16 Skincare Products & Regimens We’re in Love With Right Now
We LOVE a good skin care product. So much so, that we decided to compile a list of some of our favourite regimens, products and must-have ingredients that are guaranteed to help you love your skin this season.
When it comes to regimens, you’ll get the best results by following all the steps: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer and eye cream, plus twice-per-week exfoliation.
It’s an investment in both time and money, but your skin is your largest organ and one of the few things about your appearance you can’t hide. Healthy, glowing skin can take years off your looks and boost your confidence better than (or as well as) a great pair of Spanx.
A good skin care regimen helps covers a multitude of sins, including lack of sleep, aging and dehydration caused by too little water and (ahem) too much alcohol. And the better your skin looks, the less makeup you’ll need and want. Yay savings!
Some “it” ingredients to look for:
Caffeine – From targeting free radicals to stimulating blood flow, caffeine is quickly proving it belongs on your skin, not just in your cup.
Charcoal – This relatively new skin care ingredient not only draws dirt and impurities to skin’s surface, leaving your complexion clean and refreshed, but it does so without clogging pores or being metabolized into the body.
Green Tea – Considered one of the most potent antioxidants, green tea is said to fight the signs of aging in all skin types.
Hyaluronic Acid – Don’t let the word “acid” scare you. Hyaluronic is the good kind because it replenishes critical moisture and revitalizes skin’s outer layers, making it especially good for dry, winter skin.
Retinol – A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol works by stimulating blood flow and cell turnover. Note that many dermatologists recommend retinol be used only at night because of the dangers of sun exposure on newly regenerated skin.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C’s research-backed claim that it can help make skin brighter, firmer and less inflamed is why we’re seeing this ingredient pop up in many products, especially serums.
Some of our favourite regimens:
Olay Regenerist. Turning back the clock is what this line does best and with a range of more than 20 products, from cleansers to moisturizers to serums, it’s easy to customize a skin care routine that fits your specific needs. Available at most drug stores.
L’Oréal Revitalift. Firmer and more lifted skin? Sounds good to us. The Revitalift line uses the powerful antioxidant Pro-Retinol A to revitalize cell metabolism and boost collagen production which leaves skin smoother and softer. Available at most drug stores.
Beautycounter. This skin care and cosmetics brand prides itself on offering “better beauty” by refusing to include hundreds of harsh chemicals and ingredients – even those permitted under current government standards. Beautycounter’s full skin care line includes cleansers, toners, moisturizers, masks, serums, lip and eye care as well as sun protection. Available through beautycounter.com
Drunk Elephant. It’s hard to pick a favourite item from this line of decadent products (Lala Retro Whipped Cream, anyone?) but you’ll have fun trying. This line is great for women with combination skin, who need different solutions for different areas of the face. Plus, it’s just fun to say. Available at Sephora.
Clinique. For years Clinique has been telling us that great skin requires multiple steps. And while cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize is still the brand’s manta, Clinique has managed to capture increased market share via more modern and diverse product lines. Whether it’s dryness, acne, age prevention or lack of radiance, there’s something for you among Clinique’s reams of specialized products. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Products we love:
Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar $30 at beautycounter.com
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads $13 at most drugstores
Dermologica calm water gel $65 at dermalogica.ca
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer $20 at most drugstores
Lancome Tonique Confort $39 at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum $30 at most drugstores
Bioderma Micellar Water $15-$20 at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask $34 at Sephora
No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum $28 at Shoppers Drug Mart
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Dermabrasion Cream $57 on Amazon
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Facial Oil $60 at Sephora
No matter what regimen or products you use, you can always help your skin look its best by using an SPF every day, washing your face nightly, and staying hydrated.
