Today there are 4300+ skincare brands on the market. Yes, 4300! I was shocked to read that number myself. So how do you choose the best products? That's easy, you ask someone who has spent 30 years in the industry.
My name is Tara Scott-Johnson. I'm a Master Aesthetician and highly trained in skin conditions, skin treatments, and product knowledge. First things first - skincare products are not created equally. There are levels of base ingredients, active ingredient strengths, and filler ingredients that can interfere with the purity of what actually reaches the skin below the surface. Over the past 3 decades, I've worked with close to 70 brands and have had the opportunity to test ingredients on numerous skin types. I've watched products transform skin but I've also watched products destroy skin. Read along as I list my top 10 favorite skincare products and read till the end to learn my least favorite as well.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion Sunscreen $42
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a weightless sunscreen fluid that combines 100% mineral filters with translucent color spheres for effective, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an even, radiant finish. This high protection zinc oxide mineral sunscreen also contains artemia salina, a plankton extract known to increase skin’s resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress.
La Prairie Luxe Eye Cream $435
"This one is a splurge but keep in mind it will last you nearly a year. You do not need much".
Features are supported, tightened and toned, while the look of puffiness is diminished. The delicate skin of the lower and upper lids is deeply moisturized, leaving it with a feeling of unparalleled comfort.
Revisions Nectifirm $159
Award-winning, age defying neck product harnesses the power of the skin’s own microbiome with a groundbreaking formula that combats the visible signs of moderate to advanced aging on the neck and décolletage. Also features eight distinctive peptides and Smart Antioxidant Technology for advanced results. Skin is brighter and appears more firm and lifted while the appearance of adipose tissue and crepey skin is reduced.
Therapy Systems Sensitive Glycolic $65
"This is a fantastic alternative to retinol".
A 10% glycolic acid treatment formulated with light moisturizing properties to exfoliate, retexturize, and refine the skin's tone. Recommended for all skin types including sensitive skin.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic $182
"This one is an anti-aging marvel".
A patented daytime vitamin C serum that delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin's complexion. Now clinically proven to reduce up to 48% of potential damage from free radicals formed by pollution, the sun, and metals.
Clarins Double Serum $135
"This one works to restore the skin's balance. It's the perfect combination of hydration & nourishment".
Iconic 2-in-1 serum revolutionized with 22 plants including Organic Giant Provençal Reed* and Turmeric plus 5 active molecules. Visibly firms, smooths, boosts radiance + refines pores.
Alchimie Kantic Calming Cream $71
A miracle worker for reactive or aggravated skin, this moisturizer calms the look of redness and the feeling of irritation with just one application. Rich in natural antioxidants derived from European blueberries and grape seeds, this mid-weight cream hydrates, reduces redness, revives dull skin, and helps minimize signs of stress and fatigue, leaving the skin youthful and radiant.
Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid $18
"This one will boost your hydration level".
A reformulation of our most-loved hydration serum that instantly hydrates and plumps, while smoothing texture and wrinkles. This new formula has a slight yellow tinge when compared to our previous formula due to the addition of a ceramide blend.
Kiehl's Calendula Toner $48
"This one is essential for sensitive skin and over-reactive skin".
A soothing alcohol-free toner infused with Calendula petals to visibly reduce redness and improve skin’s texture. Fragrance-free and safe for all skin types.
Avene Ciclafate+ $42
"This one should be in everyone's medicine cabinet".
Rich, nourishing skin barrier cream leverages a unique postbiotic extract to promote a healthy microbiome ideal for skin restoration. Safe for infants, children and adults. Clinical results - helps restore skin barrier and an 80% reduction in skin discomfort after 48 hours.
And finally...on to my least favorite skincare product. Some may find this reveal shocking but after 30 years I've been privy to the evolution of long term use of this particular product and what is actually does to the skin. My least favorite product is RETINOL or any retin-a derivative. Retinol is not your friend! Sure it smooths the surface of the skin and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles but at what cost?
While retinol serves a purpose for acneic skin, retinol is proven to thin the surface of the skin while increasing collagen production. This causes what is known in the industry as a "waxy complexion". We've all seen this skin in public...it appears translucent, unnaturally smooth, and shiny to the point where is almost looks fake or doll-like. Healthy skin should look like skin, it should never be completely smooth at any age. Healthy skin should have some texture and show fine lines especially when smiling as this is how normal skin reacts to movement. Some may assume this appearance is due to Botox or filler, while that can be true, the main culprit of this condition is decades of retinol use and the overproduction of collagen caused by this product.
I'm going to let you all in on a little secret - translucent, shiny skin does not make you look younger! On the contrary, it can actually make you look older as that waxy look is not a trait of healthy looking mature skin. And don't get me started on the continuous dryness and flakiness that never goes away. That alone should be a sign that something is very wrong.
*Click images to be directed to brand websites.
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