August 15, 2007

 

The Sharon Kleyne Hour

Radio Talk Show – www.workdtalkradio.com

Power of Water – Global Warming

Mind – Eyes – Skin – Body

 

Show Summary

 

Date aired: May 21, 2007

Guest: Luciene Gilsan, Skin Esthetician, Eugene, OR

Topic: The Need for Excellent Skin Care    

 

Sharon (paraphrased): Today’s guest in Lucienne Gilsan, a licensed skin esthetician for 35 years and a member of the Skin Aesthetician’s National Association. She’s originally from Brussels, Belgium but now lives in Eugene, Oregon. With global warming, which is also global drying, it is now more important than ever to take regular steps, such as visiting a skin esthetician, to keep your skin clean, moist and healthy. This applies to men and women. Lucienne, why did you become a skin esthetician? 

Lucienne Gilsan (paraphrased): Like many women, I was interested in the appearance of my skin and I didn’t want it to age any faster than it needed to. I love the work I do and yes, after 35 years, at age 80, it definitely can slow the appearance of aging and keep you healthy longer.

S: Most women in the US don’t understand what a skin esthetician does and as a rule, don’t go to them. Would you conclude that American women don’t take as good care of their skin as European women? 

L: They probably don’t, although I tend to work in large cities, where women are more knowledgeable about beauty secrets.

S: Could you walk us through one of your facial sessions, and try to tell our listeners, if possible, how the steps might be done at home?

L: I start with a superficial cleansing.

S: What’s that?

L: Cleansing of the skin surface.

S: Do you use soap?

L: No. I use a French cleansing milk.

S: Fascinating. I’ve always taught that soap was harsh and dehydrating and left a film on the skin that can be hard to get off. Could you use a very mild, gentle soap or cleanser if you can’t get French cleansing milk?

L: I wouldn’t. The idea is to retain moisture, not wash away moisture.

S: I pretty much agree. The skin is the body’s most vital organ and it’s very sensitive to the external environment. It also eliminates more toxins than any other part of the body. And it’s 90% water. So you want to be very careful what you put on it. What’s the purpose of superficial cleansing?

L: To gently remove dead skin cells so that when you later apply moisturizers and nutrients, you will get maximum penetration. Remember that your cells renew themselves every three weeks and old cells are constantly sloughing off. If you can create an ideal environment for the new cells to grow, your skin will be healthier and more radiant.

S: When I cleanse my skin, I use the palm of one hand as a little palette, the fingertips of my other hand as a brush, and I gently work the cleanser without scrubbing. Am I wrong?

L: Well, I use little sponges. The final step is to use warm water to rinse off the cleanser, and any material you’ve washed off, without leaving a film.

S: What’s the second step in your facial process, after superficial cleansing?

L: Deep pore cleansing to detoxify the skin and open the pores.

Caller: What is the benefit of facial peels and how often is it OK to do them?

L: Peels remove dead cells and stimulate new cell growth. It’s possible to peel too often but once a week is fine. Just don’t do it immediately before going out in the sun.

S: And the third step in your facial process?

L: I apply steam, liquid nutrient and moisturizer, combined with gentle massage, to increase skin moisture and improve capillary circulation.

S: I’d also recommend applying Nature’s Mist skin moisture prior to the initial step, to relax the pores, moisturize the skin and improve the acid mantle’s pH balance.

L: I’ve used Nature’s Mist and it’s an excellent product.

S: Could you use a hot wash cloth instead of a facial steamer?

L: Yes but be sure to cool the face off after.

S: Thank you so much, Lucienne, for a very informative discussion. My next guest is Barb Baines, Public Information Officer at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington. She’s going to tell us why water “defines” Olympic National Park. I’m sure the answer will have something to do with the park’s glaciers, deep river valleys, dense temperate rain forests that get 400 inches of rain a year, and the nearness of the ocean.