Most people use a mix of skincare products, many times feeling confused about steps and how to mix them together… Did you know that if your skin is healthy using just 3 products can be enough to keep your skin barrier intact?
As the body's second largest organ, it makes total sense to want to protect it and keep it healthy. Plus, vanity is a strong motivator when it comes to making impulse cosmetic purchases promising transformations and youth. We know that aged skin can make us look years older than our chronological age when not maintained and protected over the decades. Humans have evolved to analyze others' skin to determine health and attractiveness which clearly explains why this is a billion dollar industry.
With an over growing selection of skincare products offering buzzy new ingredients and solutions to our imperfections, it is difficult to know which is best for our skin. For most people the skin doesn't require much attention. It needs to be protected with an SPF if you are outside or in the sun, it needs to be cleansed well, especially at night, and it needs a humectant/ceramide to lock in moisture and maintain healthy barrier function.
In addition to these basics that we all can benefit from, as an individual you need to select products that solve your specific skin issues such as dark spots, redness, acne or melasma. These additional products require you to go beyond the basic routine of cleanse, moisture and SPF. Listed below are some of my favorite ingredients to support solutions to our skin conditions that might appear to be less than optimal and need more than just the basics to correct.
- Vitamin C for brightening and reducing the appearance of dullness and dark spots. This powerful ingredient also supports free radical protection. Always look for a stable C between 8% and 20% and around a pH of 3 to remain stable.
- Vitamin K for skin inflammation also has some antioxidant properties. I like this for aging skin that is susceptible to broken capillaries and telangiectasias on the face. Helps to strengthen and restore. In addition, it is great for wound healing.
- Retinoids are the powerhouse and can boost collagen. It is the regenerative ingredient and the golden child ingredient of skincare as it spurs exfoliation and cellular turnover. Vitamin A can improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, improve texture and also address acne by controlling the oil and sebum excess.
- Hyaluronic Acid helps skin stretch and flex by helping skin retain moisture and protect its barrier. I like to keep a good HA and use it as needed when my skin feels dry or the barrier is compromised due to external environmental conditions such as sun, pollution and or extreme cold or heat.
It is also advised to visit with a licensed professional that can guide you and teach you the best regimen steps that are right for your skin type and condition. Working together is what I have found delivers best outcomes for clients to ensure that they maintain the healthiest skin possible.