5 Skin Care Trends: What Professional Women, and this Esthetics Icon, are Doing to Look Their Best

Elaine Sterling knows skin. Caring for it has been her passion for more than 30 years as an esthetician, educator and founder/CEO of the Elaine Sterling Institute, a globally recognized center of learning in the spa, salon and wellness education industry. Through her “living laboratory” at the institute, Elaine created her own line of corrective skincare with active ingredients that repair, heal and stimulate cells. She believes skincare is about more than treating the surface. It’s about nurturing and healing the skin from within, which she writes about in her new autobiography, Beauty Beyond the Mirror.

We asked Elaine about the hottest new skincare trends—to help you look and feel your best.

Elaine: First of all, skincare isn’t just about topical treatments. You need to combine that with adequate hydration, exercise, and nutrition. I like a plant-based diet rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and folic acid. These play important roles in skin health by boosting healing, maintaining moisture and reducing fine lines. We all know the benefits of exercise and it’s important to sweat, as it will flush out oil and dirt. But we need to clean the sweat from the skin as soon as we can after workouts. Hydration isn’t a trend, it’s a mainstay and the demand for “more than just water hydration” is a big trend. Think large, attractive containers filled with water with added benefits, such as electrolytes or alkaline after a hard workout, or collagen to improve skin’s elasticity. I love iCell water, an additive that has creatine to boost hydration. 

Skin has a microbiome just like our gut does, and it’s a vital part of the body’s immune system. The skin microbiome is the keeper of the skin barrier, the protector of your skin. A healthy skin microbiome keeps out the bad stuff (infection, allergens) and keeps in the good stuff (hydration).

Topical Probiotics with live active cultures are most effective. I like LaFlore Live Probiotic Skincare, as well as Live P.S. that work to balance the skin. A balanced skin microbiome helps to reduce eczema, acne, dry skin, wrinkles and the risk of skin cancer linked to UV damage.

Peptides are chains of amino acids designed to boost and replenish amino acids in the skin; the building blocks for making collagen. Peptides can minimize the appearance of fine lines and leave the skin firmer. The Elaine Sterling HA Serum and Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum work well on all skin types and help to firm and tighten skin and minimize wrinkles. 

Non-chemical sunscreen. A must. Every day. Natural, or mineral, sunscreen creates a barrier between your skin and the harmful rays from the sun. This barrier is immediate once it’s applied. The Elaine Sterling Everyday SPF 30 is lightweight and sinks into the skin without leaving that “Casper” white hue. 

Chemical sunscreen contains chemicals. Need I say more? It also absorbs into the skin, then allows in UV rays before filtering them back out of the skin. There’s usually a 15-to-30-minute delay in between applying chemical sunscreen and full-sun protection. 

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a derivative of vitamin C, known for its antioxidant benefits and ability to brighten the skin, reduce uneven skin tone and stimulate collagen production. Since it penetrates the skin extremely well, it does a great job of delivering its benefits; combating aging and damage caused by UV rays and pollution. MAP also helps decrease melanin production, the pigment that shows up as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. My picks are Elaine Sterling Micro C Exfoliant Step 1 and Micro C Exfoliant Step 2 and Dermalogica MAP-15 Regenerator.

Topical Estrogen might be my new BFF. When estrogen “leaves the building,” the hormone changes really do a number on our skin as we lose collagen and elastin. Not only does topical estrogen improve both of those concerns, but it’s also very helpful with shrinking pores, wound healing and helping the skin barrier to stay hydrated. What hormone therapy does for a dry vagina; topical treatments do for your face and neck. The best estrogen creams are compounded by pharmacists, so you’ll need to ask your provider for a prescription. However, there are companies that will write one for you. Just ask Dr. Google.

“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.” – Beyoncé Knowles

By Elaine Sterling

Elaine Sterling, an esthetician, educator and founder/CEO of the Elaine Sterling Institute, a globally recognized center of learning in the spa, salon and wellness education industry, created her own line of corrective skincare with active ingredients. More here: https://www.beauty-beyondthemirror.com/projects-6