Patti Stanger's million dollar skin advice

With a mixture of sass and crass bluntness, third generation matchmaker Patti Stanger has a knack for finding love for other people. As owner of The Millionaire's Club, one of the most elite dating services in the world, Patti has seen thousands of relationship succeed and fail. Through both the successes and the failures, she learned-- and began taking note of the recurring trends that lead to higher love-match success rates. For single people looking to meet their perfect match, Patti delivers some harsh, but honest advice: appearance counts! 

One of her top physical priorities for attracting a mate is, unsurprisingly, good skin. In an instant, the appearance of a person's skin tells the story of that person's health and age, prime qualities that are subconsciously taken into account when choosing a prospective date. In order to get your skin in shape, and keep it looking it's best, here is a quick run-down of Patti's check-list to perfect skin:

• Do your homework!
  After testing out various micro-dermabrasions, facials, and laser treatments, Patti admits that she doesn't like to waste money-- and neither should you! Always extensively research any new skin fad you think might be beneficial before plunking down any of your hard-earned cash.
  Equally important, do your due research on the person whom might be administering these treatments to you. Check their credentials, get references, look at before and after pictures, and feel comfortable taking your time when it comes to decision making. "Keep in mind that just as the cheapest [treatment/specialist] might not be the best, the most expensive might not be either."

• If you find a skin care plan that works, stick with it!
  After experiencing break-outs whenever she strayed from her tried and true La Prairie skin care routine, Patti ultimately figured, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Staying faithful to a skin care plan that works, and taking good care of her skin, for over 20 years, has definitely paid off. At age 47, Patti looks at least a decade younger than her chronological age.
  Once you have found a skin care plan that works for you, resist temptation to switch every time a new "miracle"product or fad emerges. If you want consistently good skin, be consistent with what works.

• There is nothing wrong with Botox, but be wary of "Botox Parties"
  Although certainly not against the use of Botox, the concept of a "Botox Party" kind of skeeves Patti out. The idea of mixing alcohol (which usually is present at social gatherings) with a medical procedure seems like a recipe for disaster.
  Muses Patti, "Do you really want to be making decisions about your face when you're tipsy? Are you going to give credence to the opinions of your drunken friends?"
  When it comes to any sort of skin care treatment, Patti's discomfort is well founded: alcohol should certainly NEVER be present, for neither the patient nor the skin care administrator.
  

• Don't forget the skin on your hands and neck
  Often overlooked in favor of just focusing on the face, the neck skin, and skin on the back of the hands, receive just as much abuse and sun damage as your face does-- but with a fraction of the TLC. Make sure to apply sunscreen everyday, all year long, to both areas. Subconsciously, these areas can easily make you appear older than you are, despite the condition of your facial skin.
  When it comes to attracting a mate, Patti recommends extra care be spent on the tips of your fingers. "Manicures and good nail care are essential. Professional nail care is so inexpensive these days, and men think beautifully manicured hands are sexy."

• No matter what, take care of your skin before bed!
  Take off your makeup, cleanse your skin, and use night cream every night, no exceptions.
  Patti's tough love: "I don't care if you're tired, do you want a [mate] or not?"
  Since your skin uses this downtime to repair itself from the offenses incurred during the day, it is important to provide your skin with the best ingredients to work with; i.e. clean, hydrated skin. 

By following Patti's sound skin advice, you will find it easier to love the reflection in the mirror, which in turn will make it even easier to find love out in the world.

For more insight into how to attract your perfect mate, check out Patti on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker show, or read her book, "8 Easy Steps for Attracting Your Perfect Mate".