If you're someone just dipping your toe into the skincare world, or even if you're a skincare junkie like I am but some days you need a bare minimum routine... don't worry. I've got you covered. Here are my top three absolute must-have products that I require regardless of time, place, or circumstances.
1. An antioxidant
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a triple antioxidant mentioned extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals and it’s a Vitamin C serum demonstrated to provide powerful environmental protection due to a synergistic combination of 15% pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), pure Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol), and 0.5% Ferulic Acid. The Duke Antioxidant Patent outlines the formulation parameters required for the effective delivery of Vitamin C to the skin: pure L-Ascorbic Acid, an acidic pH within the 2.0-3.5 range, and formulated at a concentration between 10-20%. SkinCeuticals makes various antioxidants, so there’s an ideal formulation for every skin type/concern.
2. A retinoid
I have various favorites! The formulation I reach for depends on what I’m looking for in terms of the product’s strength, texture, delivery system, and the area being treated (face, neck, undereye, or body). Some top picks include:
- Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (for sensitive/reactive skin types)
- RoC RETINOL CORREXION Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (for all skin types except sensitive)
- SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair (for neck & décolleté)
- Skin Better Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream (for the eye area)
- Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion (for body application)
3. A sunscreen
I have a hands-down favorite for my face! Isdin Eryfotana Ageless Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This powerhouse water-resistant mineral SPF is fantastic for daily wear & defending against the signs of premature photoaging. And as I always say, the best sunscreen is the one that you’re going to wear – and this one is cosmetically elegant with a lovely texture! It’s lightweight while still hydrating and it provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The sheer/weightless formula contains an almost ground-breaking DNA repair technology, 11% Zinc Oxide (this is a HUGE plus), various peptides, and the antioxidant Vitamin E too. There are both tinted and untinted options available, and I LOVE the large size, 3.4 fl oz.