Mother’s Month Series – Q+A On Skincare With Mom (Lauren’s Story)
Continuing on with our Mother’s month celebration, I sat down with my mom to discuss her skincare rituals. I grew up watching my mom take wonderful care of her skin plus, working in the luxury resort spa industry in public relations for 30+ years, she is an expert in her own right! I definitely learned the value of conscious, regular skincare early in life and as I’ve moved into my mid-30’s the habits I learned from her have certainly paid off. Here's what I discussed with my mom.
- What's your age, cultural/ethnic background and skin type?
I'm 64 years old, Caucasian (European - German, Czech, Irish, English) with very dry skin.
- Tell me about your skincare history. When and how did you become aware of the importance of skincare?
I’ve always had dry skin – and as a teenager, that was a blessing since it meant I was blemish free at a time when many young people suffer from skin problems. I discovered the importance of skincare at my first job – working in the cosmetics department at the Denver Dry Goods store. I was assigned to Revlon, and trained to sell a new hypo-allergenic skin care and makeup line they were introducing. I learned the basics of good skin care – as it was mostly understood at the time: wash, tone, and moisturize twice a day - morning and night. When the trainer offered to give me a raise if I’d remain at the store instead of going to college, I quit. Not the career path I envisioned!
- Any secrets or tips unique to your skincare routine?
Struggling with ultra-dry skin, I discovered the soothing benefits of goat’s milk soap and lotion, which I turn to periodically to help with especially dry periods.
- Tell me about your mom ... did she, aunts, or other women around you influence you at all in your skincare journey?
I have my mother’s skin, but that also means that I have psoriasis. It was visible on my scalp at birth, but receded until my 20s when it made a ferocious comeback, probably due to work demands and stress at home. I’ve struggled with it all my life, and discovered that many things make a temporary difference, although nothing “cures” it. That said, I’ve had great success with an apple cider–vinegar tea, which I drink almost daily. It’s had a more lasting impact on my psoriasis than anything else I’ve tried. I categorically refuse any prescription drugs that are suggested for psoriasis; given the contraindications, the cure is worse than the disease.
My mother was also a survivor of malignant melanoma – one of the very first people to try interferon, and the only person in her clinical trial group to survive – which she attributed to her “black-Irish humor.” Given her history, I have a full body check by a dermatologist yearly.
- What is your skincare routine?
I still wash and moisturize my face twice daily, but no longer use a toner – most are too drying and irritate my skin. But today, I’ve also learned the importance of hydrating – moisturizing my skin from the inside out. So I drink a lot of water – along with my apple cider tea.
- What is top of mind for you these days when it comes to skincare?
Sunscreen protection is top of mind for me, especially given my mother’s history. And there’s nothing I love more than a professional facial. Oxygenating facials are my favorite. My skin will show the benefits for days after having one!