THE FABULOUS FOURTEEN

Skin care products are definitely  not a one size fits all situation.  Differences  in age, skin types, problems, even the weather can affect product choices.  Because I am exploring anti-aging skin care options, I have three specific issues:

1.  Retin A, Tri-luma and lasers  make my skin hyper-sensitive, dry and  super sensitive to  sun exposure.

2. I don’t like fragrance in beauty products

3. Since I’m interested in pricey prescription skin treatments and office procedures, I’m always looking for affordable and effective daily  products.

Given these three  factors here are my Fabulous Fifteen–

CLEANSERS

*  Eye Make-up Remover– Almay Oil-Free Make-up Remover ( $7.99/120 pads)

On the jar, Almay states that this is the #1 eye makeup remover.  I don’t know who made this judgement, but it is certainly an excellent product.  It took off my mascara easily and was totally non-irritating.  Even better, it didn’t leave a blurry film on my eyes that had happened with much more expensive eye makeup removers.

* Daily Cleanser–   Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9/8oz)

Given that Retin A can be so irritating, I need a very gentle cleanser.  This means no scrubbing grains,  no alpha hydroxy acids, and no retinols. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser  has been around for decades and is still a top recommendation from dermatologists.  Unfailingly gentle, it effortlessly cleans even the most sensitive skin.

TREATMENT PRODUCTS-

* Retin A- I started my  anti-aging  journey with extremely gentle .04%Retin A  Micro ($300).  Its pricy at the pharmacy and not  much more affordable  from online Canadian pharmacies.  But it really did the job and I think its  worth  using.  Now I’ve moved up to .1% generic Retin A  which is a much nicer at $40/tube.

Tri-luma – This prescription-only product contains, Retin A, a steroid ( to calm things down), and hydroquinone  (a known skin lightener). Tri-luma is   also pricyand I paid about $200 from an online Canadian pharmacy.

SUNSCREEN/MOISTURIZER-

* Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF30 ( $22/2.5oz)– This light, easily absorbed  moisturizer contains feverfew, an herb known for its soothing properties.  I use this moisturizer as my sunscreen. Since the skin needs to absorb the sunscreen, I don’t want to use a separate product that  could block the sunscreen’s access to the skin.

* CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ( $15/3oz)- This light yet rich lotion  is loaded with hyaluronic acid ( a natural  moisturizer), ceramides ( the glue that hold skin cells together) and  niacinamide ( an amino acid that builds collagen and  breaks down melanin).  After I put on the Retin A at night,  I put on this moisturizer to avoid flaking and dryness associated with retinoids.

* Revlon Age Defying  Moisturizing Concealer SPF25( $12/.4oz)– Regular sunscreens can be too irritating for the delicate area around and under eyes.   Not only does this product  protect against sun damage, it really hides dark circles.  I  love this product and carry an extra tube in my purse for touch-ups.

* Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF100+ ($12/3oz)–  Lightweight and waterproof, I use this sunscreen on my hands, chest and legs.   Heavier than the sunscreen that  I use on my face , this product contains soy which is an effective anti-oxident

*Neutrogena  for Sensitive Skin, SPF 30 ( $11/8oz)– On the days I am having an office procedure ( eg  IPL) I  need a  sunscreen   that gets its power from zinc or titanium oxide.  Normally I  do fine with traditional sunscreens, but  lasers make  skin hypersensitive– and physical sunscreens are a better choice.  I continue using this sunscreen for  a week after a procedure.

* Aquaphor ( $8/2oz–   Another frequent recommendation from  dermatologists, Aquaphor is a very soothing  petroleum and panthenol formula that relieves the post  laser burning sensation. I use it  for about 48 hours after a procedure.

TREATMENT EXTRAS

1.  Exfoliating Glyco Peel System from Patricia Wexler, MD( $65/30 peels)

This is a great home exfoliator set.  It  consists of two steps– Jar 1 holds 30 little pads saturated with 10% glycolic acid( a type of AHA  made from sugar cane).  You  swipe the pad over the face and leave it on for two minutes.  Then  from Jar 2  you take another pad that is saturated with a neutralizerer and apply it to the face.  This is meant to be left on, not rinsed off.  You will see an immediate improvement  in your skin.  The surface looks smoother and fresher.  Is the kind of improvement that you can see with an hour long  facial that sets you back $100.  This set holds 30 treatments and sells for $65 at Bath and Body Works.  This works out to be  about $2/treatment.  Incredible! It can be used by all types of skin.  Although I am using Retin A every night, I am able to use this peel once a week without any additional irritation.

2. DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System ($95)– To keep my skin from becoming bored, I alternate the glycolic peel pads with home microdermabrasion.  It takes  only a minute and my skin has a nce glow.  Its also one of the few things that make a difference in my neck.

3.  Dermablend Professional Smooth Indulgence Redness Concealer( $22)

I had a little white bump removed below my eye.  It took less than  minute but left a purplish bruise.  I ws surprised  when  my usually very effective concealer didn’t do its job.  I went on a hunt and bought three more concealers, all of which failed to conceal.  Fortuneately Dr Marmur knew exactly what to do “  Use some green stuff”  A few more minutes on line and  I found that Dermablend  made this product and was available at the Lord and Taylor in New York City.

Dermablend is a speciality make-up with a full line of products that cover birth marks, bruises and scars.  At Lord and Taylor Dermablend is sold at the Elizabeth Arden counter.  The staff was amazing, helping  me for more than an hour until we found the right products in the right shades.  The solution turned out to be a two step process.  Step 1  was a  pale green foundation called Professional Smooth Indulgence Rednes Concealer ( great product, but I think they should have a snappier name). The green base “killed” the reddish/ purple tones of the bruise.  Step two  was the application of  Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer ( which also has a 30 SPF.  ($22).  Note that when we tried any concealer alone,  you  could still see a very dark shadow from the bruise.

Cosmetic procedures like  line fillers (eg Restylene), Bot0x and lasers can cause redness and bruising.  These items are  on my anti-aging to-do list and now I  have  world class concealers to hide the discolorations in the future.

I bought the Fabulous Fourteen at  CVS, Sephora and Bath and Body Works.  They all  share the same   policy to  refund my money if I am not satisfied with the results.    It is so frustrating  to spend time and money on products that cause problems and/or don’t work.  We all  have individual reactions to beauty aids and its important to be able to use our money  to select those that give us the results  we want– and refunds when they don’t.