SKIN CARE IS ESSENTIAL, MAKEUP IS OPTIONAL *A monthly column devoted to helping women and men be their best and most confident in any situation. Topics include dress, body language, attitude and etiquette.

Victoria Seitz, PhD Image Expert

As we approach the summer season, skincare becomes foremost on our minds. Frankly, skincare for men and women is essential all year long. Living in Florida and Arizona taught me the importance of skin care; however, starting early on will contribute greatly to a youthful appearance later one.

Recently, on a trip to Phoenix walking to the gym from my hotel room at the Biltmore, I saw people lying in the sun. They will pay for it later! Skin cancer is prevalent throughout America and on the rise. As a teenage and a college student, you may have spent hours in the sun for the most gorgeous tan on campus. I did and now I am seeing the age spots appear more and more each day on my face, arms, and hands. So rather than just put on sunscreen, put on SUNBLOCK. The sun is not your friend. Further, invest in a hat that you can wear in the car and about to protect your face from the sun. Also consider a good pair of sunglasses. These actions will make your skin care regime easier and keep the aging process at bay.

Skin care is essential, makeup is optional; however, in business a little color is necessary. But remember make up is meant to enhance not cover up. Here are some skin and make up tips that will help you put your best face forward.

• Get in the habit of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin. Men have the routine in place when they start shaving but they need moisturizers too.

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• Avoid soap on your face. Soap is primarily made from animal fat. Not a pleasing thought when it comes to washing your face with it. Consider cleansers that are appropriate for your skin type. If you have oily skin that is prone to acne consider a cleanser with salic acid.

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• C Toners are used to rid the skin of any additional dirt, close the pores and balance the Ph in the skin. Witch hazel is a good one to use as well as others out on the market. Avoid using straight alcohol since it is very drying.

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• Select a moisturizer for your skin type. Also select an eye cream that works with your skin. Regular moisturizers are too heavy for the delicate eye area so a separate cream is needed.
• If you are unaware of your skin type you may consider the expertise of a dermatologist or aesthetician. If you have large pores, find that you break out often and have a constant shine on your face, you might be on the oily side. If you face hurts after you wash it, it is probably dry.
• Consider revamping your skin care regime as you age because change happens. As we age, we lose moisture in our skin. Those who began with normal to dry complexions may find, as they mature, that the skin becomes taut and overly dry. Facial lines are much more apparent when the skin is dry.

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• Make-up, otherwise known to me as "war-paint," is meant to enhance rather than cover up. When you're young, your features are distinct and your coloring is strong. The colors you use to enhance your features can also be strong and vibrant. As you mature, however, your features and coloring become softer, and hence, the colors you use to enhance your beauty should also be soft. Strong colors on a mature face makes them look like a clown

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• When applying your make-up, have the lights on, and blend the colors. Don't make your face look like you painted by the numbers. Especially at the jawline, blend your foundation past that onto the neck.

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• No matter the age, an over-painted face, particularly at work, distracts from, rather than enhances, one's beauty. Avoid brightly-colored or neon eyeshadows in favor of navies, browns, deep purples and plums, rose, taupe, teals, blue-grays, peaches, and beiges. Choose colors that reflect your coloring. For example if you're a blue-eyed blond, consider brown mascara. Then again, if you are a green-eye brunette, black is a better color for your lashes.

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• Also remember, sometimes your first interview is with Human Resources, who's job is to thin down the pile of applicants. The second or third interview is usually with the individual that has the power to hire you. Try to see yourself as a consultant trying to get a client and mention how your talents can contribute to the company's success.

To learn more about Dr. Seitz please visit her website at www.cbpa.csusb.edu/vseitz.

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