Celebrity Skincare: What Makes Celebs' Skin Look So Good
Facial peels that contain papain enzymes or lactic acid smooth the skin's surface and boost radiance, too. "After filming a movie, where they're wearing heavy makeup, actresses often come in to get these peels to unclog their pores," reports Dr. Wu.
But Wait! I'm Not a Celebrity (Yet)
"Just use something with exfoliating beads," says Dr. Evans, and massage it lightly into your skin. Another less pricey option: a cleansing brush."Use it three times a week, then apply a glycolic acid lotion or Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil ($140, oliolusso.com) afterward for a nice glow," says Dr. Colbert. Worried your skin is too sensitive? Slough it with the most basic exfoliator money can buy: a wet washcloth. "For a major event a while ago, my A-list client had just returned from a ski trip and her face was chapped," says Clarins celebrity artist Pati Dubroff. "To heal and refresh her skin, I lightly buffed her with a washcloth and a gentle cream cleanser and then massaged oil into the skin—she glowed on the red carpet."
To do a cheap version of Dr. Evans' popular papain enzyme peel, try her at-home recipe. "Take chunks of papaya, mix it with egg whites and spread it over your face. It'll form a nice mask," she says. "I've made it myself, and I've recommended it to clients I couldn't get to." Leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturize.
Face Saver #3: When Stars Get All Dry
Dryness may seem like a minor issue, but parched skin robs women of that healthy, awake look we all want. Often regular moisturizer isn't enough. Enter the DermalQuench Oxygen Treatment offered at Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts clinic in Los Angeles. Bold-faced names like Lea Michele and Nicole Richie are fans. The $250, hour-long facial douses skin with hyaluronate, a natural lubricant that diminishes as we age—it's what helps skin hold water in. Once replenished, the face looks soft, and little lines aren't as noticeable. "I have regulars who do this treatment weekly, but before the Emmys and Oscars, our clinic is packed with celebs coming in for it," says Somerville.
But Wait! I'm Not a Celebrity (Yet)
"I tell all my clients that steam goes a long way," says Somerville. "I do it myself when I'm tired or I've been traveling." The mix of water and heat opens up pores, releases impurities and softens the skin. If you don't have a face steamer, boil a pot of water, then remove it from the heat. Lean over it just enough so that the steam is hitting your face. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, pat your face dry and moisturize.
For a quick and easy moisture mask, Dr. Wu suggests combining honey and oatmeal. "It's cheap, very emollient and helps to hold moisture in your skin," she says. Smooth it on, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off with a washcloth.
Face Saver #4: When They Just Look Damaged
Pollution, smoke, sun—nobody's face is 100 percent safe from environmental damage, especially if you, say, film war movies and vacation in St. Barts. Skin creams with antioxidants like vitamins A, C or E fight free radicals (collagen-diminishing skin agers). Dr. Evans blends them in her office for VIP patients. "Antioxidants really make a difference," she says.
But Wait! I'm Not a Celebrity (Yet)
Look for drugstore products with skin protectors like vitamin A, C and E. "Coffeeberry also has antioxidant effects like those of vitamin C and green tea," says Dr. Zaks. Be sure to use a moisturizer that works for your skin type: a cream if you have dry skin; a lotion if your complexion is normal. And stick with something oil-free or use a serum if you're acne-prone like…oh, we won't name names.
