I LOVE what I do!

Now I am actively working in the field of my dreams, I am happier than ever to be doing what I do. There is no career choice I would have rather chosen! Nothing feels as wonderful as truly helping someone feel better about themselves, their skin and their beauty- both inside and out.

Last week a lifelong, dear friend of mine back home in Seattle contacted me in skin distress. Her face was extremely dry, chaffing and breaking out in 'mini-rashes', and it seemed nothing was helping. She told me she was exfoliating with salicylic, which she thought would help but only created more little chapped patches. I suggested several things to her: breaking open a vitamin E capsule or two, or getting pure liquid vitamin E and mixing a tiny bit with her moisturizer before applying. Also taking vitamin E supplements and fish oil to help overall skin tone and moisture. Aloe, lavender, comfrey and calendula (marigold) are herbal soothing remedies. A tiny dab of Bag Balm, Vaseline or Neosporin at night will help heal and soothe the chapped spots (just be sure and lay an old towel or cloth over the pillow to protect the case). Lastly I suggested seeing the dermatologist for an over-the-counter cream (and to rule out any major skin conditions).

At my spa we use Dermalogica products, so I was able to recommend a few based on her concerns. They make a great dry skin face moisturizer called 'Super Rich Repair' and it is specifically designed for chronic and severely dry skin. It also protects/shields from environmental distress such as extreme cold and wind. The Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque is also very good for rehydrating. I told her she DEFINITELY wanted to focus on products for severely dry and sensitive skin that boast words like 'ultra replenishing/ hydrating/ calming/ soothing/ gentle' etc, and that the salicylic exfoliation is one of the WORST things one can do to dry skin! It will surely only make the symptoms worse, drying and aggravating the skin even more. Salicylic is for clearing acne and -drying! - excess oil. The best kind of peel/ exfoliant for really dry skin is lactic acid, because it has a hydrating milk base. I would recommend a light lactic acid peel, and then a good facial massage with a hydrating serum, followed by a soothing, ultra-moisturizing mask such as the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque- all done by a local loving, qualified esthetician. Regular hydrating facial treatments would really help clear and combat the chaffing dryness, and a good esthetician would put her on a proper homecare regime to ensure ongoing, visible results and optimum skin health.

I got a message from her less than a week later saying: "I didn't even think about exfoliator. That Dermalogica stuff you were recommending is INCREDIBLE. It basically cured me over night. Thank you, thank you for your advice on this stuff!"

I couldn't have felt more satisfied and fulfilled to have really been able to HELP with her skin condition and concerns. Because of my suggestions she got off the drying salicylic that was only making her symptoms worse, and was able to help her get on some really effective products to help treat the painful chaffing. It lifts me up from the deepest place in my heart to know I made a difference!

Then, the other day I gave the PERFECT Sedona Mist facial to a client of mine. As I gave her hand, arm, foot, and facial massages I felt a radiant kind of love for this woman. Not in a romantic way, mind you, but in a very... Human to Human way. I believe we all need Connection to truly thrive in this abrasive world, and what I do offers me the opportunity to share my loving energy, kindness and warmth from myself, my heart, directly to another's. As I quietly work on my client, with candles burning and relaxing music around us, I actively think about transferring blessings and well-wishes of inner peace, joy and harmony into the deepest part of each and every one. I wish for them love, happiness, and that their burdens -whatever they may be- be lifted. I always hope that this is transferred, this powerful energy between two people. I hope that my client leaves feeling cared for, and, in that Human to Human kind of way, loved.

These are two examples of what give my career, and my life, meaning. This is what I love and strive to do- restore and rejuvenate beauty, both inside and out.

Warmth and Harmony,
Diane

To contact Diane or to set an appointment, email her at beautybydiane@ymail.com or call Body & Soul Retreat of Lighthouse Point at (954) 784-5505.