The Divine Lady Di

Diana Kline

There’s another Lady Di on the scene, my friend and trusted aesthetician Diana Kline, owner of Spa Bavu, the best place to be pampered in Philadelphia.  The staff at Spa Bavu makes you feel like a spoiled celebrity from the moment you enter.  This is all part of Diana’s anti-assembly line approach and her adherence to personalized attention. 

Last year we talked for hours about beauty for women over 40, and what follows are some notes from that conversation.  I hope you’ll appreciate her down-home nuggets of advice.  There will be more from Diana in future posts.

Lady Di on skin care: 
“Ninety five percent of my clients say, 'Oh, I don’t have to wear sunscreen [everyday], but if I know I’m gonna be outdoors in summertime I’ll definitely wear it.…'  That’s very interesting because the last time I checked we get daylight every day which means the sun comes out every day! 

"Look for a sunscreen that gives UVA/UVB protection.  UVA is responsible for aging skin.  Application should not be an arduous process--you know how you use soap and deodorant daily?  You should use sunscreen daily.” (Real Simple likes these bargain-priced products:  C.O. Bigelow All-in-One Protective Daily Lotion SPF 25; Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion SPF 15; and Sonia Kashuk Replenish Essential Face Crème SPF 15.)

“You can also commit to a facial once a quarter--our skin needs exfoliation.  The process will remove dead skin cells, erase dull tired skin, brighten (not lighten) up, and give you a nice dewy look.  Exfoliation kicks off a domino effect--the process stimulates the fibroblasts’ production of collagen and elastin that we want for tightening.  That is responsible for keeping your skin from sagging.

“Understand how much is too much and how much is too little.  Get a consultation from a knowledgeable aesthetician.  If you have sensitive skin--do not exfoliate two or three times a day.  Don’t scrub a hole in your skin!

"You need to work on your skin but it doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition.  Your repertoire should include a good cleanser, toner, exfoliant, moisturizer and sunscreen (you can get it combined).  You can always add or subtract things--some women like a Vitamin C serum.  A good Vitamin C serum will serve as an antioxidant and brighten your skin.  It is an excellent antidote against environmental pollution.  You can also use a high quality eye cream.

"Another tip--as the weather changes your skin care regimen should change.  You know in the summertime everybody’s slicked up and has an oil build-up that you can fry a chicken in.  In the wintertime it could be a completely different story.  And as we mature that tends to be the case more often.  You’re not going to use the same moisturizer in the summertime as you would in winter.  It’s ok to make an adjustment."

Coming soon:  Diana on make-up!