SPRING CLEAN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

by Amanda Friese, PA-C | Synergy MedAesthetics

When to Save, When to Splurge, and When to Discard

Last month I decided to spring-clean my vanity and realized I had way too many unused skin care products. One I had purchased impulsively because the packaging was pretty. Another had good reviews, so I tried it when it was on sale. Yet another smelled lovely, but the fragrance was irritating after just a few days. Now that I’ve pared down my skin care to only what is essential, I have some guidelines for you about how to choose what stays and what goes, and what deserves a place in your skin care regimen.

Who has time for a twelve-step skin care process? Keep it simple, and stick to the basics before you incorporate extra masks or serums. In the morning use a cleanser, a Vitamin C product, and follow up with SPF (sunscreen). In the evenings, use cleanser, and follow up with Retinol (vitamin A) and moisturizer.

Cleanser, Moisturizer, and SPF

If you are looking for ways to save money on skin care, there are many budget-friendly options for cleansing and moisturizing. 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 drugstore products that work just fine. Start with Cetaphil or CereVe.

SPF 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. These are available online 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 it did when it was new.

Vitamin C, Retinol, and Exfoliation

Your Vitamin C needs to be a medical-grade product. Vitamin C helps prevent and even treat irregular skin tone and sunspots; however, your skin is an incredible barrier (that’s its job!), and 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. Get your Vitamin C from a skin care professional or a medical aesthetics clinic. You can expect a four-month supply to cost around $150.

Your retinol (which is Vitamin A) should also be medical-grade. Differin Gel is effective, and is now available over the counter, but it’s often irritating and leaves some residue on your skin. There are several prescription retinols, and many people need professional guidance to figure out what works for them. Prices are variable, from $75 to $125 for a six-month supply. Generally, you will need to start slowly and build your retinol tolerance over several months. It’s definitely worth the process, though! Within six months of regular use, you will see improvement in fine lines, skin texture, and skin tone.

Always check product labels for expiration dates and usage guidance. Consider the expiration date for “active ingredients” as well expiration dates for once the product has been opened.

Typical Usage Expiration Dates

Any type of cream around the eyes > 2-3 Months. Anti-Aging Creams > 2-3 Months. Facial Lotion > 1 Year. Sunscreen > 1-3 Years (Check formula for smell/separation).

Exfoliation 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 have 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, which is $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 that you can remove them easily when you cleanse, rather than having to scrub them off. ZO Exfoliation Accelerator is ideal.

Skin care doesn’t have to be complex. You can have a simple routine that gives you healthy, beautiful skin for years to come!