Skinceuticals is advanced skincare backed by science. It is a medical-grade brand that is exclusively sold at doctors’ offices, dermatologists, and medi-spas. My skin would not be as clear, smooth, and glowing without it. I continuously say to people that you can wear the most expensive makeup on the market, but if you’re not taking care of your skin, it just won’t lay or look right.

It really does make a difference. I suffer from hyperpigmentation in certain areas on my face, which is red or brown spots that linger for weeks or months after a breakout. I also have combination skin, which means I have oily and dry patches in different areas. There are three different items I currently use from Skinceuticals.

The one that was first recommended to me by my esthetician is the Retinol cream. It contains 0.05 percent Retinol and it packs a powerful punch. Retinol’s purpose is to give your skin a healthy boost by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing texture, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. It’s ideal for moderate to severe acne which helps reduce acne breakouts by preventing dead cells from clogging pores. It is only to be used once or twice weekly at night, making it easy to add to your routine. After the first week of use, I saw a dramatic difference in my complexion and reduced redness in overall my skin.

The only small con in using such a high potent product is that Retinol increases skins photosensitivity. This means that the skin is more sensitive to sunburn. Wearing a heavy dose of sunscreen is vital to protect the skin. Peeling is another side effect from using Retinol. Mine wasn’t severe, but it depends on your skin type. The peeling occurs because the Retinol is eating away at the dead skin and revealing the brand new skin underneath. It was definitely worth it to go through such small side effects to get the complexion I’ve always wanted.

Another item that I use is their Phloretin CF. Pholoretin CF is a broad range antioxidant treatment that encourages cell turnover, allowing damaged skin to regain a healthy look and even skin tone. It contains Vitamin C that helps skin take on a firmer, brighter and more youthful looking appearance. It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper and is to be used every morning before moisturizing.

The recommended daily amount to use is only three to four drops, so it is another product that will last quite a long time. Their Resveratrol B E is another antioxidant that I use every evening. It’s a concentrated night treatment with pure antioxidant-rich Resveratrol to reveal visible radiance and firmness. The reason to use two antioxidants in your skin care regimen is to ensure 100 percent protection from free radicals and to diminish signs of aging. Since I can’t be a vampire, I’m going to do the next best thing by taking care of my skin.

Skinceuticals can be purchased online, or at E Salon and Spa which is located off of Stockdale Highway in the Riverwalk shopping center, and Essentials, which can be found off Ming Avenue at The Marketplace.