Anti-Aging Skincare: Every Product You Need in Your Cabinet

With so many choices out there in the market, it’s not easy sifting through the noise to know exactly which products you should spend your hard-earned paycheck on. Especially the ones that will really make a difference. So we took the guesswork out of skincare shopping for you and we’ve crafter a short list of the 4 absolute must-haves in your anti-aging arsenal.

1. Sunscreen

While it might feel amazing to relax at the beach sans sticky sunblock (and look amazing for a few days right after), all that time in the sun can actually do a number on your skin. When you spend time in the sun without wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, it can lead to major damage later on, which can show up on your skin as pre-mature wrinkles, leathery texture, dark spots and even skin cancer (Yikes!). That doesn’t sound pretty, does it? That’s why it’s important to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen DAILY—and no, not just on beach days. Overcast days push just as much harmful UV rays as bright sunny days.

Our Skincare Pick: Try our Elite MD Sheer Shield SPF 50+ or our Vitamin C Anti-Oxidant Sunscreen SPF 30 which is formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen, glycolic acid, and vitamin c. Apply it as the last step in your morning skin care routine daily, as directed, for long term effects.

2. Retinol

If there’s one product that skin docs swear by, its Retinol. Retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It decreases fine lines, evens skin color, improves texture, tightens pores, and stimulates blood flow and collagen production. But its important to note that Retinol breaks down when exposed to sun and air, so products containing Retinol or Retin-A should only be used at night.

If you’re looking for fast results, talking to your derm about a prescription may be the way to go, but if your skin is unfamiliar with the strong stuff, best to start of slow-starting with gentle, over-the-counter versions is often a safer route.

Our skincare pick: Try our Elite MD Retinol Forte Smoothing Serum. It comes in a few levels of concentration so you can build up your skin’s tolerance and to your optimal level of Retinol for your skin. It fights signs of aging while works synergistically with green tea polyphenols to build up the skin matrix and help guard from free radical damage

3. Vitamin C Serum

 To seriously upgrade your skin care routine, it’s time to say hello to serum. Typically, serums are highly concentrated formulas that target specific complexion concerns, such as dark spots and wrinkles. They can also help to improve the overall appearance of your skin when used in conjunction with a proper moisturizing combo. Talk about a win-win! Unsure of where serum should fall in your skin care routine? The answer: You should apply one in between cleansing and moisturizing.

Skincare product pick: Try Elite MD’s Brightening Vitamin C Serum. With continued use over time, this serum that stimulates collagen production and also firms the skin. It contains peptides and other ingredients like that help to produce new collagen and elastin to restore volume and plump the skin while also improving radiance and shrinking pores. Now who doesn’t want that?

4. Exfoliators

Exfoliation refers to the removal of the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down. This means that the body is slower to shed skin cells and generate new ones. When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough, and dry. Also, the build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and acne.  But proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin and uncovers fresh new cells below. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. In short, a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh, healthy and more youthful.

Exfoliators come in some many forms- scrubs, peels, microdermabrasion options, the list goes on. Since skin needs vary, finding the right exfoliator for your skin type is important so as not overly damage skin or dry it out. Ask your dermatologist for the proper medium for your skin maintenance and they can help point you in the right direction.

Skincare product pick: Try our Elite MD Green Tea Polishing Scrub– its micro grain texture is gentle enough for newbies who are introducing exfoliation to their routine, but potent enough for those of you who exfoliate regularly and are looking for both a high-performing resurfacing that’s also a calming and anti-inflammatory.

So there you have it! Our top 4 things you shouldn’t live without. As always, if you have problem skin, you should always consult a board certified dermatologist before any major skincare regimen change.  To schedule a private consult, email us at [email protected].