Skin Care 101: Master the Basics for Radiant Skin
Back to Basics
Okay—how do we make sense of skincare in a world with 1 gazillion products and middle schoolers who have a 14-step routine?? In today’s world, finding the best skincare routine can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options to choose from for face sunscreen, SPF moisturizers, and retinol products for anti-aging. Let’s get back to the basics and focus on what truly matters for your skin.
The “Holy Trinity” of Skin Care
A dear friend of mine, Dr. Katherine Wehlage, who is a dermatologist, introduced me to this way of thinking about the “heavy hitters,” or THE important items to incorporate into your skin care routine. I’ve since adopted this "Holy Trinity" approach for building an effective skincare routine for both myself and my patients. Here they are:
SPF: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Step
You have heard this ad nauseum, but for good reason! 90% of visible skin aging changes are attributed to sun exposure.
How does it work?
Sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. UVB rays affect the surface level of the skin, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, cause aging, and destroy collagen and elastin.
Instructions
Apply daily in the morning as your last skincare step.
Reapply throughout the day if you will be in intense or prolonged sun exposure.
What to buy
Splurge: Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPR 46 OR Sunbetter SPF 75
Budget pick: Vani Cream Facial Moisturizer with SPF
Tretinoin: The Key to Skin Renewal and Radiance
Retinoid is an umbrella term for vitamin-A derivatives that help to improve the texture and appearance of skin. Retinol is a less-potent retinoid found in many over-the-counter skin care products. Tretinoin is a stronger retinoid available by prescription only.
How does it work?
Tretinoin speeds up the skin cell renewal process, unclogs pores, and boosts collagen, improving fine lines and wrinkles.
Instructions
Use at night after cleansing.
Start using 2-3x per week and work up to 4-5x per week to help mitigate side effects like dryness and peeling.
What to buy
Splurge: Zo Skin Health
Budget pick: Tretinoin cream - by prescription only! I’d love to see you in the office for a quick skin care consult, and we can get you started on this prescription.
Curious about Tretinoin?
Book a consultation to explore personalized options for your skin, today.
Vitamin C: The Antioxidant Hero
Antioxidants help skin to combat oxidative stressors, which cause premature cellular damage. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) is the only antioxidant that strengthens collagen and elastin damaged by free radicals.
How does it work?
Vitamin C helps with the synthesis of collagen by activating genes that promote collagen synthesis. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and brightens the skin by inhibiting tyrosine kinase.
Instructions
Apply daily in the morning after cleansing.
What to buy
Splurge: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Budget pick: Maelove Glow Maker
A Few Fun Facts About Your Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body! It weighs over 10 pounds and covers 16 square feet.
Skin is constantly growing and renewing itself.
The skin is an important barrier but also an active part of your immune system!
TL;DR
There are millions of products that promise big results, and we’re constantly getting pushed trendy products on social media. It can even be hard for me to make sense of! To really get the most bang for your buck out of your skin care routine, focus on the big three, or the “Holy Trinity” of skin care: SPF, tretinoin, and vitamin C. With consistent use of these products, you WILL see smoother, brighter, healthier skin!
