Introducing Hey Beautiful

Clever Parents is excited to announce a new column, ‘Hey Beautiful’ with Karen Albright, mom of three and president of BodyLase Skin Spa, a medical spa in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina. ‘Hey Beautiful’ will feature ideas, products and treatments to look and feel younger.

A lawyer by training, Karen Albright practiced law for several years prior to having children. “Although I enjoyed it, after having children I knew that I could not work in a large law firm because of the demands,” said Karen. “I went into teaching for a few years, and taught at Case Western Reserve Law School, the University of North Carolina School of Law and Duke Law School where I was a member of the Legal Writing faculty.”

How did a successful attorney shift gears and start a medical spa business? “I love going to spas and my husband is a physician,” Karen said, “so it was a project that we could both work on together.”

Karen has always wanted to own her own business. “When I was home with children, I did various “home businesses” such as Creative Memories,” she said. “I liked being my own boss and not having to answer to anyone else, particularly when I had children and wanted flexibility in my schedule.”

We caught up with Karen to talk about common skin mistakes people make, three skin products she can’t live without and what kind of articles readers can look forward to in her column.

Clever Parents: What are some of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to caring for their skin?
Karen Albright: The biggest mistake people make when it comes to skincare is not realizing the incredible damage that the sun does to their skin. Even in the winter and on cloudy days, the sun’s UVA rays are strong and damaging to the skin. It is imperative to wear sunscreen every single day. I don’t think people realize that 90% of wrinkles are a result of photo damage from the sun.

CP: If you had to go on a trip for one week and could take only 3 skincare products, what would you pick and why? What 3 make-up items would you choose?
KA: My three products would be Sunscreen (crucial!), Vitamin C serum (a wonderful anti-oxidant that counters free radical damage) and Retin-A (the only topical cream FDA approved for reducing wrinkles). As for makeup, I would choose mascara, eyeliner and lipstick.

CP: In your opinion, what has been the greatest breakthrough in the medical spa industry in the last 10 years?
KA: The greatest breakthrough in the medical spa industry in the last 10 years is Botox. It is truly a miracle treatment and actually completely eliminates wrinkles around the eyes (”crow’s feet”) and the forehead. It is amazing!!!

CP: What kind of articles/topics can our readers look forward to in your column?
KA: Stay tuned for articles on the best beauty products and treatments; the latest in aesthetic lasers; how to look years younger without plastic surgery; and many more!

How does Karen balance business and family? “I balance the business/family life by delegating as much as I can (cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc) to my wonderful nanny and protecting my weekends so I can spend them with my family.”