<strong>By Takiya Smith</strong>

This past Saturday I had the wonderful luxury of receiving a 60 minute facial. Though this was not my first facial it was amongst the first in quite a while. Living here in the South amidst dry lips and skin chapping winters and sticky, humid summers can add a bevy of outbreaks, irregularities and pore clogging factors to our delicate layers of skin. Throw in the gleaming rays of the Sun and the light to not so light and visible mists of pollen and voila you have now achieved complete and total skin disaster. All of which, without proper cleansing, moisturizing and care could lead to even more unwanted effects such as acne, wrinkling and premature aging.  Our skin is the body’s first layer of defense and with a few small tips and changes you can begin and continue to be well on your way to fresh, soft, supple and healthy glowing skin.

<strong>Step 1: Determine your skin type.</strong>  Ask any Esthetician and they will tell you that the foundation to any good skin care regimen is knowing your skin type. Its your starting place and ultimate road map to reaching your skin’s proper and healthy destination. There are 5 skin types: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination and Sensitive. Consulting with a licensed skin care professional can help you pinpoint your skin type and select what products work best for you.

<strong>Step 2: Cleanse.</strong>  Start with a fresh palette, free and clear of any makeup, residue, oils or chemicals.

<strong>Step 3: Exfoliate .</strong> Meaning to gently rub or slough (scrub) away layers of dirt, build up and unhealthy, dead skin. Exfoliating the can leave the skin looking healthy and vibrant as well as give it a soft and supple feel.

<strong>Step 4: Moisturize. </strong> No matter the skin type, added moisture to the skin is a must. Our bodies are composed of over 50 to 65 percent water and a vital source of element and nutrient to all else. Selecting a good moisturizing agent helps to add and lock in that water thus deterring the effects of dryness leading to chaffing, fine lines and wrinkles.

<strong>Step 5: Protect.</strong>  In addition to eradicating excess penetration from the rays of the suns UV effects, a daily SPF (Sun Protection Factor) will block and guard our skin from the damage of sunburn, skin cancer and aging.

For more information regarding skin care and consultation visit my blog at www.blb-boutiques.com or contact me at (843) 263-0426.  Mention this article and receive a 60 minute Cleansing Basic Facial for just $37.50 through August 9!

<i>Takiya La’Shaune Smith is mother, licensed cosmetologist, and local business owner. Find her at www.blb-boutiques.com or on Facebook, email her at Takiya@Takiya-LaShaune.com or call 843-263-</i><i>0426.</i>