Entry #4 A few of my favorite products...

I am always on the hunt for the next great skincare product as most womaen are.  We are all looking for that magic product that makes us look 10 years younger:)Let's talk about medical grade skincare, which is link magic to me.  You're probably wondering what medical skincare means, well medical grade products are formulated in an FDA- approved laboratory, and have the highest concentration of active ingredients.You won't find medical grade products at CVS or MacysThese are only offered in medical offices, such as a medical spa or a dermatology office. Products at your local drug store or department store are considered over-the-counter.  OTC  products are not FDA approved, have a bunch of filler ingredients and a very low percent of the actual ingredient. These products don't have to prove efficacy(results) or what percentage of the active ingredient is actually in the product (it just needs to be listed somewhere in the ingredient list), whereas medical grade must provide this information. So what are you really putting on your face??

With that being said, you will pay more for medical grade products but you will get much better results, as the saying goes you get what you pay for! I like to think of skin care as an investment, the same way I think about having a gym membership.  As an esthetician, I have used hundreds of products over the years and I have too many favorites to list here but below are a few of my current favorites.  My skincare routine consists of the following: 

A.M. 

Cleanse, Hydrating Serum, Lytera Skin Brightening Serum, Eye Cream, Face Oil, Sunscreen

P.M

Cleanse, TNS antioxidant serum, Retin A(2-3x per week only), eye cream and moisturizer

I also get a professional peel, microdermabrasion, microneedling or laser treatment once a month to get enhanced benefits. If you are looking to get any of these treatments make sure you are getting them at a reputable medical spa for the best results.

Before I became an esthetician I never wore sunscreen.  In fact, I did anything I could to get the deepest darkest tan possible!  By the time I was 23 I had pigment changes (brown spots) and deep lines forming on my forehead.  On top of that my skin felt rough, dull and dry.  It wasn't until I started seeing an esthetician that I learned how important SPF is. 

The most important anti-aging product to use is sunscreen!

 I apply sunscreen every day NO MATTER WHAT!  I also carry it with me to reapply.  Most of our aging come from sun damage over the years, but with daily use and staying out of the sun you can prevent skin cancer and the early signs of aging.  Skincare should be about prevention so starting to care for your skin in your early 20's will make a huge difference then if you start when you are in your 40's.