(Published in the Cayman Compass Weekender, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015)
A new year calls for an updated beauty regime. This year, make a promise to yourself to use cutting-edge products that have tried and tested ingredients with proven anti-aging results.
For glowing, radiant skin, there are three key ingredients that should form part of your skin-care staples: glycolic acid, vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Don’t be put off by the fact that these are “acids.” Used correctly, products that contain these active ingredients will help halt the hands of time, tightening, brightening, and even banishing fine lines for good.
Transform your skin in 2016 with Weekender’s pick of the very best complexion saviors.
Glycolic acid
This longtime complexion savior is a fantastic exfoliator that helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal gorgeous, glowing skin. Thanks to the fact that glycolic acid helps encourage cell turnover, it can also help to lighten skin discoloration such as sun spots, as well as help those with problematic skin issues such as acne. Look for products with a minimum of 5 percent strength for best results.
Recommended products:
Bliss incredi-‘peel’! glycolic resurfacing pads
These fabulous, spa-strength pads offer a quick and easy way to incorporate glycolic acid into your skin-care routine. Award-winning American spa company Bliss is well known for its effective, easy-to-use, no-attitude skin-care range. These single-step, no-rinse peel pads gradually release powerful levels of glycolic acid to gently slough off dull skin cells overnight, all without harsh irritation.
Available at Le Visage
Chrysalis Alpha Firming Creme
Formulated with high percentages of antioxidants and active ingredients, Chrysalis is a bespoke cutting-edge line aimed at tackling skin aging issues, including uneven skin tone, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Chrysalis features more than 20 products, including cleansers, exfoliators, moisturizers and serums, each aimed at targeting specific skin issues. The line includes a range of products that include glycolic acid, ranging from 2 percent up to 12 percent, including cleansers, toners and creams. One of our favorites is the Alpha Firming Creme, which contains a power-packed 12 percent glycolic acid for fast-acting results.
Available at the Da Vinci Centre
Vitamin C
This skin-care powerhouse provides potent antioxidant protection that helps to shield skin from damaging free-radicals, such as sun damage and pollution. This skin savior is great for reducing the signs of sun damage, such as brown spots, while also helping to boost the rate of healthy collagen production, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin. Vitamin C quickly destabilizes when exposed to light and air. Look for products packaged only in opaque tubes or air-restrictive bottles. For truly effective results, look for products that boast 5 percent C or higher.
Recommended products:
Obagi Professional C
Obagi creates a selection of results-driven skin-care products available primarily through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and medical spas. Their Professional C line includes a selection of fabulous serums containing from 5 percent to 20 percent vitamin C, in addition to a sun-care cream and an eye-brightening serum.
Available from Beyond Basics
MAC Lightful C
Although best known for their makeup, MAC has a skin-care line that is equally worth exploring. The cosmetic house’s Lightful C range, which includes face wash, toner and a selection of moisturizers, including tinted, is one of their best-sellers. The Light C Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion is a must-try. This gorgeous softening lotion (use like a toner) both conditions and hydrates skin for a more supple look, and is packed full of antioxidants, including professional-strength vitamin C.
Available at MAC
Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector and Overnight Peel
Garnier has established itself on the beauty market for its effective, budget-friendly products. This daily moisturizer contains 5 percent ascorbic acid to help lighten areas of discoloration on the skin. Other powerful products from the Garnier Renew line include the Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel, which not only includes vitamin C, but also glycolic acid to help exfoliate and smooth skin.
Available at Kirk Market
Hyaluronic acid
If you suffer from dry skin, hyaluronic acid is a must-have. A fabulous hydrator and wrinkle plumper, hyaluronic acid can often be found as an ingredient in a host of skin-care products. As we age, our skin loses moisture, resulting in a loss of firmness. Hyaluronic acid helps to replenish this lost moisture, resulting in younger, fresher-looking skin. Look for products with high levels of hyaluronic acid (near the top of the ingredient listing) for best results.
Recommended products:
Image Skincare Ageless Hyaluronic Filler
Image Skincare is an established brand available from medical spas, dermatologists, cosmetic and plastic surgeons. This gorgeous serum plumps and fills lines while leaving a lovely dewy finish. It is also infused with apricot essential oil, vitamin B5 and vitamin E, all known for their antioxidant and skin-nourishing properties. Pair with Image Skincare’s Ageless Total Repair Creme for truly hydrated skin.
Available at Beyond Basics
Guinot Anti-Wrinkle Rich Cream
Established French skin-care brand Guinot is renowned for its luxurious products, available exclusively at select spas. This decadent, ultra-rich cream is packed with hyaluronic acid, as well as shea butter to hydrate, smooth and nourish the skin. A delight to use, smooth on skin morning or night or whenever skin feels dry.
Available at Spa Platinum
Chrysalis 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Another must-have product from the Chrysalis range. This ultra-moisturizing serum contains 100 percent pure hyaluronic acid serum. A great addition to any skin-care regime for nourished skin that glows with health and vitality.
Available at the Da Vinci Centre.
Joanna Lewis 