Now that you have developed a good cleansing routine that you are doing at least every night before you go to bed and quickly each morning, you should see the results of your efforts. (see "Critical Skin Care Mistakes" January issue of NC Journal for Women) And of course the water you are drinking will make a great deal of difference as well. You are drinking lots of water? Of course you are!

Let me point out a few additional procedures that will DEFINITELY enhance your facial cleansing results. A deep professional cleansing facial is a good start. Do this every four to six weeks depending on your skin’s condition. The correct person to do this is a licensed Aesthetician. There are many here is North Carolina who have gone to school and are certified to work on your skin. Make sure that they are Aestheticians and/or cosmetologists who are trained to do hair, nails, make-up and are also licensed to touch your face.

Remember that your skin is a living organ that renews itself as the top layers are regularly sloughed off. Most people don’t think of skin as being an organ, but it is. And it’s the largest organ in your body.

If you are a person who would like to erase some years off of your face, there are a few avenues you can explore without surgery. The first is a Natural Facelift. This process creates a more youthful appearance by toning and firming facial muscles. This is a cream that dries to a mask and creates an isometric pressure between the masque and the muscles of the face and neck to restore firmness to sagging skin and muscles. The results are cumulative and can be likened to an exercise program for the muscles of the face. Suggested use is three or four times a week until the maximum benefit has been achieved and then on a maintenance basis.

You also can use a collagen product that will feed the skin at the cellular level. Together there is no doubt that you will look younger and your skin tone will improve. Both of these are home-use products that do not need a professional to administrate. It is like giving yourself a mini spa at home. Visit the website www.instantfaceliftonline.com. There is a great deal of information with an extensive list of ingredients and details on how to use.

Another professional procedure is called microdermabrasion. Next month I’ll explore and explain it in depth. This must be administrated by a professional and is creating a great deal of excitement as an adjunct to other skin care procedures.

'Til next month….Here’s looking at you!