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).

COMBINE RIGHT

Sunscreens and antioxidants were born to be married.  As the antioxidant absorbs UV rays, the sunscreen neutralizes the free radicals created by those rays before they can do damage. Layer an antioxidant serum underneath your sunscreen. (Try SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF). SkinCeuticals Retinols and Pigment Regulator also work great together to lighten the skin’s overall appearance as well as sun spots.

APPLY TO JUST-WASHED SKIN

Damp skin acts like a sponge, quickly absorbing whatever comes its way. (That's damp, not wet.)

 WARM IT UP

When you wash your face with lukewarm water instead of cold, you raise the skin's temperature slightly, causing blood vessels and pores to dilate. Ingredients move through skin and interact with cells quickly when the skin is warm.