How to keep your skin safe wearing masks

I am reminded that everyone in this world are our brothers and sisters, we are one family.

People will be struggling to make ends meet. We need to help each other. I’m donating soap to shelters and whoever needs it at this time. My heart aches for the world, those that are ill, and those that have passed. I have a feeling that we will all end up knowing someone who gets this terrible disease. I know we’ll get through this, and be stronger than before.

Like me, I know you’ve recently been bombarded with messages offering you new ways to enhance our health and well-being.

There are many ways to nurture our wellness, but it seems a bit overwhelming, knowing what everyone is going through at this time.

How do you decide what’s best for you, and what’s right?

  Here are a few of my tips  

Adequate sleep is critical for health

Try to get 7 or more hours in a quiet and dark room. Studies show that people who don’t get quality or enough sleep are more likely to age faster, and lower your immune system. During sleep, our immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which promote sleep. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. Cell division happens throughout the day, but peaks around 2 a.m. This is literally the time you have cell renewal and rejuvenation during your sleep. There’s a reason it’s call ‘Beauty Sleep’.

Avoid inflammatory foods and stay hydrated

Try to remove sugar, gluten and dairy from your diet. It’s incredibly important to stay hydrated to ensure your respiratory system remains in full strength.

Drinking enough water helps your body fight infection and makes you feel better. Drink a glass before bedtime, and first thing in the morning. It will make you feel better, really!

Meditate for at least 5 minutes a day

Meditate for at least 5 minutes a day, or more if you can. Focus on your breathing, and allow your body to slowly unwind. I love meditating when I bathe, it’s something I look forward to.

Take warm baths with epsom salts and essential oils.

Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfates, which ultimately helps the body to relax and allow you to drift off into tranquility. Aromatherapy baths help calm the mind and body. Add a few drops of organic essential oils of lavender, orange blossom or chamomile. These are my favorites. Lavender is stress-riding, orange blossom is calming and reduces anxiety, and chamomile relaxes and promotes sleep. There are many you can choose from.

Practice yoga

Only a few minutes a day will have a dramatic and positive effect. It helps ease your mind. Yoga straightens and stretches your muscles, and ligaments to keep you limber. The mental and physical wellbeing are entirely connected, and yoga is an amazing practice for both our physical and mental health.

Take supplements to boost your immune system

Zinc is so important at this time. I’ve been taking chelated zinc since I was in my early 20’s. It was partly responsible for helping me get rid of my acne. It’s an anti-inflamatory mineral that our body needs. I love Dr. Mark Hyman for his knowledge and expertise on functional medicine. I took a few of his classes when he was the director at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts and have read all his books. His website is www.drhyman.com. He has informative podcasts about health and longevity.

Wash your hands often

but use a moisturizing, sulfate-free hand wash when you can. Sulfates help create a lather and produce foam, but breaks down oil and grime on your hands The problem is the sulfates strip away your skin’s natural, protective oils and pull water out of the skin. Try to wash your hands with glycerin and lanolin soaps. Use gloves when you can.

Do a facial on your skin twice a week!

Now’s the time to quit wearing makeup and bathe your skin in healthy peptides and nutrients during the day. Take advantage of this time to have healthier skin. Learn how to do lymphatic drainage on your face and neck. Doing self massage will help drain toxins, and give you healthier skin. Do a cleansing mask and a hydrating mask twice a week.

Apply your eye cream with a jade stone at night. This ancient beauty ritual from Japan is known to drain toxins from the eye area, increasing blood circulation and helps with puffiness.

Think of this time as being in your cocoon, and you’ll be a butterfly when it’s over.

And take a walk in nature when you can. We need to connect with the earth and breathe in those negative ions. Just 30 minute every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance.

It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Above all, stay strong and positive during this difficult time. One of my favorite quotes:

“We must accept infinite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Martin Luther King

Stay well my friends.

Love,
Veronica

With everything you see on the internet, YouTube and social media, you may think you can do it all yourself when it comes to skincare and beauty.

With the press of a button, you can browse how-to videos on everything from creating the ideal smoky eye to using advance skincare devices to lift sagging skin, and cure puffy eyes.

But what you can’t find online is the professional advice and hands on experience of a licensed, well trained esthetician. Our skin changes every few years, depending on age, stress, environment, hormones and lifestyle. At-home products you were using last year may not be the ideal product for you to use now. Knowing what products and skincare regimen can put you on the path to long term radiant skin.

Here are a few of my top reasons to get a pro on your self-care schedule:

Expert skin analysis

There is definitely a difference between skin type (oily, dry, normal, rosacea, sensitive, etc.). When an esthetician is working with you, she/he can examine your skin without makeup, under strong magnification and in different stages of cleansing and exfoliation. This helps to see what your skin is missing and what it needs in order for her/him to make recommendations to best meet your skincare goals. Screening and early detection are critical in treatment for more serious skincare issues. That is why we love having Talia Emery M.D. as our medical director to give free consultations to diagnose your skin if we see a problem.

Professional strength exfoliation

Having a consistent exfoliation in your weekly at home regimen is needed to keep your skin smooth and allow for the best product penetration. But nothing compares to the deeper results of a professional exfoliation or peel.

This can come in the form of a physical scrub, microdermabrasion, enzyme peel or multi-acid treatment. There are many different options available, depending on your skin type and condition, ensuring the right level and method to avoid irritation, but give you that spa glow.

Customized plan

There are so many choices of products, ingredients, at-home devices and in-spa treatments, it can be overwhelming. Being able to ask questions you have about your skin and how to care for it is a great benefit of having a trusted skincare professional on your side. No more guessing on the ideal products to get you the maximum results you desire. Consultation is key. Your lifestyle, skincare habits, products you use, and your immediate concerns are important to know for creating a future plan for good skin health, and a beautiful complexion. At Veronica Skin Care we believe it is not only important to what you apply to your skin, but overall good health, including clean eating, regular exercise and calming the mind to contribute to a radiant complexion. Care of the face and body is a must to keep your skin looking and operating its best, and periodic professional facials are a wonderful way to enhance the home care you give your skin to stay healthy. Looking beautiful is not about looking younger, it’s about looking your best at any age. Contact us for your customized facial treatment at one of our three locations; Veronica Skin & Body Care in Malibu, Veronica Skin Care on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Veronica Spa at the Malibu Beach Inn.

Wishing you Wellness!

Love,
Veronica

“Your skin is your best accessory. Take good care of it.” – Veronica

On turning 70, I can only tell you that I believe we can age gracefully, not fighting or denying the fact that your energy level does go down a bit.

It’s even more important remaining physically active and appreciating this stage of life as a new adventure. I appreciate the little girl that still lives in me, who always wants to know and see what’s beyond the bend in the road, and figure a way to get there.

I am deeply grateful that my younger self had the courage to do things that were not easy, or comfortable at times. I’m grateful for my friends, family, and those strong women who helped me stay on the path.

I’ve personally never thought of aging as beauty-related, even though I’m in the beauty business. I’ve always related aging to experience, lessons learned, and wisdom gained. When I look in the mirror as a 70 year old, I never think, ‘Wow, I look older and my skin doesn’t look like it did in my twenties’. I just see me at the current stage of who I am today. I reflect on what I’ve been able to accomplish over the years and what I still hope to accomplish over the next year. To me, aging is a beautiful part of life’s progression towards learning and becoming a better version of ourselves. It’s about being in good health, caring about your happiness, and staying fit.

Beauty products will help, but they are only a part of keeping the whole body and mind in shape. Fresh unprocessed food, a lot of movement, de-stressing rituals, spa treatments, a good night’s sleep, and good skin care products are the right combination for me. Aging is beauty, we should embrace it. My journey as a skin healer grew from having bad skin, so learning about self-love and care, to gravitating towards internal wellness of the mind and body brought me to where I am today. Beauty is not reflected by age, it’s reflected by the health of your energy from within, revealing your inner light.

Kendall (my granddaughter) and I will be going to Vietnam in April with Operation Smile. And congratulations to Kendall on her graduation from Auburn University, class of 2018! While I have never been on an Operation Smile medical mission before, I have always felt a deep connection to this group of doctors who travel to third world countries and provide life-saving reconstructive cleft surgeries. These volunteers give babies around the world a chance to live normal lives that are healthier and more fulfilling.

A child’s cleft lip or palate can be repaired for $240, and in as few as 45 minutes. Kendall is 22 and is pursuing a medical career. Nothing makes me happier than joining Dr. William Magee and his wife, Kathleen Magee (a nurse and clinical social worker) on this mission. They founded Operation Smile in1982, and have dedicated their lives to helping children with cleft palates. They saw a need and Operation Smile was born.

Kendall and I are honored to be going on this mission. On my 70th we raised over $27,000 in our silent auction for Operation Smile. Thank you to everyone who donated to Operation Smile. A special thank you to Jennifer Naylor for her delicious food, Shamra and Brian Strange for the wine from Strange Family Vineyard, and Cindy Crawford for the Casimigos Tequila. Here’s to 70 candles!

With love & gratitude,
Veronica

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” – Khalil Gibran

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to change your skin care routine. In the dry winter months our skin requires a heavier moisturizer.

Warmer temperatures causes the skin’s natural oil production to increase, this means using a lighter moisturizer and even more sun protection. To have the best skin this season, you’ll want to make some adjustments on how you treat your skin.

Here are 4 suggestions to spring clean your skincare regimen.

Exfoliate & Mask

Skin is less sensitive when the humidity is higher because there is more moisture in the air.
Use a scrub or light exfoliating peel to brighten and smooth the appearance of your skin. This will give you a smooth canvas for your makeup, and help your treatment products be more effective and do their job. Our new Charcoal Glow Mask is a scrub & mask all-in-one!

Lighter Moisturizer

Warmer temperatures result in oiler skin, so switch to a lighter moisturizer in the Spring.
Use a lightweight moisturizer that provides hydration and nourishes your skin while your sleeping.

Add an Antioxidant Serum

Everyone should incorporate a serum into their skin routine. Even when you use sunscreen, your skin is exposed to damaging free radicals. Air pollution, toxins and UV exposure all create free radicals that lead to environmental damage. An antioxidant serum will help counteract that damage and help keep your skin younger. A good serum will also boost clarity and brighten your skin.

Spring Clean Your Pores with a Professional Facial

I recommend seeing an esthetician and getting a professional facial after the winter months.
It’s an excellent way to jump start your complexion after the winter months. Remember, Spring cleaning is not just for your house, your skincare regimen also needs an overhaul.

Wishing you a Bright & Happy Spring!

Love,
Veronica

“Elegance is the only beauty, that never fades.” – Audrey Hepburn

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to show your love – to your skin!!

Colder temperatures can wreak havoc on your skin, both on the face and body. It gets flaky, dry, and can be painful and itchy. Here are a few of my tips on keeping your body’s largest organ hydrated and healthy during the winter months.

Use products that are gentle on your face and body during the winter months. Without cleansing, your products can’t do their job. It’s important to use a cleanser that softens water and gently rids the skin of impurities without stripping the skin of it’s normal pH.

Keep your environment from being too dry. Our skin is the barrier that keeps water inside of your body. When it is cold and dry, water evaporates off the surface of our skin faster. Use a humidifier to prevent dryness and drink extra water. Humidifiers are a good way to add moisture back into your home, especially if you use a fireplace or heater.

Exfoliate less than you would normally, your skin barrier is going to be compromised because of the cold air and dryness.

Twice a week is enough during the winter months.

Avoid hot baths and showers. In the winter months, taking hot showers and not moisturizing can dry out your skin. If the skin is not moisturized immediately, the skin surface gets exposed to air, resulting in ‘winter itch’.

Hot water dehydrates our skin, so after you pat dry, moisturize your face and body. Use products that contain hyaluronic acid to keep the barrier of your skin from losing a lot of water. Don’t go outside in the cold with damp skin. If your skin is damp and you go out in the cold, it’s going to chap more. It’s just like when you lick your lips, it makes the problem worse.

Use your moisturizer often. Using a good moisturizer is crucial for keeping skin hydrated throughout the winter. I recommend using face and body oils for your skin type during the winter months. Use a cream moisturizer after to help trap in the hydration. There is a body oil for every skin type. My favorites are coconut or a light sesame seed oil.

Happy Valentine’s Day Beauties!

Love,
Veronica

Veronica & Carl with Venus de Milo (the Greek Goddess of Beauty & Love)

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season!

I am thrilled to share that I have opened my third skincare spa on the beautiful Montana Avenue in Santa Monica! We will be offering customized facials, body treatments, and the latest technology in anti-gravity therapies, ultrasound, radio-frequency, and facial treatments. Our skincare boutique includes the latest in skincare products in the world.

I have been fortunate to be in an industry that I am passionate about and love. I am grateful to all my mentors that encouraged me to embark on this great beauty journey.

I feel blessed to have created a concept that helps make your skin look it’s most youthful, by using the best technologies and products that are gentle and yet effective to deliver results.

I want to share four things I am incredibly thankful for;

1. All of my employees and their passion, hard work, and dedication to me and Veronica Skin Care.
2. My family, and great friends I have met in my life. They truly are my inspiration.
3. Our clients from the last 38 years. Their continued dedication and loyalty fills my heart.
4. Lastly, I am thankful for my health, and everyone who has inspired me to move forward in building my business. Having had terrible skin in my youth, I find it exceptional joyful in helping others with their skin care problems.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a new year filled with hope and joy.

With love,
Veronica

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” – Kahlil Gabran

If you’re looking to enhance and keep your skin’s natural glow from the summer, here are a few tips (besides a sunscreen and a 4′ brimmed hat) that will help.

Apply your facial products to the back of the neck all the way up to your hairline. Gravity affects that area too, especially when you wear your hair up, and the sun exposure breaking down collagen and elastin. Applying products to the back side of the neck will help prevent sagging in the front and should be treated as an extension of that area.

I love using a mask at least twice a week to keep skin bright and clear. You can make your own. Put a few slices of pumpkin in a food processor, add 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt and honey. Apply the mask and cover the eye with cold green tea bags (it reduces puffiness). Let it sit for 15 minutes. Remove the mask with a warm, damp towel. The yogurt also helps heal sunburned, damaged skin.

To extend your summer tan, incorporate raw carrots into your snack routine. Carrots contain a very potent antioxidant called carotene that promotes the coloration of the skin, and when you have several servings in your diet, it warms up your natural skin tone to help your tan last longer.

Keep a hydrating mist in your purse. Misting the skin throughout the day will cool it off and balance nature’s harsh elements by keeping it calm and hydrated. I love Jane Iredale’s Lemongrass Spray.

Apply eye cream with a jade stone. This ancient beauty ritual from Japan is known to drain toxins from the eye area, increase blood circulation and help with puffiness.

One of the most important things to remember to do after sunbathing is to rinse your body with fresh water to remove salt and/or chlorine from the skin. These two elements will dry out the skin quickly.

Hope everyone is having a fun summer and I can’t wait to tell you about our 3rd new location opening this Fall!

A girl’s gotta spa and you deserve to be pampered!

Love,
Veronica

“I regret taking such good care of my skin.” – said no one ever

Valentine’s Day is here and Veronica Day Spa has the perfect Valentine’s gift of pampering for your sweetheart!

What better way to celebrate love than giving your loved one a special Valentine’s Day at the spa!

The greatest gift on Valentine’s Day is the gift of pampering with relaxing massages, soothing facials, sauna, acupuncture or a private yoga or tai chi class with our master teachers. Your loved one will leave feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, refreshed and truly special. During this time of the year even the most beauty conscious neglect their skin form time to time.

The latest facial to get the A list all excited is the new HydraFacial. The entire HydraFacial is performed using a vacuum based skin abrasion tip which is loaded with various serums prescribed according to your needs and specially formulated to target and combat different skin complaints. The probe removes dead skin cells while bathing the healthy underlying skin with antioxidants deep into the skin – exactly where they can take effect. Your main skincare woes targeted in one quick and easy session.

HydraFacial is tailored to your individual skincare needs, meaning you will receive a customized treatment suited to your skin’s requirements. If you like the results and hate fluff then the HydraFacial is the perfect facial for skin maintenance. The results are pretty addictive, even if you only manage this treatment once every couple months your skin will thank you for it.

We are experts on helping you put together your gift of love. A little bit of planning will go a long way, and your Valentine will surely appreciate your efforts. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a special person in your life, give the gift no one returns; the gift of relaxation, the Veronica Spa Gift Certificate. Gift cards are available in any denomination and can be used for any service or combination of services – there’s something for everyone on our spa menu!

With each Gift Certificate you’ll get a free Veronica Aromatherapy Bergamot & Jasmine Candle.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

With love and gratitude,
Veronica

“For me the only things of interests are those linked to the heart.” – Audrey Hepburn

We all know the basics of a good diet, exercise and good grooming, but a consistent sleep schedule and nighttime routine is also a key to your health.

Just getting the recommended 7-8 hour quantity of sleep is not always enough, it’s the quality of sleep that’s important. Turning and tossing, waking up throughout the night, and restlessness can be a big problem.

Your mind can keep you up when your body really wants to rest.

A few routines help me get a good nights sleep.

An aromatherapy bath helps calm the mind and body. Lavender, orange blossom and chamomile are my favorites. A few drops in your bath water is all you need. Lavender is stress-reducing, orange blossom is calming and reduces anxiety (it’s in our aromatherapy candles), and chamomile relaxes and promotes restfulness.

Lighting a candle and turning off the electricity also helps the mind and body relax.

Magnesium is the second most abundant element in the human cell and helps to regulate over 300 enzyme actions in the body. Most people are magnesium deficient. If our magnesium level gets too low, it can disrupt our REM sleep and lower our serotonin production. Magnesium levels fall at night, so to help increase intake, it’s important to eat magnesium rich foods like dark leafy greens, fish, nuts and seeds. One of the most efficient ways for the body to absorb key minerals is topically. Bathing in Epsom Salts will detoxify and rebalance the body.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, magnesium deficiency helps account to high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain. digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments. Who knew?!

While there are many different brands of Epsom Salts, they are all the same product chemically, and can be found at most drug stores.

Add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath water with a few drops of your favorite essential oils, light a candle and soak for at least 15 minutes in your bath. Do this three times weekly.

If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, please check with your doctor before using Epsom Salts.

We all have such busy days, but taking the time for a beautiful bath can be good for your soul…your immune system… and your sleep!

Wishing you health and wellness!

Love,
Veronica

“Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama