Peptides - This is one of my all-time favorite ingredients. In skincare, peptides are used to promote collagen production, support the skin barrier, improve elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. Not only does it help stimulate collagen production, but it also enhances skin barrier function, improves skin repair and regeneration, boosts hydration, and has anti-aging effects. 

Evening Primrose Oil - A natural oil derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. It moisturizes and hydrates, improves skin elasticity, has anti-inflammatory properties, balances oil production, supports skin healing, reduces acne scarring/brightens complexion, helps with hormonal fluctuations, and has anti-aging benefits.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, which means it helps to neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to aging, sun damage, and environmental stress. This is another reason why vitamin E and L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are a power combination for optimal protection against UV radiation. 

Hyaluronic Acid - This is one of the best ingredients (often used as a serum) to use during the fall and winter. It's the first thing I think of putting on the skin when I hear the word "dehydrated". It is meant to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It is one of the most effective humectants for not only drawing moisture but being able to lock it in. It will provide hydration, reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves elasticity and firmness, soothes and calms the skin, supports barrier function, promotes healing and improves texture. What I love the most about hyaluronic acid is that it's suitable for all skin types and does not clog the pores. You can benefit from using this all year round. 

Glycerin - This ingredients main purpose is to hydrate, soften, and protect the skin. It is an essential ingredient in many creams, lotions, cleansers, and serums. I notice it is almost always a key ingredient in most sheet masks as well! It is non-irritating for sensitive skin types. I would reach for products that contain this after most treatments or if my skin is flaky / sensitized. 

Niacinamide - Also known as vitamin B3. It's mostly known for its anti-inflammatory, brightening, and barrier-boosting ability. Main concerns that it targets include: hyperpigmentation, redness, acne, and fine lines. People who have acne / acne scarring benefit the most from this ingredient. It can also protect against environmental damage since it has antioxidant properties.

 

Centella Asiatica - I'm obsessed with this ingredient. It will be your skin savior during the winter months if you are someone who deals with itchy / sensitized skin. Extracts from this plant can be used to soothe, treat, and improve skin and skin conditions (e.g. eczema).

A sulfate-free cleanser that effectively cleans, hydrates and soothes skin. Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and glycerin.

Paraben-, sulfate-, soap-, synthetic-fragrance-, dye- and alcohol-free. Suitable for dry, normal, sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin. Key ingredients: Orange Oil and Skin Conditioners and Emollients.

ZO - Calming Toner : 
This is an amazing toner for hydration because it contains calming ingredients that help reduce redness and inflammation. It's an alcohol-free gentle formula that supports the skin barrier. Some key ingredients include: Sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, panthenol (A humectant blend that helps lock in hydration).

This serum amplifies skins hyaluronic acid levels by 30% and improves facial plumpness by 23%. This is often the best serum to pair with fillers because it amplifies the results by improving facial volume projection. This is one of my favorite serums I have, and a trick I have is to mix a few drops of it into my moisturizer to make my skin feel an extra boost of hydration and glow. Key ingredients include Proxylane, Licorice root extract, and hyaluronic acid. 

This is the holy grail serum post-treatment. Everyone should be using this day and night following any in-clinic treatments. It calms and soothes as well as reduces the appearance of skin discoloration. I notice it speeds up the healing process when used consistently. Key ingredients include thyme, olive, and cucumber. It also contains eucalyptus leaf and hyaluronic acid which hydrates sensitive skin that is prone to redness and blotchiness better than any other serum.

SkinCeuticals - C E Ferulic :
This is SkinCeuticals most popular serum for a good reason. It provides advanced environmental protection against environmental aggressors causing dry skin. Once absorbed, this vitamin C serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. It is tested and suitable for use post-laser treatments. It may not be the best option for acne-prone skin though, but thankfully they have various vitamin C options suitable for different skin types and concerns! The ingredients are: L-ascorbic acid 15% (vitamin C), 1% Alpha Tocopherol (pure form of vitamin E), and Ferulic acid 0.2% (A plant-based antioxidant).

This is a wonderful budget friendly Vitamin C serum for patients with rosacea or sensitive skin. Suitable for all skin types. Has only two ingredients: L-ascorbic acid 10% (vitamin C) and Ferulic acid 0.2% (A plant-based antioxidant). 

ZO - Daily Power Defense :

This is one of the best antioxidant serums to defend against oxidative damage from free radicals. After cleansing the skin, this is the first thing to go on the skin to get the optimal benefits. Ideal to use daytime and nighttime for antioxidant protection around the clock. ZO actually has another version of this serum ideal for day time use called AOX Illuminating serum. That one is perfect for those who love a glowing finish. Some patients even use the daily power defense as their moisturizer if they have combination or acne-prone skin. I think this one is a staple that everyone should have in their routine! Key ingredients include: Vitamins A + E and ZPOLY.

This is my other holy grail product. It's called botox in a bottle because it hydrates, plumps, and restores the skins thickness, elasticity, smoothness + suppleness. It feels so luxurious and your skin drinks it up. I love to wear this as the last step in my night routine rinse my skin in the morning for baby soft skin. The key ingredients include Disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate and fermented red ginseng extract (restoring hydration) and ZPRO (replenishment of hyaluronic acid). 

SkinCeuticals - A.G.E Advanced Eye : 
Glycation is natural process that accelerates visible signs of aging. The ingredients in the A.G.E. advanced eye are meant to reduce appearance of crows feet, improve the look of puffiness, enhance radiance, and restore the moisture. Key ingredients include: 7.15% Concentrated Proxylane, 4.25% Concentrated Flavonoid Blend, 3% Matrixyl 3000.

Moisturizers:
SkinCeuticals - Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 :

The best ceramide cream that refills cellular lipids and restores the skin's moisture barrier to nourish dry skin. It's the best option for anyone with a compromised skin barrier. Key ingredients: 2% pure ceramides 1&3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. 

SkinCeuticals - A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced :
The perfect moisturizer to pair with the A.G.E. eye cream; it has the same goal to reverse visible signs of aging impacted by collagen decline and glycation, including wrinkles, laxity, and dullness. This advanced technology is clinically shown to reduce the look of five types of wrinkles (forehead wrinkles, glabellar line, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines).

This moisturizer is meant to restore and maintain skin moisture levels, absorbs quickly and evenly, and it's optimal for high altitudes and cold or dry climates. This is most ideal for normal o diry skin types. Key ingredients include: Algae Extracts and Nourishing Plant Oils. 

SkinCeuticals - Epidermal Repair :
This is my go-to moisturizer for the fall/winter. I also love this one post treatment because I notice it speeds up my recovery time. It is gentle and suitable for all skin types. When I use this face lotion, I notice my skin is less blotchy/red and feels more hydrated without feeling heavy. I always reach for this post-laser treatments. Key ingreidents include: Beta Glucan and Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica.

This moisturizer promotes skin’s resiliency while calming visible redness. It visibly softens fine, dynamic lines and it's a great cream to use on the neck (clinically proven to improve the appearance of neck aging). Key ingredients include: ZCORE and Acetyl hexapeptide-8.

Sunscreen:
SkinCeuticals - Physical Fusion SPF 50 :

*100% mineral* Tinted mineral sunscreen adapts to most skin tones without a white cast. It is ideal for all skin types including very sensitive / reactive ones.
Key ingredients: 5% Zinc Oxide and 6% Titanium Dioxide. 

*100% mineral* Time-released antioxidant complex delivers all-day environmental protection. It provides Triple Spectrum Protection against UVA + UVB, blue light and Infrared-A rays. This one covers minor flaws or redness in the skin. It's so gentle and one of my favorite sunscreens to use all year round!

Key ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc oxide (22%) and ZOX¹².

SkinCeuticals - Phyto corrective masque : 

This is the best mask to be using post-treatment. It reduces redness, soothes, and reduces skin surface temperature. A little tip is to pop this in the fridge and apply it on the skin after treatments. It will relieve discomfort in minutes, and skin will feel so much better once rinsed off. You can also use this as a sleeping mask and rinse it off in the morning. Key ingredients include: 9% Soothing Botanicals and Calming Dipeptide.

I hope this blog taught you a little more about ingredients and what products to reach for this season. We have 20% off ALL products for the month of December. It's the perfect time to stock up for yourself and it's a wonderful gift idea as well. These are amazing stocking stuffers for the holidays!