Complexion Perfection!
By Toni-Marie Ippolito
The Program: Clear Skin Specialist
Required Courses: Cleansing 101, Exfoliation 102, Masking 103, Hydration 104 and Moisturizing 105. Must complete all five courses to achieve glorious, clear skin.
Course Description:
Maureena Ostrovsky, head esthetician at Ici Paris Spa in Toronto—which also specializes in teen facial treatments—says that healthy, beautiful skin is synonymous with good health. Besides drinking lots of water, Maureena advises teens to maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of raw vegetables and foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Also, she strongly suggests avoiding junk food, soda and smoking. (Smoking delays the healing process of blemishes, acne and scars!)
Cleansing 101
The first step toward achieving clear skin is to cleanse your face properly. “Use a gentle non-irritating face cleanser and ensure that you rinse your face five to six times using tepid water,” says Maureena. “You should cleanse your face twice daily. Morning and night.”
Exfoliation 102
In order for your skin to absorb moisture, dead skin cells must be removed. “I recommend using a mild exfoliator,” says Maureena. When applying an exfoliant you should gently massage your face in circular motions to remove dead skin cells from your skin. Your skin will instantly be smoother.
Masking 103
After cleansing, indulge your skin with a face mask for hydration. Only once a week is required—or two if your skin tends to break out frequently.
Hydration 104
After washing and cleansing your face the next step is to further hydrate the skin with a toner and an astringent. Maureena suggests an alcohol-free toner or a natural herbal toner. Toners and astringents tighten pores, dry out imperfections and even out the complexion. Apply toner with a cotton ball.
Moisturizing 105
To lock in moisture from your toner, use an oil-free moisturizer as your next step. Gently massage cream into your face in small gentle circular motions from the center of your face outward. Always wear an oil-free moisturizer under makeup.
Maureena’s Trade Secrets:
• Always get enough sleep and exercise
• Wash your hands before touching your face
• Clean phones so they are clear of oils
• Always remove makeup and clean your makeup tools
• Choose makeup that is oil-free
• Keep hands and hair away from your face
• Change, or wash pillowcases regularly
• Never use fabric softener on pillowcases
Vervegirl’s Picks for Complexion Perfection:
Bioré Shine Control Moisturizer is lightweight, oil-free and leaves skin soft and matte looking, $12.99.
Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash Mask, is a unique cleanser with natural clay and blemish fighting ingredients that can also be used as a mask $11.49.
Evian Micro-Exfoliating Oxygenating Gel – Daily Use, is a gentle cleansing gel that removes built-up pollution and dead skin cells while preventing breakouts, $23.
Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Daily Cleansing Gel is ideal for combo, oily and acne prone skin. This anti-bacterial formula, enriched with purifying agents and zinc, cleanses pores and sweeps oil and makeup impurities away, $15.
Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent for Sensitive Skin, is a gentle formula that cleans deep down and prevents blemishes, $6.99.
Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub helps treat and prevent blackheads, $8.99.
Cliniderm Gentle Cleanser by Neostrata is a gentle soap-free cleanser that washes away impurities and rinses clean with no residue and does not disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier, $12.99.
photography: arash moallemi
