There are so many skin care products out there that it is difficult to discern what you need and what is just an unnecessary extra step. I like to keep my skin care routine as simple as possible, so I have condensed my skin care routine to about five products. Some advice given to me by my dermatologist is to pick products based on your personal skin care needs. My skin type is combination leaning more towards oily in the T-zone and normal in other areas. My main skins concern are acne, textured skin, dark spots and enlarged pores. These five products are my go to.
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 is a “powerhouse” in any skin care regimen. This vitamin A derivative 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 after my toner and I think it is so important. 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 and 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 found in the skin in high concentrations. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals in the skin. Free radicals can lead to premature aging and skin cancer, so they are the number one enemy. 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!
4. Eye Cream
I scream for eye cream! I often don’t get enough sleep thanks to being an involved full-time student, student worker and intern. 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
Since beginning my prescribed acne medication, I began to notice dry patches on some portions of my skin. I combat this dryness with a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This works to plump up the skin and give it lasting moisture. Even if you are oil prone, don’t make the mistake of skipping moisturizer. When you skip moisturizer, this signals your oil pumps to work over time. Instead, choose a moisturizer for oily skin. They are usually lighter but still have all of the good stuff your skin need.
Here’s to your perfect skin!
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