EXFOLIATE FIRST
Dead skin cells act as a barrier. You need to remove those dead cells for products to get in. A good salicylic acid or glycolic acid cleanser works best. (Try SkinCeuticals Claryifing Cleanser or LHA Cleanser) For even better results, schedule a Microdermabrasion every 4 – 6 weeks.
GO IN ORDER
Whatever goes on first penetrates best. In the morning the first thing to apply after you have cleansed your skin is an antioxidant C-serum. This powerhouse prevents premature aging and corrects existing photodamage while generating cell turnover for a more radiant appearance. At night you should apply a retinol cream first. This helps stimulate cell regeneration and build collagen which helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles. After treatments are in place, smooth on other items in order of density, from thinnest (antioxidant serum) to thickest (sunscreen or night cream).
SAVE RETINOIDS FOR NIGHTTIME
Retinoids do their best work at nighttime. Skin temperature rises while we sleep, because more blood is shunted to the skin. And with greater warmth and blood-vessel dilation comes better penetration. Your skin absorbs more overnight. (Try SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 or 1.0).
TRY SERUMS
You'll find the strongest dose of active ingredients in serums. A serum is a concentrated source of an active ingredient in a simple form that penetrates very quickly and completely, unhindered by lotion-type emollients that make it difficult for active ingredients to sink in. (Try SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF).
