The Fundamentals of Skin Care
from Amanda Friese, PA-C; Synergy MedAesthetics

I recently cleaned out my skin care collection and found several products that I had purchased because I liked the packaging, or thought it smelled nice. Needless to say, there were multiple products I wasn’t using and didn’t contribute to my skin health.

Knowing which products to buy and use on a daily basis can be overwhelming. The beauty industry spends millions of dollars to market their brands, so as consumers we are bombarded with “must-have” products that promise to transform our skin overnight. It can be confusing to know which products are essential to our skin’s health, which is why so many of us end up with a drawer full of unused and unneeded product.

The best way to start your skin care routine is to start with the basics.

 

A Basic Skin Care Plan

Keep it simple and stick to the fundamentals before you incorporate extra masks or serums. A 12-step skin care regimen is not necessary (who has the time?!). In the morning use a cleanser, a vitamin C product and follow up with an SPF (sunscreen). In the evenings, use cleanser and follow up with retinol (vitamin A) and moisturizer.

 

What Products to Save On: Cleansers, Moisturizers and Sunscreen

Skin care products can be pricey, but there are budget-friendly options for cleansers and moisturizers available at your local drugstore that won’t break the bank. Look for low-fragrance options that feel good on your skin. If you struggle with acne or dry skin, consult a skin care professional. Most people, however, can find inexpensive drug store products that work just fine. Start with Cetaphil or CereVe products.

Sunscreen is essential, not only for preventing sunspots and wrinkles, but also for keeping your skin cancer-free as you age. Good sunscreens are not expensive, but the trick is to find one that feels comfortable on your skin during the day, that can be layered with makeup and that your skin tolerates without breaking out. My favorite brands for facial sunscreens are EltaMD and Colorescience, and available for under $40.

Sunscreens will be marked with an expiration date. If you’re using enough SPF, you will use it up before it expires, but a good rule of thumb is to replace your sunscreen every season. If you tend to leave your sunscreen outside or in a hot car it may lose its effectiveness or go bad sooner. Replace it if you notice that it doesn’t look, feel or smell the same as when it was new.

 

What Products to Splurge On: Vitamin C, Retinol and Exfoliators

In order to reap maximum benefits, some products need to be medical grade. One such product is vitamin C: it helps prevent and even treat irregular skin tones and sunspots. Because our skin is such a powerful barrier, the vitamin C must be exactly the right pH and molecular size to actually get down to the dermis of your skin where it can make a difference. You should purchase your vitamin C from a skin care professional or a medical aesthetics clinic. You can expect to pay around $150 for a 4-month supply.

Your retinol (vitamin A) should also be medical grade. One effective option is Differin Gel which is now available over the counter. The downside of this product is it can be irritating and leave residue on your skin which is not ideal. There are several prescription retinols, and many people need professional guidance to figure out what works for them. You will see improvement within six months of regular use with fine lines, skin tone and skin texture.

Exfoliators helps remove dead skin cells that make your complexion dull. You should only need to exfoliate a few times a week, but make sure you are using a high-quality product. Many drugstore brands use a coarse grit that causes microscopic tears in your skin which can lead to inflammation and excessive dryness.

A safe physical exfoliator will have uniform crystals that feel a little bit grainy but not rough. My favorite is ZO Exfoliating Polish, available for $65. You can also try adding a chemical exfoliator a few times a week. These have a mild glycolic acid that disrupts the dead skin cells from the epidermis so you can remove them easily when you cleanse, rather than having to scrub them off. ZO Exfoliation Accelerator is an ideal product.

At Synergy MedAesthetics, we specialize in the most advanced non-surgical cosmetic and body sculpting treatments available. Visit our website to learn more about our services. We now also have a satellite clinic located inside Empowered Health… call us to find out when our professional team is on site there: (509) 222-8022.