by I used to think it was just my bathroom cabinet that was out of whack. However, recently a friend, desperate for her ever-expanding beauty routine, showed me her bathroom shelves and she has almost as much stock as Space NK.
The trend of applying layers of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C, in addition to peels and masks, means that we are bombing our faces and our skin is suffering. But how do you restart when there are thousands of products out there promising amazing results?
Enter GetHarley, an online consultation service that connects clients with the right skin experts. Whether your problem is acne, eczema, dark circles or you just want a BS-free beauty routine, GetHarley will find your match. Mine was Dr. Fiona McCarthy, an oncologist who switched to esthetics in 2015 after experiencing skin pigmentation during her pregnancy. She also, according to her biography, has “a holistic and preventative approach to aging.” Excellent.
I might ask where you stand on the ‘cleanliness vs. science’ argument and if the two are mutually exclusive. “It’s actually quite simple,” Dr. McCarthy says encouragingly. There are three main scientifically proven ingredients that keep skin youthful: vitamin A (or retinol as it is commonly known), SPF, and antioxidants, of which vitamin C is the best.
She doesn’t use toners, praises cheap moisturizers (save your money for products with active ingredients), exploits the idea that we should stick to one brand for everything (“no brand excels at all products”), and recommends creamy cleansers as you go. we grow old . “Most cleansers work, so the key is choosing the right formula for your skin type.”
Cream-based cleansers are better for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin — try Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — while foams are better for oily skin. She considers many eye creams to be a waste of time, as most don’t contain ingredients that make a long-term difference in skin quality, though she does rate the Medik8 r-Retinoate eye serum.
“It has a novel form of high-strength retinol, which is formulated in a way that doesn’t dry out the skin but gets results.” Although he suggests using it twice a week initially, instead of the daily application recommended in the product.
Dr. McCarthy has treated melanomas for years and believes that using a daily SPF, in addition to your moisturizer, is the best thing you can do for your skin. ‘If you hate the idea of chemicals penetrating your skin, opt for a mineral one, which provides a physical barrier. Must contain UVA and UVB. If you are worried about blue light, the combination of SPF with vitamin C will ensure that you are fully protected.
She recommends Heliocare Oil-Free Gel, which leaves skin hydrated and dewy. She loves vitamin C because in addition to brightening the skin, it stimulates collagen production. But don’t use it more than once a day. Skinbetter Science High Defense Serum, which contains vitamins C, E, and 19 and other antioxidants, is a cream rather than a serum, and is particularly popular for mature skin. It’s expensive, but she says it’s worth it. As for hyaluronic acid, her pick is Vichy Minéral 89, which can replace thicker moisturizers when warm weather returns. ‘It’s light but intensely hydrating.’
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