Skincare is self-care, and practicing self-care is essential when you are stressed or worried. It isn’t vanity – it’s taking care of yourself. This ritual is just as important as brushing your teeth. Taking care of your skin helps it look its best and age gracefully. In this week’s blog post, we outline three products that are essential in your skincare routine.
Essential Skincare Products to Include in Your Daily Regime
Vitamin C
No matter your age or skin type, Vitamin C is a hero ingredient. It’s a product that helps hydrate your skin and helps retain moisture. Vitamin C products promote collagen production. Over time the collagen in our skin depletes, which can cause wrinkles and fine lines. It is an antioxidant, aiding in dark spot reduction and evening out your skin tone. Keep your skin looking youthful with a Vitamin C serum. This product can be used on all ages of skin.
You may be including Vitamin C in your diet, but using a Vitamin C serum and other topical products is the most direct way to reap the amazing skincare benefits.
How to use: Vitamin C products are typically applied every day. Use in the morning after cleansing and toner and before your moisturizer.
Products we recommend:
- Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask
- Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
- Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%
- SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex
Moisturizer
Moisturizers are a must in your routine. Even if you have oily skin, you should still use a moisturizer. Oily skin will likely prefer a gel or water moisturizer formula, while drier skin types typically drink up oil-rich and more buttery solutions. It not only hydrates your skin but helps create a barrier that seals in the products you put on before it.
The nice thing about moisturizers is that they can deliver a great one, two punch by containing actives and growth factors. By definition, all moisturizers moisturize, but some have active ingredients that help them target particular problem areas in your skin. You can get a moisturizer with Vitamin C for an extra radiance boost or a moisturizer with retinol for additional anti-aging properties.
How to use: Use a moisturizer every morning and night. In the morning, apply moisturizer as the last step before sunscreen. At night, apply moisturizer as the final step in your routine.
Products We Recommend:
- Neocutis Bio Gel – ideal for oily skin, also helps tighten and firm your skin
- Neocutis Biocream – use this product as a heavy night cream
- Neofirm – firm and tightening moisturizer for neck and décolleté
- Obagi Clenziderm – perfect for acne-prone skin
- Obagi Luxe Hydrate – ultra-rich hydrating cream
- Avene Cicalfate – replenishes and restores skin, perfect for irritated skin and post-treatment soothing
Sunscreen
You should always use sunscreen whether or not you are going into the sun. The sun comes through windows, and your face is exposed to more sun than you think. If you don’t wear sunscreen, it renders the risk of your skincare routine null and void because the damage caused by the sun will cancel out anything beneficial from your other products. It can also cause sun damage, sun spots, and skin cancer.
Sunscreen should be applied every morning. We recommend using a separate sunscreen aside from the moisturizer/SPF combo. When the SPF is included in your moisturizer, it doesn’t have optimal projection. Tinted options are also available. Go with a chemical sunscreen to avoid a possible white cast, while a physical formulation is best for sensitive skin. Sunscreens come in many strengths and formulations, including formulas for different skin types. Sunscreen technology has come a long way. Find the one that works best for you.
How to use: Use as the last step in your skin routine every morning.
Products We Recommend:
- EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
- EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
- Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50
BodyLase
Not sure which products to use in your skincare routine? BodyLase® offers free skincare consultations to help find the best products for your lifestyle and skin. Our experts can walk you through product recommendations and how to use each product effectively. To book an appointment at our Raleigh Med Spa, call 919-954-2288 or book online. To book an appointment in Cary Med Spa, call 919-851-8989 book online.
