These days you may not be able to schedule all your favorite cosmetic treatments, but there are ways to achieve results in the luxury of your own home. Here are some tips and answered questions to help with healthy skin maintenance using physician approved medical grade products.
Q: Which at-home products can replicate results like Botox?
Ashley: Honestly, I do not know if there are any products on the market that can truly replicate Botox. What I can recommended are some products that may enhance the skin texture. Product lines with Retinol such as ZO Skin Health, have several alternative products. My personal favorite is the Radical night repair which has 1% retinol and ZO-RRS (powerful antioxidant and plant stem cells) technology. This product tightens, smooths and firms the skin while helping to even out skin discoloration.
Another product you may want to try is Refissa (Retinoic Acid .5%), also known as Tretinoin, this will be your more aggressive product. Refissa will help with texture while reducing deep lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation or melasma. Also, another great benefit of Refissa is it helps restore hydration and supports a healthy skin barrier function. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to try products containing Growth Factor or peptides.
Q: What products can be used to keep skin plump when fillers are not available?
Ashley: Hyaluronic Acid plumps and hydrates the skin immediately, as well as providing long-term benefits. My go-to product is the H.A Intensifier by SkinCeuticals. This product is “A drink for the Skin” if you are seeking volume. H.A Intensifier is a multi-functioning serum proven to amplify and maintain the skin’s own hyaluronic acid levels to help restore your skin’s natural appearance. Hyaluronic acid is a water binder and excellent for Dry or Dehydrated skin.
Q: What are your favorite skincare products to help tone and tighten the skin?
Ashley: The LHA toner by SkinCeuticals is great for toning and tightening if you have combination to oily skin types. If you have the time to enhance your skin care regimen try adding in a few facial massage techniques. This will help with blood flow and really exercise your facial muscles.
Q: What at-home skincare products mimic an in-office chemical peel?
Ashley: Great Question! There are 2 products to give you excellent results. First one, is Enzymatic Peel by ZO Skin Health. This product does have a tingle sensation but is safe to sleep in to let it work into the skin overnight. Not only will this product digest the dead skin cells on the surface, but it also has glycolic acid, safflower, broccoli extract to renew the surface and replenish lipids to improve skin’s barrier. Second, SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew (also an overnight use product) will give you great results.
Q: What at-home skincare products can help exfoliate skin similar to dermaplaning?
Ashley: My personal favorite is the Exfoliating Polish by ZOskinhealth. The ultra-fine crystals have a great grit to brighten the skin while relishing lipids and hydration. You will instantly notice a smoothing texture and the polish has a nice warming sensation while you are working it into your skin.
Q: What product would you suggest for someone with sensitive skin who is wanting to build Collagen?
Ashley: I would recommend the Regenerating Skin Nectar by Alastin. This product was formulated for pre-post medical procedures, but it does so much more. It has TriHex Technology that helps support the skin’s ability to produce new elastin and Collagen to restore and renew. It is formulated with B5 and antioxidants to calm and reduce redness. Regenerating Skin Nectar not only will strengthen the skin but will help prevent further damage. This product is even a great recommendation for someone with Rosacea.
Q: What products would you recommend for an easy at-home facial?
Ashley: If your wanting to keep it simple: Cleans, exfoliate, tone, moisturizer and always SPF.
A great everyday cleanser is the Gentle Cleanser by ZO Skin Health. It is safe for all skin types. This cleanser provides antioxidants while replenishing hydration. If you are trying to stay simple, I would try the SkinCeuticals Clarify Exfoliating Cleanser. It is a dual action product of a cleanser and mechanical exfoliator. The exfoliation beads will help remove the dead skin cells on the surface while the active ingredients of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid will unclog pores, brighten skin complexion and increase cell turnover. The ZO Skin Health Calming Toner is a great choice. It will reduce redness or inflammation and has a nice soothing sensation on the skin. For moisturizers, I prefer a lighter weight texture due to living in Florida with the humidity. I highly recommend the Hydrating cream by Zo Skin Health. This lightweight moisturizer reduces dryness and improves rough texture skin. This product even can be used to reduce the intensity of eczema flair ups and was awarded the “The Seal of Acceptance” by The National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/accepted-eczema-products/zo-skin-health-hydrating-creme/. Lastly, we always want to prevent premature aging and I always apply an SPF after any facial.
Q: What Kinds of makeup give you the “no makeup” makeup look
Ashley: I love this question. Every year I notice I’m wearing less…. and less makeup in addition becoming more confident in my skin. I always keep a ZO Skin Health SPF primer in my purse, which has the perfect blend of tint. This is one of the best SPF primers and even fills in the fine lines, so your makeup will not crease. In addition, I will add a clear glossed lip and if I am feeling spicy, I’ll add a bronze-tone highlighter using the moon shape technique around the eyes followed by the T-zone area for that perfect Sunkissed look.
Q: What are your favorite sunscreen products?
Ashley: Understanding how sunscreens work and the ingredients in them can really help prevent and protect you from UV rays. There are two types of SPF’s Chemical and Physical. A chemical SPF sunscreen when applied to the skin absorbs UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays) and converts the rays into heat and releases them from the body. This type of sunscreen is great for anyone who plays outdoor sports due to its longer lasting effects. As opposed to a Physical Sunscreen that will reflect and scatter the UVA and UVB rays across the skin surface but may need to be reapplied more frequently.
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 by SkinCeuticals is an excellent choice for full body SPF. It is a weightless fluid that combines 100% mineral filters with translucent color spheres for effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an even, radiant finish. Of course, I have already shared my love for the ZO Skin Heath SPF Primer, but have you heard of Alastin’s HydraTint?
Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral sunscreen is a physical tinted SPF that is lightweight, but it also enhances the skin’s hydration and is formulated with antioxidants that shield against environmental pollution.
If you would like to learn more about any of these products or would like to meet for a one on one individualized skincare consult, I can be reached at 386-274-5557, and would love to answer any of your skincare concerns!
Be Healthy and Stay Safe,
Ashley, Certified Medical Aesthetician