The Most Impactful Skincare For My Skin

My years working as an aesthetic nurse has blessed me with access to some of the highest regarded skincare lines and has allowed me to try a variety of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, growth factors, etc. In doing so, I’ve been able to weed out some of the products that yielded the most results and those that didn’t do much and I could do without. In this article I’m going to narrow down the most impactful skincare for my skin over the years. From the skincare items, brand and ingredients, I’ll address why these items are absolutely vital to my overall skincare routine.

The Best Vitamin C Serum In My Opinion

I may be biased, but one of my first introductions to medical-grade vitamin c was the SkinCeutical’s CE Ferulic! It’s a vitamin C serum with a cult following. Known for its antioxidant properties, this serum combined 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid, creating an incredible, powerhouse formula that not only protects the skin from environmental aggressors but also improves signs of aging and photodamage. L-ascorbic acid brightens the skin, Vitamin E nourishes and hydrates, while Ferulic acid enhances the stability of the formula. CE Ferulic is also highly beneficial in shielding the skin from harmful UV rays, While using this serum on a daily basis, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s brightness level and a softening of my horizontal forehead lines (along with botox’s help)! Its ability to neutralize free radicals and replenish the skin’s lipids are apparent. But the brightness and evenness of my skin tone have been the biggest testaments to the protective and restorative powers of this serum.

Glass Skin with Skin Ceuticals’ Glycolic 10 Renew

Retinol and peels were treatments I more loved the results of rather than the journey. I had the idea of my skin peeling, being flaky dry and irritated. So when I tried SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight and saw the same results of glass skin without going through the torture of dry patches, and stripped skin, I was sold! This product contains key ingredients like glycolic acid that aids in cell renewal, exfoliating my skin chemically. After using it, my skin feels like butter, smooth and rejuvenated. However, it’s essential to wear sunscreen and to avoid direct sunlight after a chemical exfoliation. Despite that, I love the results as it helps me achieve the coveted “glass skin” look that many people are seeking.

Deep Cleansing With Elta MD’s Foaming cleanser

Cleansing truly is the most important step in a skincare routine. The face needs to be cleansed of impurities and previous products that may be blocking the pores so that potent, key ingredients from your skincare can penetrate the skin. Without a clean canvas, you’re essentially wasting your money by applying expensive products that cant penetrate the outer layer of gunk on the skin. My personal favorite cleanser is the Elta MD foaming cleanser. This cleanser user bromelain enzymes found in pineapples to reduce inflammation. In combination, the bromelain and amino acids help to separate makeup and impurities in the skin while the foam helps remove and whisk the impurities away leaving refreshed and purified skin that isn’t stripped! Everyone needs a gentle cleanser like this! I can even use this after microneedling and laser treatments, it’s that gentle!

Baby Soft Skin With TNS Advanced Serum

The TNS Advanced serum definitely takes the cake on one of the most impactful serums I’ve used. Created by the popular skincare brand, Skin Medica, the TNS Advanced serum contains growth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acid, marine extracts and botanicals to address the many layers of aging and improve the skin’s overall appearance and quality. Both the growth factors and peptides aid in production of collagen and improvement to skin’s elasticity which can visibly reduce things like fine lines and wrinkles. The botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid help to moisturize and nourish the skin providing a plumper, glowing skin which is exactly what I’ve observed in my own skin everytime I use this product. The ingredients are high quality and the price definitely matches that. Before taxes the product is typically around $295 and the bottle is meant to last a nmonth, however, mine typically last atleast 3 months but I typically only use once a day and mainly for my face. Bringing it down to neck and chest will definitely shorten the time frame of use. But once I do finish the product and there’s a large gap from when I pick up the product again, I must say I do feel a difference in overall radiance in my skin. Something about the TNS transforms my skin like no other but, like any skincare, you have to keep using it to see the peak of its effects.

Alastin Rules My Skincare Kingdom

Alastin has got to be my favorite skincare line, period. Like, TNS it’s superior in it’s ingredients and is also a product that I can see the difference between when I’m using the product and not using the product. If I go back in my skincare journey, the whole alastin line has WOWed me the most in it’s results. Alastin’s claim to fame is their tri-hex technology which clears out old, damaged collagen and elastin taking up space and makes room for the skin to naturally restore the elastin and collagen in the skin providing for youthful, healthy skin. Some of my favorites from the line include:

Alastin’s restorative eye treatment that contains alastin’s famous ‘Tri-hex technology as well as ingredients like mimosa tea extract and darutoside for increased firmness, niacinamide, green tea and oak leaf tea extracts to reduce puffiness and dark circles amongst other ingredients providing moisture and improving quality of skin. It’s honestly been the only serum I’ve used that has depuffed my under eye skin.
Alastin’s skin nectar is incredible for healing. In fact, for any and every invasive treatment, I pretty much just recommend the skin nectar to be the main product used for aftercare. It contains the tri hex technology, arnicare which reduce bruising and swelling, has antioxidants like phytoene and phytofluene which supports kin’s renewal process and protects from further damage. I use this product about 2 weeks before a treatment and then one week to two weeks post a treatment to prep my skin for ample collagen and elastin production and quicken the recovery time.
Finally Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex is what you switch to after the skin nectar or a product you just use on a daily basis. Contains the same Trihex technology and similar antioxidants as the skin nectar, but also contains L -Ornithine and hexapeptide 38 to increase volume into the skin and improve elasticity. Has silver mushroom extract to enhance hydration in the skin, niacinamide to address pigment concerns amongst many other impressive ingredients.

Hands down, Alastin has to be my favorite line to use, however all the brands mentioned have exceptional products and innovative ingredients that are worth exploring. The price for all products mentioned range from $35 to $295. While I don’t agree that quality ingredients must have an expensive price point to match, I truly believe in the power of these products listed to aid in maintaining youthful skin and correcting unwanted signs of aging and damage to the skin.

Also Read: Aesop Review: The High End Soap and Skincare Line. Is it Right For You?