Holy Grail Skin Care Products

I truly believe that wellness encompasses both internal and external health. Taking care of your internal health–eating healthy, exercise, routine doctor visits, managing stress–often reflects on the outside. Nothing beats that natural glow from falling in love with taking care of yourself!

I also believe that self care is just as much a part of wellness as nutrition and exercise. A skin care routine is a must in my books. I am not a dermatologist or beauty guru for that matter, but I do believe that your skin can tell a lot about your overall health. As a registered dietitian in a clinical (i.e., hospital) setting, a physical assessment of my patients is part of the job. It is vital in identifying patients who are at risk for malnutrition.

In my late teens-early twenties, I stopped worshiping the sun and started consistently wearing daily sunscreen; 15 or 30 SPF were my go to. I also started exfoliating my skin once a week and slathering on rich lotions to make my skin soft and supple. In my early thirties, I continued to wear sunscreen (minimum 30 SPF), but with career and starting a family, a lot of my skin pampering fell by the wayside. Now that I’m in my late thirties (read: fast approaching 40!), I realize that I really have to step up my skin care game if I want to prevent signs of premature aging.

I decided last year, that I only want the “good stuff”. Not just skin care related. I want in my life only the people, experiences, and things that are of good quality, resonate with my soul, and make me feel good. So with that I curated (and continue to do so) the people in my life, experiences, my beauty products, and wardrobe.

With all of that said, today, I am sharing with you my holy grail skin care products that help keep my skin looking great despite hormonal acne as a result of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes cystic acne to form along my jaw line especially around my monthly cycle. I was using Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Face Wash with their MicroClear technology and ELF’s salicylic acne spot treatment in a roll-on tube, but lately neither product has been effective. It seemed as soon as I got rid of one pimple, another would erupt into a painful, pus-filled mound on my face. So I tried to remember what worked for me in the past and researched what products I could try. I already knew that salicylic acid was a must have ingredient for controlling my acne.

That’s when I remembered that I used to use Murad’s Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser, which I purchase at Ulta for $32.00. Not exactly the cheapest face wash, but also not the most expensive either. Remember, we only want “the good stuff”, and a little bit goes a long way so not only is it effective, it will last longer than most face washes. This face was also contains salicylic acid.

Next, I knew that I needed to find a replacement for the ELF acne roll-on product, which is still a great product that I would definitely repurchase. Initially, I found and bought it at Target and CVS, but now I can only find it on Amazon. Apparently, you can buy it right from their Web site here. For only $3.00 this product is amazing! It just doesn’t work as well for me anymore.

After a little research, I found Skinceutical’s Blemish + Age Defense Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment. This serum plus the Murad face wash above have saved my face! I have used these products for about a month, and I have only had one pimple! At $92.00, this product is not cheap, but it is my holy grail, and totally worth the splurge. You only use a small amount to apply a thin layer over your acne-prone areas.

Now that I am consistently using a product with retinol, I use a higher SPF face lotion. My current go-to daily face moisturizer is Neutrogena’s Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 50 ($15.50). I purchase this product at my local Walgreens. It’s light weight, doesn’t leave a white cast like some suncreens do, and isn’t greasy. This is my second tube, and I can see myself repurchasing it for a while.

When you’re a woman of a certain age, a night cream is a must. I knew from having used Skinceutical’s Retinol treatment before, that their products truly work, I wanted to try one of their night moisturizers. I decided to try their A.G.E Interrupter anti-aging skin treatment ($162.00). Don’t let the price deter you from trying it, too. This product is so light weight, and a little dollop goes a long way. I have only tried this product for a month, but I can say that it’s my new favorite nighttime cream. It feels so luxurious when you put it on. It is a splurge, but again, totally worth it. If you’re hesitant to spend this amount on yourself, maybe add it to your holiday, birthday, or anniversary wish list!

Okay, my last two products are both retinols. One for the eye area and one for the overall face. I find that retinols also help to keep my acne under control. I have used ROC products for years, and Skinceuticals is a relatively new product for me. I will warn you that the Blemish + Age Defense serum also has retinol in it, so don’t make the same mistake that I did and double down on the retinol–talk about a burn! My face felt like it was on fire! It was an honest mistake; I didn’t fully read the Blemish + Age Defense packaging before applying and didn’t realize that it had retinol, too. I then added the Retinol 1.0 ($88.00) and could immediately feel my face heating up! Lesson learned.

I was already using this product for a couple months before purchasing the Blemish + Age Defense. It is effective, and I highly recommend.

Lastly, ROC’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($24.00) is not as potent as Skinceutical’s Retinol 1.0, but it is just as effective in minimizing fine lines around the eye area. I was using ROC skin care prior to using Skinceuticals. I love that their products are more budget-friendly, and you can purchase them right at your local drugstore, Walmart, or Target.

I still exfoliate once a week. I’m trying to get up to twice a week…perhaps, I will make that a goal for 2022!

There you have it…my holy grail skin care products. What skin care products would you recommend?