Sample Skin Repair Regimen
Here is an example of a barrier repair routine, utilizing some brands that I have had success with on multiple clients. Keep in mind, this is one example, and there are a lot of great products on the market. The key is to use proven formulas (tested for efficacy, ingredient compatibility, and absorption), free of the common skin irritants like fragrance and certain preservatives.
For more information, go to Reinforce Your Shields.
AVÈNE S.O.S. KIT- A REGIMEN FOR DRY, EXTREMELY ALLERGY-PRONE SKIN
AM
1. Cleanse with a microfiber Cleansing Mitt to avoid irritating ingredients in cleansers, and then mist with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
2. Apply Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, then layer on Tolerance Extreme Cream.
3. Apply sun protection: Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
(Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 is another sunscreen option that makes it easy to reapply)
PM
1. Cleanse with Avène Tolerance Cleansing Cream, then mist with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
2. Apply the Facial Compress for a few minutes.
3. Apply Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, then layer on Tolerance Extreme Cream.
After 1 to 2 weeks, you may consider discontinuing Cicalfate, replacing it with a serum like Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Serum or Osmosis MD Hydrate. When the skin is no longer red and inflamed, you can try gradually switching to the regimen below.
SAMPLE – BARRIER REPAIR REGIMEN (COMBO TO DRY, SENSITIVE SKIN)
AM
1. Cleanse with a microfiber Cleansing Mitt to avoid irritating ingredients in cleansers, and then mist with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
2. Use one of the following serum combinations: Osmosis MD Replenish or Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Serum.
3. Apply Osmosis MD Hydrate.This product has a light feel, is easily absorbed, and contains a comprehensive list of ingredients. (No silicones, fragrance and paraben free!)
4. Apply sun protection: Avène Mineral SPF-50, Image Prevention+ Mineral Sunscreen, or Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30.
PM
1. Cleanse with mitt, or with a gentle cleanser, such as Avène Tolerance Cleansing Cream or Image Vital C cleanser. Mist with Avène Thermal Spring Water.
2. Optional: Use a few drops of Image AGELESS Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler or Osmosis MD Calm Retinal Serum
3. Apply Image The Max Creme, an emollient moisturizer rich in peptides and plant-based growth factors.
Step 3 Alternatives
Yon-Ka Nutri Defense Crème is a more emollient cream and contains 94% naturally-derived ingredients, according to yonka.com. It includes a small amount of essential oils but seems to be well-tolerated none the less, and feels very nice on extremely dry skin.
Regenica Replenish Crème– a high quality, growth-factor rich moisturizer with lipid and cell-matching ingredients, deeply beneficial to skin health without the potential irritation of most anti-aging products on the market. (Although it does contain dimethicone, this component is low on the list of ingredients, and is outweighed by the high amount of beneficial antioxidants).
VITALLY ACTIVE ADDITIONS AFTER 8-16 WEEKS (OR ONCE THE SKIN IS WELL RECOVERED)
PM: Osmosis MD Correct Retrinal Serum, starting with a sample to test for tolerance.
How to apply retinoids: Apply a small, pea-size amount to the face, at least 10 minutes after cleansing, staying outside the orbital bone around eyes, and avoiding nostril creases and lip corners. Retinoids are best absorbed into the skin by applying them before any sort of moisturizing cream.
FOR HANDS & BODY
Avène Gentle Body Scrub and XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream or Trixera Cream, Image Vital C Hand Creme
Always patch test any product if you have a history of contact dermatitis and allergies, and follow package directions for application. For an individualized skin care plan, please schedule an on-line consultation with me (coming soon). For now, shoot me an email!
~Ivy Nowosad, LE