It’s the question I get asked the most here at FutureDerm: What is my skincare routine?
Admittedly, even though we get sent dozens of product samples a month, I tend to stick to tried-and-true staples. Nearly everything I use has these attributes:
- It includes ingredients that have been mentioned in well-respected, peer-reviewed scientific journals;
- It features high concentrations of those ingredients (similar to, if not the same as, those concentrations in the scientific journals);
- It has a delivery system that enables those ingredients to absorb into the skin.
So, without further ado, here are the products that I have tried and can’t stop using:
FutureDerm Vitamin CE Caffeic Serum. Best for normal to dry skin types, I prefer to use this hydrating vitamin CE serum during the cooler months, from September through March. Once Spring hits, I switch over to the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00095W7D4″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Skinceuticals CE Ferulic[/easyazon_link].
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00095W7D4″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Skinceuticals CE Ferulic[/easyazon_link]. Best for normal to oily skin types, this cult favorite keeps my skin sunspot-free and glowing from April until August — all summer long. If your skin is acne-prone or oily, I’ll be completely honest, skip the FutureDerm brand (for now) and go straight towards this classic skincare staple.
Studies show that using a chemical sunscreen under a physical sunscreen results in the ultimate UV protection. Look, I’m a skincare blogger, so it’s vital that I stay out of the sun religiously and avoid UV rays at all costs. So I use another cult favorite, [easyazon_link identifier=”B002JAYMEE” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 100[/easyazon_link] (a chemical sunscreen) under [easyazon_link identifier=”B078PRRF2F” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Shiseido SPF 50[/easyazon_link] daily. It really keeps my skin well-protected.
I use such a high dose of sunscreen because studies have shown people are only using 25-33% of the amount of sunscreen they need to be using in order to get the protection level listed on the bottle. So, if you’re only getting an SPF 25-33 out of an SPF 100 formula, you’re really only getting an SPF 12.5-16.6 out of an SPF 50 formula. So I definitely prefer to use a high dose.
As far as being vain goes, I know that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B078PRRF2F” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Shiseido sunscreen[/easyazon_link] isn’t the most cosmetically-pleasing. It takes a full layer of medium-coverage [easyazon_link identifier=”B01AQSA5B4″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Make Up For Ever foundation[/easyazon_link] to get rid of the telltale white streaks. But it’s well-worth it. I’m in my thirties and I still get carded, so I know it’s working.
While we’re on the issue of sun avoidance, I also am sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat with a UPF of 50, polarized sunglasses, and always take a vitamin D supplement.
At night, I would love to say that I get home and can’t wait to use skin care products, both my staples and new products I am sent to try by brands. Truth be told, about half of the time I’m too tired, especially with a one-year-old at home. Most nights I use [easyazon_link identifier=”B074N9QYKW” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser[/easyazon_link], and then I apply a retinoid and a dallop of FutureDerm Customizable Moisturizer.
On nights I’m feeling more ambitious, I will use the AmorePacific two-step cleansing system, which consists of the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ARCNFWQ” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Treatment Cleansing Oil[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B001VBDQBW” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Treatment Cleansing Foam[/easyazon_link]. I love the fact that it has both oil and water based formulas, so it’s sure to remove all of the makeup and dirty residue (ewww, I know). I also love using [easyazon_link identifier=”B0739LQ1Z6″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]SK-II Essence[/easyazon_link] as a toner.
Nighttime is when I like to use products that have retinoids. I do this for two reasons: First, retinoids have been shown to thin the skin and make skin photosensitive. Though some companies that produce microencapsulated retinol and dermatologists who endorse microencapsulated retinol claim their products don’t do this, I’m not so sure. I stick with retinoid use at night. A favorite is [easyazon_link identifier=”B004K50BEG” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00I8PF8TW” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Skinceuticals Retinol 1.0[/easyazon_link], or FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5.
Once per week, in lieu of retinoids, I like to use a concentrated AHA treatment. My favorites are currently [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L3LDDD6″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Serum[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00APW0FTO” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Peel Pads[/easyazon_link].
I also won’t go at night without using peptides. The debate is still out whether or not peptides actually work because they’re too big to penetrate the skin — that whole Dalton rule in dermatology — but I for one notice results whenever I use them. My favorite eye cream is currently MDSUN Med-Eye Complex Cream.
My favorite nighttime moisturizer is actually a custom-formulated moisturizer I make for myself in our lab. I’m happy to make you one, as well, as the FutureDerm Customizable Moisturizer; currently, I only have the ability to custom-formulate 60 per month until I hire some more people to help me, so there may be a waiting list! That said, the FutureDerm Customizable Moisturizer I use has 4% niacinamide, argireline, Matrixyl, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and other ingredients. It has everything I could possibly need or want to keep my skin looking firm at night. Best of all, when I notice I’m getting a wrinkle, I infuse in more peptides; when I notice I’m looking more tired, I add in more vitamin C. It’s really cool!
So those items are the heart of my skin care routine. Please let me know if you have questions in the comments!
Love,
Nicki
Looking for the best skin care? FutureDerm is committed to having its customers find — and create — the best skin care for their individual skin type, concern, and based on your ingredient preferences. Learn more by visiting the FutureDerm shop!