Let’s face it: Your skin is worth investing in! Not all skincare products are created equal. As you shop for products to add to your skincare routine here in San Diego, you owe it to your skin to be a smart consumer.
There are all too many products that promise the world. “Spa-grade” products or over-the-counter products sold at drug and department stores are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, they can make statements such as “anti-aging” or “miracle serum” without any real proof to back it up.
At LJC, you’re getting medical-grade skincare products from companies that have clinical studies to support their claims. Our providers want the facts. After all, the proof is in the pudding (or cream), right?!
What You Need & Why
We find many patients only use a cleanser and a moisturizer. A basic regimen similar to this lacks the “food” your skin needs to stay healthy and youthful. Add these five foods (steps) to your regimen, and you should see significant improvements in your skin’s overall health. You’ll be glowing with noticeable changes on the outside and newfound confidence on the inside.
Step 1: SPF 30+
We mean it: not 15 or 20, but 30 or more—and re-application is key! SPF lasts up to four hours, so you must reapply throughout the day. After your initial application in the morning, keep a brush-on mineral SPF on hand to touch up your UVA/UVB coverage and reduce any shine that builds up throughout the day.
Our favorites:
We don’t need to tell you how vital SPF is for your skin’s health, but we’ll say it again anyway: There’s no better way to prevent sun damage and skin cancer while you’re out enjoying the San Diego sun!
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Step 2: Collagen Stimulators
These come in the form of growth factors or peptides. Products containing these ingredients stimulate the fibroblasts in your skin responsible for creating collagen, keeping your skin firm and wrinkle-free.
Our favorites:
- SkinMedica® TNS Essential Serum®
- SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex®
- Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex technology®
If you need more intensive collagen induction therapy, we recommend trying a microneedling or AQUAGOLD® treatment at our medical spa.
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Step 3: Antioxidants
Antioxidants provide protection from free radical damage caused by the sun, air pollution, and other environmental factors. Free radicals damage the DNA of our cells, causing oxidative stress and ultimately accelerating aging. Antioxidants keep the effects of these free radicals at bay.
Our favorite:
This serum contains a blend of 19 different antioxidants to protect against as many sources of oxidative stress as possible.
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Step 4: Retinols
Retinols aid in cellular turnover by sloughing off dead, dull skin cells and forcing the new cells to the surface. This gives your skin that fresh, bright “glow” and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and rough texture.
Our favorites:
- SkinMedica Retinol Complex
- skinbetter science AlphaRet® Overnight Cream
- skinbetter science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads
If you’ve never used a retinol before, start by applying yours 2 nights a week and build up to every night or every other night.
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Step 5: Specialty Products
We use specialty products for things such as pigmentation and extra dry skin.
Our favorites:
- For pigment correction:
- Hydroquinone (ask us about our HQ peel pads by Rx.)
- skinbetter science Even Tone Correcting Serum ™
- For excessively dry skin:
- SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream
- SkinMedica HA5® Rejuvenating Hydrator
- skinbetter science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
These concerns vary from person to person, so we like to meet with our patients personally to create custom regimens that address everything they need.
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And there you have it: The can’t-miss basics of your best skincare routine ever. Of course, your skin may need a little more help in some areas than others. That’s where a customized protocol designed by one of our San Diego-area skin experts comes in. We’re always here to chat about the best products and treatments for you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch! Text us or give us a call at (858) 452-1981 or contact us online. We can’t wait to hear from you!
