Skin Care Regimen
I love getting comments and emails with concerns, questions, tidbits, tips and generally great ideas. Most recently, I came to realize that some members of the [my] style files community hadn’t yet uncovered the amount of content on my site through [my] page files. (Yes, that means you, Jill!) I realize I make it easy for email subscribers to receive information - however, you will be glad to know that the page content (upper left nav) is updated monthly. So come back often and contribute!
Due to my recent conversation with Jill, I thought it would be beneficial to push out my skin care regimen. After all, you are your skin. And you have to live in your skin for a lifetime so don’t lose momentum now. It’s important to follow some key steps in caring for your skin. For one, use an SPF (a real one). By this I mean, one that contains Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl. Only these ingredients will help prevent UVB and UVA rays (those responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and cancer) from penetrating the skin. In the summer, you can skip your moisturizer and use your SPF solo.
You should also use a topical antioxidant which can help with cell turnover and to build collagen. And thirdly, the ever important retinoid product (prescription strength, please - so visit your dermatologist).
To keep moisture levels in balance, follow these tips:
- Face: apply a moisturizer twice daily, morning and evening. Choose a moisturizer with at least a 30 SPF in the morning, and a climate-appropriate moisturizer in the evening.
- Body: apply a moisturizer after bathing, while skin is still damp. This will lock in moisture. In the winter, apply a heavier moisturizer to face and body.
[my] morning skin care regimen
- Cleanser (rinse twice as long as washing)
- Fruit Acid Liquid Exfoliant or Toner
- Antioxidant
- Sunscreen* (be picky about your SPFs)
*In the winter, I apply a moisturizer between step 3 and 4.
[my] evening skin care regimen
- Cleanser (rinse twice as long as washing)
- Fruit Acid Liquid Exfoliant or Toner
- Antioxidant
- Moisturizer
- Prescription strength retinoid
Everything you apply to your face should also be applied to your neck - in upward strokes. Exfoliate face (including mouth/lips) and body 1-2 times a week. Apply a mask to your face after exfoliating - the mask should be tailored toward your skin’s needs. Want to know my skin care product picks? Just ask.
The clear advantage of visiting a dermatologist:
Getting educated on the latest fads (and by that I mean, don’t waste your money, ladies!), in addition to the tried and true products.
1. Visit a dermatologist
2. Ask a lot of questions to learn about your exact skin type
3. Leave with the right prescriptions based on your diagnosis
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Nooriee,
Yeah about the L&R!! That’s good to know. My doctor friend must be traveling, it’s not like him to not respond … thanks for your patience. I will be sure to provide some info when I get it. I am testing the new Super Actives line in Calm & Smooth from ESPA and I have to say, my melia is the most under control that it has ever been. I don’t think mine with ever disappear without being lazered off, but I love that it appears to be lessening. Thanks for letting us know about your success - and again, stay tuned
Hi Catherine,
I just wanted to let you know that Leaf & Rusher’s Acne serum that has salicylic acid, soy extract and Vitamin C completely cleared up my mila….The Soy extract apparently takes care of hormonal imbalances in skin and I am quite liking it…It was drying but not overdrying…..I used the spot remover where some light spots had been left behind…all ending with the Leaf & Rusher Sunscreen!! I would still love to hear your doctor’s inputs!!!
Hi Nooriee,
The L&R active serum has a little retinol in it, but nothing that compares to a prescriptive. If your derm doc recommends that you add a retinoid, you may want to start with Differin (it’s a great entry retinoid). However, I am still waiting to hear back from my Doctor friend. I trust his opinion. Stay tuned…
Catherine
BTW, would the Active serum from Leaf & Rusher be considered a retinoid?
Thanks Catherine!! Yeah, its exactly those tiny bumps you’re talking about….what in your opinion would be a mild enough retinoid to be using on a daily basis? I have used Tri-luma in the past but wonder whether or not it would be too strong in these soaring temperature? I have indeed been enjoying fulfilling relationship…so to get back to Melia….I too am not sure whether its clogged pores or hormones? Or both :-)…cuz I do exfoliate everyday!!! I am really curious to know what you find out!!!
Hi Nooriee,
It’s so great to hear from you! Sounds like you have been busy traveling. And it sounds like you may be in a great relationship, if I am reading right?? If so, yeah for you. From your description, it sounds like melia. I have melia, as well, and it’s such a pain. I was once told that melia can form if the pores in your skin are not cleansed properly. However, I am not so sure that is the case. Since adding a retinoid, the melia has decreased some, but still there. I am currently consulting with a skin doc and will be back in touch with some recommendations. Stay tuned…
Thanks,
Catherine
Hello Catherine,
Its been so long since I have made any posts! New relationships sometimes take up sooo much time that we forget doing things we usually love doing whilst single :-)!!! I love being kept in the loop of all these amazing product reviews do….I have been back and forth to Asia last few months ….all that traveling started to do some hormonal imbalance resulting in those teeny weeny breakout bumps not big enough to be extracted!!! I have been using the Pyto + from skinceuticals…which to my surprise not only fades marks but reduces the bumps….I was wondering if you had any other recommendations? Its so irritating to be dealing with these issues as an adult!
Hello my friend!
So glad to hear from you - you world traveler. I have always wanted to try Dr. Sebagh’s mask (the orange one). I have read great things about them - but never tried them myself. You will like Theraderm (and so cheap considering what you typically spend on skin care). It’s not fancy … but it’s based on research and happens to be extremely effective. I am eager to hear what you think.
Take care and keep in touch!
Hello Catherine,
How are you? Love reading your blog esp whilst I am traveling….feel like I am being kept in the groove! Am in Singapore right now…..and was breaking out in its humidity….those tiny little bumps you in heat + humidity! But my Dr. Sebagh’s breakout foaming wash and his Breakout creme have saved my skin….Its an awwesome product for adult acne that appears in those “new weather conditions”……I love that its non-drying and has some amazing secret ingredients…….so all though this not my usual regimen in the states its great to throw one into my suitcase when abroad……Also using my oxygen complex from natura bisse underneath to help clear the congestion.
I am super keen to try Theraderm once I get back!
Two things that work best for me: (1) Origins Spot Remover (seriously, it rocks!) and (2) toothpaste (I use this in a pinch when I am traveling and forget my Spot Remover).
I have been using the Theraderm system for several months now and I truly love it! However, there are certain times when I need a little “spot treatment” for an unseemly blemish, what do you recommend?
i have tried many products & theraderm (set) has shown, by far, the best results.
Kind regards Debbie
Hi Debbie,
The pricing is pretty standard - no “special” pricing out there other than the monthly specials which I always advertise on my site. You can order Theraderm products here - the 4-piece trial set is $15 and the full set is $150. How do you like it so far?
Thanks,
Catherine
i recently had a face peel & theraderm 4-piece set was included to prepare the skin for 4 wks. i since have been trying to locate a reasonably priced outlet?
Nooriee
I have not reviewed Leaf & Rusher … but for you, I will reach out and see what is best representative of the line. I love what I read about the lip scrub. However, I wish they listed the ingredients in the Night Formula. For the price, they should. Granted, it’s Vitamin C-based but how much and at what strength when mixed with other ingredients? Let me see what I can find out. And please do let me know how you like it!!
Hi Nooriee,
So good to hear from you!! Unfortunately, it appears that Skingenic didn’t have the distribution it needed to make a success out of their product line. Such a shame - because it was such a great product. This won’t come as a surprise, but I recommend the Theraderm 4-piece set - totally gives the glow and it’s great for your skin … and the set is just a tad over the one Skingenic product. The moisturizer is the BEST I have found yet - and for $35!! But, it doesn’t have any antioxidants, so you really need the OPC serum and then, of course I love the face wash and the fruit acid exfoliant.
I am also testing a Dr. Bragi product - a marine enzyme - that is a great product (though expensive) that gives a nice glow. But still doesn’t beat out Theraderm.
I will be thinking of others for you!
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Want to know if you have ever had a chance to review the brand Leaf & Rusher? I am absolutely in love with their lip scrub that has tightening ingredients….works amazingly right before I apply a gloss or a lipstick. I am about try their Tx Night Formula and will let you know how that’s works…..I have some wonderful things about the line in LA….the product line is small and very simple
Hi Catherine!
just logged onto your site after a long trip! I just wanted to say that I was falling in love skingenic until their site got pulled of the web..not sure what went wrong there..but gosh! it was a great discovery! And what an amazing moisturizer that just made skin simply “glow”! Any other recommendations for a great moisturizer that’s not oily something similar to skingenic’s abilities?
Hi Catherine,
I too suffer from flaky skin every winter and have tried something new each year hoping that I will finally find something that works. Well you were right on the mark about Theraderm!! I initially ordered the enriched moisturizer that you recommended and was excited to receive a trial size of the 4-step skin renewal system with my order. I am amazed at how well this system works. No flaky skin for me either!! Thank you for recommending this product.
Maria
Thank you for introducing me to Theraderm. LOVE IT! I didn’t tell my friends I switched over two weeks ago - I have been getting a ton compliments on my how great my skin looks. You’re the best, thanks!
Kelly
Yeah Suzie! I am so happy to learn of your early success with the Theraderm 4 step system. I, too, am hooked. I love how quickly the products penetrate skin - taking 2 minutes to get through the entire process. No waiting, no fuss. Plus excellent results - the best I have experienced so far. After 3 1/2 months of using Theraderm, I can assure you the results keep getting better. Keep in touch and let us know your results after a few months.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine,
I tried the Theraderm Skin Renewal System you recommended. I can’t say enough about this product line! After just a few days of using the four step system, I can honestly say that I see a complete change in my skin. I don’t know if I have ever seen my skin glow this way! I finally have the smooth, healthy, ‘dewy’ look that I have been after. In addition, I feel like I am doing something really good for my skin!
The products are extremely easy to use! I am a ‘no fuss’ person, and don’t have much time, so I was worried about how long it would take me to complete the four step process… but it is so easy and quick! The products absorb so quickly that I can move through the stages without any waiting. And I feel like I am completely nourishing my skin!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I can honestly say that no product has ever made such an impact on me, in such a short amount of time!
Suzie
Thanks so much for sharing, Nooriee. What an awful experience. And yes I agree, always trust your intuition. When you have a chance, read my post on “NM focus on Shu” (my bad facial experience!). Same type of irritation after I was very clear about my skin type. Very frustrating. I feel terrible that you have irritated skin right before the holidays. Although, it sounds like the Aquaphor and derm visit did the trick. Thanks for the review on Spa Radiance. It’s unfortunate your first experience was so bad. You should call the owner - I really think he/she would want to hear about this. Good luck and happy holidays!!
OMG! Catherine, I want to reach out to all those readers that are always on a lookout for a great facial. I recently went to this particular one called Spa Radiance visited by SF celebs. Well, what a darn disappointment! The aesthetician used aggressive peels combined w microdermabrasion inspite of knowing that I was using a retinoid. In fact during the facial I stopped her 2-3 times cuz my skin stung and hurt! She claimed it was “working” and she kept going…My skin got terribly irritated and I rushed to my dermatologist ASAP and she gave me a cortisone to settle down the burn irritations. I was soooo upset at having to deal w this during the holiday season….but one product that helped before visiting the doc was AQUAPHOR…I know what a generic product to rave about…..but really it was a miracle…just in one night it settled down about 60% of the irritation and burn like stings…..I just thought that we sometimes need to give our “cheap drugstore/Cabinet” products some appreciation! People be careful and if something doe not feel right during a treatment…get up and walk out…..our intuition is never wrong!
I have tried several Natura Bisse’s products (great) but not this one. I will have to give it a whirl! Thanks!
Hi Catherine
Another great product u might want to look at some point is Natura Bisse’s Oxygen Complex! Makes your skin radiant and so fresh looking…I think people with occasional stress breakouts would especially enjoy it.
Hi Nooriee,
So glad you are enjoying Skingenic. It’s such a fabulous product. I have not tried Chantecaille’s nano gold cream yet - would love to soon. Though, it’s so pricey. Please let us all know after a few months how it’s working on your skin. Would love to know what you experience.
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I recently started using Skingenic after first reading about it on your site…..its so DAMN good….it gives a “glow” to your skin w/o the stickyness or making it oily….I absolutely love the product….I recently started using Chantecaille’s nano gold cream….pretty nice I say…kinda like a balm and I think its great before applying makeup….kinda prims up ure skin….also there are no parabens which I think is awwesome considering they’re using nanotechnology….At 420 $ for 1.7 jar its the cheapest of the gold creams when compared to La Prairie and Orlane!
Welcome Nooriee,
I love the consistency of Kate’s SPF, as well! I recently wrote a review on it (September). My only complaint is the ingredients that make up her SPF. Kate makes great products - so glad to hear you have had success. I am so glad to hear you are enjoying my blog. Please subscribe and contribute as often as you can
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I recently tried Kate Somerville’s spf 30 and am absolutely in love with it….it sinks right in and is elegantly composed. Leaves no residue behind. I personally like all of Kate’s stuff…but this one is so damn good! I have been using skinceutical ultimate defense for awhile but I think becuz it has an in built moisturizer it s a little too rich for summer!Love reading your blog!
nooriee, San Francisco, CA
Hi Miss Beauty,
Thanks for letting us know about blue silk. Please let me know if you would like me to product test and write a review about your products.
My skin care pick for a moisturizer will surely have to be the famed “infusion” face cream from blue silk.
Excellent point, Donna. To those new to retinoids, try applying once every third day to start to ensure your skin adjusts well. I flaked for two weeks - even with starting once every third day … moving to every other night … then to every night. Adding a retinoid to my regimen was the best thing I could have done for my particular skin type. Hence the importance to visiting a derm doc.
I’d like to say that when chosing a Retinoid think about your skin type. I use Differin 0.3 because it is better for acne prone skin. Also, give retinoids time-you will likely be flakey for months but once your skin adjusts you will be smooth and free of flakes as long as you only use the amount the size of a pea for your entire face.