Skincare Journey 101- Week 5: Correct

Skincare Journey 101- Week 5: Correct

by Judi Moise | Posted: August 4, 2021 | My Skin Care Regimen,Skin Care Products,Skin Types & Conditions

Correct

The secret to effective skincare is knowing what active ingredients are effective. Vitamin A is essential to achieve, as I call it, the ACE Face (Vitamins A, C & E). These vitamins serve to exfoliate, rejuvenate, and restore the skin. A great addition to investing for post-care of fillers and neuromodulators. Correcting the skin condition will result in improved skin wellness, long term.

The Rave on Retinoid

Retinoid is an umbrella term to describe all forms of Vitamin A. It comes both naturally and synthetically produced derivatives. Retinoids have been in the dermatology game for more than 70 years. Retinoids are very well known to influence a variety of cellular processes, such as skin growth, function, and balancing the skin barrier. Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is minimized to maintain the skin’s hydration. Retinoids are used to treat skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis, acne, oily skin, actinic keratosis (scaly, precancerous skin lesions), and photoaging from UV rays. Retinoids can break down after sun exposure that could lead to free radicals. Even though sunscreen is needed daily, I suggest using it as a night treatment to be more effective.

Forms of Retinoid:

• Retinyl Palmitate (weakest)
• Retinol
• Retinaldehyde
• Retinoic Acid (Strongest)

All forms should initially be used 2x a week to adjust to tolerance.

Serums

Serums are concentrated active ingredients that drive deeper in the skin. The smaller molecules contain topical antioxidants A, C, & E to help:

• Correct skin conditions and protect the cells from environmental damage
  • A: Increase cell turnover
  • C: Stimulate collagen
  • E: Balance skin’s pH

Other serums help target specific skin conditions for power-packed results.

• Lightening
  • Kojic and lactic acids will help even out skin tone. This is different than hydroquinone, which bleaches the skin.
  • Lightening agents are more tolerable for long term, yet very effective for noticeable desired results
•  Hydrating
  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Softens the appearance of wrinkles
  • Brightens the skin to decrease dullness

AHA/BHA

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) & BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are acids that address skin conditions by exfoliating and rejuvenating. These acids are great additions to assist with advanced skin wellness home care. AHA/BHA could come in the forms of cleansers, moisturizers, and night cream, The best thing to consider is the pH of the products that are best suited for your skin type and condition.

• AHA-(Water-loving)
  • Glycolic (Sugar)
  • Lactic (Milk)
  • Mandelic (Almonds)
  • Tartaric (Grapes)

• BHA-(Oil-loving)
  • Salicylic (Willow bark/Aspirin

Yes, this week is a little more involved. Sequence and frequency are vital in these steps due to sensitivity. An example is not mixing a Retinol with Vitamin C. Ask your skin specialist the best sequence with your corrective products.