I get a lot of questions about my skincare and lately my routine has changed, so it is time to update you all and introduce you to these incredible products I’ve been using!
I have always had pretty good skin aside from some monthly hormonal acne, but in the last year it seems like it has just gotten a bit…dingy. Old sun damage, acne spots from said hormonal breakouts and fine lines began to show themselves and my pores got really clogged no matter what I did. I couldn’t keep up with the rate at which new imperfections were appearing and I honestly know so little about skincare that I enlisted the help of a professional.
I began going to a facialist who transformed a friend’s skin, and I put myself at her mercy. She is a proponent of healing from within which I love; we all know by now that all systems are interconnected and we have to be treating ourselves well to have glowing skin. I began almost weekly facials with her (mostly silk peels, but we will do chemical peels and microneedling when my skin is strong enough) which has absolutely helped my skin’s condition, but she has also managed my skincare regimen, using mostly Hydropeptide products, and it has been transformative!
From HydroPeptide themselves:
Peptides are the latest dynamic entry into the anti-aging skincare sector. A new option doesn’t happen very often, which makes this exciting news. Peptides in skincare are a realistic alternative to Retinol, without the down side of irritating sensitive skins, and restricted use on women of child bearing years.
Peptides – Hydropeptide contains 21 Peptides at clinical levels comprising of Neuro Inhibitor Transmitting, Enzyme Inhibitor, Signal and Carrier Peptides which repairs and prevents ageing, lift and plumps out wrinkles, diminishes dark circles and clears uneven and break out skin.
Antioxidants – HydroPeptide® relies on the multifunctional ability of antioxidants. They not only protect against free radical damage and protect the DNA and collagen, but also possess the ability to reduce inflammation, brighten the skin, hydrate, increase collagen and firm. HydroPeptide® incorporates a vast array of antioxidants within each and every one of our products.
Plant Stem Cells- What are plant stem cells? Their botanical name is meristematic cells. They are totipotent, meaning they have the total potential to divide into epidermal or hair cells. Since they are un programmed cells, they depend upon signals from neighbouring cells. Once introduced to a specified cell type, they can differentiate and take on a targeted function that’s typical of its host tissue. PSC’s are 1,000 times more concentrated with phenyls, lipids and proteins than plant extracts. HydroPeptide® believes strongly in the efficacy and sustainability of plant stems cell and currently incorporates 6 innovative plant stem cells in the HydroPeptide® collection. All HydroPeptide treatments and products are paraben and phthalate free.
My lipid barrier is so much stronger after two months of using this line, my pores are rarely clogged, my red spots are almost completely faded, my skin is plump and in the event that I do start breaking out I know what to do. I’ve also been incorporating some products from PCA that have worked beautifully. Without further ado, here’s the new regimen!
MORNING:
Purifying Cleanser, Anti Wrinkle + Clarify
FORMULA FEATURES: This purifying cleanser draws out impurities, promotes rapid correction of imperfections and addresses the signs of aging for clearer, brighter, more hydrated skin.*
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes healthy cell renewal
- Draws out impurities that can lead to breakouts
- Discourages acne-causing bacteria
- Improves skin radiance and clarity
HydroPeptide Balance and Brighten Pre-Treatment Toner, 6.76 fl. oz.
FORMULA FEATURES: This age-defying treatment toner balances skin and gently exfoliates while brightening and evening out skin tone.*
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens and evens out discoloration
- Tones and balances without over-drying
- Encourages cell turnover for a refreshed appearance
- Removes excess makeup residue and pollutants
HydroPeptide Clarifying Toner Balance Control Pads, 4 fl. oz.
** I use these if I’m experiencing a breakout
FORMULA FEATURES: These clarifying toner pads reveal healthy skin with renewing alpha-hydroxy acids and bacteria-fighting peptides to create a flawless complexion.*
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Tones and balances without over drying
- Brightens and evens out discoloration
- Encourages cell turnover for a refreshed appearance
- Removes excess makeup residue and pollutants
- Helps pores appear smaller by dissolving dirt and oil
PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max Facial Cream, 1 oz.
FORMULA FEATURES: This antioxidant formulation combines maximum strength pure vitamin C and pure vitamin E to strengthen skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Maximum concentration of pure vitamins C and E delivers unmatched results
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and evens skin tone
- Stronger, smoother skin seen in as little as one week
- For those who can tolerate 20% pure vitamin C that delivers optimal results
HydroPeptide HydroStem+6 Stem Cell Antioxidant Serum, 1 fl. oz.
FORMULA FEATURES: This power-packed treatment repairs and strengthens the infrastructure of the skin and relaxes wrinkle formation for a firmer, years-younger appearance.*
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps improve skin firmness and volume
- Formulated to treat aging concerns from frown lines, smiles lines, and forehead lines
HydroPeptide Solar Defense Non-Tinted, 1.7 fl. oz.
FORMULA FEATURES: This advanced sunscreen protects from UVA, UVB and Infrared damage with a combination of physical blockers, weightless hydration and a smooth, scent-free finish.*
- Helps to protect against free radical damage that lead to fine lines and wrinkles
- Replenishes hydration without feeling heavy
- Helps promote a clear complexion
- Matte, sheer finish for a natural look
EVENING:
PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser, 7 fl. oz.
** I use this only when I am experiencing a breakout
FORMULA FEATURES: This powerful 5% liquid benzoyl peroxide daily cleanser eliminates existing and prevents future acne breakouts.
- Instant antibacterial and exfoliation benefits
- A host of botanical extracts calm and soothe acneic skin
FORMULA FEATURES: Potent leave-on moisturizing exfoliation treatment encourages cellular turnover, minimizes dark spots, evens skin tone, and brightens. Helps smooth and rejuvenate for more luminous-looking skin. Paraben and fragrance free.
- Glycolic Acid exfoliates and encourages cellular turnover to minimize signs of aging.
- Lumixyl Peptide minimizes dark spots for brighter, more even-toned skin.
- Lactic Acidexfoliates to help smooth and even out skin.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS I USE WHEN NEEDED
HydroPeptide Spot Correction Acne Eliminating Treatment, 0.5 fl. oz.
** Literally life changing
FORMULA FEATURES: This advanced blemish-fighting formula helps reduce inflammation, clears up pimples and prevents new ones from forming without over-drying.*
- Helps to speed healing and reduce occurrence of acne breakouts
- Gently encourages healthy cell turnover while retaining hydration
- Detoxifies impurities with antimicrobial activity
PCA Skin Detoxifying Mask, 2.1 Ounce
FORMULA FEATURES: This at-home charcoal mask minimizes the appearance of pores while absorbing excess dirt, oil and debris trapped deep in the pores.
- Japanese white charcoal and clay absorb excess dirt, oil and debris
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Deeply detoxifies pores and helps support a clear complexion
Obviously everyone’s skin is different but I know several people who use and love a lot of these products, and they really have made all the difference! Skincare can be expensive but it is an investment worth making; that said, if I were to choose only a few, I highly recommend Glycopeel, the spot treatment (we all need one of those!) and the Detoxifying mask.