Peel Baby Peel

Dearhearts, here's a continuation of the previous post, "What's in Your Medicine Cabinet?" So here's my nighttime skincare routine.

• First, I use the Cellceuticals Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser on my Clarisonic Pro skincare brush. I wait a few minutes after cleansing before proceeding. Many years ago, my dermatologist told me to wait a little while before putting on retinoids. It is supposed to allow the skin time to regain some of its natural moisture. I don't know how scientific this is, but I have noticed if I immediately apply retinoids, I have more flaking and dryness the next day.
• I alternate between retinoids and a nighttime cream. During the harsh winters here, I find that I can't use a retinoid more than 4 days a week. So here's what I use:

• I use the same products during the day, but I have no set system with what I use at night. I just try to 'listen' to my skin. My theory is at night , you "treat" problems and during the day you "protect" your skin from having problems. If my skin is feeling a little dry, I'll use CellGenesis Regenerative Skin Treatment. I would like to bathe in this stuff. It is so light, but so effective. By the way, I am not affiliated in any way with Cellceuticals. I'm just a girl spending money on skincare stuff, like most of you....and I'm telling you what works for me.
• The retinoids I use are prescription strength. I use Tazorac brand gel 0.1%. Let me tell you, this is the "big guns". I had to work my way up to this strength over the course of a few months. It really helps with acne, but the main reason I use it is for anti-aging and collagen building. I also use Retin-A Micro Pump 0.4%. This is a much milder retinoid, and I tolerate this better in the winter.
• After a vacation to the beach later this summer, I have LOTS of hyperpigmentation on my forehead. I'm having a really hard time getting rid of it, so I've started using Lustra Ultra with 4% hydroquinone and 3% retinol. I use this on my forehead and the other creams on the rest of my face and neck.
• When I'm super tired, and really, really tempted to not wash my face before bed, I reach for these. Swipe, swipe, toss, and go to bed. No creams, just sweet dreams! he he

• If I feel a monster brewing under the skin (a.k.a. the zit monster), I use this little trick to kill the bacteria and treat the pimple while I'm sleeping.

First I zap the blemish with the Thermaclear Acne Treatment Device. This is like the Zeno Acne Treatment device on steriods. It hurts like a mother and is startling, but it has saved the day for my skin a few times. Next, I put a dot of antibiotic ointment on the area, then cover it with a "dot bandaid". In the morning, I take the bandaid off, and start the morning routine all over again.

So that's it. Sounds complicated, but I've got it down to only a few minutes!