The holidays are the ideal time to stretch the dollar as much as possible. For glam girls who want glowing skin, it’s hard to compromise looking good. Rachel Sharoff is a licensed aesthetician at Skintology Medi-Spa in Manhattan. She states that, “there are certain treatments that should only be performed in a medi-spa or in a dermatologist’s office, however, when money is tight there are DIY ways to keep your skin in great condition.”
Below are several of Rachel’s suggestions and tips

GO AT HOME HIGH TECH
I recommend my acne clients buy a high frequency device to help keep their breakouts under control in between treatments. High frequency devices use argon gas to emit oxygen, killing the bacteria below the skin. Technology is now very safe and effective for home use with proper instruction. And they are also very inexpensive

USE PETROLEUM JELLY.

This common, inexpensive product has several uses for skin care including:

· Moisturizing rough, cracked feet, elbows, and hands; dry cuticles and lips; and peeling nails.

· Preventing chafing when running or biking.

· Protecting kids’ scrapes and bumps; and applying as a diaper ointment.
CONSIDER DUAL-FUNCTION PRODUCTS.
Examples include a moisturizer plus sunscreen and a lip balm with sunscreen.

MAKE YOUR OWN MOISTURIZING FACE MASK WITH AT HOME FOOD
· 1/3 of a ripe medium banana

· 1 teaspoon of honey

· 1 large egg

· 1 teaspoon of whole milk

Heat the milk until it comes to a gentle boil and then remove from the heat. Allow the milk to cool until a skin forms on the surface. Skim the skin from the surface and combine with the banana, honey, and egg. Mix to form a smooth paste, and then apply it to your skin for 10 minutes, rinsing away with cool water.
MAKE YOUR OWN MOISTURIZING HAIR MASK WITH SUPERMARKET FOOD

· Avocado: avocado is one of nature’s greatest moisturizers, rich in vitamins such as E & B and nutrients. Its natural oils will give your hair the moisture it’s lacking. Use about half an avocado, mash it, use on it’s own or with other ingredients.
· Honey: honey is moisturizing and a humectant (has the ability to cling onto moisture) making it suitable for dry hair. Be aware that it also lightens the color of your hair (bleaching effect). Use as much as necessary (not too much or you’ll be left with sticky hair), can be mixed into other ingredients such as the avocado or banana. Apply to damp hair.
· Mayonnaise: sounds disgusting, but mayonnaise is made of eggs, vinegar and oil, all three of which have been used for many years to give volume, shine and hydration to hair. For dry and damaged hair it’s best used mixed with avocado, although it can be used alone.
· Olive oil: try to use extra virgin olive oil for best results, this has been used for centuries for hair and skin moisturizing as it is nourishing and strengthening, perfect for dry and damaged hair! Can be mixed in with other ingredients such as avocado or banana, OR to use on its own; work it through warm, damp hair as needed (not too much or risk not being able to rinse it) from roots to tips. Wrap either a warm towel or a plastic bag over your hair and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.

GIVE YOURSELF AN AT-HOME SPA TREATMENT
For simple in-home hydrotherapy, start out your day with a hot steamy shower and just as you are finishing switch the water to cold for about 15 seconds. Repeat the process for two minutes. This hydrotherapy technique will revitalize your skin and give it a glow by stimulating the flow of blood through the skin. (The approximate price of this treatment at a spa: $95!)

TONING
Use cotton pads or gauze, as opposed to cotton balls, with your toner. Cotton pads remove remaining dead skin, dirt and oil, and this better prepares your skin for your treatment serums. Using cotton pads or gauze also prevents excess product usage, thereby saving you money every time!

THE PERFECT SUB FOR A PRICEY EYE CREAM
Slice raw potatoes and put them on your eyelids to reduce puffiness.

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MOISTURIZER
Apply it to damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in moisture. For your face, look for moisturizers that say “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores.

About Skintologyny.com
Skintology Skin & Laser Center is an all inclusive destination for all your beauty needs. Whether it’s laser hair removal, Botox injections or a hydrating facial, our trusted staff is dedicated to making your experience comfortable and pleasant. We offer customized treatments that are specifically designed for your skin type. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we design treatments to produce the best results possible. Experienced Cosmetic Surgeons and Laser Technicians utilize the most advanced FDA approved laser technologies from renowned companies such as Cynosure, Candela, Lumenis, & Deka, to provide the most effective and safe treatments.