The FOUR Fundamentals of Skincare
Did you know that your at home skincare regimen can account for the majority of your skin’s overall appearance? It is our goal to educate you so you are not missing out on these most important steps. We want you to know not only what the most important products are, but why they are so important. It is when you understand what your products are doing that you can be more diligent about using them. You will not reap the full potential of your products until they are used correctly and consistently.
1) SPF-Sunscreen is the first, most important step in a skincare regimen. The daily application of sunscreen can do more for our skin than any other product. Sunscreen can prevent against skin cancer, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, and the breakdown of collagen.
What to look for in a sunscreen: Full spectrum SPF will be most important in the protection of both UVA and UVB rays. It is sometimes common to see irritation with sunscreens, so a physical block SPF, containing ingredients such as zinc oxide, may be more suitable for sensitive skin.
2) Topical Retinoid- Why do we love topical retinoids, let us count the ways…
- Retinoids smooth skin texture through cellular exfoliation
- Consistent use of topical retinoids will reduce fine lines and wrinkles by signaling the skin cells to produce collagen
- Retinoids will reduce brown spots by regulating the melanocytes (brown pigmented skin cells), which creates a more even, pigmented skin tone
- Retinoids will assist in balancing oil production by regulating your oil glands. Whether you feel your skin is too dry or too oily, retinoids to the resuce!
- Who isn’t looking for a more youthful glow? Retinoids reduce the dull outer layer of dead skin cells (stratum corneum, which thickens with age) and plumps the healthy living layer of skin
- Retinoids reduce the risk of skin caner by fighting free radicals that can create skin deformities in the skin cells
3) Alpha Hydroxy Acid- AHAs work to dissolve intercellular cement. This is the junk that builds up between your skin cells that prevent products from penetrating. To reap the benefit of your products, the important ingredients must be able to get to the basal later. However, if the skin has too much cellular cement, the products simply cannot get there. AHAs are also natural humectants, binding water to the skin and keeping it hydrated and supple.
4) Antioxidant- Antioxidants are effective in reduction of brown spots, wrinkles, breakdown of collagen and the fight against free radicals. Free radicals are always present in your skin. They are unstable molecules that steal electrons from your skin cells. The result is a brown spot, wrinkle, breakdown of collagen, and the formation of skin cancer. Antioxidants will donate electrons to the free radical, making it stable, preventing harm to your skin. Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant in skincare. Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for the skin to create collagen. Pair this with a retinoid and you have created a powerful skincare regimen!