AllSaints pink sweatshirt | White denim | Valentino flip flops

 

Anti-aging tips straight from a dermatologist

Feeling really crummy after a four week bout with a cold, I looked in the mirror and decided it was time to pay a little more attention to my skin. Specifically, I need something to brighten, something to tighten, and some kind of anti-aging magic!  I prefer to keep things simple and only use products that really count (read a previous post here).  And of course, that are dermatologist approved.  This is why I immediately sought advice from my friend Dr. Lauren Boudreaux, a board certified dermatologist right here in Portland.

Initially, all I wanted was a Vitamin C serum, and maybe the skin roller thing I keep reading about.  So I started researching and landed on Allure Magazine’s favorites, but after scrolling through 20 plus suggestions I gave up. It was WAY too overwhelming!  A quick text to Dr. Lauren, and wow do I have some good info to share.  Read on for some great recommendations— and get your skin ready for summer!

 

Herbivore Prism | Quartz skin roller (Lauren says it feels nice!) | Image via @nordstrom

 

Vitamin C serums

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights off damage from the sun and pollutants in the air that can lead to aging. Consistent daily use is essential, especially in the summer, to prevent premature aging. The trick is that you want to find a formulation that has more than 10% Vitamin C and is in a stable form so that it does not oxidize upon air exposure. Fortunately, the skin care industry has been pushed to come out with a few more affordable options.”  Here are Lauren’s picks.

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PCA skin C&E Strength Max

I am currently using this formulation because they were one of the first companies to come out with an anhydrous formulation of the antioxidants so that they remain stable in the bottle. It has 20% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and 5% tocopherol (Vitamin E), which are very effective.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Power Serum

Peter Thomas Roth has so many great products; they clearly know what they’re doing. Their antioxidant is formulated with a super stable form of vitamin C, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate at 20%! Plus, it’s combined with Ferulic Acid for extra stability and Vitamin E.

DERMA doctor Kakadu C

This serum contains 20% Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) formulated with Ferulic acid which helps to keep the antioxidant activity stable in the bottle.

 

Retinols

”Retinoids are the holy grail of cosmetics.  They work by accelerating skin turnover, clearing clogged pores, stimulating collagen production, and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.  You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist that doesn’t use them regularly.”  According to Dr. Lauren, prescription retinoids are best, but if you want them over the counter, I found  several top-rated ones to try.

 

Sunscreen

According to Lauren, sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product we can use.  One of her favorite brands is Supergoop! and of course I love it  too!  I wrote about it here and here.  Their innovative products are one-of-a-kind in the industry, packed with all-natural ingredients and all offer SPF 30+.  The Sunscreen Mousse and the broad spectrum SPF 40 feels so incredible going on that you’ll want to apply them every single day.  I especially love the Invincible Mineral Powder because it makes me feel like I’m wearing a matte finish powder over my shiny sunscreen face!  And who doesn’t want to look beautiful and have protected skin at the same time?

 

Laurens sunscreen tips

1. Make sure your sunscreen says “Broad-Spectrum” on the bottle to be sure it protects from UVA and UVB.

2. SPF 30 or higher is generally what I recommend, especially in the summer months.

3. Physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are better if you have sensitive skin, but can be chalky/white if they are not the right formulation. For darker skin types, you may want to find a chemical sunscreen, as they tend to be more sheer.

4. Look for an environmentally safe sunscreen, specifically avoiding oxybenzone as an active ingredient. Oxybenzone has been shown to genetically mutate coral reefs and sea urchins, so you will definitely want to avoid these if you are swimming in the ocean.

 

Photo credit @carrieminnsphotography

Thank you for reading xo