This week I wanted to discuss anti-aging things that you can do at home. I see at least four to five consultations per week in the med spa. One of the common complaints I hear is “I feel like I look old and tired”. So, the very first thing I ask is “what is your skincare routine like at home?” A lot of times people answer “well…nothing really”. Skincare routines do not have to be long and drawn out. I tell people all the time the simpler you keep it the better you will be about sticking with it. Let’s talk about three steps you can start now to get glowing skin!
Step 1 Good Cleansers
Cleansers are a must have in any skincare routine. I always recommend a double cleanse at night. One is to cleanse the skin (take off makeup, mascara, eyeliner etc.) and the other is to prep the skin for serums, retinols and moisturizers. In the morning, you need to cleanse with a treatment cleanser. This is a cleanser that has either glycolic acid, salicylic acid or a combination of both. My favorite nighttime cleansers are Purity made Simple from Philosophy followed by Tula’s Purifying Face wash. My all time favorite treatment cleanser is the Brightening Face wash from Revision.
Step 2 Vitamin C
Everyone needs to use a vitamin C serum in the morning. Vitamin C is a wonderful antioxidant that fights free radicals that cause collagen and elastin breakdown. This breakdown is what causes fine lines, wrinkles and a dull complexion. Vitamin C will also brighten the skin, diminish hyperpigmentation, promote collagen production and hydrate the skin. I highly recommend medical grade vitamin C serums. These have higher concentrations of vitamin C and can penetrate deeper into the skin. My two favorite serums are Flavo C from Isdin and Super Serum from IS Clinical.
Step 3 Retinol
Retinol is known as vitamin A. Another very important antioxidant to help fight the signs of aging. But there are also many other benefits to using retinol. It works by increasing cell turnover to repair skin damage and it also helps prevent future damage. It will also correct hyperpigmentation, acne, large pores and improve skins texture. Retinol can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. I recommend my patients to start on a routine of three times a week. Then build their way up to every other night. My favorite retinol the the .1% from Skinmedica.
I hope you found this helpful and learned some new tricks to slow down the aging process! If you have any questions just send me a quick message!
