I tell all my clients that injectables and laser treatments can do amazing things for your skin. But what you apply to your skin at home is also of utmost importance if you want to improve and maintain the results of your professional treatments. Purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) products after you spent money and time on a service would be as effective as throwing your money to the wind.
Clinical skin care ingredients are constantly evolving, as are their delivery systems. In today’s market, science-based skincare doesn’t set on the skin but actually penetrates to the deeper levels and signals for our skin cells to function more properly.
Most people think that active ingredients are expensive, and not worth the cost. What they don’t realize is that they are buying products with clinical data to support the claims and actions of the products. OTC products can be very expensive, too, but these do not have the data to support their claims.
So what ingredients should you be looking for?
Vitamin A
I’m a big fan of Vitamin A in a fat-soluble form. SkinMedica®, ALASTIN®, and SENTE® all have great retinoids that are well tolerated. Most people quit because of the redness and dryness, and that is why it’s important to consult with a skin care specialist to determine usage and the type of retinoid that would be best for their needs and concerns.
Antioxidants
You can never go wrong with a Vitamin C product, but the formulation is key. We love Revision® Vitamin C Lotions. In addition to Vitamin C, there are many other great antioxidants to keep skin healthy. Ask me about SENTE and ALASTIN treatment topicals!
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is best known for its skin-clearing benefits, but this powerful exfoliator is a proven deep cleaner, helping to “unplug” clogged pores, reduce oiliness, and dissolve the skin debris that causes breakouts. I love SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Cleanser and Cream.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
HA is a moisture magnet that acts as a cushion and lubricant in your joints and tissues. HA’s claim to fame is its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, helping your skin cells retain moisture and elasticity. I love SENTE’s HSA (which stands for heparan sulfate analog), a patented ingredient found exclusively in the SENTE product line. I think HSA is even better than HA because it’s molecularly optimized to improve the appearance of mature, photo-aged, and dehydrated skin.
For your convenience, you can find all of the above ingredients in various combinations at AVIE! Our skin care experts can’t wait to help you discover the best products for your unique skin care needs! Call 703.870.3844 or request a personal consultation today.
—Kim