Skin Care Tips from a Dermatologist
Whether your skin has been flaking, breaking out, or simply lacking its usual radiance, it’s time to get it looking and feeling healthy again! According to NYC expert dermatologist Elena Jones, who sees clients of all ages and skin concerns, including Humanrace skin-care founder Pharrell Williams, the best way is simple: a routine of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and applying sunscreen.
It may sound basic – but trust us when we say that this age-old formula works wonders on stressed winter skin as we transition into spring.
The incredible thing about skin is its ability to regenerate and rejuvenate,” she enthuses. “When you remain devoted to your skincare regimen, amazing results can be achieved! Pharrell’s flawless complexion serves as the ultimate testament of this – it’s all due his commitment to establishing a consistent routine.”
Unlike other dermatologists, Jones is passionate about formulating clean products. “Clean should be more than just a buzzword; it should mean only using ingredients that are safe and non-toxic,” she explains. “That’s why we follow the EU standard for personal care products which bans over 1,300 ingredients—a number far greater than what is prohibited in the USA (11).”
1. Cleanse Your Skin
According to Jones, selecting a mild cleanser that hydrates skin and keeps its natural oils intact is critical. This way, you can get rid of dirt, oil and pollution while simultaneously prepping your face for subsequent applications. If you have dry or normal skin type then cleansing once daily- at night time – should be enough; however if you are oily in nature then it is recommended to cleanse both morning and evening.
An exfoliating cleanser with more grits but yet gentle enough can also be used twice per day even when alpha hydroxy products or vitamin C treatments form part of the routine.
Gel: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Powder-to-foam: Odacite Green Ceremony Cleanser
Balm: Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm
2. Toner
Looking to take your cleansing routine a step further? Try adding toner into the mix, especially if you’re prone to breakouts or have an oily complexion.
100% Pure Restorative Sea Culture Hydrating Toner
100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Toner
3. Combat Skin Issues with Serum
Serums are powerful concentrations of active ingredients that address skin concerns such as dryness, rough texture and dullness. Unlike moisturizing creams, serums won’t aggravate oily or acne-prone skin but can help calm it down. Jones recommends using hyaluronic acid – a humectant which intensely hydrates by drawing in water molecules and helps deliver other ingredients deep into the layers of your skin.
In addition to this, Vitamin C Serums will give you a brighter complexion along with firmer texture while improving the overall texture of your delicate facial skin.
100% Pure Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum
PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
4. Exfoliate
Jones swears by glycolic acid for exfoliation, citing its benefit of unclogging pores and reducing wrinkles as well as increasing moisture. She also recommends enzymes to even out skin tone, along with retinoids for a smoother and brighter complexion. For those using retinoid with dry skin types it’s important to exfoliate twice weekly on alternate nights (not consecutively) followed up by moisturizing afterwards.
Oily or blemish-prone complexions should opt for three nonconsecutive days each week, alternating between the regular use of a retinoid one evening followed closely by an application of moisturizer the next night.
Dr. Alkaitis Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask
Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator
100% Pure Acai Pulp Facial Scrub
Regimen for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, begin your skincare routine with an exfoliating scrub made from a mild retinoid such as bakuchiol. The plant-based extract has been clinically proven to effectively plump wrinkles and firm skin, but without the usual redness, discomfort or sensitivity that comes with using retinol products. We are particularly fond of Follain’s mask containing bakuchiol – perfect for those who want smooth, youthful looking skin without any irritation!
Follain Ultra Hydrating Mask Restore and Soften
5. Always Moisturize
It is essential to remember that all skin craves moisture, and the simple tradition of applying a cream or oil can help to fill in wrinkles, enhance your complexion’s luminosity, and protect your skin from external elements. “Even if you have oily skin,” Jones explains. “Moisturizing with the correct formula will nurture it as well as maintain its balance.”
Humanrace utilizes an incredibly potent hyaluronic acid alongside squalane—both being ingredients which keep hydration locked in and make your face look dewy without escalating any blemish-prone areas. You’ll notice a refreshingly humidifying feel when massaging this product onto your cheeks!
100% Pure Seaberry Moisturizer
For Dry Skin
Eminence Organic Skin Care Facial Recovery Oil
6. Don’t Forget SPF
Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Not only does it help preserve collagen, which decreases with age as well as sun exposure, but also it acts a powerful guard against skin cancer. Make sure not to forget those hard-to-reach areas like your hands and neck when applying!
100% Pure Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Tinted
Marie Veronique Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
Applying sunscreen not only helps guard against skin cancer, it can also reduce the absorption of vitamin D. This is especially true for people with darker skin, as melanin reduces their bodies’ ability to produce this essential nutrient from sunlight. To reap all the benefits that come with Vitamin D intake and protection from sun damage, Jones advises: “Take a supplement and never forget your sunscreen!”