There are so many good skin care products out there it is hard to decide what you need and what is just an unnecessary extra step. I for one like to keep my skin care routine simple so I have condensed my skin care routine to five products. My advice to each and every patient I see in my Dermatology practice is to pick their products based on their personal skin care needs. My skin type is combination leaning more towards dry and my main skin concern is enlarged pores and these five products are my go too.
1. Sun Screen SPF 30
The number one thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from damage in the first place. Sunscreen is like your umbrella when it rains. For maximum protection, I use it every single day of the year.
2. Retinol serum
Retinol (a vitamin A derivative) is a “powerhouse” in any skin care regimen. It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and encourage collagen production. Retinol can be absorbed within the skin and is thus, very effective. I use retinol serum every single night and I think it is so important, I have formulated a retinol serum with antioxidants (available soon!). My retinol serum utilizes patented, micro encapsulation which delivers the active ingredients slowly over time. This decreases the risk of irritation that retinol serums are known for. I love it for its multi-tasking power. Retinol can visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, lines, wrinkles, and large pores. Its magic is in its ability to resurface the skin’s texture for a smoother, more even-toned look.
3. Vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is essential for many cellular and skin functions, including collagen synthesis, maintaining skin strength and integrity, wound healing and free radical and UV protection. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is naturally and normally found in the skin in high concentrations. As an antioxidant, it oxidizes (neutralizes) free radicals in the skin. Free radicals, can lead to premature aging and skin cancer so they are enemy #1. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production and reverses cell damage, which helps keep the skin looking firmer and younger, and even helps fade and prevent brown spots and pigmentation. This is another skin care must that I am so passionate about I made my own! I am happy to offer a Vitamin C mushroom serum with nicotinic acid (coming soon).
4. Eye cream
I scream for eye cream! I often don’t get enough sleep thanks to working a 9-5 while trying to create a skin care line. As a result, I have started to notice dark eye circles. I like to use an eye cream with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and retinol. For added punch, I keep it cold so it also treats the puffiness I get at times.
5. Moisturizer
Remember, when I said my skin is combination but tends to dryness? I combat this dryness with a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This works to “plump up” the skin and give it lasting moisture. If you are oil prone, don’t make the mistake of skipping moisturizer. What that does is send a signal to your oil pumps to work over time. Instead, choose a moisturizer for oil skin. They are usually lighter but still have all of the good stuff your skin need.
Here’s to your perfect skin!
Kimberly
