Winter warmth and my natural cosmetic picks..

Winter in the pacific northwest.. I feel like a bear and want to hibernate, so naturally I turn to my bedding.  

My bed (above) is full of pillows and a soft down comforter. The heat gets turned way down at night in my house because of of my hot flashes so our beds feel like little cocoons.  

..still looking for something to go over my headboard.

My little side tables.. they need lamps.

A little bench in my room with a cashmere throw.

I like these baskets for towels in the shower/bath area.

Restoration Hardware

My bedding is Bella Notte  ..   

I am thinking about adding ..

 

Alcott Bedding .. So pretty!! and I love the white and blue.  Has anyone ordered from this company, and is it not gorgeous?!

On to my vanity! You all know that I am a revolving door with this sort of thing.. 

A few of my recent picks for natural cosmetics.. 

Jurlique .. For very dry (mature) skin.. I like the moisture rejuvenating day cream.

Tammy Fender Rose water .. a hydrating skin tonic. 

Quintessential Serum:

 

This all-in-one age-defying superstar is our most sought after product – delivering immediate nutrition, radiance and cell renewal.

Beneficial for: 

Sensitive, 
Mature / Aging, 
Dry / Dehydrated

I just ordered 

decleor serum.  It smells wonderful and I need the aromatherapy in the winter. Check out the tutorial for application.

 My lavender pillow.  I use everything I can to help me relax!

Layla caught on the couch! She knows better but I was upstairs and she did not get her walk this morning.. so she is being testy!

Do you eat while you drive?

  It's probably not good, but sometimes I do.  Today was so busy I ended up picking lunch up while I was shopping at my local Whole Foods Market and eating it on the way home. 

 Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, garbonzo beans,and a spinach falafel. Sounds boring but it was really tasty and my body needs it.  I've got lots of eating ahead this weekend.

..about this weekend, what are you up to?

xxleslie

#Linesallowed

Smile!  I know.. those laugh lines.. they are multiplying right?  

Let's talk about skin today. Latte?

It's my treat!

Jayme and Mendi

This is just great Leslie!! I really want to find a good dermatologist but have had troubles finding one that I feel takes the time to listen to me. Any tips on how to find the right dermatologist? My last experience left me really disappointed.

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

I totally understand how you feel here.  Some doctors are intimidating and have a poor bedside manor. 

Interviewing is the best way to determine if a Medical Doctor is a good fit for you. 

Most providers run late and always seem rushed. Don't let that make you nervous!  Stay calm, and ask your questions. A written list can be helpful and then have a pen and paper to write down what you need to. 

 Last, remember that doctors don't always have the answers and they DO make mistakes.  If you are disappointed or have a bad experience, you need to speak with the office manager.  A reputable office will help with concerns.  Be brave:) 

adrienne shubin	11/6/12
to me

Hello Leslie! 

I was intrigued by your last blog post. I didn't know that you are a skin care expert. I have a question for you: 

What product can I use to lighten my dark spots on my cheeks? 

I do not want to go through a Fraxel procedure or the like until I know I have exhausted other options. 

Also, what is a good basic cleanser to use for combination. T-zone skin? 

Thank you! 

Hope you are doing well. 

Adrienne (age 45) 

The Rich Life (on a budget)

If you have dark spots (or hyperpigmented areas) on your checks, sometimes they can be lightened with over the counter lightening serums/creams.  A prescription cream from your provider, such as Hydroquinone, will work the best. If you tolerate it, a glycolic wash and lotion would be good.  Glycolic will help with exfoliation (getting rid of damage) and also lighten and brighten the skin. Lasers, when used by or under the direction of a physician, can get rid of {some} brown spots or discoloration.  

It IS possible to worsen your problem if you use the wrong products or do a procedure that isn't right for your condition.  This is why you should always have a diagnosis made by a medical doctor prior to beginning a treatment plan.

  Fraxel is great and
 helps many people. It treats deep into the tissue of the skin, leaving the outside layer in tack.  It is however,a bit pricey and usually takes a few treatments.  I also do a lot of chemical peels (sounds mean, I know..) but the RIGHT peel can provide wonderful results for certain individuals.  

Melasma is tricky and usually triggered by hormones. It often shows up during a woman's child bearing years or with birth control pills and gets worse with sun exposure. 

 Source: Calzedonia

Anonymous: Perimenopausal female, age 50. She had acne as a teen and seems to have it again, and it's been resistant to treatment.  

Not only do we have to worry about all the other changes going on with our skin during menopause.. some of us are still dealing with acne.  Those darn hormones!

If the standard approach of topicals and oral medication to stop an acne flare doesn't help, some providers will try Spironolactone (a testosterone lowering medication) to help mature women that struggle with acne.  Sometimes we "break out" during perimenopausal because our hormones are all over the map. Cellular turnover slows, making our pores get clogged easier .. and our skin often lacks luster.

As our estrogen goes down, some of the other hormones will dominate. All oral medications require on going medical supervision and blood work.  Our goal is to get people OFF off prescription medication once they pass through the flare. Mature women will do better if they remain calm and try to stay in balance in all areas of life.. food, exercise, sleep .. find happiness and keep the romance going!  It's all good for the skin!

Don't go overboard eliminating all the fun things in life:)

Chic Coastal Living

This is awesome because I have been seeing such bad skin changes that may have to do with stress and using products that were to harsh for my face. Actually, I really need to take my boys to the dermatologists for breakouts. Would you recommend that they get facials? 17 and 14

You are right, stress is not good for the skin.  Over-treating the skin (using "harsh" products) is common. It's almost as if we are saying .. okay skin, take this!! .. and in giving it "that" we cause more issues.If there is a skin problem, use less not more. Go easy and leave your skin alone. Give it a break and proceed cautiously as you try new things.

Depending on what kind of acne the boys have, facials may or may not help.  A facial will exfoliate and cleanse the skin.  It's not meant to be an acne treatment. That said, an Aesthetician should be able to discuss basic skin care ~ and that is helpful.

Skin is dry this time of year. Here is a salad I make when my skin is feeling over-taxed (post holidays!).  
The watercress is so pretty and has lots of nutritive value.

Endive and watercress Salad

2 or 3 Endive
1/2 bunch of Watercress
1 or 2 avocados
small cucumber

Dressing

2 TB Tarragon Vinegar
4 TB olive oil
Diced shallot optional
salt,pepper to taste

belclairehouse.blogspot.com

It's fun being a woman and you are all gorgeous!



xxleslie



If you'd like to talk about your skin, nutrition, or exercise.. email me at trouverlesoleil@gmail.com

Make sure you keep your question brief and let me know your age or the decade you are in.






This blog series is not meant to treat or diagnose a medical problem.  If something persists, changes, or doesn't feel right, see your Medical Doctor.