We get it – Skin care and the purchasing of skin care products can be overwhelming! Taking care of your skin is paramount to any beauty routine.

Many do not know where to start when it comes to their skin and don’t necessarily understand the importance and benefits of their products. We’ve all been there – leaving a clinic or store where we have purchased new products and can’t wait to try them out and see the results! Unfortunately, half the time, we often have no clue what to expect and all we know is that this is the “New & Improved”, so it must work, right?! I admit, I have been that consumer and to be honest, at times still feel a bit overwhelmed with it all!

I’m not here to sell you specific products, I am here to educate you on what I do know and let you in on my “Top 3 Must Haves” for skincare. My goal is to help guide “newbies” and increase your knowledge of basic skin care.

So, let’s get started ……

#1 Sunscreen

If you’re going to use one thing please be sure to make it an SPF (sun protection), protecting you from skin cancers, skin aging and DNA damage. Think of sunscreen as clothing – you wouldn’t leave home without it, would you?  I always make sure that my sunscreen (especially facial area) are physical sunscreens. Physical filters as discussed in many researches, provide the best and most comprehensive protection from all forms of UV radiation (sun). When a sunscreen product is based with only zinc oxide the application tends to be pasty in appearance – uh, no thank you! Adding titanium dioxide to the mix will give an easier application and better cosmetic result. My go-to … always a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide base sunscreen!

Sunscreen is not at all difficult. It’s just about doing it! And once you get used to it, it becomes a habit.

#2 Vitamin C Serums

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects your skin from free radicals. Vitamin C aides in slowing down the cellular aging process by treating and preventing photoaging. In other words, “A Powerful Anti-Aging Remedy”. Our constant exposure to the sun decreases the availability of Vitamin C in our skin which highlights the importance of applying a daily (morning) Vitamin C serum.

When it comes to my skin care product of choice, I much prefer applying Vitamin C as a serum rather than a cream as it penetrates the skin easier. There are many Vitamin C serums on the market but be sure to do your research thoroughly as the potency of the ingredient is a must. I highly encourage you to choose pharmaceutical brands. Two of my faves – ☺ Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals.

Little Fun Fact about the benefits of Vitamin C serums…. Did you know that Vitamin C is 20 times more effective when applied topically then when taken orally!

#3 Moisturizer

Last but not least, I need to add facial moisturizer!  Protecting my skin is crucial to me but I also need hydration. Well-hydrated skin is plumper and more resilient; having a hydrated face helps to improve skin elasticity and an overall clearer complexion. I always make sure to choose a moisturizer that will provide me with ample skin benefits other than just hydration. For instance, my Metacell B3 by SkinCeuticals provides my skin hydration, reduces the appearance of fine lines, brightens my skin and accelerates the cellular formation.

My “Top 3 Must Haves” may not be the perfect choice for your skin type but I hope it will guide you in knowing where to start. Invest the time to have an assessment of your skin condition by having a skin analysis (www.dermakaesthetics.com ) an find out what your skin type is in order to personalize your routine and achieve optimal results! We only have one chance with the skin we have so let’s take care of it!