“What should I use in my every day skincare routine?”
That is the most common question I get at the end of an office visit. Rather than an after-thought, we could probably spend a whole visit on this topic! Because there are so many choices for skincare on the market, it’s hard to decide what products to try, let alone to know what actually works!
First, you should consider how important it is for patients to get credible information from a skin expert rather than a person with a stand at the mall! There are so many new fads and trends, and I don’t deny it’s fun to try them, but we should focus on what is studied, tried, and true as the foundation of our skin care!
Skincare does not need to break the bank either. Next to each category will be the label “SAVE” or “SPLURGE.” You do not have to spend a fortune on every item of your routine, instead, save on some items so you can spend on others!
Finally, the following regimen outlines the building blocks of youthful, healthy, and beautiful skin. Everyone is different with different sensitivities, so always be cautious when trying new products, and pay close attention to how your skin is reacting! Most of the products below can be found in the grocery store or pharmacy, while some are physician-dispensed and can be purchased in our office.
STEP 1: Gentle Face Wash
SAVE
In the AM, your face wash should be gentle, as we are only trying to wash away dead skin cells.
Some recommendations:
- SkinBetter Science Daily Enzyme Cleanser
- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
- Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Skinceuticals Replenishing Cleanser
STEP 2: Growth Factor/Peptides
SPLURGE
Although the jury is still out on the benefits of growth factors and peptides, the evidence to support their use is growing. These products contain ingredients that stimulate cell growth, collagen and elastin production, and cellular repair — strengthening and feeding the skin to “reverse” aging. This would also be when you would apply eye creams.
Some recommendations:
- SkinBetter Science Interfuse Intensive Treatment LINES
- SkinBetter Science Interfuse Treatment Cream FACE
- Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3
- SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
- SkinBetter Science Interfuse Treatment Cream EYE
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
- First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream
STEP 3: Antioxidants
SPLURGE
Antioxidants inhibit cellular damage. They play an essential role in minimizing skin aging and achieving better skin protection against harmful free radicals.
Some recommendations:
- SkinBetter Science Alto Defense
- Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
- Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
- La Roche-Posay Active C10
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
STEP 4: Moisturizer
SAVE
Hydrated skin looks more healthy and radiant, however you don’t need to spend a fortune for hydration. There are numerous drugstore brands that will do the trick!
Some recommendations:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
- Elta MD AM Moisturizer
- SkinBetter Science Hydration Boosting Cream (light weight but intense moisturization)
- Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 (doubles as sunscreen)
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (doubles as sunscreen)
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (doubles as sunscreen
STEP 5: Sunscreen
SAVE
Last but not least, sunscreen. It is the most important and effective step in preventing aging. If you have no time to do anything else – just throw on one of the moisturizer/sunscreens! Your future-self will thank you!
Some recommendations:
- Elta MD UV Clear (tinted version available) – very light weight good for rosacea/acne-prone skin
- Elta MD UV Daily (tinted version available) – moisturizer/sunscreen in one
- Supergoop! mineral sunscreen stick SPF 45
- Elta MD UV Elements (tinted) – for dry skin
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55
- Avène Eau Thermale Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 Sunscreen
- LaRoche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60
Stay tuned for the recommended PM routine!