I know there’s literally such an overwhelming number of products advertised daily. 

Quite honestly, skincare products used to completely overwhelm me. 

Literally, every brand claims to provide a solution— So how do we tell which is fact VS. fiction in finding products that actually work?

Skin care is personal. And it definitely isn’t a one size fits all. 

There are factors to consider like skin type, product ingredients, the formula, and some  even the packaging can degrade the efficacy of a product —all of this to say, when I choose my products or any product I would recommend to a friend or patient, I do my homework first.

While price doesn’t always correlate to the efficacy of a product, there are a couple products I find ‘splurge worthy’ (note: you definitely don’t need to break the bank to have a solid + effective routine that works for you…in fact- there’s so many cost effective skincare products I recommend daily that I’ve shared over on my LTK) 

1. Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic serum: 

I’m sure this first product doesn’t come as a surprise to you if you’ve followed me for a bit- because you likely know I’m a big Skin Ceuticals fan. 

Since I’m quite particular about my skincare products and knowing the process of testing/clinical studies that these products have to go through prior to going on the market gives me confidence in anything within their line despite the price point. 

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic  is 110%, hands down, the don’t-leave-me-on-an-island-without-it product— a top favorite product that I will happily splurge on because of the difference it’s made on my skin! 

The best part about this formula, is that you can begin noticing the effects earlier than most other skin care products— which IMO is satisfying and encouraging to continue using versus ‘trusting the process’ and waiting 6-8 weeks for results. 

This glorious concoction has 15% Vitamin C (aka Asorbic Acid) works miracles on the appearance of my skin and keeps my blemishes under control. SC changed the market and made a formula with 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, increasing the products stability and antioxidant effects by 8 fold! (That’s wild, guys.)  

Vitamin C overall works to brighten and lighten the skin, has incredible anti-aging benefits (especially when paired with sunscreen), decreases redness, and improves the appearance of fine lines / wrinkles. — 

[Ferulic Acid enhances that protection against environmental free radicals that we come into contact with daily that can damage our skin, of which some deemed ‘atmospheric aging’]

TLDR; if you want a NEXT LEVEL morning combo to protect against signs of aging + develop a beautiful glow, add CE Ferulic + Sunscreen into your everyday routine. 

Of note: If you’re acne prone, you may benefit more using the Silymarin CF formula instead (essentially the same product, but with salicylic Acid for the anti-blemish protection)

2. The Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer by Drunk Elephant– 

To be completely honest with you, it wasn’t until Drunk Elephant gifted me the Protini with a few of their other products that I believed the hype around this moisturizer. Like I’ve said before, I have yet to find a DE product that I don’t like. This company makes effective products + I swear by the Protini for anyone with dry or dehydrate skin like myself. I used to apply moisturizers before bed and would wake up with skin feeling tighten and dull, until I found this. It honestly saved me from the a continued cycle of irritation s/o to the Hospital air that is dry af. 

It’s definitely a thicker consistency, but without the heavy feeling— Actually, during winter months I even apply it twice a day in the mornings and at night without feeling greasy or weighed down. The ingredients are protein rich cream with folic acid and antioxidants that binds moisture to skin—visibly restoring bounce and replenishes nutrients to skin like a tall glass of water

3. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads:

Honestly, the more I really think about this product- the more I’m obsessed.

The Dr.Dennis Gross Peel pads are such an amazing universal product that most skin types can apply (gradual until regular use is tolerated) & have great results! 

AND they treat so many skincare concerns; acne, dark spots, dullness, uneven skin, signs of aging – you name it! 

Haha, wow…these peel pads get me hype! 

This treatment is a blend of a few hydroxy acids, of these being AHA and BHA which have gained popularity in recent years within the beauty industry for their exfoliating properties.

Basically, AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) think glycolic, lactic or mandelic acids & BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids): salicylic acid or betaine salicylate.

Okay so back to the peel pads….

The packaging is truly so simple and smart.

Yes I’m a sucker for good branding….but it’s not even the aesthetics of the packaging here, its beyond that: These pads are individually packed and come pre-soaked, which ensures the effectiveness of their 2-step process (every chemical peel has 2 steps) and eliminates the possibility of building bacteria like a dropper or jar has the potential of doing. 

Of the 3 different peel pad strengths offered, I opt for the universal pads (though, the extra strength is def next on my list to try). These universal pads contain a combination of 5 acids, which may sound intense…but just enough to be tolerated for use by beginners as well (I wouldn’t apply more than 1-2/ wk for a few weeks until skin adjusts).

The 1^st step contains potent alpha and beta hydroxy acids that chemically exfoliate, effectively loosen layers of dead skin cells and treat pores. The 2^nd step involves key ingredients like retinol and green tea extract which come in and nourishes the fresh layer of skin with hydrating, anti-aging ingredients to renew your skin and restore a youthful look.

Apply the first wipe to dry / clean skin, wait two minutes while I brush my teeth, then swipe the second one over my face & within minutes your skin will glow! I love using this in the nighttime if I want to wake up with a glowy complexion!

I have so many more products that I could include here, but for now these are my top splurges that I’ve bought several times each + have fantastic results using! Be sure to let me know if you find any of these to be helpful as I love hearing your feedback + comparisons to others you’ve used!

Xx,

AK