How to design a reasonable skin care regimen for yourself!
Hi I am trying to find the right skin care routine, I've usually gone with just a simple face wash and moisturizer. There are so many difffernt brands I feel a little lost. Would you recommend any of the Biologique Recheshe or Avenue products? I have read some good reviews but am unsure. Thank you for your help ! My dermatologist had recommended Avenue and Skin Medica but that is also the main products that she sells.
I’m glad you asked this. Many people do not know where to start with a skin care regimen.
Here are some ideas based on a ton of science and years of observation.
- Start like you did ……with a gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer that fits your skin type. Here are 2 links to some choices.
- Once you are solid with those for a week or two (no reactions or irritation?), then find a sunscreen that you like and will use every morning. Many of our patients like the Elta UV Daily or the tinted Elta UV Daily for daily (low sun) use. If you have super sensitive skin, try the Vanicream Sunscreen. Use a new sunscreen for a week or so before adding another one to make sure you’re not allergic or irritated by it.
- Next step, find an antioxidant that you like. The best ones of these are more expensive but worth it. Use the antioxidant under your sunscreen each morning. Make sure you tolerate before you add the next product.
- Next step, add a retinoid at night (vitamin A cousin). If you’ve never used these before, start with the most gentle one. After you have used this up, and tolerate well, in a few months consider going up on the strength or asking your doctor for a prescription version. Many men/women do better with these putting them OVER a moisturzer after waiting 5-10 minutes.
Once you have these basics in place, keep this regimen for at least 3-6 months to see what improvement you get before adding more products!
If a product irritates you, stop using it!! And, if you have a severe reaction, call your doctor to help you.
Also, retinoids strengths are very confusing. Remember that retinol is about 10-2o times weaker than prescription Retin-A. This means that a retinol 1.0% is similar to a Retin A (tretinoin) 0.1% or a 0.05% for example. Watch that decimal – it drives us all crazy!
Hope this helps, Dr. I
