Question - I have deep wrinkles on my forehead, what serum is best for me? @skinceuticals.
Answer - A combination of skin care will help this skin condition combined with in clinic treatments. Botox is an option to reduce the wrinkles quickly.
Retinol would be a good treatment. Retinol is a powerhouse anti-ageing ingredient. Incorporating retinol into your skin care routine in your early 20s is a great way to begin prevention. Its never too late to experience the benefits of retinol. It is the most researched antiaging ingredient, and recognised as the gold standard.
But don’t forget the major key pillars of anti-ageing ingredients. In addition to retinol look for ferulic acid (we always include both as standard), vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, alpha and beta hydroxy acids (Glycolic wash by SkinCeuticals) Always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
What are retinoids?
Retinoids are chemical compounds that are related to vitamin A. They also stimulate collagen production and thicken deeper layers of the skin, which is the source of wrinkles. Finally, retinoids correct pigmentation related issues by sloughing off brown spots and curbing melanin development. The type of retinoid and the percentage strength that is best for you depends on several factors:
- Skin type
- Skin condition
- Your age
All of these factors combine in determining what your skin needs and can tolerate. Generally, you want to use a retinoid that gives the best result and the least irritation.
Start with Retinol 0.3% -use at night and use initially 2 or three times per week. Patch test on the side of your neck the first night to see that your skin tolerates it. Use a good broad-spectrum SPF every day and reapply as required.
Question – I am in my 50’s what are the best products for my skin?
Answer - Again, to give a true answer we would check the condition of the skin to design a skin regimen to suit the individual skin type. Everyone has different skincare needs and not everyone in their 50s has the same goals, concerns, or priorities. Plenty of people deal with breakouts and congestion as they get older. Ageing skin is increasingly susceptible to lipid depletion, or the loss of natural compounds in skin’s surface (ceramides, natural cholesterol and fatty acids). This lipid loss compromises skin’s natural protective barrier, resulting in visible signs of accelerated aging. To make matters worse, skin loses its ability to effectively self-repair. At this time, it’s important to remain diligent with the skin care routine you’ve built in your 40s, and at the same time, be mindful of pigmentation disorders that might become more apparent in your 50s. To address this, arm yourself with a pigmentation treatment e to even out your skin tone
Your Must-Have Products:
- Cleanse: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
- Prevent (AM): SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
- Prevent (PM): SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3%-night cream
- Treat (Eyes): SkinCeuticals AGE Eye Complex
- Moisturise: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 or A.G.E moisturiser.
- Protect: SkinCeuticals Ultra SPF 50
Choose Your Treatments:
- Dark Spots: SkinCeuticals Discoloration defence
- Dehydrated Skin: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
- Adult Acne: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defence
- Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E/ Alternative night treatment can be used with retinol.
Question - I am 21, with blemishes what can I use?
During puberty, shifting hormones can result in increased production of sebum, which often leads to acne. This is why cleansing with an appropriate cleanser is key to removing excess oil and keeping blemishes at bay. For existing acne, use an acne spot treatment on affected areas to reduce inflammation and avoid potential scarring, which could remain visible on skin years after acne has resolved. It’s also important to protect your skin from the sun because this is the time when you get the most sun exposure. Severe sunburn before the age of 18 also increases your risk of having skin cancer in the future. Since skin is oilier and more prone to breakouts during puberty, opt for an oil-free sunscreen.
Your Must-Have Products:
Cleanse: SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Cleanser Gel
Treatment; SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age serum
Protect: SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV defence SPF 50
Nice to Have:
Soothe: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask.
If you require hydration – Phyto corrective serum is a good option.
Although moisturisers with anti-ageing benefits are not necessary in your 20s, religiously use your sunscreen, it’s also a good idea to start introducing your skin to antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from the sun and prevent premature signs of age.
Skin Care in Your 30s
As skin’s ability to repair and renew itself begins to slow down, it’s important to start adding anti-ageing solutions to your regimen to correct first signs of ageing (loss of radiance and fine lines) while keeping your skin moisturized. Pigmentary concerns also begin to onset around age 30, caused by damages incurred when you were in your 20s. Aside from adding an advanced pigment corrector, consider including a potent exfoliant to your routine, as well as a lightly tinted sunscreen to help correct and protect your skin at the same time.
Your Must-Have Products
- Cleanse: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean wash.
- Exfoliate: SkinCeuticals Retexturing serum
- Prevent (AM): SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or another antioxidant to suit your skin.
- Treat (PM): Glycolic 10 renew overnight.
- Treat (Eyes): SkinCeuticals Eye Balm.
- SPF to suit skin type.
Choose Your Treatments:
Dark Spots: SkinCeuticals Discoloration defence
Dehydrated Skin: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Adult Acne: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age defence
Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter or Resveratrol depending on preference re texture.
Skin Care in Your 40s
As cellular turnover and collagen production continue to slow down, you’ll start to see more signs of age. You’ll also notice that your skin’s ability to fight off environmental aggressors isn’t as good as before. When this happens, it’s important to adopt a comprehensive anti-ageing routine, which should include a potent antioxidant and retinol. Retinol has been clinically proven to reduce collagen-degrading enzymes and stimulate the skin’s collagen production.
Your Must-Have Products:
Cleanse: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser – use SkinCeuticals Glycolic wash for second cleanse a couple of times per week if not every day.
Exfoliate: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
Prevent (AM): SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Treat (PM): SkinCeuticals Retinol
Treat (Eyes): SkinCeuticals Eye Balm pm and AOX + Eye Gel am
Moisturise: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
Protect: SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV defence SPF 50 or SkinCeuticals Ultra 50
Choose Your Treatments:
Dark Spots: SkinCeuticals Discoloration defence
Dehydrated Skin: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Adult Acne: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age defence
Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
Skin Care in Your 50s plus.
Ageing skin is increasingly susceptible to lipid depletion, or the loss of natural compounds in skin’s surface (ceramides, natural cholesterol and fatty acids). This lipid loss compromises skin’s natural protective barrier, resulting in visible signs of accelerated aging. To make matters worse, skin loses its ability to effectively self-repair. At this time, it’s important to remain diligent with the skin care routine you’ve built in your 40s, and at the same time, be mindful of pigmentation disorders that might become more apparent in your 50s. Look for pigmentation treatment serums.
Your Must-Have Products:
Cleanse: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
Prevent (AM): SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Prevent (PM): SkinCeuticals Retinol Night Cream
Treat (Eyes): SkinCeuticals AGE Eye Complex
Moisturize: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
Protect: SkinCeuticals Ultra SPF 50 or Advanced brightening 50.
Choose Your Treatments:
Pigmentation: SkinCeuticals Discoloration defence
Dehydrated Skin: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Adult Acne: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age defence
Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
Question. What is the best type vitamin C ingredient to look for?
L-ascorbic acid —i.e., pure vitamin C—has the most research behind it and tends to be the strongest and potent. L-ascorbic acid is one of the most abundant antioxidants in the skin. Once in the skin, studies show L-ascorbic acid stimulates collagen synthesis, provides sun protection and protects the skin by reducing free radicals that otherwise would destroy skin cells and their components. SkinCeuticals use this form.
Question - What is Resveratrol? Where does it come from and what does it do for my skin?
Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol—or natural substances packed with micronutrients that can be found in plants—that is naturally present in grapes, berries (such as cranberries, blueberries and mulberries). The skin and seeds of red grapes are the most abundant sources of resveratrol, which results in significant concentrations of this compound in red wine.
It has been nick named the “longevity molecule” resveratrol has also been shown to be an effective topical antioxidant against free radicals. Antioxidants are essential in neutralising these skin-ageing molecules that are produced by the ageing process and other factors such as UV damage, pollution and lifestyle habits like cigarette smoking.
It is a powerful night time only antioxidant, resveratrol not only works against free radicals, it also helps improve the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, texture and overall radiance. This is especially important as our skin loses its ability to restore itself in our sleep as we age. It compliments your day time antioxidants such as vitamin c and e.
SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE
This is a pure, stable resveratrol along with skin-repairing baicalin and vitamin E, this night-time treatment is designed to boost skin’s own antioxidant defence system to help neutralise free radical damage for improved radiance, elasticity and density.
Question - Can I layer SkinCeuticals Advanced pigment corrector and SkinCeuticals Discolouration Defence. ?
You can if you wish.to layer them – Discolouration defence is lighter so apply first.
Skin discoloration is the result of excess melanin, natural pigment that gives colour to skin, often caused by chronic UV exposure, hormonal fluctuations, past acne blemishes, and natural ageing. Combat skin discoloration with SkinCeuticals products that are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of discolouration by exfoliating dead skin cells and protecting the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure.
Advanced Pigment Corrector is a good treatment for people who struggle with hyperpigmentation and post-acne discolouration. It’s light, works on all skin types and can be used year round
How does discoloration defence serum work?
SkinCeuticals - Discoloration defence Serum utilises the brightening power of three innovative active ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide and HEPES. The synergistic blend of these discolouration fighting active ingredients helps to brighten skin and minimise reoccurring discolouration with continued use.
- Tranexamic Acid deactivates inflammatory mediators and decreases melanocyte activity, therefore producing less pigment.
- Niacinamide, also known and Vitamin B3, disrupts the transfer of melanin to the surface of the skin, therefore preventing blotchiness.
- HEPES enhances the natural exfoliation of the skin, which reduces the appearance of existing pigmentation and discolouration.
Does SkinCeuticals SPF protect against blue light?
To protect against blue light, incorporate an antioxidant with your SPF. We also recommend reducing your time spent on computers, phones etc. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants to boost your protection from the inside.
Is 12 years too young to start using an antioxidant serum?
I would recommend that at 12 yrs. you concentrate on getting antioxidants internally through a healthy diet. Brightly coloured vegetables are a great source. Use a mineral based SPF on the face and neck. A lot of sun damage that causes long term skin ageing happens during these young years.
20 + would be a good age to introduce a topical antioxidant such as SkinCeuticals serum 10.
Some other queries re specific skin care products
C E Ferulic 30ml │ Vitamin C Serum
Who is it for?
Those wanting to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and photo damage. Best suited to normal to dry skin types.
What does it do?
C E Ferulic is designed to be applied in the morning as it contains 15% pure vitamin C [l-ascorbic acid], 0.5% Ferulic acid & 1% vitamin E. This patented triple antioxidant formula helps to reinforce the skin’s natural protection from free radical damage while improving the look of ageing signs.
When should you apply it?
In the morning after cleansing, use the fingertips to apply 4-5 drops of C E Ferulic to the face, neck and chest.
H.A. Intensifier 30ml │Corrective Serum
Who is it for?
This intensely hydrating corrective serum is suitable for all skin types, particularly those that are prone to dryness.
What does it do?
Enriched with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, Proxy lane™ and botanical extracts of purple rice and liquorice Root, H.A. Intensifier helps to improve the appearance of crow’s feet, nasolabial fold and marionette lines. It also improves visible skin plumpness, leaving the complexion looking smoother and firmer, while increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid levels by up to 30%*.
When should you apply it?
Apply H.A. Intensifier after CE Ferulic serum, using the fingertips to apply 4-6 drops to the face, neck and chest. Follow with your regular moisturiser and sunscreen.
Retinol 0.3 30ml│ Night-time Corrective Cream
Who is it for?
This corrective cream is suited to all skin types and for those looking for a more intensive night treatment to treat ageing signs. Its potency also makes it gentle enough for those who want to try retinol for the first time.
What does it do?
Containing 0.3% pure retinol, this night cream contains our lowest potency of retinol and is formulated to minimise irritation while effectively improving the look of wrinkles, fine lines, discolouration and blemishes. It also reduces the appearance of pore size and accelerates skin cell turnover.
When should you apply it?
Apply a pea-sized amount to a clean, dry face twice weekly at night. Always apply retinol first and wait 30 minutes before applying other products to allow it to absorb fully. Follow with 4-6 drops of H.A. Intensifier to the face, neck and chest. Finally, ensure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen the following morning such as Ultra Facial defence SPF 50, as retinol leaves the skin more sensitive to UV damage.
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