I like to change skincare brands when I finish a bottle of product so every year I'm trying something new out on my skin. I'm really lucky that right now my skin is pretty normal. The only issues I have is a few milia on my forehead and blackheads on my nose. Milia are tiny skin colored bumps that no amount of physical exfoliation will get rid of and they don't go away on their own. To remove it you have to make an incision into the skin, not like popping a zit where you can just squeeze the skin with your nails, you have to use a tiny needle. Best to go to an esthetician and ask for extractions. But you do have a few options at home with chemical exfoliation in the form of light peels, BHA and retinols.
Right now I'm using Paula's Choice products which is an affordable skincare line that does not test on animals. I used her products 10 years ago, but then got caught up in all the pricey things at Sephora, but have now decided to go back to her. Her line is only sold on her website but she has free shipping.
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
I use this product twice a day which helps to exfoliate my dead skin and smooth the bumps. BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid which helps skin prone to blemishes and clogged pores. It also helps to diminish the look of fine lines, improve uneven skin tone, and smooth out rough texture. As we age our skin sheds dead skin slower so a chemical exfoliant helps the renewal process. I apply this immediately after my toner, without waiting for my toner to dry first and then immediately apply my other products without having to wait for the BHA gel to dry. You can use a BHA in conjunction with a retinol as a retinol does not exfoliate the skin. The BHA removes the dead skin on the surface layers which help retinol absorb better.
RESIST Brightening Essence
This product is made of licorice extract, arbutin, vitamin C, and niacinamide, along with peptides to help brighten uneven skin tone.
RESIST C15 Super Booster
A Vitamin C serum has been a key part of my skincare routine for a long time, everyone should be using one. It helps with collagen production and reduces the appearance of skin discolorations. When choosing a vitamin C serum you want to make sure it's in an opaque bottle to protect it from light, has a dropper to protect it from air, and the ingredients list "ascorbic acid". I've used many different brands and they are all priced at $100 for 1 oz and make your face sticky. Paula's Choice serum also has hyaluronic acid in it which helps hydrate skin. Vitamin C helps retinol work better by making it more effective longer.
I use a Clarisonic brush to cleanse my skin a few times a week for extra exfoliation, but I've also started using the PMD tool which is a once a week microdermabrasion treatment that exfoliates and removes the top layer of dead skin. The tool uses suction and a disposal spinning disc that is embedded with aluminum oxide crystals that exfoliate away dead and dull cells from the surface of your skin. This helps skincare products penetrate your skin deeper to maximize their results.
Occasionally I also use Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Packettes. As their most popular product, it has a combination of BHA and AHA (glycolic and lactic acids). I think it is a holy grail product that I always hear that everyone loves.
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I've heard of BHA being good for the skin. I need to start looking into retinol creams.
ReplyDeleteI really should use something. I just use moisturizer in the winter.
ReplyDeleteI totally need to exfoliate more. I personally love just getting a facial and knowing all that gunk is just gone. But because I can't always do that, it's nice to use products that help out. I like trying new products too. It is always fun when you find a new product you love.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried any of these! I guess I have to give them a try, specially the Dr. Dennis Gross pads, I've heard wonders about them!
ReplyDeleteI had not tried or heard of these products before. I will have to check them out.
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