!
Banana, Blueberry, and Almond Butter Smoothie
Makes 1 smoothie
2 sliced frozen bananas
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup almond butter
1 cup raw almond milk or coconut water
Ice
1. Remove skin from two bananas, slice and place in plastic baggy or storage container and freeze. (Overnight works best)
2. Remove frozen bananas from freezer, break slices/chunks apart and place in blender
3. Add a 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (raspberries or strawberries are okay too)
4. Add 1/4 cup almond butter
3. Add 1 cup of almond milk
4. Blend
5. Add more fruit or almond butter to adjust flavor, if desired.
6. If you want a thicker smoothie, use less almond milk or add a few cubes of ice.
7. Enjoy!
