My Skincare Routine

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

My Skincare Routine

I received a request from Von Von to do a post on my skincare routine, so here it is! My routine is very basic, but intense. I primarily use Perricone MD products, as my middle-aged skin really needs extra attention. And of course, lots of sunscreen! If you are under 40, this routine may be a bit hard core for you, unless you live in a sunny climate like I do, and/or spend a lot of time outdoors. The more aggressive your climate, the younger you'll want to start a potent anti-aging routine. Regardless of age though, conscientious sunscreen use will prevent brown spots as well as accelerated sagging and wrinkling.

Since I moved back to California, I use very high SPF sunscreens all year round. When I'm outside, I use products from Neutrogena: Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 110. I realize that scientifically, the incremental protection afforded beyond SPF15 is minimal, but I wear ultra-high SPF because I may not apply enough product in places. I find that this product prevents darkening and freckling (I'm the sort of person who gets dark with SPF 50). For body, I use Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 100+. I love this product because you just spray it on and you don't need to rub it in. You can also get those hard-to-reach places like the back of your neck, knees, and arms. I even wear SPF 50+ inside because I sit next to a very sunny window.

I apply my sunscreens after my basic skincare application. In the morning, I splash my face with water and apply Perricone MD High Potency Amine Complex Face Lift , a light serum that contains Vitamin C, DMAE and Pycnogenol, a potent anti-oxident. I apply Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D to my neck and chest. This product specifically addresses sagging, wrinkling, and skin coarseness in the neck area (none of which I have - so far, so good!). I use an inexpensive AHA eye cream, Alpha Hydrox Eye and Upper Lip Cream, which contains Lactic Acid to very gently exfoliate the delicate eye and upper lip area. I have found that I cannot tolerate retinoids in the eye area; in fact, the ONLY retinoid product that I can tolerate at all is Perricone MD High Potency Evening Repair, which I apply at night. I use the Sub-D and the eye cream as well, then apply Perricone MD Deep Moisture Therapy at night. During the day, I use Perricone MD Photo Plasma moisturizer. It has SPF30, but I still apply my SPF50+ (Indoors, window exposure) or Neutrogena SPF 110+ (outdoors) over the top.

My cleansing routine is pretty basic: I use DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and Armani Perfection Eye Makeup Remover to dissolve my makeup. (I love Suqqu Eye Makeup Remover too - a friend in Europe is getting some more for me - but Armani is a very close second and its the only non-Asian eye makeup remover I have found that actually can remove waterproof Japanese mascara!). I use Marcelle Essentials Soothing Cleansing Water to cleanse my skin (Marcelle is a Canadian brand, introduced to me by Sheila of Maddy Loves blog).

A few extras: if I get a zit, then Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Area Treatment quickly deals with adult break-outs without excessively drying your skin. To protect my color-treated hair, I spritz on Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 16 for Body/Hair. To keep my hair from drying out, I apply two drops of Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum after I get out of the shower, mainly to the ends.

Last but not least, body care. I don't sunbathe, but if my legs are looking severely pasty, then I'll use some Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer to give them a bit of color. After getting out of the shower, I'll apply Perricone MD Cold Plasma Body as a serum under my body creams and oils. In the winter, I'll apply a body oil, like my favorite Fresh Rice Dry Body Oil. When it's warmer, I'll use an AHA-based product like Alpha Hydrox Silk Wrap Body Lotion with 12% AHA. My feet tend to get dry and scaly all year round, so Alpha Hydrox Deep Therapy Foot Cream with 12% Glycolic AHA keeps them soft.