It’s never too early to start a proper skincare routine. When I was a child, my aunt would give me samples of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, and I would apply it religiously. I credit that for my youthful appearance nowadays.
Things have changed in the past 40 years, though. Today, a basic moisturizer isn’t enough. There are so many formulas available without a prescription that it’s hard to choose what’s best for your skin’s needs.
These are the five products that experts swear by in 2018.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoids
Many professionals say that the best way to care for your skin is to prevent problems from happening. Retinoids can do that as well as correct issues that you already have.
The Granactive Retinoid in The Ordinary serums contains the retinoic acid ester hydroxypinacolone retinoate, or HPR. This is purported to bind directly to the skin’s retinoid receptors and doesn’t produce as much irritation as products such as Retin-A.
Therefore, you could use a product like this every day to smooth the skin’s surface, stimulate collagen production, improved skin clarity, and diminished visibility of dark spots.
A 30 mL bottle of granactive retinoid in squalane, a highly stable oil, costs only $13.90. Beauty Editor has claimed that there is much to be excited about with this product, including the fact that it comes in a variety of strengths, and is silicone and cruelty-free. With so many expensive products out there, it’s nice to find one that works and is affordable.
Carefree Organics Brighten Bliss
Vitamin C is right there behind retinoids in its ability to keep your skin bright and clear. Serums with vitamin C slough off the top layer of skin, diminishing dark spots and revealing a dewy, fresh surface. Dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu recommends using a targeted vitamin C serum to treat and prevent aging.
Brighten Bliss is an oil-free serum that includes the vitamins C and E suspended in hyaluronic acid, another expert-recommended product for retaining the skin’s moisture. It doesn’t contain parabens or other unnatural chemicals, and it can be layered under other beauty products. At about $23 for two fluid ounces, it won’t break the bank, either.
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel
Cosmopolitan called this cleanser one of the “Holy Grail” products of 2018. Because it doesn’t contain soap, it leaves your skin moisturized and supple. However, it still cleanses deeply.
It’s ideal for oily or combination skin. The cleanser contains AHA and BHA acids, which work as exfoliants. They release the bonds that keep dead cells on the surface of your skin. According to Vogue, these acids are effective for any skin type. They reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars. BHA is oil soluble and can clean grime and bacteria from your pores.
Therefore, you can use this cleanser whether you want to capitalize on its anti-aging benefits, acne-fighting power or deep-cleaning abilities.
The price varies depending on the size of the product. Averaging between $35 and $55, it’s not the most expensive product that you can buy, but it’s a little pricey.
You get what you pay for, though. Medik8 is an award-winning skincare brand that offers professional-strength, advanced products. The company uses natural ingredients whenever possible and conducts ongoing research to develop products that retain their stability even when they’re opened and closed on a daily basis.
Clinique Moisture Surge
Total Beauty called Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72-Hour Replenishing Hydrator one of the best dermatologist-recommended skincare products of 2018. It keeps moisturizing even after you wash it off your face.
The cream contains trehalose and sorbitol, which act like moisture magnets for the skin. Thermus thermophillus ferment helps that moisture stay inside the skin. The gel is lightweight and absorbs quickly, delivering instantly softer skin.
Because it costs about $53 for a small pot, you might want to save it to use exclusively on your face, but you can use it on other parts of your body, like your hands and feet, for its impressive moisturizing power.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50
Cushion compacts originated in Korea and are becoming a major skincare trend in 2018. They blend skincare with cosmetics by fusing sheer coverage with ingredients that are good for the skin as well as SPF in a convenient compact. This one is akin to a CC cream. IT Cosmetics works with dermatologists and plastic surgeons to develop products that suit real women and give you flawless skin.
This CC veil is liquid makeup that’s held in a sponge-like cake within a hinged compact. The application method makes it almost impossible to cake on. The result is translucent, buildable coverage.
In addition to smoothing out your skin tone, this beauty fluid nourishes with peptides, algae, vitamins and hyaluronic acid. It also protects your skin from UV damage.
You can buy the product for $38 on the IT Cosmetics website. That seems like a steal when you consider its multi-tasking power.