When your days fly by too quickly to feel like you’ve accomplished anything, it can be easy to skip out on your skincare regimen. But, just because you’re doing everything on the run, it doesn’t mean you should neglect your skin. One of The Derm Group’s board-certified dermatologists in New Jersey, Avnee Shah, M.D, gives her top tips for skin care on your busiest days. If you can’t do everything in your normal routine, at least do this:
Morning Skincare Routine Musts
Cleanser
Start your day with a PCA Creamy Cleanser to wash away the night and begin the day with a fresh face. “Especially as we change seasons,” Dr. Shah says, “I find my skin becomes more sensitive, so I like to cleanse with a creamy versus a foaming cleanser as I find them to be gentler and more hydrating on my skin.”
Eye Cream
Dr. Shah recommends using Sente Illume Eye Cream, which is clinically shown to decrease the appearance of dark circles, lines, wrinkles and puffiness. This product is infused with Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), which mimics the natural molecule (heparan sulfate) our bodies already make. This aids in hydration and helps with collagen production.
Antioxidant Serum
Every morning, Dr. Shah uses SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic. Just a few drops applied to the face does the trick. “This one is well known and has a cult following for good reason,” she says. “It includes the ingredients vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which act synergistically to provide protection against environmental stressors. Not only does this powerhouse protect from UV rays, it also helps with collagen synthesis and aids to block an enzyme that creates hyperpigmentation in the skin.”
Sunscreen
This one should be no surprise. Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, which age the skin. She uses Elta MD Tinted SPF 46, which is formulated with physical blockers and niacinamide. It goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a chalky finish. It hydrates and protects. Win-win.
Evening Skincare Essentials
Cleanser and Eye Cream
Just as in the morning, it’s important to cleanse the day from your face and remove any make-up. Dr. Shah keeps cotton pads along with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Gel on hand for an extra cleanse, when needed. The eye cream will do its important work while you get some rest.
Moisturizer
The doctor’s recommendation? Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer. “I love this one!!” she says. “It feels so silky smooth against my skin while packing in the moisture at the same time.”
Retinol
Just a pea-size amount of Tretinoin cream covers the entire face either before or after moisturizing. Retinols do tend to dry out and irritate skin when used frequently, so start with 2-3 times a week along with a facial moisturizer. Increase at night if your skin allows it.
If you would like to get more specific recommendations on skincare products for your skin type, Request a Consultation with The Derm Group online or call us at (973) 571-2121.