My January is packed with the winter “to do” list. I didn’t make any resolutions for 2013, but I thought about them briefly. This is the time of year when I realize how important it is to maintain daily good skin care. Even though there may be clouds in the sky, your skin is still soaking up UV rays. Using sun block on a daily basis is just as important now as it is in the summer. It may be bone-chilling outside, but UV rays are still in season so I am maintaining my skin care with the SkinMedica Sun Block, like putting a shield between my face and the elements, even though I am really tempted on these busy, busy days to slack off and/or skip some products. But, then think again about how very dry the air is and how starved your skin is for added moisture.

A week ago, Kim introduced a new product for my skin care from NIA24 that is formulated specifically for the neck and décolletage area. This is an area that is easily ignored because we just don’t see the wrinkling on ourselves all that much. Used twice a day, this cream is loaded with niacin that works from inside out to repair sun-damaged skin by improving skin tone and texture through promoting healthier skin cells. After using this product for a week, Kim photographed my chest for comparison later on. I plan on faithfully using NIA24 because summer dress season is just around the corner and I can’t wait!

Three weeks into my experience with Belotero Balance, a specialized filler injected by Dr. Prasad to my tear troughs (under eye) and upper/lower lip lines, I am still dealing with swelling, but at least the bruising has almost disappeared. Although I anticipated both bruising and swelling, I didn’t think that three weeks later I would continue to have almost as much swelling as I did initially. I’ve been assured that this lymphatic fluid will eventually go away (maybe I am just too impatient), and that the end result will be worth it. The jury is still out on Belotero; I don’t think that I would have this procedure again, although never say “never.” I do see improvement of the swelling every day — maybe I am a slow starter.

Due to the Belotero injections, the plan for the Triniti+ series of skin treatments for color correction and textural improvements, skin tightening and reduction of wrinkles was placed on hold until the swelling subsides. I am looking forward to starting the series. I have a granddaughter getting married the latter part of March and I want to be the gal who looks more like the aunt of the bride, instead of the grandmother with age spots!

Think spring: add a skin-brightening service like a microdermabrasion or two, an Illuminizing peel or chemical peel to your “to do” list. Valentine’s Day is coming up — maybe you have some romance in your future — so think about putting your best face forward!