I don't know about where you live, but winter has arrived in my area. And that brings a plethora of dry and dull-looking skin. Over the last couple of years, I've really been working on my skincare habits to build morning and night routines that not only fight against aging, but keeps my skin hydrated.
And each new season brings slight tweaks to those routines - and wearing masks have put a whole new twist into my needs! Lumiderma sent me two skincare serums to try out (fun fact - I LOVE serums. I see such quick results from serums, especially when layered under face lotions/creams), and I'm excited to share my thoughts below!
For you, if you need any skincare products, use code MD20 to get 20% off your entire online order!
What I like about Lumiderma: they are a purity-based skincare line designed to create radiant skin. When I think of radiant skin, I think of hydrated and glowing skin due to healthfulness. Science shows that glowing skin can make you look 10 years younger!
I also love that they offer multifunctional blends to cut down on the number of products you have to remember to use (let alone how much you have to spend). And their price point is more affordable than many other brands (thought not the cheapest).
Here are the two products that I have been using and my thoughts:
Hydro-Lipid Replenishing Serum: I use this in the morning after I cleanse my face. This serum contains 12 active oils and nutrient rich botanicals that restores and protects skin. This one moisturizes my skin amazingly - I noticed my skin was hydrated more buoyant after the first use! It is also great for those that have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, as it's light and calming!
Glycolic Glow - Radiant Night Serum: I use this one at night, right after I cleanse my face. This serum works overnight to rid your skin of dead skin cells and uncover your radiant skin without harsh scrubs. It is great for all skin types, but especially acne-prone skin (hello mascne), oily to combo, dull and uneven skin tone.
They have other products that I'll definitely check out now having such a great experience with these two. If you are interested or in need of any new skincare products (they have several different serums, a retinol balm and cleanser), check them out and make sure to use my code MD20 to get 20% off your order - and let me know what you think!
This post is in partnership with Lumiderma. All opinions are absolutely my own!
There are a plethora of skincare products out there, and I feel like we are in a time where science has offered us ways to keep our skin looking great, younger and clearer for longer, but with all the options it's hard to figure out what you actually need, when you need to splurge and when you can go cheap (or skip).
I have had all these questions, and because I'm a naturally over-curious person who likes to really understand things (vs. just take someone's word for it), I dug in - and dug in too deep (talk about a rabbit hole). I talked to estheticians, my dermatologist, read a million articles/reviews and even a few friends that are scientists (two in the beauty/skincare field!).
And then the ultimate test... I tried a bunch of stuff out.
The hardest thing with this kind of stuff is you don't often see very immediate results. Proper skin care is taking years off down the road (like in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond) and the results now might be more subtle. But you will thank your younger self someday. And if you start early enough, you might see a difference sooner.
So, I'm going to share what I've learned and what I've distilled down to the things you actually need, plus the extras you could use on top of the basic regime, depending on your more specific needs (i.e. brightening skin, reducing sun spots, acne, etc).
First: the 4 basic, minimum types of products every upper 20 to lower 30-something should start using immediately:
1. A Gentle, Non-Foaming Cleanser
And this is a product you do NOT need to splurge on. You just want to make sure it's non-foaming so it doesn't strip away and dry out your skin. When you use a cleanser that removes all the oil, your face works hard to replace it with even more. I use mostly over the counter/basic stuff and typically switch it up, rotating between 2-3 kinds that offer different benefits that my specific skin type needs:
- Then I rotate in an acne fighting one to keep my acne prone skin in check. I have it under control right now (after years of working to get it there), so don't use it daily. But I like this Acne Free brand because it uses salicylic acid, which is great for preventing breakouts!
- The other is always an exfoliator, which is important to do several times a week because it helps your face look more alive when you remove the dead stuff. Right now, I am using this one that is a bit more expensive, but it makes my face look brighter and yet it's still gentle (use SKINMED10 at checkout or 10% off).
Face Wash Products:
2. Antioxidant (Vitamin C)
This is the first thing you want to apply after cleansing and drying your face. This is also where things can start to get expensive... and the ingredient list can make your eyes cross. You can use Vitamin C serum morning and night - but night is more important if using just once, as sun can break the effectiveness down. Here are some options at different price points:
- The mack-daddy of Vitamin C serums (and most expensive) that every skin person swears by is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. I've used it and loved it, but knew I wasn't going to be able to keep up that price point. That's when this whole deep dive into skin products really took off.
After the research and talking to experts mentioned above, I switched to a less expensive product (as well as received recommendations for even more less expensive options) and so far haven't noticed a difference from when I was using SkinCeuticals.
- Paula's Choice's C15 Booster is the Vitamin C product I'm using currently - and under $50. I'm told it's the closest dupe to the SkinCeuticals one out there, and Paula, an OG in skincare, is very thoughtful on her product formulas.
- Another option for a really cheap route or to experiment with different kinds of serums/layering them, is from The Ordinary. The reason the products are so cheap is that the formulas generally have only 2-3 active ingredients (not a host of them like more expensive products have). You can layer them so you have a more powerful combo.
Their Vitamin C is strong - you typically want 15-20% (some say up to 30%) Vitamin C, and theirs is 23% so you want to start with just a little (especially if you are new to this serum).
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and EUK 134 0.1% are both antioxidants that are typically also in Vitamin C serums in other brands that are more $$. These are good to use in the morning to protect you during the day and can be layered on top of their Vitamin C (or any Vitamin C that doesn't have this in it) at night.
- A combo product that includes Vitamin C + E and most importantly, SPF, for those that like to wash and then spend minimal time applying much else. I use this SPF serum in the mornings after I wash and dry, and love it. It is SPF 50 and has Vitamin C + acts as a moisturizer, so talk about multiple things in one! The one caveat is that this product likely has less Vitamin C, but it's good for someone new to Vitamin C or as a second dose (the morning dose, using the above serum at night).
Vitamin C & Antioxidant Products:
3. Retinoid (Retinol, Tretinoin)
This is another area I fell down the rabbit hole of research. What the heck is Retinoid vs. Retinol, and is Tretinoin the same thing?
Well, the overview version of it all is that the Retinoid family is made up of Vitamin A compounds and derivatives that include Retinol and Retinoic Acid, which are naturally occurring in humans. Retinol is the over counter version of retinoid that uses a less potent amount of Rentioid and is derivatives from Vitamin A.
Retinol is used to treat signs of aging (age spots, wrinkles, etc). Tretinoin is Vitamin A, available by prescription only, that was originally used to prevent acne, but was later discovered to also prevent other signs of aging (wrinkles, age spots, etc).
I use this only a few nights a week, and if you are new to using any sort of Retinoid, you want to work up in dosage slowly, starting with a little few times/week (like every other or every two nights).
- I use the Tretinoin cream prescribed to me by my dermatologist. This kind is better suited for those with oily or combo skin and those with current or past acne tendencies, as a one-two punch for acne and signs of aging prevention.
- Retinol is better suited for more sensitive skin, and more focused on reducing/preventing signs of aging.
I have both sensitive skin and oily/combo skin... and both are ok for me. I actually even use both (never at the same time) throughout the week. I will use Tretinoin cream only 1-2 nights, or more if broken out/spot treat as needed. And I use Retinol a different 2 nights a week:
- The Retinol I also use is this one (you can also go stronger with this one) and again, my Tretinoin is prescription only (so ask your derm!). This Retinol doesn't dry me out as the Tretinoin cream can.
- The Ordinary also has one that is CHEAP, I might try it and, at that price, rub it all over my body, too! haha!
Retinol Products:
4. Moisturizer/SPF Combo
Another product that doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but is a mandatory must-have (even in the winter months) is SPF. And these days, it's in everything - so I like to find moisturizer that is appropriate for my skin type that includes SPF, or sunscreen that is made for your face and also moisturizes. So many options and it's as easy as looking on Amazon or at Target. Either way, this is the last thing you put on your face before layering on makeup (and even my makeup has SPF for additional protection).
- Sunscreen—Something that is SPF 25 or higher that you like to wear and will wear will do, but I just got and have been trying this new REN one and love it - doesn't feel like sunscreen, doesn't break you out, moisturizes my face and lays nicely under makeup. - Moisturizer - This is by the same brand as my everyday face wash, and has an SPF of 30! If you are super oily prone - this one under $9 is a great option. And if you want an even higher SPF, I really like the La Roche-Posay brand. This one is for your face, with an SPF of 60 and can even me reimbursed by your FSA/HSA (some SPF products over 50 can!).
- Powerful Combo - I mentioned this up above under Antioxidants (Vitamin C), but because it's such a powerful combo product, it deserves a second mention, and can be reimbursed by your FSA/HSA! I use this SPF/Moisturizer/Serum almost every morning (and the other mornings I use the REN skincare SPF). This is the only product of this type of combo that I have seen - taking combining steps 2 & 4 with one product.
Moisturizers and SPF Products:
Second: bonus product recommendations for more specific problems or concentrations. These are extras to the 4 must-haves listed above if you want to spend the extra money to more focused solutions:
1. Eye Creams
Once I got to my mid-30s, I quickly (like overnight it seemed) noticed fine lines around my eyes that were even hard to cover up with makeup. I feel like those wrinkles around the eye can make someone look way older quicker. So, I started doing some research and layered in an additional product to my above skincare regimen.
- I recently started using this extra moisturizing eye balm (on the pricier side) around my eyes at night b/c I was starting to see those changes there. I got this after a lot of research around the best anti-aging eye cream and went for it, and I actually feel like I have seen more immediate results (over the last few weeks). - A less expensive options is this eye firming cream by Paula's Choice (I've not used this, but love this brand, so would trust it). It's under $50. - In the morning, I love this eye de-puffing gel for under my eyes. It feels good, lays under my under eye concealer makeup well and - as the name says - takes care of my bags! - Want to try it for less first? You can buy the travel size. I noticed this working almost right away, so you should know quick!
2. Acne
As mentioned throughout and above, I have struggled with breakouts and hormonal acne most of my adult life. Just in the last year, after a lot of trial and error of products - over the counter and prescription, dosage and even medications - have I finally gotten most of my acne issues under control. But I still like to maintain by using some acne products rotated in and for the now more occasional blemish/breakout, I have favorite products on hand.
- A couple times a week, in the morning, I'll use this Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner by AcneFree that helps reduce shine, removes excess oil and balances the skin's ph levels.
- Drying Lotion is great for spot treating and minimizing the life of a blemish quickly! I use so sparingly and such a small amount at a time, I've had my same bottle for 2 years (and now doesn't seem to be avail). Here is another one that looks similar to mine.
Eye & Acne Products:
Third: services to just consider (more into your 30s) are other ways to intervene with the aging process:
1. Lasers
These aren't for everyone because they can be quite expensive - and to be honest, they hurt (depending on your pain tolerance, a little to a lot). I get the Forever Young BBL laser once a year. You should get a consultation to discuss the specific kind of laser treatment and the cadence you need. In the Kansas City area, I like Dr. Amy Carter's Kansas City Wellness Center. You can read more about the benefits of the BBL here.
2. Botox/Dysport
I feel like botox has such a negative connotation, because freezing your muscles can go so wrong and people can end up looking very strange (to put it very simply). You want to make sure you find the right place - ask around, read reviews, make sure they actually have a license - and then talk to the person doing the service.
Make sure they understand the specific areas you are looking to target and the goal is to rest your wrinkles/wrinkle prone areas vs. look different. This service in your 30s is all about preventing the wrinkles and lines from getting deeper by resting them. (p.s. the difference between botox/dysport here, they are same thing just different brands)
Quick Note:
Where you get your products is part of how good the products are. I stay away from Amazon for those more expensive, professional grade and serum type products. Things you can get at drug stores/Target - go for it with Amazon (I've linked the products that I'd get at Amazon here, and linked other stores for where to get those other products). Many people have told me their products from Amazon seemed watered down or fakes, and all my estheticians have warned me against Amazon for these types of products.
Shop all the products mentioned in this post here:
In the last few years, I've started to splurge on higher end skin care and beauty products, but I only want to pay for quality when I needed it, and not all products need to cost that much to be quality. I've rounded up my favorite products that are $10 or under!
1. I have gotten to the point where I only wash my hair every 5 (or so) days, which saves me so much time and my hair feels healthier. But on day 3, 4 and 5... I definitely need some extra help to perk my locks up and, especially in the summer, rid extra oil. I've used a lot of dry shampoos - but my favorite is Dove Dry Shampoo. It smells great, doesn't leave any residue and works!
2. My new favorite hair tool is this scalp massager that I use in the shower to really work my shampoo into my scalp. It feels so good, and since I've been using it, I feel like my hair has grown more than typical.
3. In the winter, my skin get so dry - and even more so when I'm traveling (which is a lot). I've recently started carrying around this Olay Hydrating Face Mist to add moisture to my face when needed most (on the go), and I love it. This would be great to keep in your car, purse, travel carry-on, desk at work, gym bag... on and on!
4. And speaking of winter... my skin is needs tons of extra love these days! After many different seasons of winter, I've landed on Vaseline Essential Healing lotion as my go-to.
5. Ever since my kids were babies with diaper rash, I found Bag Balm to be the best for their chapped bums. Because it's not explicitly for bums, I started using it on all their chapped skin - and even mine! It is the best, hands down, treatment for dry and chapped skin. Every household must have a tin of this at home.
6. I use a ton of different wipes - keeping them in my bedside drawer, my gym bag and even in my car. You never know when you will need to clean up! The one I love for my face (and I use it everywhere else, too) is Aveeno Positively Radiant wipes because they don't sting or dry out my face.
7. Ever since becoming a mom, my under eyes have been suffering. I've tried a ton of products to combat the dark moody color, and thus far (for the past 7 years) my favorite is this Maybelline dark circle eraser and brightener.
8. I love, love this green BB cream that helps smooth out my skin tone. My skin tends to pull out red, and the green counteracts that, plus the BB cream goes on smooth to allow for me to either build upon that (like with foundation for extra coverage) or just run with that (when I don't need as much coverage).
9. I replaced my standard loofah after reading about what could be growing and lingering in all those nooks and crannies with a silicone body wash brush - and haven't looked back. It took a few showers to get used to it, but I love it now, and don't worry about the cleanliness. Plus, the brush like structure helps exfoliate!
10. I have always loved Dove body wash, because it doesn't strip my skin, but I especially love the foaming body wash with my silicone body brush. The suds up great, and I can cover my full-body (with shaving) with 2-3 pumps! More importantly, I feel hydrated after the shower instead of stripped dry.
You can shop all these products here:
What are YOUR favorite $10 or under beauty products?
I never knew what a face serum really was, or if it really did anything until about a year ago when I had a skin consultation, and learned the benefits. I was amazed at the punch they pack, and how easy it was to include into your skincare routine. You can even keep using your other beloved products, just add serum(s) to your skin first, right after freshly cleansed.
The tip I learned when applying my skincare products is the lighter, more watery the product - the sooner it goes on your face. Add thicker, creams later in your line up. So, after my face is clean, I add my serums - and I use 3 - before my face lotion (at night) or sunscreen/make up (for day).
I love serums overall because of how quickly they are absorbed into the skin. They penetrate deeper into your skin delivering active ingredients into the skin vs. lotions and creams that stay mostly on top of the skin, keeping the good of your skin in.
Here are my three serums used on the regular:
1. I use Glossier's Super Pure serum to help with breakouts. I apply this first after I've washed my face (it seems the lightest, most watery of the three) - both morning and night, typically when and where I'm more broken out, as to make it last longer.
This serum has niacinamide and zinc that helps reduce redness, and calm blemishes. In the month I've been using, I feel like it really is doing just that for my skin!
2. My overall goodness face serum is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. I learned that the number one skin product every one should use first and foremost is vitamin C serum, which helps protect your skin from sun damage and slows signs of aging.
But in an always effort to be most efficient, I learned of Vitamin C serums that go beyond just that, and include the addition of the Ferulic acid and vitamin E, which provides further benefits. The Ferulic acid helps reverse sun damage and signs of aging. When combined alongside vitamin C and E, it can also help the stability and efficiency of those antioxidants.
Vitamin E helps eliminate scars and permanent marks, but also said to help skin stay soft.
3. The third serum that is also in my constant rotation is a specialized eye product. The Hydraboost Eye Serumsmooths and reduces the appearance of fine lines, circles and puffiness around the eyes.
The Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid help replenish moisture around the eye area while the natural tamarind, aloe and centella asiatica helps repair and soothe, and licorice root extract helps brightens under-eye darkness.
And as added bonus, while not a serum, I'm loving the M-61 Power Cleanse to help with my breakouts. I use this a few times a week, rotating in with other gentle cleansers. Again - never apply serums on dirty skin! It's best when they are freshly washed (even still a little damp).
The holidays are full of to-dos - mostly fun like parties and reuniting with friends and family, but it can be stressful to fit in all this extra (even if it is fun) stuff into an already busy schedule (do we still have to work...??!). I've been using some of my remaining vacation days from work to prep and pamper for the busy holiday season, and my favorite place to show myself a little extra love is in the Beauty Brands salon.
It's also a wonderful place for a girls day or afternoon! Sarah (of Sarah Scoop) and I met there a couple of weekends ago for a full morning of relaxing. We each selected different services, but left feeling equally pampered. First I went with a relaxing "Luxury Facial" that was 90 minutes long - in this time, they also included massage, too (depedning on what facial features you need/add ons you get, this was a seriously the cherry on top). It was heavenly and totally relaxing - just what my fazzle mind and broken out skin needed.
Beauty Brands uses all the best professional grade products and top of the line equiptment in their facial. The private rooms are in the back of the salon, so super relaxing and quiet. The table was warm and comfortable, and the esthetician was wonderful!
I always love the post-facial dazed look and crazy hair from all the scalp massage and product! Good thing I had a hair appointment next!
I love getting my hair did! A simple wash and blow dry/style (no cut/color) is so relaxing and saves me from having to do my hair for days! Plus, a good hair wash by someone else (more scalp massage.... my favorite) is a real treat, and after already feeling relaxed from my facial, I was floating.
After my services, I couldn't leave the salon, without doing some holiday shopping for gifts! Beauty Brands has special beauty/skin/hair gift packages for the holidays to make it really easy, plus the staples that always make good gifts, like perfumes/colognes! I personally always love visiting Beauty Brand's perfume lit up table display. It's so pretty!
How are you staying sane this holiday season? Let Beauty Brands help you keep yourself together or put you together for your big holiday parties!
This post is in partnership with Beauty Brands! Thanks for having me for such a wonderful day in the salon, Beauty Brands!
Once I got to my 30s, I really thought I wouldn't have to worry as much about my skin - because surely I was way to old for ongoing acne, and not too old to worry about wrinkles (yet). Like this would be primetime for my skin, ya know? But I was wrong. Not only do I still have adult acne, but wrinkles aren't just creeping in, they're popping up overnight.
And regardless if you have the same exact issues as me (adult acne and/or the beginning of wrinkles), your late 20s to early 30s (and of course, it is never too late to start) is exactly when you should be establishing a smart skin routine. At this point, it's about prevention and maintenance - but also finally getting control of your various skin problems, inconsistencies and/or challenges. Your best bet is to root your routine in esteemed specialist and quality products for your best results.
So, I've been dabbling in services and testing different products to find something that fits my lifestyle (i.e. time available to dedicate) and skin concerns. I was so excited when my OB/GYN and Doctor who delivered my babies opened Kansas City Wellness Center, now offering wellness services. Dr. Carter and her staff are super friendly, and were up to answering all my millions of questions.
Upon my first visit to KC Wellness Center, I didn't exactly know what I wanted, or what I needed - and that was totally cool. They helped guide me into a starter skin care plan for home and with services. We decided on my first services - both using the BBL (BroadBand Light) to help with acne and anti-aging. I was worried the laser treatment would hurt - but it didn't really. Just a quick, little pinch like feeling. And my skin was just a little blotching when I was done.
This is what is going to help my skin stay younger looking longer! And after initial services, you only need it a couple times a year!
I have just had one set of services and just started implementing new products into my at home regime - so will be sure to share with you my progress as they come and learnings I gain!
Right now, I'm using ZO Skin Health products by ZEIN OBAGI, MD - medical grade skin care products. After talking to Dr. Carter and her team, she recommended the best ones and the regime that would work best for me.
By morning, I wash my face with Exfoliating Anti-Aging Cleanser (which also helps with Acne). Then I use the Daily Power Defense, which is a lightweight moisturizer that helps protect and repair your skin. And finally, I apply a tinted sunscreen primer that makes my face feel so super soft and smooth.
At night, I use an every day cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Then I slather (but lightly) C-Bright Serum which is 10% Vitamin C which works to brighten and re-texturize your skin. It feels so good. I use the Growth Factor Serum Plus Anti-Aging Formula at night to allow it to seep into my skin overnight. It helps strengthen the skin, reducing lines and fighting against future wrinkles.
Then, ever few days, I use the Exfoliating Polish for a deep clean that makes for an even-toned complexion. You can also check out their Program & Kits and always talk to your wellness doctor about what products make the most sense for you and your skin!
Products and services were complimentary, though all opinions are my own.
I've always known I have had combination skin, and to make that even more difficult, my skin also changes seasonally - making it hard to figure out or get into a consistent routine. Just as I was getting my skin under control, the season changes, throwing me for a loop.
I struggle with adult acne, dry and oily patches, red blotchiness and the start of some sun spots. Isn't aging fun? It all seemed overwhelming - so when I was invited to visit bare | med spa in Leawood, Kansas I was excited/nervous to talk to someone way more experience than I about how to tackle my skin. And Tina blew my mind. She was full of knowledge and quickly helped me break down the issues with my skin, how I can better manage and without the purchase of a million new expensive products (my first fear upon visiting a med spa).
I actually loved this experience, because it was like visiting your dermatologist, but at the spa. It was all that a spa has to offer - relaxing and soothing, but educational and informative. So, here is what I learned how to take care of my skin - and the ever popular and mean-spirited T-Zone:
1. Don't touch your face! I know - duh, but if you pay attention throughout the day, you probably touch it a lot more than you think! This means even when you're applying products, even, or at least try to limit your fingers on your face. So, make sure to invest in good facial brushes (I love IT brushes for Ulta) - and, hey! Maybe there is something to Kylie Jenner's use of the Artis Elite Oval 10 face & body brush after all.
2. Change up your face wash (and products!) by season - right now in the winter/cooler season, I need something with a little bit of cream base (it shouldn't get to sudsy). This helps keep my skin from drying out, and then come summer - I can use more of a sudsy wash (like Purity, which is what I was using all year around...). These suds strip the oil, and in the summer when I have more excess it won't dry me out like it is now.
3. Visit a med spa, like the bare med spa if you are in the Kansas City area, that will give you a customized facial based on what you need at that time! There isn't a one-size fits all or cookie cutter programs, and it's hard for you to determine what you need on your own - leave it to the expert! Find someone you trust - and visit as regular as you can, whether that be monthly or quarterly or twice a year!
4. Use Coconut Oil to remove makeup and spot-hydrate, but avoid your T-zone/oily areas. I have moved my coconut oil from my kitchen to my bathroom for ever since my first facial at bare med spa. And it helps!
It's also really easy to control where you apply it - so I avoid my forehead, nose bridge and chin. I love rubbing around eyes to remove makeup gently, and apply to dry spots like my cheeks (or even my body skin - like elbows!!).
5. You don't actually need a ton of expensive products or a 10-step process - the main recommendation my aesthetician gave me was to use Vitamin D serum daily! And look for over the counter products that are right for you. I've been LOVING the bareMinerals new SkinSorials line and include some of their that match my needs as part of my 3-step process:
I also love bareMinerals make-up, which has SPF (sun protection) baked in, which is also super important to the health of your skin. Their foundation and tinting products also do a great job ant lightly covering my face without clogging my pores + their products always come with coordinating brushes so you don't have to worry about touching your face! I think the Armani foundation deserves an honorable mention as well.
My favorite products:
What are your tips for combating your T-Zone or taking care of combination skin??
