Q: I have really oily skin and I break out a lot. What do you suggest?
A: Use a mild liquid cleanser and an alcohol-free toner nightly. Once a week, use a mask to deep clean your pores. If this isn't enough to keep your breakouts under control, you can also try a salicylic acid preparation. This is what dermatologists use to treat acne: cosmetic over-the-counter preparations aren't as strong and don't require a prescription.
Q: I've tried a number of Alpha Hydroxy Acid products. I love what they do for my wrinkles, but I always have an unfavorable reaction to them-redness, irritation and burning. Is this normal?
A: A little irritation is not uncommon, especially during the first few weeks of use. However, there are a couple of alternatives that will work just as well if not better for you! Look for an AHA cream that's BUFFERED to prevent irritation. Or switch out your AHA for BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Betas work every bit as well as AHA in terms of exfoliation and resurfacing of the skin. But BHA's do the same work at much lower concentrations, thus lowering the risk of irritation.

Q: I seem to be losing a lot of hair. Is it possible for a woman to go bald?
A: Female baldness is pretty rare. However, as time goes on, you WILL LOSE a lot more hair than you did as a youngster. You'll notice a lot of elderly ladies have so little hair you can see right through to their scalp. Here's what you can do: Be gentle on your hair. A lot of hair is lost through too vigorous brushing, and tugging tangled hair. Use conditioner to get the knots out. Be careful with dyes and heat styling. And I'm going to recommend SilkTech Energizing Serum, a leave-in hair product that treats the scalp to extend the life cycle of your hair. I'm not aware of any other hair treatment quite like it.

Q: When do I really need to use sunscreen, and how high an SPF should I use?
A: Use sunscreen all year long, not just in the summer. UVB rays are stronger in summer and will make you burn, but UVA rays are consistent throughout the year, and tend to cause the most visible aging of your skin. So use sunscreen wherever you have exposed skin, as regularly as you can manage. Even a trip to the grocery store exposes you to potentially damaging rays! Dermatologists recommend a minimum protection factor of SPF 15. The higher the SPF, the better protected you'll be. If you wear foundation, there may be some sun protection built right into your makeup-titanium dioxide for example, provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays. One last warning: don't

forget your feet, ears and lips when you apply your sunscreen. Remember, it's not just wrinkles you're guarding against, but life threatening melanomas as well.

Q: I have blotchy skin. Is there anything I can do, short of covering it up with heavy makeup?
A: If your blotchy skin is caused by an allergy, ask your doctor. If it's broken capillaries under the skin, all we can do is cover them up, but it doesn't mean you have to wear thick pancake makeup. There are some really sheer foundations that will provide excellent coverage and yet look totally natural. But first, use Red Blocker to neutralize the red color. Then a thin application of foundation is all you need!

Q: My feet are so calloused and scaly looking, but I can't go in for pedicures all the time. How can I take care of them at home?

A: First, get a good loofah and scrub your heels and the areas around your toenails while you bathe or shower. A body scrub is a good idea too-with buffing grains to help sweep away all that dead skin. When you're done, apply an exfoliating foot cream with AHA to continue the process overnight. Repeat this process every night for a few weeks. Once the old, dead skin has been sloughed off, your feet will be smooth and pretty. To maintain, continue your loofah and foot cream regimen a few times a week. You may never need a pedicure again!
Q: I live in dry, arid country and it's really started to show in my face.
A: Obviously, you need to moisturize consistently. But you can also do a few easy things to make your environment a little more skin-friendly, at least while you're at home! Use a cool air humidifier, or if you're into it, get a lot of houseplants. This keeps the indoor air a little on the moist side, which is good for your skin and more comfortable overall. Also, drink lots of water-8 glasses a day, and wear sunscreen and broad brimmed hats when you go out.

Q: I've always taken good care of my face, but my hands and neck give my age away.
A: Treat your neck, chest and hands to a weekly mask, just as you would your face, and use a moisturizer or body lotion to smooth your skin

Q: In winter, my skin gets so dry, it's almost painful. Especially my hands!
A: When you bathe, use warm water rather than hot, and a moisturizing soap or body shampoo. Pat yourself dry with a towel (don't rub because this may rub off natural skin oils). Then, while

your skin is still moist and warm, apply moisturizing lotion. Here's a foolproof treatment for really dry, chapped hands: Before bedtime soak your hands for a few minutes in warm water. Apply petroleum jelly or your favorite moisturizer, then cover your hands with cotton gloves. Socks will work, too. Leave them on all night while you sleep.

Q: I have really dark bags under my eyes, especially in the morning. I can't hide them up with makeup.
A: If you have 5 extra minutes in the morning, use my EyeWonder or similar eye pads with Cucumber Extract to reduce the puffiness and irritation. Tea bags are a convenient alternative: Soak a fresh, dry bag for 15 to 20 seconds in cold water, pat it until it is just damp, and place over your eyes. The tannic acid in the tea helps tighten and soothe the skin. Then apply Blue Blocker to the dark areas. Blue Blocker is a tinted cream we makeup artists use to neutralize 'blue" tones in the skin. It doesn't "cover up"; it actually uses the opposite color of the spectrum to cancel out the visual effect of your dark circles. Pat your foundation on over the Blue Blocker. Click here to get more information on recommended products.