Busy schedules don’t leave much leeway for long, drawn-out skincare regimens. The average woman spends $15,000 on beauty products during her lifetime, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that people are willing to invest in products that work. But you don’t have to spend the big bucks or spend hours to receive big results. Luckily, you only need to set aside a few minutes and use a couple of easy-to-use products to get a glowing complexion that’ll last all day.

The Basics of Skincare

Everyone should be using a cleanser and moisturizer. Beyond that, to protect your skin and prevent future damage, the three essentials are antioxidant, sunscreen, and tretoin or a retinol.

Antioxidant

UV rays, pollution, and other lifestyle factors generate free radicals that break down the skin and cause premature aging. Antioxidants can help prevent damage and have been clinically proven to improve the skin. Apply either morning or evening immediately after cleansing to protect the skin. Our favorite antioxidants are Skinceuticals and Clara Medical Skincare, because they include formulations for various skin types and a vitamin C in a form that retains the antioxidant benefits.

Retinoids

Often under names such as tretinoin (prescription form), retinol (over the counter form), or Clara Custom Blend, retinoids can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, spots, and UV damage. It can even help treat acne. More clinical data supports retinoids as the anti-aging ingredient, versus other skin care ingredients. If you have a hard time tolerating retinoids on your skin, we can help you integrate it into your skincare routine effectively. It’s an important part of a skincare regimen that we wouldn’t want you to miss.

Sun Protection

One thing that everyone needs in their morning routine is a layer of sunscreen. UV rays age our skin, and can cause undue damage, including age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and in extreme cases – cancer. Luckily, both drugstore and luxury brands are including SPF in their formulas. An effortless choice, some formulas such as CC and BB creams also contain pigment-perfecting color as well as sunscreen and moisturizers, but make sure that you still use your sunscreen to have sufficient protection. If you’re utilizing Retinoids, Lactic acid, or other anti-aging products at night – be extra careful not to skip this step, as your skin may be especially sensitive to the sun. When deciding on sunscreens, it’s best to look for the Broad-spectrum option; the higher the SPF the better. We typically recommend “physical” sunscreens which contain zinc. Most important, you need to find a sunscreen you love so that you wear it every day. If in doubt, come to Vanguard’s north office where we keep testers of ~20 different sunscreens.

And if you have the time…

Start from the inside out each morning by reaching for nature’s original (and cost-free) beauty elixir – water. Replacing caffeinated drinks with H20 will keep your complexion bright and beautiful, and prevent dehydration which can cause breakouts, dullness and dryness. Don’t skip the coffee altogether, but sipping water throughout the day will make a noticeable difference to your skin. Try keeping a tiny spritz bottle full of water to hydrate your face when you start to feel dry; it also will wake you up better and is less calories than your late-afternoon latte.

Healthy, glowing, dewy skin is always within reach. If you have any questions on how to develop an effective at home skincare regimen, schedule a complimentary consultation at our aesthetic practice. Call Clara MediSpa at 719 579 5555, and one of our skin care consultants or nurses will be happy to meet with you.