A proper skin care routine is critical for promoting healthy and youthful appearing skin. I have three fundamental principles when creating a Foulad MD skin care regimen.
The first principle involves preventative measures for reducing sun damage. The UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds destroys vital skin structures leading to premature aging. Sun exposure causes wrinkles, texture irregularities, and dark spots. In addition, sun exposure breaks down your skin’s defense and increases the risk of skin cancer. This photo published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows the aging effect caused by 28 years of sun exposure to the left side of a truck driver’s face. In order to reduce sun damage to your skin, you should limit sun exposure and use a sunscreen. In addition, antioxidants can be used help reduce the damaging free radicals caused by UV rays.
The second principle involves immediate skin improvements. This entails keeping the skin clean and hydrated. By removing debris from the surface of the skin and infusing the skin with hydration, you will encourage healthy and fresh skin.
The third principle involves obtaining structural skin benefits through the gradual improvement of collagen and elastin. Collagen provides the strength and foundation of the skin. Elastin allows the skin to bounce back if it is stretched. Together, collagen and elastin keep our skin firm. A decrease in these building blocks of the skin can lead to wrinkles and aging skin. The production and remodeling of collagen takes time, but is critical for any skin care routine. Retinoids are one of the most widely proven topical skin care products that promote collagen and elastin.
We are all unique and there is no single routine that is optimal for everyone. However, I will review a basic skin care regimen that provides a good foundation for many people. My goal is to keep the skin care regimen as simple as possible, but achieving the greatest results. The skin care industry is booming and consumers have an overwhelming amount of skin care options to choose from. Some of these products are proven through science, while others may just be marketing hype.
Morning Skin Care Routine
Wash Face
I recommend a face wash that cleans deeply, but is gentle. You do not want to strip all the essential oils from your skin. You want to promote micro-exfoliation, without visible skin sloughing or drying out the skin.
[Foulad MD product: Cleanser]
Renewing Cleanser - $36
Product Description:
A deep, but gentle, cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Papaya Fruit Extract to help remove impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Benefits:
- Cleanses deeply and removes cosmetics, without harshly stripping the skin of necessary moisture and oils.
- Exfoliates skin to encourage the healthy production of new cells.
- Contains potent antioxidants.
- Ideal for a wide range of skin types.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid 0.4%
Papaya Fruit Extract
Allantoin
Panthenol
Apply Antioxidant
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. There are many forms of Vitamin C, some more effective than others. An excellent form of Vitamin C that is potent and stable is L-ascorbic acid. Ferulic acid and Vitamin E are also excellent antioxidants that boost the powers of Vitamin C.
[Foulad MD product: Antioxidants]
Antioxidants - $95
Product Description:
A potent serum containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid that helps neutralize free radicals and boost collagen remodeling.
Benefits:
- Provides anti-oxidant protection and protects against photoaging of the skin.
- Boosts collagen synthesis.
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) 15.0%
- Vitamin E 1.0 %
- Ferulic Acid 0.5%
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Apply Hydrator and/or Moisturizer
A hydrator improves the water content within your skin cells. Typically, hydrators are absorbed into your skin and do not leave a residue at the surface of the skin. A moisturizer forms a barrier over the skin’s surface and seals in moisture. If you use both products, it is important to use the hydrator first, and then apply the moisturizer.
[Foulad MD product: Hydrator]
Hydrating Serum - $79
Product Description:
Ultra lightweight serum containing hyaluronic acid that provides hydration without an oily residue.
Benefits:
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan.
- Effectively hydrates without leaving an oily residue on the skin.
- Smooths and improves elasticity.
- Reaches deep into the dermis layer to attract and maintain water.
- Promotes blood and skin microcirculation to maintain normal metabolism.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
Sodium Hyaluronate: Naturally occurring in the human body, this gentle ingredient is responsible for keeping skin plump and hydrated, which results in younger-looking skin.
Soybean Seed Extract: An amino acid-rich extract that helps in wound healing, stimulates elastin and collagen synthesis, and increases oxygen in tissues.
Green Tea Leaf Extract: Naturally rich antioxidant that provides a multitude of anti-aging skin benefits.
Aloe Extract: This soothing extract helps bind moisture to the skin.
[Foulad MD product: Moisturizer]
Soothing Moisturizer - $63
Product Description:
A lightweight moisturizing treatment that helps soothe the skin.
Contains a blend of ingredients to increase moisture levels, protect against environmental factors, and reduce skin irritation.
Benefits:
- Contains ceramides to support and hydrate the skin.
- Helps combat against the irritation caused by hydroxy acids, retinoids, and other highly active treatment products.
- Decreases trans-epidermal water loss.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
- Cactus Extract: A light and easily absorbing extract that includes linoleic acid (a fatty acid that is essential in stimulating healthy cell production and turnover), vitamin E (which provides protection and helps skin retain moisture), and flavonoids (which are anti-inflammatory).
- Ceramides NP, AP, EOP, and Phytosphingosine: Naturally occurring long chain of lipids that hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier.
- Biosaccharide Gum-1: A moisturizing and skin soothing ingredient that creates a moisture-binding film on the skin.
- Yeast Extract: Provides hydrating, anti-aging, and skin brightening benefits.
- Allantoin: An extract from the root of the comfrey plant that works to help heal the skin and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue.
- Bisabolol: A resin obtained from chamomile that reduces inflammation, provides deep moisturization, reduces hyperpigmentation, and softens fine lines.
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Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that damage the skin. There are two categories of sunscreens, chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain compounds (such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone) that are absorbed into your skin and block UV rays through a chemical reaction. Physical sunscreens contain minerals (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) that lay over your skin and “physically” block and reflect the UV rays. Each type of sunscreen has advantages and disadvantages. Physical sunscreens are less likely to irritate the skin, clog pores, and enter your blood stream. In addition, they are safer for the ocean ecosystems. A significant disadvantage of physical sunscreens is that they are usually thicker and can form a white residue on the skin. Advanced formulations have reduced the downsides of physical blockers so that they are not as thick. Also, the addition of a light universal tint helps avoid the white cast. Some sunscreens may also contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, which may be sufficient for your skin without the need of separate products.
[Foulad MD product: Tinted Sunscreen]
Tinted Sunscreen - $39
Product Description:
A mineral-based (physical blocker) sunscreen that is lightly tinted and hydrating.
Benefits:
- Does not include any chemical sunscreen filter ingredients.
- Special formulation avoids the chalky and white-cast that may be associated with physical sunscreens.
- The light tint is compatible with a wide range of skin tones.
- Gentle for sensitive skin types.
- Can be worn alone or under makeup.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 44.
- Water-resistant (40 minutes).
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
- Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 10%, Titanium Dioxide 5.5%
- Other Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Evening Skin Care Routine
Wash Face
You can use the same face wash that you use in the morning.
[Foulad MD product: Cleanser]
Renewing Cleanser - $36
Product Description:
A deep, but gentle, cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Papaya Fruit Extract to help remove impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Benefits:
- Cleanses deeply and removes cosmetics, without harshly stripping the skin of necessary moisture and oils.
- Exfoliates skin to encourage the healthy production of new cells.
- Contains potent antioxidants.
- Ideal for a wide range of skin types.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid 0.4%
Papaya Fruit Extract
Allantoin
Panthenol
Apply Retinoid
Retinoids, such as retinol and tretinoin, are excellent for promoting collagen and elastin. Retinoid 101 is an article that reviews the incredible benefits of retinoids.
[Foulad MD product: Retinol 0.5%]
RETINOL 0.5% - $79
Product Description:
This is a potent, yet gentle, retinol formulation that promotes collagen remodeling and improves the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles. Compared to the 1% formulation, this less concentrated 0.5% version is great for individuals who are first starting a retinoid regimen or are concerned about having sensitive skin.
Benefits:
- A retinoid complex specially formulated to improve efficacy.
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
- Counteracts the photoaging effects of UV damage.
- Reduces wrinkles.
- Improves skin tone and texture.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
- Retinol 1.0%
- Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
[Foulad MD product: Retinol 1%]
RETINOL 1% - $86
Product Description:
This is a potent, yet gentle, retinol formulation that promotes collagen remodeling and improves the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.
Benefits:
- A retinoid complex specially formulated to improve efficacy.
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
- Counteracts the photoaging effects of UV damage.
- Reduces wrinkles.
- Improves skin tone and texture.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
- Retinol 1.0%
- Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Apply Growth Factor Cream
Like retinoids, topical growth factors are excellent for promoting collagen and elastin. However, growth factors are less likely to cause skin irritation compared to retinoids.
You can either use retinoids or growth factor creams together or you can alternate between the two every other night.
RETINOL 0.5% - $79
Product Description:
This is a potent, yet gentle, retinol formulation that promotes collagen remodeling and improves the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles. Compared to the 1% formulation, this less concentrated 0.5% version is great for individuals who are first starting a retinoid regimen or are concerned about having sensitive skin.
Benefits:
- A retinoid complex specially formulated to improve efficacy.
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
- Counteracts the photoaging effects of UV damage.
- Reduces wrinkles.
- Improves skin tone and texture.
- Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and fragrances.
- Not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients:
- Retinol 1.0%
- Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
