I recently started using some SkinCeuticals products…I’d say it’s been about a month. That’s enough time to see the initial results of a skincare regime. The line’s mission “is to improve skin health. Dedicated to this purpose, we make one simple promise — provide quality products backed by science.”  There is a great deal of scientific research and information (clinical trials) backing up these skin care products.

So far, I’ve used the Gentle Cleanser – A creamy cleanser with a hint of citrus fragrance for sensitive or traumatized skin.  This cleanser is calming and soothing and removes makeup and impurities – great for use after various skin rejuvenation procedures (laser treatments, IPL, chemical peels).  I prefer to use this cleanser at night – to take off the day & makeup.  I massage a small amount over face, neck and chest – splash with water – and remove the remainder with a warm wet washcloth.  I’ve also used the Simply Clean cleanser – A skin refining gel cleanser (slightly foamy) that is great for oily/combination skin.  I tend to use this one in the mornings – when I need a bit of exfoliation with my cleansing.  This cleanser is formulated with 5 hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells (smoothes out rough texture) – it also helps clarify the skin (prevents/heals breakouts).

In conjunction with the cleansers, I’ve used the Equalizing Toner.  Optimal for combination or oily skin, Equalizing Toner helps balance, refresh, and restore the skin’s protective pH mantle while removing residue.

The SkinCeuticals line is probably best known for it’s vast array of preventative topical antioxidant serums.  These serums are formulated with top ingredients that work to neutralize damaging free radicals that come from UV exposure (UV radiation is known to cause 90% of photoaging – fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation).  These serums are also formulated with Vitamin C (a patented technology using L-ascorbic acid) which is required for the skin to synthesize collagen.  It may take 2-3 months to observe some visible changes in the skin (diminished appearance of lines, wrinkles, and sun spots) – but improvements in the texture tone and clarity of skin are observable within a few days.  I’ve tried the breakthrough Phloretin CF – a new class of preventive and corrective topical antioxidant treatment.  This serum combines phloretin, vitamin C, and ferulic acid – prevents premature signs of aging and corrects existing photodamage and prevents cell mutation by shielding skin’s DNA.  Clinical trial – before and after pictures of consistent use of Phloretin CF are pretty amazing.

By far, my favorite product I’ve tried is the Hydrating B5 Gel.  As the name suggests – this formulation contains vitamin B5 (helps with tissue repair and to replenish nutrients) and hyaluronic acid (binds moisture to the skin).  This lightweight gel gently moisturizes the skin and quickly absorbs leaving skin feeling supple and smooth.  This treatment is recommended in conjunction with the antioxidant serums because it helps to boost their effectiveness.

I’ve been using the Physical UV Defense SPF 30 which is great for sensitive and easily irritated skins because it’s an all physical non-chemical sunscreen.  It’s lightweight, PABA-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free.

One of my other favorites is the Retinol 0.5.  This formulation contains .5% pure retinol and is enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to provide maximum efficacy.  Retinol 0.5 helps reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, ages spots, blemishes, and blotchiness.

I’ve really enjoyed the science combined with elegance in all of these SkinCeuticals products.  I think they are also improving the appearance of my skin.  My skin is clearer and brighter.  My skin is also more even (a particular patch of redness on my left cheek has almost totally disappeared).  I also like that I’m using products proven to do to some preventative work as far as aging goes – I’m 34 now…and just starting to see those first few fine lines.  I think the biggest proof for the efficacy of this line is all the compliments I’ve received from friends to clients on how great my skin has been looking.  I’ve definitely been going more days without foundation or powder!