Ask an Expert - Skincare Secrets, Hair Health and Gnarly Nails

I am in my mid-20’s and beginning to see the early signs of aging. What are some products I should be incorporating into my beauty regimen?      

As we at Bellus Academy always say – it’s better to be proactive than reactive. We are impressed and proud that you are dedicated to caring for your skin at such a young age.

The most important step you can take at this point is to determine the best face wash and moisturizer for your skin type. What works for dry skin may not work for oily or acne-prone skin. For a foolproof product, try Murad’s Refreshing Cleanser. Adding an exfoliating wash to your regimen at least twice a week for your face, neck and décolleté is also pertinent. This process scrubs away dead cells to reveal rejuvenated, supple skin and promote smoothness and a healthy glow. Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids to improve cell-turnover and brightness. 

Incorporating products with SPF or using sunblock on a daily basis will save your skin from harmful rays and go a long way in preventing further damage, sunspots, wrinkles and fine lines. The Murad’s Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30 works for all skin types and guarantees protection from the sun.

Vitamin C is a super ingredient in many of the latest skincare products. This powerful antioxidant fights free radicals as well as tightens and brightens the skin. For a daily dose, try Murad’s Active Radiance Serum. For a weekly, more concentrated dose, try the brand’s Intensive-C Radiance Peel.

Visit Bellus Spa for a Botanical Brightening Facial with Pumpkin Rejuvenation and get a head start in saving your skin.

Expert note: The best tip for any regimen is to stick with it. Even with daily use of products, it can take a few weeks or even months for results to become evident. Good luck!

How can I counteract dry, damaged hair and how can I prevent it from drying out again in the future?

There are a number of culprits for dry, damaged hair as well as a number of solutions.

The most common reason for damage is overprocessing due to one too many dye, highlight, perm or relaxing jobs. However, most women love to experiment with their look and find this to be unavoidable. One way to counteract this effect is to use a correcting shampoo and conditioner. Wella Professional’s Enrich line offers products that add weightless moisture to hair, restoring your strands’ health without weighing them down.

Heat is another factor that causes dry, split ends. While allowing hair to air-dry is the fastest fix, most of us rely on dryers, irons and curlers to complete our beauty transformations. If giving up the heat is not going to happen, adding a product that offers thermal protection will provide an extra barrier against damage. Wella’s Thermal Image creates a buffer that keeps hair healthy even against the highest of temperatures.

Looking after your locks by committing to frequent trims will prevent split ends from spreading up the strand.

When used in conjunction with one another, these helpful hints will have your hair healthier and more manageable in no time!

Help! No matter what I do, my nails are weak and constantly peeling. Do you have any suggestions?

If you notice that your nails have always been weak, prone to peeling and/or brittle, check with your healthcare provider. You may be suffering from vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. Biotin, protein, fatty acids and vitamin B12 all have an impact on your nails and can be found naturally in a variety of foods or in pill and supplement form.

If your nails have become weak and brittle after the use of enhancements such as acrylics, gels or fillings, the root of your dilemma is most likely due to improper application or removal. In this case, a combination of regular manicures and a reliable home-care regimen will nurture your nails back to life in no time. To treat this common problem, Bellus technicians use CND’s Toughen Up basecoat to help strengthen your natural nail. In extreme cases, technicians may even apply CND’s Shellac gel to cover and protect your nails as they grow back. Stop by Bellus for a consultation today and let us breathe life back into your nails!

*All products listed are available at .

Bellus Academy has been revolutionizing beauty and wellness education since its founding in 1993. For more information, call (858)748-1490 or visit www.bellusacademy.edu. Do you have a burning beauty question? Submit it to amy@altstrategies.com.