Skin Essentials
photo COURTESY of shutterstock.com
Working in the beauty industry, I get introduced to some amazing products out on the market. While I enjoy trying out the "latest and greatest" from different brands, I always go back to my staple products. No matter how my skin acts up, whether I get too dry in the winter or too oily in summer, I can count on my basics to pull my skin back together.
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Cleanser: I used to not be so picky with face wash until I discovered Elta MD Foaming cleanser. This oil-free formula lathers to a thick foam removing dirt, build up and makeup without leaving your skin dry. It contains amino acids that help with hydration and smoothness and enzymes that gently exfoliate. I definitely see and feel a difference if I use a different cleanser.
Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 gel: This product is new for me, but I already had to include it as a holy grail product. This is a hyaluronic acid that you can use alone or added to a moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrator naturally found in your body. This oil-free gel not only makes you glow, but it plumps up your skin. My coworker described it perfectly, as "liquid silk." I actually look forward to applying product because it feels that good.
Sunday Riley "Luna sleeping night oil": Vitamin A is THE anti aging product. If you are unfamiliar with vitamin A and the benefits, stay tuned for an upcoming blog going more in detail on why this is a staple in skin care. Unfortunately, I have light eczema and anything too harsh or active can flare up my skin. So the next best thing is over the counter retinol, which is a form of vitamin A and is gentler on the skin. This will soften wrinkles, smooth texture, plump your skin and increase cell turnover.
Sunday Riley "Good Genes": An all in one lactic acid treatment that gently exfoliates to help unclog pores, brighten and smooth dull skin. Lactic acid is an exfoliator that is less likely to cause skin irritation is great for people with dry/sensitive skin.
These products individually are not cheap, they both retail for $105 each for 1oz. If you're interested in trying both and saving a little money, purchase the mini travel sizes in a set for $85. A little bit goes a long way with both products, so they last a really long time. I would say I ran out of my first set after 4 or 5 months of use. SUNDAY RILEY Power Couple Duo: Total Transformation Kit is sold exclusively at Sephora.
Sunscreen: Hyper-pigmentation, premature wrinkles, skin cancer. As much as we love the sun, the sun doesn’t love us back. An SPF 30 or more is needed everyday to protect against UVA (aging)/UVB (burning.) I find it difficult to find a formula that isn’t too sticky or that doesn't leave skin looking white and chalky, even a sunscreen that smells decent. My sunscreen recommendation, anything from Elta MD. Their formula has a nice consistency, absorbs quickly and sunscreen smell is minimal.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens,lightens and tightens. Vitamin C repairs and protects your skin against free radicals found in the environment. I've been a fan of C&E ferulic from Skinceuticals for years. Skinceuticals is a well known brand for skin care, but especially for their vitamin C formulas. C&E ferulic is ideal for dry skin types and Phloretin CF is perfect for oily prone skin.