ANTI-AGING SKIN PRODUCTS…based on Science. Get the real scoop on what works and why!
At Essence Laser & Wellness our products and treatments are based on real science, with proven outcomes. After extensive research, Dr. O’Rourke personally approves each and every product and treatment before we offer it to our patients.
The following is Dr. O’Rourke’s basic skin care regimen for the health, beauty, and maintenance of your skin. Please call us for an individual complimentary consult regarding what products would work best for you
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Morning Skin Care Regimen
1) Cleanse and rinse with warm water; spray on Skinceuticals Toner
Why: Restores the skin’s protective pH, and renders skin more receptive to products
2) Apply an Antioxidant sparingly; 2 drops to face, 1 drop to neck, 1 to 2 drops to chest
Why: Sunscreen only blocks 45% to 55% of UV light. When UV light enters the skin, it creates free oxygen radicals that damage skin cells and cause age related skin changes. Antioxidants neutralize these free oxygen radicals and thereby provide a second line of defense against damaging UV rays.
Antioxidants contain vitamin C, which is not a stable vitamin and once exposed to oxygen can lose its anti-aging properties.However, Skinceuticals antioxidants, through studies at Johns Hopkins University, are biopsy proven to be stable and to penetrate deep into the dermis of the skin, where the UV light damage occurs.
For dry skin:Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
For oily skin:Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
3) Apply an Anti-Pigment serum sparingly; 2 drops to face, 1 drop to neck, 1 to 2 drops to chest
Why: Anti-Pigment serums usually contain a kojic acid which is a natural extract of the Japanese mushroom. Kojic acid works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme necessary in the production of melanin (skin pigment). Your serum should also contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial cosmeceuticals, hyaluronic acid, for its hydrating and calming effects, and an exfoliating agent.
For pigment prevention and mild existing pigment:Skinceuticals Pigment Regulator or Skinceuticals Phyto + Corrective Gel
For more intense pigment/melasma:Neocutis Blanche with Hydroquinone
4) Sunscreen; Apply to face, neck, chest, hands and don’t forget those ears. Use the appropriate sunscreen for degree of expected UV exposure
Why:There are 2 components to an effective sunscreen: the chemical aka spf, and the reflective component. SPF factor blocks mostly UVB rays, preventing tanning and sunburns, whereas the reflective component blocks UVA rays, which are proven to be responsible for premature aging. Zinc oxide is the most effective anti-reflective component, but can be white and pasty when applied.
Skinceuticals sunscreens have a patented formula with a molecular structure that allows zinc oxide to be applied without the pasty appearance, and come in various SPF’s for daily use or more intense sport related exposure.
5) Moisturizer.Surprisingly, the moisturizer is the least important component to the skin care regimen regarding the health of the skin and prevention of age related issues and skin cancer. But, it simply makes the skin look and feel so good!
Normal Days:Skinceuticals Daily Moisture or Emollience
Dry Days:Add Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 gel
6) Apply Mineral Make-up foundation and/or powder as needed
Glo-Mineral:Primer, Foundation (liquid or powder) Blush, Eye Shadow Follow with a Mineral Hydration Mist
ColoreScience:Sunforgettable.Amazing powder sunscreen, great for late day touch-up to your sunscreen, or to use for a little color, various tones available
Evening Skin Care Regimen
1) Cleanse and rinse with warm water; apply Skinceuticals Toner
Why: Removes buildup from the day, restores the skin’s protective pH, and renders skin more receptive to products
For normal skin:Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser or Skinceuticals Simply Clean
For dry skin: Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser
For oily skin: Skinceuticals Clarifying Cleanser or Skinceuticals LHA Cleansing Gel and LHA Toner
For mature skin: Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser and Skinceuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub
2) Exfoliate
Apply Skinceuticals Retinol to face sparingly. Begin with .5%. Optimally, if tolerated, use every night and eventually increase to Retinol 1%. Recent studies have proven that Retinol is just as effective and less irritating, when compared to Retin-A.
Alternate with Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator a less potent exfoliant, for dry days or when skin seems irritated.
Why: Exfoliation is critical in maintaining healthy skin. It removes the dead skin cells, allowing the skin to replace the surface with healthy new cells.Sloughing of dead skin cells will give the skin a more radiant look. Retinol is ideal for exfoliation because it also stimulates collagen production to help with fine lines, and it protects against skin cancer.
3) Apply an eye cream sparingly: a pea size should be enough for both eyes
Why: Eye creams help correct puffiness around eyes, and protect against moisture loss, collagen breakdown, and free radical damage.
For dry skin:Skinceuticals Eye Balm
For puffy skin:Skinceuticals Eye Cream
For mature/dry/puffy skin:Skinceuticals A.G.E. Eye Cream
4) Additional products depending on skin issues/age, etc.
Dry Skin:
Skinceuticals Emollience
Why: Powerful nighttime moisturizer
Mature skin:
A.Take care of that neck!
Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter
Why: Specific formula targeting elastin fibers in mature skin
B.Skinceuticals Face Cream
Why:Provides topical hormonal replacement for peri-menopausal women
Acne:
Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Serum
Why:Contains salicylic acid to calm and prevent acne flare ups and reduce redness.
Does this sound too complicated? It’s not.Let us help simplify it for you and recommend a quick and easy regimen to maintain the health of your skin.
Call us at 720.583.1826 to set up a complimentary consultation!
