It became increasingly clear to me over the period of the pandemic just how much I was missing my professional facials. It’s when I really started to realize that my home skin care routine really needed to be boosted by a professional. I have had many facials over my years but I think key is finding a medically-backed, medical spa practice. This truly makes all the difference as they can offer cutting-edge treatments a traditional “spa” cannot. In my recent Instagram live with Rhea Souhleris Grous, Founder of @LaSuiteSkincare , she taught me that skincare is 80% what you do at home and 20% professional treatments. I can truly attest to that. We are what we do most of the time after all. Once I was back to my regular (every 6 week) facials my skin came back from the pandemic in a big way- dead skin was slogged off and resurfaced revealing clear, glowing, luminous skin. After just a few visits back I literally felt years younger, refreshed and ready to take on the world again. I really cannot explain what a great ego boost this is.

In this post today I wanted to summarize 1) the many different types of treatments I have done at La Suite 2) why the treatments are so unique and 3) the at-home AM and PM program they especially designed for me and how it works in tandem with the professional treatments. I hope you find this helpful as I receive so many questions about what I have done to care for my skin and of course, how I am doing so at 45 in a more natural way so I can preserve my youth but also look natural for my age.

My skin history

In my mid-30s I started experimenting with Botox and I didn’t like the results. This is worth sharing as it may benefit some; I have a hooded lid and injection in my forehead and eyebrow area tended to make my eyes look very heavy, not a very great look. I realized that this wasn’t for me and also coincidentally around this time I started eating much better.

As a result of eating a more plant-based diet of 80% fruits and vegetables, hydrating really well and moving my body, i.e. sweating each day, I noticed my skin looked dewier, youthful and plump.

So while this is helping me look younger and more hydrated I still needed professional advice on my skincare routine, as well as treatments. I found La Suite, through my dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer MacGregor at UnionDerm.

About the facials at La Suite and their innovative modalities

Each facial starts with a deep cleanse and thorough exfoliation – my aesthetician Dorothy always like to say, both a chemical and physical/manual exfoliation, so that means a light (this does not sting or remove layers of skin) lactic acid application followed by microdermabrasion, as well as extractions.

Each time I am in Dorothy alters my facial based on what I need that day, so I never pre-book off a menu. I love this approach. At this point I have done microneedling, with a pen, to stimulate skin’s natural wound-healing response to regenerate collagen and repair itself, microchanneling, which is a deeper way to stimulate, through a “stamping” and then infusion of proprietary skin boosters, and microcurrent, to lift the skin. Dorothy often also includes a high-tech duo, Iontophoresis and Sonophoresis, to maximize penetration of the customized anti-aging ingredients.

Each step in the La Suite process involved replenishing depleted nutrients and hydration. La Suite facials employ nutrient-rich hydrating serums and masks to offer immediate, intense hydration and support the benefits of physical exfoliation. Well hydrated skin boasts a healthy, plump, youthful appearance. All of my facials also end with a super-hydrating biocellulose mask, an LED light treatment and oxygen. As you can tell these are truly unique modalities.

Benefits of all of the above treatments include:

• helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles
• helps brighten and even skin tone
• aids in the absorption of skincare products
• visibly smooths and rejuvenates the skin so it looks cleaner
• aids in the absorption of skincare products
• helps visibly minimize fine lines and wrinkles
• improves suppleness and elasticity
• balances sebum production

At home routine, the skin non-negotiables

80% of skincare results are determined by our home care. With over 75 years of experience among our aesthetic staff (that’s a LOT of facials), La Suite customized a routine for me that was simple, effective and would keep skin happy, healthy, and glowing. This is a super-effective, easy to follow skincare routine.

“Every skincare routine needs Vitamin C, Vitamin A (aka Retinol), and sunscreen. These are what I call my non-negotiables.”

Rhea Souhleris Grous

The Power Trio – VITAMIN C, RETINOL and SUNSCREEN

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse that promotes brighter, firmer, more resilient skin.  It helps support collagen production, visibly brighten the complexion and even skin tone. It also helps protect against UV damage, pollution, and the ever-present blue light. I use this La Suite best-seller in the AM after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer and SPF.

Sunscreen

According to the Mayo Clinic, “ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis).” Please wear sunscreen everyday to protect your skin against premature skin aging and skin cancer. This sunscreen contain a genius combination of antioxidants to help protect against further free radical damage as well as blue light from our devices.

Retinol

For evening, the routine is very simple including a Retinol, followed with a good barrier cream. Vitamin A (Retinol) is the #1 ingredient you need for beautiful, healthy skin. Since Vitamin A is such a powerful active ingredient, the rest of the PM routine is simple. If you’re a new Retinol user, start using every other night and work up to every night. Retinol is fantastic for all skin types, even sensitive and those with rosacea, many are surprised to hear this! The important thing is to build up to daily tolerance and stay consistent. If you add only one “treatment” product to your routine, add Vitamin A! I love the LaSuite innovative Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum because it makes my skin feel silky and smooth.

More about Retinol:

• Helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps repair and correct the visible signs of photo damage
• Helps stimulate cellular turnover to aid in retexturizing the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation
• Supports healthy collagen and elastin production, keeping skin plump and healthy looking
• It helps normalize the skin, including regulating oil production

The AM/PM Routine

I just love how simple this routine is. La Suite curates a personalized AM & PM routine based on your own unique needs with a Virtual Consultation. The brands and products may vary by skin condition and personal preference, but these are the building blocks of an effective, easy to follow skincare routine.

AM

• Cleanser
• Eye Cream
• Vitamin C Serum
• Moisturizer
• SPF

PM

• Cleanser
• Eye Cream
• Retinol Serum
• Moisturizer

Contact La Suite for a Virtual Consultation. They will even work in your current favorite products into your routine.

I hope you found this post helpful. You may also enjoy the following articles on getting “The Glow”:

• Younger Acting Skin
• My Experience with Sofwave: The Newest Skin-Tightening Ultrasound Device
• My experience with skin remodeling and PRF injections
• A new “gold” standard for anti-aging
• Supplements for Beautiful, Glowing Skin
• Break up with Dairy for Better Skin and Digestion
• Immunity and Your Microbiome…it’s so much more than good gut health
• Get the Glow: A Typical Day of Eating from The Glow Wellness
• The Secret Behind the Glowing Skin of the Women of Japan – Japanese Beauty Rituals

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