Books—Mine & misc: All links so far—MISC, TIMELESS SKIN, SKIN CARE A TO Z

books—mine & misc

• 10 Reasons to Publish a Book in Your Field

• Some of my favorite health books (upcoming)

timeless skin

• A bad book review & product recommendations: My thoughts

• Aesthetician’s questions

• A nice mention from Jack LaLanne (new!)

• Another Aesthetician Helped with Timeless Skin

• Essential oils don’t just smell good, they really help with problem skin! Including a nice mention about Timeless Skin (coming soon!)

• Testimonials for Timeless Skin: Healthy Skin for a Lifetime—my first book

• Thoughts from a client after reading Timeless Skin

• Timeless Skin—book review 

• Timeless Skin—The Introduction

• Your skin care book inspired me to get into the business!

skin care a to z

• Aging, “Anti-Aging” and Beauty: Notes to My Readers

• A goodbye to my book editor, Mel Ann Coley (new)

• An Introduction to Skin Care A to Z

• Never a blank page when it comes to aging

A nice mention from Jack LaLanne

It’s kind of funny, I wouldn’t have known about this mention in Jack’s book had it not been for a personal trainer friend of mine who sent me these photos. I appreciate the quote(s) and for giving me credit in what I’m sure is a wonderful book by Jack Lalanne, Live Young Forever. In the section where he mentions Timeless Skin, he was discussing tanning beds. How he found my book in his researching information about the ills of this type of sunless tanning I’ll probably never know. But he did, which is great! I do have a lot to say (all negative) about tanning beds.

As you probably heard in the news, Jack passed away in January 2013 at the age of 96. I remember watching his workout show on TV as a kid. It was the only thing of its kind back then and Jack himself was truly one of a kind. Amazingly (for the times) The Jack LaLanne Show ran from 1951-1985. I was watching it in the 60s.

Thank you again for including me in your book, Mr. Lalanne. You were (and still are) an inspiration to many during your long and healthy life!

For more information, see:

• Tanning Beds—Just Don’t!
• Costly radiation: tanning beds—unnatural UVA exposure
• Books: all links so far

A goodbye to my book editor, Mel Ann Coley

The following appears in my 2nd book, Skin Care A to Z. What I wrote back then tells the story, so I won’t repeat myself...

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A GOODBYE TO MY EDITOR

The day I heard Mel Ann had passed away, I was flooded with memories of our working together. She had been the primary editor for my first two books, and she’d spent perilous hours working with me to get my writing up to both of our high standards. Her excellence, advice, and technical support proved invaluable, and I believe Mel Ann made me a better writer for having worked with her.

When I approached her to edit this [2nd] book, she was unable to accept the job. She had so many projects on her plate as her own career as a writer was starting to take off. My disappointment was no doubt audible as we spoke on the phone, but I hung up thinking I would somehow get through without her. I didn’t put much effort into finding another editor—I really wanted Mel Ann and was in complete denial about her turning down this job.

A few months later I got the call: Mel Ann would be able to edit for me during a break she had coming up in her schedule. I was thrilled and excited, to say the least! Her tireless efforts and attention to detail are once again reflected in the quality of this work.

I am forever indebted to Mel Ann Coley for giving me so much of herself during the editing of Timeless Skin and Skin Care A to Z. To her husband Bryan and her children Rachel and David: God Bless you and all of your family. I know this loss was devastating.

Timeless Skin—book review

The following is from readerviews.com. I attempted several times to get permission to use it here.

Timeless Skin: Healthy Skin for a Lifetime
 by Carolyn Ash


Reviewed by Kim Peterson 
for Reader Views (May 2006)



For those wanting to know how to take care of their skin—young or old—Timeless Skin offers a good how-to covering the basics and beyond. Easy to read and easy to understand, Ash explains the “what and how” of the three essential steps: cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Then she covers some important extras such as exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and deep cleaning the pores. All these steps can be done at home.



A most appealing aspect of her book is the information provided on professional facials. She explains the importance of the deep cleaning, exfoliation, hydration and relaxation available through professional facials. She details how often to use the services and lists important questions to ask when determining where to go. Ash also includes the different types of machines and why some are helpful and some actually aren’t. Her section on what to expect alleviates any trepidation first-time clients might experience.



As a Mary Kay independent beauty consultant, I have received a lot of training about skin. I found that I knew a lot of what Ash shared in her book. Of most interest, and new to me, was the information about essential oils and natural and herbal remedies beneficial to our skin. I plan to try some of her suggestions.
 

Ash devotes a portion of her book to skin types. Her assessment of damaged, sensitive and mature skin will assist people who are unsure whether they have these problems and what to do about them.


I appreciate her mandate to never use soap on your face. I like her straightforward discussion of the sun’s impact. And, I respect her no-nonsense assessment of the current trends and fads in skin care.
 


This keeper has earned a place on my bookshelf—but I won’t leave it there. Any time I raise a question or experience a memory slip I plan to consult Ash’s book to continue maintaining my skin’s health for years to come.

I also recommend this book for younger readers just becoming familiar with the long-term needs of their skin. Perhaps, they can avoid some of the mistakes and skin damage we “sun worshipers” caused ourselves during the sixties, seventies and eighties.
 


For more information, see:

• Testimonials for Timeless Skin—my first book
• Your skin care book inspired me to get into the business!
• A bad book review & product recommendations: My thoughts

Testimonials for Timeless Skin: Healthy Skin for a Lifetime—my first book

Below are a few testimonials I received after Timeless Skin was published (2000). I so appreciate any and all of you who have contacted me, letting me know how the book changed your life—or at least your skin care habits. Everyone loves compliments, myself included, so thank you again for your words of kindness and positivity!

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“Timeless Skin came highly recommended. I borrowed a copy and learned more from your book then from the 5 dermatologists I’ve been treated by over the past 20 years!!! Thank you!”

“After reading your book a few years ago, it has made a wonderful dramatic change in my skin. Thank You!”

“I have read Timeless Skin several times and I’ve recommended it to friends who regularly thank me for guiding them to such a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to skin care. Thank you for creating such a handy resource. I appreciate and agree wholeheartedly with your approach and philosophy.”

“I just finished reading your book and liked it so much that after returning the copy I read from the library, I had to go and buy a copy of my own to use as a reference. I found your book to be very informative as well as inspiring.”

“I have just finished reading your excellent book and I wanted to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart for a fantastic no-nonsense sensible book that will help so many people. It was a joy to read for me being an esthetician myself for over 17 years. What a great service you have contributed to our industry, thank you.”

“I read your book and loved it. I have read many books on the market and I have to say yours was easy to follow and made complete sense.”

“I found your book at my local health food store. It was in their book section, and I was shopping with the rare luxury of no children, so I had time to browse. I saw the book, glanced through it, and knew I had to have it. I am really tired of wasting money on products that don’t work, and all the general advice looked great. I was very impressed.”

“I saw you on Oprah [I wish! It was The Iyanla Show] and found your ideas interesting so I bought your book. Thanks for your knowledge and assistance.” See link below to a segment of that show.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed your book and recommend it to almost everyone. Thank you for the most valuable gift of all.....TIME.”

“I found out about you through your book, which I refer to as ‘the skin bible.’ I am 38 and your book has provided many answers to questions I have had concerning my skin. Thank you!”

“I skimmed through a lot of your book last night and it is the best resource on skincare I’ve ever come across. You really cover it all. I haven’t found anyone before who seems to know so much about skin and is not just trying to push the product line that they invented/created.”

“I received your book in the mail, and it is wonderful. It is truly a great resource. I so wished I lived in your area so you could be my ‘skin guru.’ Your skin looks flawless on the book cover. You truly are a great advertisement! Thanks so much.”

“I read and enjoyed your book! Thank you for all the great tips. I wish you had an office in Arkansas!!!!!”

“I have started to read your book and find it to be full of wonderful information. Thank you for writing it. I appreciate your help and maybe I can finally get my skin to behave.”

“I finished your book and was so sad when I got to the end that I decided to start reading it again! I also ordered some of the CDs and books you suggested.”

“I just wanted to tell you how helpful your book has been for me. Thank you again, and I am anxiously waiting for your second book.”

“I just want to say ‘THANK YOU.’ Last evening I started reading your book. I think it provides good, sound advice and information. Here is to being the best that we can be!”

“I loved your book! I actually saw you on a talk show. I decided your book was a must! The only regret I have is that I didn’t have it in my hands to read 35 years ago! Seriously, there is a ton of valuable information in it and I am recommending it to my sisters and friends. Thanks again for your personal attention.”

“I read your new book and learned a ton about my skin.”

“GREAT BOOK!!!! I will recommend it to all my friends.”

“I wanted to tell you that I have started to read your book and find it to be full of wonderful information. Thank you for writing it.”

“I have learned a lot of information from your book and told all my friends about it. I was doing basically everything wrong. Since the day I started reading your book my skin has improved dramatically.”

“The book was very helpful. I have begun to follow your recommendations for skin care both outside and in and am already seeing benefit.”

“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book! I learned some new facts, validated some old ones, and have been stimulated to investigate a few things a little more. But it was really great and I will recommend it to others.”

“I purchased your book after seeing you on The Iyanla Show. Your skin is beautiful so I felt that you knew what you were talking about. I found the book to be very helpful and my skin has improved a great deal using your suggestions.”

“I started reading Timeless Skin, and I want to thank you for all your good advice and sharing your thoughts. You have made my skin care regime much simpler.”

“Your book was highly recommended. I borrowed a copy and read the first 96 pages on the plane and at the Seattle airport while on my way to a conference last month. I’ve learned more from your book then from the 5 dermatologists I’ve been treated by over the past 20 years!!! I had to go and get my own copy. Thank you!”

“As a licensed esthetician who no longer works in the industry, skin care is really more of a hobby that I enjoy reading and talking about. Your book is a must-have for estheticians who could definitely benefit from your experience, and for the consumer whose dermatologist and esthetician isn’t helping! Thanks for the fabulous tips in your book and for making my skin just that much more beautiful!”

“I’ve read several books written by both estheticians and dermatologists (since my skin started acting up) and your book is my favorite. It was so helpful and straight forward. I was so into it, I read it all in one sitting (that hardly happens for me). By sharing your own experience, it definitely gave me hope that my skin would clear up someday! The book seemed sincere and less ‘technical’ and ‘sales-y’ compared to other skin books I’ve seen. You come across as someone who really wants to help with people’s skin problems, even those who can’t come to see you.”

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Thank you thank you thank you one and all I have quoted here and for all the wonderful compliments I have received over my 32 year career. I appreciate you!!!

For more information, see:

• Aesthetician Carolyn Ash on The Iyanla Show
• Testimonials: all links so far
• My Books page

Your skin care book inspired me to get into the business!

I recently purchased your book, Timeless Skin. I’ve only had it one day and I can’t put it down! You provide a wealth of information on the skin and its care. I purchased the book so I could learn more about the skin, how it works, what’s best for it. In August I will be attending a skin care academy, taking their Esthetics course because I want to become a licensed aesthetician. 

You don’t know how inspired I was when I picked up your book. I’m constantly searching for informative and accurate information on skin care. There are lots of books on the market and I hadn’t found one yet that was written by an aesthetician until now. Your book is wonderful and I hope you have continued success! I would like to know if you have any tips/advice for someone like me just starting out.  It would be most appreciated. Thank You!

I always appreciate hearing from readers, both laypeople and professionals—or in this case a soon-to-be professional—alike. I have already answered her question about what to do when you’re first starting out in the skin care field in the articles with links below. 

Knowledge is power, so I always recommend reading and doing your research, finding the best avenue for you in the skin care world or whatever field of endeavor you are interested in. Good luck to one and all! 

For more information, see:

• Starting your career in skin care
• Another Aesthetician Helped with Timeless Skin
• A few new aestheticians looking for help

I also have a blog for professionals with numerous articles on how to set up your business plus much more:

• Help for Aestheticians: Starting a business

10 Reasons to Publish a Book in Your Field

I was asked by the printer of my second book, Skin Care A to Z, if I’d be willing to write an article for their newsletter about why and how it can be beneficial to author a book. I love to write so I set out to write my thoughts on the subject. Below is the article that, although it’s not about how to take care of your skin, I think you may find interesting nonetheless. With that said—Enjoy!

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Over the years I have met numerous people who have a book in their head and a dream to “one day” write it and have it published. I was that person 15+ years ago. Now two publications later, I have to say that writing books has been a wonderful way to promote my business as well as myself as an expert in my profession. If you’re one of the many, consider writing and publishing a book in your given field. Here are some reasons why:

1. Writing a book can help people. Writing about what you know offers people the ability to learn from your years of experience. I’m in a personal service industry, and prior to my first book coming out I was basically helping one person at a time. Now through my books, I can help people who may not be able to come to my office, yet they are able to absorb the knowledge I am imparting through the written word.

2. Writing establishes you as an expert in your field. As I mentioned, many people want to write a book, but few actually do the work. Holding up a book you have written helps to elevate you as an expert in your field like no other. Become a trusted resource with a published book.

3. If you want to reach a wider audience, write a book. Perhaps you’re a coach, a consultant, you own a small business or are in the personal services arena. By writing even a short book, you can enlarge your area of influence. You’ll not only reach your target audience, but your book may spill over into an even wider group of new followers. Reaching a larger audience equals more credibility for you and can translate into more clients for your business.

4. Writing a book brings self-gratification. I love to write, so publishing books is a wonderful way for me to get information out to the public while giving me a huge amount of self-satisfaction. I love the entire process, from the initial outline to opening a newly printed book. Writing a book will give you the confidence to excel in your chosen field. There’s nothing better than accomplishing a long-standing goal.

5. Writing puts you in the media’s headlights. If you have a published book, you are more likely to be approached by the media for quotes and interviews. After all—you’re the expert! You have taken the time and trouble to write down what you know, and the media is always looking for new ideas or even a new angle on an old story. They need content, so provide it for them.

6. Writing a book can and will drive traffic to your website. If you are looking for a great way to get people to your website, then get that book out into the world. Within the pages of any book you write, you have endless possibilities to promote yourself. With an About the Author page you can add information to drive people to your website, other books you’ve written; the list goes on. However you want to promote yourself—include it in your book.

7. Increase your revenue with the written word. Counter to what many people think, writing a book doesn’t necessarily make you a millionaire (unless you’re JK Rowling!). But having one or more products (books) out on the market can bring in extra revenue year after year. This is especially true if you write about an evergreen subject (something that doesn’t go out of style), then you can sell books forever.

8. A published book is the best business card ever. I think of my books as a marketing tool for my business. Yes, they are information books and have helped a lot of people. But they are also the best marketing tool I have at my fingertips. Put two experts side by side: One has written one or more books, the other has not. Who would you choose as your go-to expert? I would pick the author over the other expert every time. And so will your prospective clients. 

9. You have a large knowledge base, why not write it down? I’m sure you’ve heard that it’s best (and perhaps easiest) to write about what you know—and it’s true. The subject you are well-versed in is the best one to write about. Even if you’re just an expert in your own mind, writing and publishing a book will establish you as an expert in everyone else’s minds too. When you write about what you know, you may find you have so much to say, the pages just write themselves! 

10. Don’t be afraid to write a book! Perhaps you can come up with many reasons for not writing a book, but my suggestion is to acknowledge the fear and publish anyway. Even if there are already 10 books on the subject you want to write about, you may have a different angle that hasn’t been explored or you have something entirely new to say about your subject matter. Write about the topic you know well and are passionate about, and don’t let fear be your guide.

Publish a book to establish yourself as an industry leader and an expert in your field. The rewards you will experience far outweigh any apprehension you may have about starting the process. So—write! You’ll be so happy you (finally) did.

 

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A special thank you to PUBLISHERS’ GRAPHICS for doing such a great job printing my 2nd book, Skin Care A to Z. You do great work!

For more information, see:

• My Books 
• Another Aesthetician Helped with Timeless Skin
• Publishers’ Graphics website

Never a blank page when it comes to aging

I read somewhere or was told by someone at some time that when producing a book there should never be a page left blank. If you have a copy of Timeless Skin, you can see that I received this advice after its publication! So for Skin Care A to Z, I heeded that advice and came up with quotes relating to age and the aging process from famous (and not so famous) people to fill any blank pages that came up in production. Following are all of the quotes I used in the book. Enjoy!

Taking joy in life is a woman’s best cosmetic.
– Rosalind Russell

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.
– Stanislaw J. Lee

Age is just a number. Old is a state of mind.
– Carolyn Ash

Don’t just count your years, make your years count.
– Ernest Meyers

Perhaps one has to be very old before one learns to be amused rather than shocked.
– Pearl S. Buck

You’re not as young as you once were, but you’re not as old as you will be.
– Irish Proverb

For more about my take on the aging process, see:

• Ageless Beauty—Part I
• My Gray Hair Story
• Aging, “Anti-Aging” and Beauty: Notes to My Readers

A bad book review & product recommendations: My thoughts

The following is an Amazon.com review of my first book, Timeless Skin. I am including it here to help make a point and to further explain my stand on recommending products. This entire post is taken from my second book, Skin Care A to Z, so one or two references are from that time period.

Excerpts of Customer Reviews © Amazon.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Reviewer: A reader from Dallas, Texas USA. July 12, 2000

I was looking for products Ms. Ash recommends and I was disappointed. She gave some ideas on what to look for in products, but it requires me to spend a lot of time looking. She even says it’s a difficult process (unless you go to a professional spa). I looked at her website and as I suspected you’ll have to spend a lot of money (at least $30 per product*). I bought this book to try and find a way to spend less money—but I found out I have to spend at least $120 for cleanser, toner, moisturizer and a mask—this doesn’t include the other stuff she recommends! Ugghh...Please someone recommend another book!
*Remember—this was 15 years ago. Obviously prices have gone up!

No one likes a bad review. I remember the day I read this on the Internet. Timeless Skin had just come out, and I was getting so much positive feedback, and then boom! This review hit me like a ton of bricks. That it came from someone in the city I was living in at the time (Dallas) was yet another blow to me. If only I could contact this reader and at least extend an invitation for a complimentary consultation so I might help this person better understand his or her skin and any problems that might be occurring, or at least steer him or her in the right direction.

I included this email to reiterate my stand on product recommendations. Of course if you go to my website, I am recommending the products I know in depth and have been using personally and professionally for over 20 years [at that time; 30+ years currently]. I purposely do not mention in either of my books the product lines I work with. I want to give you, the consumer, information so that you can pick and choose the products you want to use that will benefit your skin.

Certainly, it would be impossible for me to try every single product line available and make my recommendations based on hard and fast research. So instead I am attempting to give you pointers as far as what to look for as well as what to avoid when looking for products so you can make educated decisions. Perhaps the writer of the above review would be better off purchasing a book like Don’t Go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me (Beginning Press) in order to get specific product recommendations. Based on the many product lines critiqued in Paula Begoun’s book, it would have been impossible for her to do all the research herself—in this lifetime anyway. With any of my writing [here or in my books] you are getting my opinion alone, not someone else’s. That is what I can offer, and I do—frequently!

I make no apologies for the way I disseminate information. No book or skin care product is for everyone, and I certainly hope this reader and any others who were looking for name brand recommendations have found what they are looking for. I only recommend products that either my clients or I have experience with. So for me to recommend an entire book filled with brand name products would take the rest of my natural life to research. I truly believe you can find products out in the marketplace that will work for your skin. And judging from the comments I have received from my readers, I know it is possible.

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Following is another Amazon.com reviewer’s response to this critical book review. I did not ask permission, so “Plain Jane,” I hope you don’t mind my including it here:

Sorry you did not find this book helpful. I am a licensed master aesthetician who teaches esthetics for a living and I can tell you [Timeless Skin] is right-on. Professional skin care is not cheap. Drugstore brands are. The reason they are cheaper is that they are diluted and therefore ineffective. If you are on a tight budget, I would recommend a good soap-free cleanser, appropriate toner and moisturizer for your skin type. The best skin care is treating your skin like it is—your body’s largest eliminating organ. Keep your insides clean and don’t look for a magic “product” to save you. 

For more information, see:

• Important comments about my product recommendations
• A reader’s question about different product lines
• All reviews of Timeless Skin on Amazon.com

Another Aesthetician Helped with Timeless Skin

I recently purchased your book, Timeless Skin. I’ve only had it one day and I can’t put it down! You provide a wealth of information on the skin and its care. I purchased your book so that I could learn more about skin, how it works, what’s best for it, etc. In August I will be attending the Toni & Guy Academy in Carrollton, TX taking their esthetics course because I want to become a licensed aesthetician.

You don’t know how inspired I was when I picked up your book. I’m constantly searching for informative and accurate information on skin care. There are lots of books on the market but I hadn’t found one yet that was written by an aesthetician—until now. Your book is wonderful and I hope you have continued success!

Although I wrote both of my books with my clients in mind, I have heard from numerous aestheticians and students in aesthetics schools who have been helped with the information in Timeless Skin and Skin Care A to Z.

Hearing from these individuals is obviously gratifying, but it does remind me that not all skin care schools have a high standard of excellence nor graduates who really know about skin. As for my own schooling, at a now defunct school in Dallas, it was OK at best and insufficient at least. In other words—I didn’t get a great education in skin care school. If you feel your skin care school experience wasn’t top notch, you have the rest of your career to do self-study on those subjects you really want to learn.

As I’ve said in other articles, if you’re new to aesthetics you will get your best education by working on skin—at first dozens, then hundreds, and now for me with thousands of faces. It is in the facials you give that you will learn the most, especially when you have regular, monthly clients who come to you over time.

I studied a lot for years and years, and I still do quite a bit of research although not about the fundamentals of skin. Now of course I teach what I know through writing books and articles for my blogs, and still every day with my clients and the issues they come to see me with. Studying what you love (for me it was aromatherapy as well as anatomy, physiology, and of course nutrition) and applying what you learn—and continue to learn—is what will make you a proficient skin care specialist and educator.

For more information, see:

• Timeless Skin—The Introduction
• Essential oils don’t just smell good, they really help with problem skin! Including a nice mention about Timeless Skin (coming soon!)
• Thoughts from a client after reading Timeless Skin 

If you are an aesthetician or plan on becoming one, please visit my professional blog where you will find lots of information written just for you:

• Help for Aestheticians: Starting a business

An Introduction to Skin Care A to Z

When I told my family and friends I was writing another book, the almost unanimous response was, “What is this one about?” It’s as though writing one book about skin care was enough! Each time I heard that question, I chuckled and answered, “It’s a skin care book.” Then, the inevitable question that followed was, “Is there really that much more information to write about skin care?” Another chuckle emanated from deep down in my belly.

Yes, believe it or not, there is still more information to write about in regard to skin care! Halfway through writing my first book, Timeless Skin, I realized that I was either going to write a gargantuan book, or I was going to contain it and keep it to a certain size. I just had to stop somewhere, knowing I could always write another book some day.

Well, that day did come and this second book is what I consider to be a follow-up to my first effort. More than a follow-up, Skin Care A to Z is a continuation of Timeless Skin. The two books truly are siblings.

Skin Care A to Z doesn’t spend much time on trends and fads in the skin care world. I don’t believe that the latest and greatest anti-aging product or procedure is really going to get you where you want to be in terms of healthy, clear skin. What I am providing in this book is the kind of interactive conversations I have with my clients. You will find many emails from readers and clients along with my responses and recommendations. You will also find several case studies from clients who were gracious enough to allow me to use their stories to illustrate different points about skin care. All of the stories and emails are used with written permission from each subject. In a few cases where I couldn’t locate a client or for whatever reason could not get permission, I may have blended stories, questions, and situations together in order to make a point about a specific problem or concern.

Some of you may recognize a few things in Skin Care A to Z that are reminiscent of information found in Timeless Skin. I tried very hard to not duplicate any parts of these two books, but there were a few instances where it was necessary for clarity and because not everyone reading this book will be familiar with my first work.

The most notable instances where I have taken information directly from Timeless Skin are The Basics 1-2-3 and The Extras. Without going into a brief description of what these programs are, new readers would be at a loss. And although I did not completely repeat myself, I did go into a description in these sections, which is similar to information found in the first book.

In Skin Care A to Z I refer to aestheticians (people who give facials) in the feminine. This is not to exclude the men who are in this industry, but percentage-wise there is a predominance of women compared to men who are licensed aestheticians.

Next, I want to clarify something. In my writing and in my salon practice, I am not advocating eliminating makeup altogether. I am talking about curtailing the use of foundation since it is not the best thing for your skin. Eye makeup, lips, lashes—go for it! But if your skin is clear and reflecting health (inside and out), then why cover it up? Wear as much makeup as you want to, but try not to cover up your skin with foundation.

Last but not least is the issue of product recommendations. I can almost guarantee many of you will turn to that section first to see what brand name skin care products I think you should buy. I explain the following at the beginning of that section, but it is so important I will repeat it here: I do not recommend specific product brand names in this book. In my writing I am trying to give you information about how to care for your skin and what to do and what not to do—regardless of what you are using—as well as giving you guidelines on what to look for in products.

There is no one product that is going to be right for every single person. I want to arm you with useful knowledge so you can go out into the market and select products that will work for your skin. This is very important to me, and it is the whole point of my writing. I am trying to decipher the often times confusing information that is so pervasive in the skin care world. If you can discern right from wrong, truth from hype, I believe you can use many different products with success.

I wish you well in your search for healthy, clear, and perhaps younger-looking skin. And I certainly hope that the information in this book helps you get there. I write about what I see and experience as the truth—according to me. I hope that these truths and the conversations about skin care issues contained in this book help lead you down (or up) a path to health, happiness, and freedom from worrying about your skin.

For more information, see:

• Aging, “Anti-Aging” and Beauty: Notes to My Readers
• The Basics 1-2-3 Program

Aesthetician’s questions

I always chuckle at this photo. I opened The Spa at the Crescent in 1986. This was a promo piece for our skin care department. Here—I was a novice, having only worked for one year prior.

I am interested in going to school to be an aesthetician. I am a little confused about some of the programs that are out there. I read your book [Timeless Skin], and I really liked the information I got out of it. I have even managed to give up sugar! The schools that I’ve researched have a lot of programs where you learn how to hook people up to batteries and dump chemicals on them, and I am pretty turned off by that. Can you give me some good ideas about what to look for in a program or better yet a good school in my area?

I’m glad you found some good information in Timeless Skin. As far as schools go, I have no idea about the school programs in your particular location. It sounds like you’ve done some research, and that is what you’ll need to do; find out where the schools are in your area, what their programs are, and which one sounds like the best fit. Because of the state of skin care these days, you may just have to contend with being taught things you may not agree with, but you’ll certainly have control over what you do and use in your practice once you have graduated and get licensed.

I learned very little in skin care school. My real learning came as I was working with clients and doing a lot of self-study. I studied things that meant something to me. And that is what I recommend whether you love the school you are attending or not. Experience is always going to be your greatest teacher. And until you have been working with skin for several years, you will just be learning and taking in information.

I have heard from a lot of people who want to become aestheticians and from aestheticians already in practice. I graduated in the mid-’80s, so my school experience may be a bit dated compared to the education available today in skin care schools throughout the country. But regardless where or when you went to school and how much you learned, continuing education (whether through self-study or classes) is a must. As you grow your practice and have clients who have come to you regularly for years and years, you will learn a lot about how skin changes and what the best treatments are.

Good luck to any of you who may already be working in skin care and for aspiring aestheticians just beginning your career. Go forth, study, and do good work.

This was my last day at The Spa at the Crescent, February 1994. A few weeks later I opened Carolyn Ash Skin Care.

You made a comment in your book that people should not go to an aesthetician who is just starting out. I think that is an unfair statement. I know I have put a great many hours not only in my state requirements, but also in my research, education and technique. I know I will learn more each day, not only in the next couple of years but hopefully for the rest of my career. I also believe, because this is so exciting and new for me, I will be giving my clients 110%. It seems that this profession, as with any, can have a burnout effect. I have had several facials by seasoned aestheticians who didn’t seem to enjoy what they were doing. I really enjoyed the rest of your book and will use it as a tool in helping my clients. It is wonderful reading.

I appreciate this reader’s comments. I believe the line I use in Timeless Skin is “A novice aesthetician is not what you are looking for” when it comes to getting a facial. Someone who has stood the test of time—in any profession—will tend to be more qualified. However, the burnout comment can also apply. Due to the minimal amount of time it takes to become an aesthetician in most states, it can be a very easy career choice for some who may be unqualified, and that is where my comment stems from. I am quite sure many of you have put in a lot of hard work to become licensed in skin care, and I commend you for your commitment.

There are always exceptions to the rules and people with exceptional talent: aestheticians who will be heads above the rest in terms of qualifications as well as just an inherent understanding of the skin. However, having been one of these exceptions myself, I still know from my own experience that in the first few years as an aesthetician I simply wasn’t able to help people on the level I can now.

Everyone has to start somewhere. My goal with my writing is to give readers the best information I can, knowing that ultimately they will be the decision-makers. Going to a novice anything wouldn’t be my first choice; however, there may be benefits that will supersede a client’s need for expertise. Trial and error along with getting personal referrals will be the determining factors in finding a good facial and aesthetician.

As a licensed aesthetician who no longer works in the industry, skin care is really more of a hobby that I enjoy reading and talking about. Your book [Timeless Skin] is a must-have for aestheticians, who could definitely benefit from your experience, and for the consumer whose dermatologist and aesthetician isn’t helping! Thanks for the fabulous tips in your book and for making my skin just that much more beautiful!

If you are an aesthetician or plan on becoming one, please visit my blog Help for Aestheticians: Starting a business. You will find many articles filled with information written just for you. There are also some good ideas for owners of all types of personal service businesses.

For more information, see:

• A few new aestheticians looking for help
• Another Aesthetician Helped with Timeless Skin
• Aesthetician/Pros: PLEASE READ THIS!

Timeless Skin—The Introduction

For those of you unfamiliar with my first book, Timeless Skin, I thought I’d post the Introduction to introduce you to what the book is about. This first effort was truly a labor of love. I learned a lot and had a lot of help along the way.

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Introduction

I am dedicating Timeless Skin to my clients—those I have seen through the years and those of you I have yet to meet. Few books have been written by those of us working with skin on a day-to-day basis, so I wanted to write about my experience with skin as a licensed aesthetician (someone who gives facials) and to give practical information to help keep your skin healthy—inside and out.

I have tried to tell you everything I share with my clients in an easy-to-follow and instructional format. I realize some of this information will contradict what you have always heard to be true, and that’s OK. I have developed my own particular style and philosophy of caring for skin that I believe you will find informative and indeed beneficial.

Everyone who comes to see me has individual needs, yet there are common denominators in treating all skin conditions. I believe you will be able to glean pieces of information and put together a skin care program that works for you. Read through the whole book, and then keep it handy as a reference guide, looking things up as needed.

I did not necessarily separate information for different races, genders, or even ages since I treat all individuals as unique, no matter who they are. Also, there are a few instances where I refer to an individual as “she” or “her.” This is not to exclude any men who are reading this book. These words were simply used to avoid the use of he/she and him/her.

I hope that after reading Timeless Skin, you will start to question the sometimes overwhelming abundance of information on skin care so that you can discern truth from fiction. My goal is to break down the seemingly impenetrable structure that makes up our Fountain of Youth mythology, presenting instead information that leads you down a path to reality. The truth usually makes good sense, and it is my hope that this book gives you the freedom to pay less attention to all the hype and to help your skin be its best—for a lifetime.

I hope you enjoy reading Timeless Skin as much as I enjoyed writing it.

BE WELL.

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For more information, see:

• Thoughts from a client after reading Timeless Skin
• An Introduction to Skin Care A to Z