10 Tips from Beauty Pro Nerida Joy

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Welcome to Ask an Expert where we reach out to industry-appropriate professionals for insights and answers to the complex questions mothers in our community are wrangling with.

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10 Tips from Beauty Pro Nerida Joy

How do you do it all and still look so good? That’s one question most moms would love to be asked. But figuring out how to raise kids, and balance jobs, housework, relationships, hobbies, the PTA, and exercise—plus a host of other things—doesn’t leave us much time to focus on ourselves.

So we’ve enlisted the expertise of beauty guru Nerida Joy to share some quick, easy-to-do tips. Nerida has been a skincare expert for over 30 years, and works her holistic skincare magic on some of the most famous faces in the world. Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Courtney Cox, and Claudia Schiffer are just some of the A-list celeb moms on her ever-growing loyal client list.

How often should I wash my face?
Cleansing is 50% of your skin care regimen. When you wash your face properly, you not only keep your skin clean and fresh, you prepare it for the full benefits of all your products. Cleanse every morning and night with a very mild, lightly foaming or non-foaming cleanser. I like to cleanse twice at night. The first time, I use a warm, wet washcloth to remove my cleanser. The second time, I rinse with warm water.

What makes a good sun block – and should I use one in the winter months too?
There are many good brands of sun block, including options that are light in texture and tinted for all skin tones. Look for one that’s noncomedogenic, which means it’s less likely to clog pores. “Physical block” ingredients, like titanium and zinc are exceptionally effective. Most importantly, use sunscreen or sun block everyday, all year round. If you have darker skin, SPF 15 should do the trick, but for lighter skin, use a minimum SPF 30 when outdoors. Be sure to re-apply several times throughout the day, especially if you are sweating or in water. People often comment on how good my skin looks at 50. As someone with light, thin skin, it’s been key for me to stay out of the sun. When I am outdoors, I use sun block and wear protective clothing, like long sleeves and hats.

What should I be doing for my skin at night?
Sleep is important, though the number of hours each person requires can vary. Your skin’s requirements can vary as well, welcoming different formulas at night than in the morning. That’s why the products recommended for your nighttime regimen are often stronger from those suggested for the morning.

Are facial scrubs safe?
A gentle exfoliating product is great for keeping your skin clean and fresh. Stay away from abrasive scrubs that contain ingredients with harsh “edges,” like walnuts or sea salt. These may scratch the skin’s surface and have been known to spread infection when you have pimples.

I can’t always manage to wash my hair every day. But is that necessarily a bad thing?
If you want to keep your hair healthy-looking and luxurious, skip a day or two between shampoos to help avoid dryness. Instead, try a dry shampoo, the celebrity secret to clean, fresh, gorgeous tresses.

What’s the best foundation for oily skin? I’m out and about with my kids all day, so I’d also like to not look too “made-up.”
Mineral powder makeup is excellent if you tend to have oily or combination skin. Many mineral makeup brands contain ingredients known for their healing properties. Your complexion will look fresh and natural without a cakey feel.

Between school drop-offs, after-school classes, and errands I’m constantly in the car. Does that have any effect on my skin?
It might feel like your car can protect you from the sun, but the truth is, those tricky UV rays can shine right through your windows. When driving, always protect your face, neck, arms, and hands with sunscreen or sun block. And don’t forget your décolleté if you’re wearing a lower cut shirt or strappy dress. You can also find protective driving sleeves at sun gear shops online.

My teenager isn’t the only one with pimples. I break out every now and again. What’s the best trick to tackle acne?
The trick is no trick at all: Cleanse–everyday, twice a day. A mild, lightly foaming cleanser will help rid your pores of the dirt, bacteria and sebum that can cause pimples. Try not to touch your face–hands carry bacteria that can aggravate skin. And, you’ve probably heard this a million times before–never pick! Picking can cause infection and lead to scarring.

What’s the secret to morning-fresh skin?
One of the best ways to keep your skin clean throughout the night is to change your pillowcase once a week if you have normal to dry skin. If you have oily skin, then change it every three days. Sweet dreams!

Baths are my great escape but they dry out my skin! What can I do?
There’s nothing like a nice, relaxing soak or a good, hot shower. However, too much of a good thing can actually dry out your skin (and raise your water bill!). Don’t forget to use body lotion afterwards to help with all-over moisture and protection.

FREE BeautyMint Give-Away!
On top of these tips we have an exciting opportunity to win some of the products that Nerida has developed. Mamasource will be giving away one four-piece sample kit that includes essential cleanser, ultra replenishing serum, strengthening hydrator and resurfacing treatment. This kit will be given to a randomly-chosen reader who comments on this post between March 28-30.

Mamasource Deal Sneak Preview
We’re thrilled to announce that Mamasource is rolling out a special deal on BeautyMint products, giving you 50% off of one of two different beauty regimen kits. Just fill out a short questionnaire and the BeautyMint team will determine the best product bundle (4 or 5 piece set) to customize for you based on your individual skin profile.

Nerida Joy, BeautyMint’s celebrity skin care expert, has over 30 years of hands-on experience. She has been profiled in over 60 prestigious beauty publications, sits on the Editorial Advisory Board of New Beauty magazine and was named one of Elle and Self magazines’ top facialists in the country.