Having a routine with many steps, ya know, the kind that promises to fix all of your problems, BUT only if you are willing to take the time and money (usually expensive). The “multiple steps” type of routine, along with every product being costly, can soon lose its luster after just a couple of months. This approach is certainly not sustainable and does not yield the results I look seek when putting together a skincare routine. I find that so many think that MANY steps are going to be the best when this is truly false information.
My entire life I have been taking care of my skin health. Having spent most of my years in the plastic surgery arena, I know what works and what simply does not. The overstating claims with brands made me realize how important is it to really get down to ingredients and even more so—the amount of active ingredients in each product. When I read a label from a skincare company, especially those with big claims, I immediately look into the ingredient listing on the back. From there I can roughly figure out the percentage of the marketing ingredients in the formulation. Is there enough of the ingredient that they are raving about for the product to do what it says? In what capacity has the ingredient been tested and is there data to support any such claim?
My most favorite brand that I completely get behind and trust is Skinprint. I know from experience that they really invest in researching ingredients and the efficacy of the formulations are present. A few other favorites with the same credentials, are Revision, Hydrinity and Intelligent Elixirs. Additionally, it is just as important to curate a skincare program that is compatible with what your skin needs. Not every product is going to work for every person. Simply stated, what might be working for your friend, may not work for you.
So, if you are like me and you are tired of the BS claims of many products, I encourage you to read on and see how I am defying age, incorporating the 3 pillars of skin health and keeping things simple!
THE CLEANSER
I cleanse both morning and evening. I have been using Skinprint cleansers for over 15 years–the better part of my esthetics career. What I find to be the best about this cleanser is that there are no fatty acids present to create a wax buildup on my skin.
Next, is that I DO NOT have to double cleanse—efficacy at its best! Now, if you do feel like you need to, then by all means go for it and use the cleanser twice. No need for a special pre-cleanse cleanser. Most of the time I reach for Purifying Cleanser as it has a smidge of glycolic in it that my skin loves and is wonderful for exfoliation. A couple times a week, I might switch and use the Clarifying Cleanser that has antimicrobial properties to it if I notice that my pores need some extra attention.
A little fun fact about me and cleansing: I keep (2) on-hand at all times–(1) in the shower and (1) on my counter for my nighttime routine. There is no absolute way I am getting out of the shower to get my cleanser that is sitting on my counter staring at me! LOL! $37
MY BIG GUN: Skintellect Microgel SRST LEVEL 2
I have been using this product for so long that I don’t even remember when I started, but I never forget to use it twice a day! I call it My Big Gun because it literally is just that. If you are looking for something that literally has it all–THIS. IS. IT. This product has high actives that lift and tighten the neck, jowls and eye area. And if this is not amazing enough it has SRST which is Self Regeneration Stem-Cell Technology. This technology targets your skin uniquely for personalized anti-aging effects. $272
IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: Level 2 has double the amount of actives so it is recommended that you start with Level 1 and then later move to Level 2.
SKIN BRIGHTENING
I have (2) that I alternate during my A.M. routine. Skinprint C-Shield Antioxidant Serum and Hydrinity Vivid Brightening Serum. While they both brighten, they both have different functions. Vitamin C acts as my tyrosinase inhibitor/skin brightener. A little hidden gem with this Vitamin C is the stability and delivery. The airless pump does not allow for oxidation to occur (this is paramount) and it has a smidge of glycolic acid for fantastic delivery that is non-irritating, and anyone can use. $89.25
The Vivid Brightening Serum uses peptides to target any existing pigmentation issues, helps reduce new pigmentation formation and shields my skin from pollution while it protects the skin proteins and DNA for overall skin health. $150
EYE LOVE
If are younger in your 20’s or early 30’s you can probably get a way without incorporating an eye treatment. If you are older, then giving your eye area some extra attention is probably necessary. I have (2) different ones that I use and love. The reason for (2) vs (1) is I use (1) for my a.m. routine and (1) for my p.m. routine. Eyedyllic by Skinprint is more lightweight, has a high amount of actives and works well with my light-weight concealer that I apply in the morning. $68.25
At night, Teamine by Revision has reduced my dark circles and the hydration is off the charts. I notice when I try and use a serum vs a cream a night, I have more crepiness. No thank you! LOL $106
BRING ON THE SPF!
Tinted, TINTED and MORE TINTED!
I finish my daytime routine with a tinted SPF. It is makeup that keeps me protected!! Some days I like something very light-weight and other days something a little more. For the lighter days, I absolutely love Skinprint’s Radiance Shield UVA/UVB SPF 44. It is non-greasy, the perfect color for anyone, great for acne (my daughter loves) and keeps you protected. $60
For the little more coverage days, Intelligent Elixirs Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 looks gorgeous! Both toxic free!!! $27.50
NEXT LEVEL ANTI-AGING with PEPTIDES
Remember when I said that everyone is different? Well, that statement very much applies to this step. Recently, I started adding 3-D Bio-Peptide Serum because I needed that extra punch. Lots of peptides: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Heptapeptide-7 and Tetrapeptide Technology. The boost in my collagen has been VERY GOOD and the lines on the side of my face have diminished tremendously. I am going to continue this for sure! So, if you are “older-ish” like me, this would be a great additive to your routine. 3-D Bio-Peptide Serum is also really good for those that are looking to get started with an active skincare routine and anyone in their 20’s-30’s. $94.50
NIGHTTIME MOISTURIZER/LOTION
Probably the most favorite step in my routine is Repair and Restore. I am not joking when I say that 1) I would like to dunk my entire body into a vat of this stuff and 2) it seriously delivers when it comes to barrier repair, reducing redness/dryness and quite frankly feels like it costs $300! A great thing to note is that a little bit goes a long way! $124.95
ADDED BONUSES!!
EXFOLIATION: Exfoliation is key to any routine and what you use to exfoliate with ABSOLUTELY matters! (2) times a week you will find me with a good ole traditional razor in my hand shaving my face.
An additional (2) times a week, I use Bamboo Papaya Refining Polish. It buffs my skin for the ideal amount and dissolves any build-up of oils on the surface to give my active skincare products better opportunity for entry into my skin. No matter what you choose, just make sure it does not create any microtears in your skin potentially causing free radical damage. $51.45
NECK and CHEST: I do not want to have a floating-head so I make sure to give my neck and chest area lots of love. For those that are new, floating head happens when give all of your attention to your face and none to your neck and chest. Not only is it harder to treat the damage you might have, but it can get quite costly with lasers etc. So, to keep this area in check Nectifirm Advanced by Revision does not disappoint. I use (2) times per day and I DO NOT MISS. $154
NEED MORE MOISTURE: Like most, I love a good hyaluronic acid. As an Estie, it is my job to find one that delivers to the max for maximum results. What I found with most was how far the HA was NOT going. Enter B5 Bloom Hydrating Fluid from Skinprint with sodium hyaluronate–a derivative of HA. I love this due to the lower molecular weight for penetration to the epidermis increasing hydration to the underlying skin layers. Plus, PLUS! Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide).
Not wanting to stop just with B5 and because I am product junkie, I also use a hemp seed oil–Savior Antioxidant Oil by Skinprint. With either one of these, I use only 2-3 drops into my Repair and Restore. This of course is next level hydration and, in the end,…CHEF’S KISS!
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