First off, I've been using much less make up and I have to say it feels FANTASTIC. Finally, I am giving my pores a chance to breathe! I don’t know about you but even with the constant creams, serums, toners and cleansers, I feel like my regular routine has been set back by me using makeup daily. Although I always use a non-comedogenic medical-grade makeup (i.e. ISDIN Skin Drops) I have realized the only time I am makeup free is when I take off my makeup for the day and go right to bed— or when I’m at the beach!
I always say if we continue to invest all this time and energy into in-office procedures we should be investing the same time and energy maintaining the skin on our faces and bodies and keeping it healthy from home. Protect what you inject!
Sure some people might be blessed with cooperative and naturally clear complexions, but most of us struggle with common skin concerns such as acne and eczema. While it's definitely helpful to have injectables, chemical peels and lasers at my disposal, the core skin routine I stick to is crucial to maintaining healthy and clear skin.
Here's a breakdown of my AM to PM routine:
MORNING
STEP 1: Cleanser
I always start my day with the ever-reliable JECT Gentle Cleanser, infused with green tea and a mix of vitamins, helping to protect my epidermal barrier and decrease redness and inflammation while cleansing the bacteria that lives on our skin all night long at the same. Pro-tip, it can be used on the chest and back in the shower as well.
STEP 2: Vitamin C
For my face, I reach for the ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Vitamin C Ampoules. I usually don’t love oil based products, but this has become both mine and all the staff at JECT’s go-to antioxidant serum. It contains a power packed bunch of antioxidants and it hydrates the skin while decreasing the appearance of sun-damage. The vitamin-c it contains works to protect my skin from all the pollution and oxidative stressors I encounter in NYC. Plus, it comes in small little ampoules (convenient for travel once we're back to that!) and prevents the serum from deactivating once open, a common issue for most large bottle vitamin C serums. I always keep one in my bag just in case!
STEP 3: Moisturizer, moisturizer, moisturizer.
STEP 4: SPF!
Keeping the skin protected from the sun is essential to stop it from aging. Not only will cumulative sun-damage cause wrinkles, it eventually contributes to an uneven complexion and those pesky “sun spots.” I tend to switch around my sunscreens depending on the weather and if I need a tint but I usually prefer a mineral based sunscreen.
STEP 5: Make Up
This step has been mostly skipped lately but if I need to attend a meeting via Zoom or record a lecture ISDIN Skin Drops are my ABSOLUTE favorite and pretty much the only thing I use other than mascara and a light lip balm. The formula is lightweight but gives me a buildable matte coverage without clogging my pores. A bonus: it contains jojoba, sunflower and mimosa wax to continue hydrating throughout the day.
STEP 6: JECT Hyaluronic Lip Enhancer for a little plump and rouge.
NIGHT
STEP 1: Cleanser
I start my nightly routine with JECT Acne Fighting Cleanser. It has benzoyl peroxide in it, which removes all the impurities my skin has accumulated throughout the day and helps fight bacteria that causes breakouts.
STEP 2: Retinol
Next, I use Concentrated Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum in order to keep my pores small, clear any breakouts and prevent wrinkles.
STEP 3: Moisturizer
I've been layering that serum with Glytone Soothing Lipid Recovery Cream as my skin has been particularly dry lately. I love how smooth and hydrated it makes my skin feel the next morning.
STEP 4: Eye Cream
Eye cream––this step cannot be skipped, the skin around our eyes is thin and sensitive, so keeping it hydrated and reducing inflammation is key to preventing bags and to help keep those crow's feet at bay!