Skin Care Essentials

Hello friends, it’s Lili here at Rinnova Skin & Body. I’m giving some advice for your skin routine while we’re all in quarantine. Most of us already know that good skin care involves more than just washing your face! However, once you get past sunscreen and moisturizers, you might feel a little lost. There are so many types of products out there, and there’s no way to craft the right routine for yourself especially if you don’t know what these products do. Here are my recommendations for starting a skin care regimen! Please use these products in the order they are listed. I miss you all and can’t wait to see you soon! Remember, keeping up on a good home skin care regimen preps the skin for successful in-office treatments and maintains your results!! XOXO

1. Cleanser

Most dermatologists agree it is important to cleanse the face twice daily to get bacteria, dirt and pollutants off your skin. However, there are different types of cleansers that are better suited to certain types of skin. 

For example, someone prone to breakouts may use a cleanser with salicylic acid only to find it has the reverse effect. When skin is dried out, it increases oil production, which can only make a breakout more prevalent. That’s why I personally like to alternate a gentle cleanser (Rinnova Soothing Gentle Cleanser) with an active one (with salicylic acid or AHA).

The best approach would be to get a skin assessment and a product recommendation that is most suitable for your skin type. 

2. Exfoliator 

Exfoliation is a crucial part of any skin care routine, but it can also be intimidating for those who are just starting their beauty regimen and are unsure of what exactly an exfoliator does. To put it simply, any product or device used on the skin to remove dead skin cells is an exfoliator, which can then be classified as either chemical or physical.

Physical or manual exfoliators slough away dead skin cells on the surface layer using mechanical force. On the other hand, chemical exfoliators (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid) chemically break or dissolve bonds between dead skin cells. The Thermal Polishing Cream from our Rinnova line is one of my favorite manual exfoliators! I like taking a steamy shower to help activate the cleanser. It is seriously an at home facial in your shower!!! 

3. Active

Active products are used to address specific skin concerns such as acne, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and inflammation. These formulations can be found in creams, gels, lotions, solutions, serums and medicated facial pads.

The type of treatment you need and the benefits it delivers to your skin largely depends on your concerns.  The most common active ingredients in treatments are retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene to address fine lines and wrinkles or hydroquinone to diminish age spots. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are commonly used to treat acne. Topical steroids can be used for skin allergies and inflammation. Vitamin C & E are excellent antioxidants which should be part of anyone’s daily skin care routine. April 2^nd is National Vitamin C Day and a great time to include that your regimen. Peptides and growth factors are also found in anti-aging treatment formulas.

At Rinnova Skin & Body, Dr. Becker formulates prescription strength Lightening and Brightening creams with tretinoin and hydroquinone as well as prescription strength pads that are customized to each individual. If you are already a patient at Rinnova and we know your skin, feel to call or email with questions about these products and we can send them to you!

4. Serum

Serums usually contain antioxidants, which help fight free radical damage. They can also contain anti-aging ingredients such as retinols and peptides, which stimulate collagen production. Because they penetrate deep into the skin, these products are great for hydrating dry skin. They are best used after your cleanser, and they can be used underneath moisturizers to treat the skin while sleeping! 

Here are a few of my favorite serums! Our Rinnova Skincare Pure Hydration is a hyaluronic acid serum that visibly reduces signs of aging with a blend of humectants and antioxidants for supple, smooth, glowing skin. Transdermal C serum by Truth treatment systems is a newer one we carry also. Transdermal C serum improves collagen and elastin production, diminishes hyperpigmentation, and boosts production of moisture factors and antioxidants!

5. Face Oil

Nutrient-filled face oils help to build a resilient layer for your skin, no matter your skin type. They can be very hydrating, which makes them especially useful for those with dry skin. Jojoba oil and grapeseed oil are great for pretty much every skin type and issue. Ideally, add two or three drops to a moisturizer or serum. For acne-prone skin, I find that tea tree oil works well and that vitamin C reduce mild scarring. I also love Herbivore products for face oils (www.Herbivorebotanicals.com). My favorites include: Lapis oil for acne prone skin and Emerald Oil. Also Phoenix Oil for Dry skin types. You can find most of these on Amazon!

6. Moisturizer

To help keep your skin looking younger I recommend using moisturizer from head to toe. The face, neck and décolletage should get moisturizer twice daily as should elbows, knees and feet. There are many kinds of moisturizers available for different skin types, but if you really want to keep your skin hydrated, look for moisturizers that contain glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

 If you are dealing with severe dry skin as most Coloradans are, you don’t have to look very far. I absolutely love our Rinnova Restorative Biotherapy Cream for a moisturizing night cream that repairs the skin. It contains a biomimetic ceramide complex and lipid replenishment technology that aids in skin hydration and helps repair the skin barrier. Another good over the counter product is Aquaphor, which is acne safe! I use it my for hands, elbows, lips, cracked skin anywhere. Here is a list of moisturizers I recommend that we carry:

Triple Antioxidant Cream is a luxurious cream that combines the power of 90% green tea polyphenols, caffeine, and resveratrol to give you unbelievable antioxidant protection. This formulation visibly reduces the signs of redness and inflammation, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and is moisture enhanced with hyaluronic acid.

Neckletage is specifically developed for the neck and décolleté to hydrate, firm and tighten skin that loses collagen with age.

Nourishing Day Cream is a gentle everyday moisturizer with antioxidants that is suitable to all skin types.

Advanced Eye Repair is formulated with all-trans retinol and 90% green polyphenols to target fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness under the eyes.

7. Sunscreen

Sunscreens are essential for protecting your skin from UV damage, no matter the weather. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to apply sunscreen beyond just the typical bottle. Everyone should be using a moisturizer with SPF even in winter! If you’re outside or live in warmer climates, it’s even more important to protect your face. The key is to know your skin type and use sunscreen that is a suitable fit. At Rinnova Skin & Body, we carry the full Elta MD line of sunscreen. One of my all-time favorites is UV Elements which is a tinted purely physical blocker. I also love Revision Intellishade Original. These two are my fav before I leave the house. Since sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, try Glo pressed powder with SPF or a Colorscience brush with SPF 50 at work, on the go, or before a hike.