Another supplement reserved for that extra dose of care is my arsenal of beauty tools. The handy Solawave wand is the device I reach for most often, given it pairs four treatments in one. For an intense light treatment known to regenerate and repair skin from within, nothing compares to the Lyma Laser. When I’m feeling puffy, I practice a sculpting gua sha massage with Mount Lai’s tool; or if my facial muscles feel tight I love the TheraFace Pro.
Dermatologist Notes: “Using skin-care tools is an excellent way to make the results of your skin care and treatments go farther, as well as to rejuvenate the skin between in-office appointments. Using a combination of facial toning devices and LED lights at home goes a long way. The Lyma Laser is something I recommend often. I also love Dr. Dennis Gross’ DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro.”
Step 9: Facial Exfoliant
Next is an exfoliating toner. I love Danucera’s tonic for daily use and Biologique Recherche 1970 one to two times per week if my skin looks congested or I’m sensing a breakout coming. Since incorporating this step, I’ve noticed increased brightness and reduced acne for overall smoother skin.
Dermatologist Notes: “Biologique Recherche is my favorite toner. I use it, too!”
Step 10: Hydrating Essence
Then, I layer the toner with an essence. This delivers a dose of weightless hydration that sinks right into skin. True Botanicals’s essence is rich in active prebiotics to strengthen the skin barrier and fight inflammation, while CosRx’s beloved K-beauty formula utilizes 96% snail mucin to repair, soothe, and moisturize damaged skin.
Step 11: Masking
Face masks and customized treatments are a supplement step for me, but one I do at least once per week. To quell under-eye masks and puffiness, I love the Topicals Faded masks that allow me to multitask during the treatment. I’ll top that with 111Skin’s Rose Gold Brightening mask for 30 minutes to reveal an unmatched glow. If I want a leave-on mask, layering the CosRx essence with the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is like a drink of water for thirsty skin. Not a mask per se, but I cover pimples with a Mighty Patch overnight without fail.
Dermatologist Notes: “Masks can be a great way to supplement the barrier with additional nourishment and moisture. It’s also a great way to combat transepidermal water loss during sleep. Just be cautious, with an oil-prone skin type, to not use products that are too occlusive, as this can cause excess oil and bacteria to get trapped in pores, causing breakouts. ”
Step 12 – Option A: Retinol
After years of hearing how retinol is the gold standard ingredient to combat free radical damage and combat signs of aging, I finally added it into my routine. On the nights I use the vitamin A derivative, I toggle between the retinol prescription from my dermatologist or two over-the-counter options. I’ve quickly fallen in love with Augustinus Bader’s just-launched serum, as well as InnBeauty Project’s serum moisturizer featuring the plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol.
Dermatologist Notes: “Retinol is an important addition to any skin-care regimen—I tell patients to start using retinol beginning in their 20s. Augustinus Bader’s serum is fantastic. Using retinol several times a week, and using a gentle, restorative serum on alternate days provides the skin barrier with a good balance.”
Step 12 – Option B: Gentle Serum
I’d say I use retinol three times per week; on the off days, I prioritize calming, hydrating treatments that work to protect and repair my skin barrier. Dr. Barabara Sturm’s hyaluronic acid serum is exceptional and has a silky texture that layers well with other products. Otherwise, I’d consider Innisfree’s elixir containing hyaluronic acid and green tea for lightweight moisture.
Dermatologist Notes: “For hyperpigmentation concerns, I recommend using a brightening serum – vitamin C and alpha arbutin (like the Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops from Glo Skin Beauty) would be great for helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin over time. Retinol will also help with these concerns.”
Step 13: Tretinoin
During the pandemic, I started using Curology and have not turned back. My prescription features tretinoin and azelaic acid—two powerhouse ingredients that help combat acne and hyperpigmentation.
Dermatologist Notes: “I love tretinoin!”
Step 14: Eye Cream
Though it’s highly contested, I use an eye cream for dark circles day and night. SkinCeuticals’s option is a rich cream that aids dryness and elasticity concerns, while Sunday Riley’s Auto Correct uses caffeine, horse chestnut, watermelon extracts, and antioxidants to brighten and depuff.
Dermatologist Notes: “Great choices!”
Step 15: Moisturizer
I choose a moisturizer based on my mood, really. I have an arsenal that supports whatever feels right for my skin each day. For intense moisture, I’d opt for these by Valmont or La Mer. If my skin feels irritated or I’ve just had a new skin treatment, I’ll keep things gentle with Naturopathica’s cream. On a more normal occasion, I’ve been reaching for Sulwhasoo’s skin-plumping cream.
Dermatologist Notes: “There is a good variety here. Switching up your moisturizer throughout the week to target different skin concerns and goals is smart. It’s always a good idea to pay attention to how your skin is behaving and reacting, and adjust your skin-care accordingly.”
Step 16: Deodorant
I guess I’m officially a natural deodorant girl? Both of these are conditioning (Glossier’s contains coconut oil and superfruit elderberry extract, while Nécessaire’s has niacinamide and AHAs) and keeps me odor-free all day long.
Step 17: Lash & Brow Serum
I thought I was stuck with sparse brows and super-short lashes until I discovered the best eyebrow and eyelash growth serums. To treat both these areas at once, I appreciate formulas that effectively treat both simultaneously. Kosas and Augustinus Bader’s dual-action serums are hands down my favorite.
Step 18: Lip Treatments
Daily lip care is essential for a soft, kissable pout, so why not pick up a smoothing, overnight treatment? The draw to my picks is the luxe, gel-like textures of these, with their respective nourishing blends—my lips feel smooth and flake-free by morning.
Dermatologist Notes: “Great! I also love Lano for lips—especially in drier climates—as they really lock in moisture and restore the barrier.”
Step 19: Scalp Serum
Once skin care is complete, it’s time for hair care. I start my bedtime regimen with a scalp serum to reduce inflammation and create a healthy environment for hair growth. Both Nutrafol and Vegamour’s serums are formulated with hair-thickening agents like ashwagandha exosomes, mung bean, and red clover to keep my scalp feeling good.
Dermatologist Notes: “Both are excellent options. I recommend Nutrafol often. Caring for the scalp and using high-quality, healthy hair care products are great ways to support healthy hair growth.”
Step 20: Hair Oil
My curly mane tends to get quite dry, whether I’m sporting a protective style or my natural tresses. To aid my hair growth journey, I use Mielle’s viral oil each night to experience its restorative blend of biotin, rosemary, and mint. Sometimes I’ll reach for Bread Beauty Supply’s gloss that leaves hair feeling soft but never greasy.
Step 21: Supplements
To support hair growth, I take Vegamour’s biotin-rich gummies each day—reaching for them at night mostly so that I do not forget. Every so often, I take Hum Nutrition’s melatonin-infused gummies to aid my sleep cycle.
Dermatologist Notes: “Both of these supplements are ones that I recommend to my patients! Some supplements don’t live up to their promises, but I have found that both Hum and Vegamour are beneficial.”
Step 22: Aromatherapy
Now that my skin, body, and hair have been cared for, it’s time to set the vibes for bed. I love to unwind with essential oils misting through my Canopy diffuser. The label’s Costals collection is a long favorite (I swore by the White Sands scent for a while) or the Sleep + Downshift oil from Alo’s collection.
Dermatologist Notes: “Essential oils can be a great way to help unwind and relax for bed. I love using Canopy’s oils with their Humidifier to benefit from both aromatherapy and clean hydration (which helps prevent transepidermal water loss while we sleep). Canopy’s oils cannot be used directly on skin.”
Vanity Essentials
From the silicone scrubber I use to lather on my body wash or the reusable cotton rounds I rely on my exfoliating toner, here are the routine essentials that make my routine easier.
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