Beauty
celebrity skin
we consulted a dermatologist on how to get flawless #iwokeuplikethis skin.
With so many miracle lotions and potions out there, it’s hard to decipher between which skincare products live up to their often-hefty price tags and actually work. Whenever asked what my favorite skincare products are, rather than answering the question, I instead preach: My skin isn’t your skin. Maybe this sounds incredibly cheesy, with layer of an “I know you are but what am I” cadence, but fact of the matter is that everyone has different skin concerns, problems, chemistry, and tone. So really the first step in a skincare routine that’s perfect for you isn’t a product at all, but rather, is simply getting to know your skin. Think of it like an awkward first date with someone you met on Tinder. Actually, don’t.
A personal favorite of mine, SkinCeuticals, is one of the few brands out there that offers a range of products for practically every skin type, so I just had to get the run-down of their amazing products and ask the questions everyone wants to know before purchasing a product–What does it do? What’s in it? Who should be using it? How do you use it?–So, I consulted with Dr. Dendy Engelman, of Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, to give me (and, you) the 411 on Skinceuticals leading—and not to mention award winning—skincare solutions. Read below and tell us which Skinceuticals products are your BFFs by tagging @nylonmag!
What does it do?
“It's a topical antioxidant that protects the skin against sunburn, free radical damage, and premature photo aging. It provides significantly better results than any one antioxidant alone. Additionally, it enhances protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays to better prevent signs of premature aging, while stimulating collagen production to diminish the appearance of photodamage. It also expedites healing post laser treatments.”
What's in it?
“15% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), 1% alpha- tocopherol (Vitamin E), and 0.5% Ferulic acid.”
Who should be using it?
“Those with photo aged or photo damaged skin, dry, sensitive, or red skin, fine lines and wrinkles, before and after invasive or non-invasive cosmetic procedures.”
How do you use it?
“Five drops in the morning on face, neck, and chest under moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.”
What does it do?
“This broad-spectrum treatment protects against not only free radicals, but the range of other reactive molecules known to cause damage. Additionally, it corrects existing damage by stimulating the synthesis of essential proteins and fibers and accelerating cell turnover."
What's in it?
“2% phloretin, 10% l-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid."
Who should be using it?
“Those with: Photodamaged skin, Erythema, Loss of elasticity, Hyperpigmentation, Uneven skin tone.”
How do you use it?
“Five drops in the morning on face, neck, and chest - under moisturizer, sunscreen, and make up."
What does it do?
“A serum in a gel, Phloretin CF stimulates collagen formation and enhances cell turn over to boost skin structure and brighten the complexion.”
What's in it?
“2% phloretin, 10% l-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid.”
Who should be using it?
“Those with: Problematic skin (Normal, dry, oily, combination), aging, hyperpigmented, acneic skin. Ethnic skin types also do beautifully with this product and the majority prefer the gel to traditional serum formulation."
How do you use it?
“Two pumps once daily to face, neck, and chest.”
What does it do?
“This potent nighttime treatment neutralizes age-accelerating internal free radicals, strengthens functionality to resist new damage, and promotes skin’s natural repair to diminish the signs of accumulated damage. Additionally, it reduces markers of inflammation and increases collagen synthesis and complements daily vitamin C antioxidants for maximized repair and protection.”
What's in it?
“1% resveratrol, 0.5% baicalin, and 1% vitamin E.”
Who should be using it?
“Those with accumulated signs of photodamage, loss of firmness and radiance, poor skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, and invasive or non-invasive procedures, including tightening and volumizing treatments such as radiofrequency, Sculptra, Voluma, and Perlane.”
How do you use it?
“Each evening, after cleansing, apply two pumps to face, neck, and chest."
What does it do?
“Optimal for sensitive or problematic skin, this light oil-free gel contains botanical extracts with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help soothe and calm irritated skin. Phyto Corrective Gel also contains natural Botanical Glycosides, which are alternatives to hydroquinone and other chemical skin lighteners to help diminish the appearance of brown spots and promote a clear complexion.”
What's in it?
“Cucumber, thyme, Hyaluronic acid Base, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and natural Botanical Glycosides.”
Who should be using it?
“Those with sensitive, oily, or problematic skin, irritated or red skin, hyperpigmentation, or beginning 30 days before and/or 7-10 days after invasive or non-invasive rejuvenating procedures.”
How do you use it?
“Using fingertips, apply two to three drops to face, neck, and chest, as well as other areas of the body as needed.”
What does it do?
“This botanical gel for hyperpigmentation combines four active ingredients to diminish discolorations and improve the overall health of the skin. Kojic acid and arbutin, natural alternatives to hydroquinone, work synergistically to inhibit tyrosinase, while cucumber and thyme contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe red, irritated skin. Active ingredients are delivered in a hyaluronic acid base to hydrate as they help heal, calm, and improve the appearance of the skin. Phyto + can also be used to help reduce erythema and to maintain results following invasive cosmetic procedures.”
What's in it?
“Four skin lightening ingredients, arbutin, cucumber and thyme.”
Who should be using it?
“Those with hyperpigmentation, melasma, erythema, or beginning 30 days before and/or 7-10 days after invasive or non-invasive rejuvenating procedure.”
How do you use it?
“Twice daily, using fingertips, apply a small amount to “age” and “sun” spots.”
What does it do?
“This is a powerful, targeted serum to address adult acne and signs of aging. In a clinical study, pustules were significantly reduced by week one, and sebum production and fine lines by week 4.”
What's in it?
“2% dioic acid, 1.5 % Salicylic acid, 3.5% Glycolic acid and 0.5% Citric acid.”
Who should be using it?
“Those with inflammatory acne, non-inflammatory acne, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, non-inflammatory acne, combination/oily skin, photodamaged or photoaged skin, prior to clinical peels.”
How do you use it?
“Once or twice daily, apply four to five drops of Blemish + Age Defense to a dry face.”
What does it do?
“This resurfacing and replenishing serum surpasses the results of a 20% daily glycolic treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for more radiant skin. Retexturing Activator® harnesses two polar mechanisms, exfoliation and hydration, to activate skin’s regeneration response, visibly diminishing surface lines and transforming skin’s fabric into a smoother, softer texture.”
What's in it?
“25% Hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid Compound, Kombuchka, and Hyaluronic acid.”
Who should be using it?
“Those who need daily exfoliation and hydration, dry, dull, dehydrated skin, aging skin, acneic skin, before non-invasive rejuvenating procedures (e.g. laser, microdermabrasion, peels)."
How do you use it?
“Apply five drops twice daily to face, neck, and chest.”
