Ask Linda has been busy lately! You've been sending me lots of questions – good ones – so this month I'd like to share both the questions and my answers in the hopes that the information helps each and every one of you.

Ask LINDA:

How can I determine my skin type?

ANSWER:

There are countless factors that influence skin type including weather, heredity, age and health. Hellobeautifulface.com has a complete list of the 4 main skin types to help you identify your skin type. Remember that understanding your skin type is important for determining proper products to use in your skin care and makeup routine.

Ask LINDA:

How much time should I give each product to be absorbed? Example: When I use a skin treatment serum, a moisturizer and a foundation, can I put them on one after the other?

ANSWER:
Yes, you can put them on one after the other. A skin treatment serum like Vitamin C Serum absorbs very quickly into the skin. If you are using a creamy lotion skin treatment product like Theraderma Lifting Elixir wait about 15-20 seconds before applying moisturizer.

Ask LINDA:

I have dry skin, how often should I use a mask and what type of mask?

ANSWER:
I recommend using a mask at least once a week. Twice a week is even better. Do a mask at night before bed. The mask will hydrate your skin and prepare it for your night serum and/or cream. Masking before going out for a special dinner or party is excellent to revitalize your skin. Your makeup will look radiant. The Enspri Ultra Collagen Mask has very moisturizing, lifting and smoothing benefits. Volcanic Origins Ash Mineral Clay Mud Mask is another one of my top picks to moisturize and rejuvenate your dry skin.

Ask LINDA:

My foundation has a 30 SPF sunblock, is that good for the entire day – even if I take a walk at lunchtime?

ANSWER:
No. If you applied your foundation with sunblock in the morning before going to work or an appointment by lunchtime the sunblock SPF 30 has become ineffective. Carry your foundation with sunblock in your purse so you can reapply it before you go out for the walk at lunchtime plus wear a hat. I recommend Solar Protection Formula TiZo3 SPF 40 a tinted formulation that matches all skin tones and types. Elegant and silky, leaves a soft matte finish. For more makeup coverage try Solar Protection Tinted Formula SPF 60. An individually customizable protective liquid makeup/cover-up and daily foundation. Comes in 3 shades. Each shade may be individually customized to match your own skin tone using the light and/or dark color control adjusters included in each box.

Ask LINDA:

After applying a moisturizer for day and for night my face feels greasy after 10 minutes, does that mean I used too much?

ANSWER:
Yes. There is a tendency to apply too much cream because we think "more is better" but not so when it comes to using a moisturizing cream. Be sure to do a thorough cleansing of your skin before applying day and night cream. Dot your cheeks, chin and forehead with cream, use finger tips to sprea d evenly over entire face and neckline. Those of you that are Oily-Acne skin types do not leave out this step. It is very important to use the proper moisturizer to keep a balance skin condition.

Ask LINDA: 

My acne treatment just isn't working as well as it used to. What can you recommend?

ANSWER:

Your skin may have become accustomed to the formula. Look for formulas with higher concentrations of active ingredients such as: Glycolic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C. These can be found in professional skincare brands like PCA Skin, Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare and Theraderma Skincare .

Ask LINDA:

I am confused when I see so many products at the cosmetic counters. I would like a simple homecare regimen with not too many steps. Help.

ANSWER:

Ok, let's keep it simple. Here's 3 Easy Steps for your morning and evening homecare for each skin type: Dry-Mature, Normal-Combination, Oily-Acne, Sensitive-Delicate.

1. CLEANSE

~ Morning cleansing/toning so you skin is fresh and clean to start your day.

~ Evening cleansing before bedtime to remove the day's makeup, dust and pollution. Crucial for preparing skin for nighttime treatment and moisturizer.

2. TREAT

Repair your skin with an anti aging serum, gel or cream.

3. MOISTURIZE

Replenish your skin cells day and night. Daytime moisturizer must include a SPF 15 or higher to protect skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Nighttime moisturizer is a richer cream to rejuvenate the skin cells during your beauty sleep.

Ask LINDA:

I would like to have permanent makeup eyeliner done but I am very nervous about it because it is done so close to my eyes. Can you help calm my nerves about the procedure?

ANSWER:

You can rest assured that the permanent makeup eyeliner procedure is very safe. The procedure begins with the application of numbing cream right along the upper eyelid lash line. Using the SofTap hand tool with extra fine tip needles, the pigment is placed into the skin right next to your eyelashes. With the eyelid skin stretched tight, the pigment penetrates quickly without any pain. All of my clients will ask me, "Are you doing it?" They cannot believe how painless and safe it is.

Ask LINDA:

I'm in my late 40s and have significantly damaged skin. I have never tried anti-aging products – is it too late to start?

ANSWER:

It is never too late to start. Your best bet are anti-aging products that contain:

• Retinol-Vitamin A - improves skin's firmness
• Peptides - assist skin to retain moisture providing the skin with an immediate lifting effect
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids – reduces fine lines by exfoliating the surface dead skin cells.

After a thorough cleaning of your skin follow with at least one of the above anti aging products. Next moisturize. During the day keep your skin protected from the UVA/UVB sun rays, apply a sun protection cream SPF 15 or higher.

Don't be shy……if you have a question about your skincare and/or makeup please send me an email, I will be glad to help you.  AskLinda@hellobeautifulface.com