As we bid adieu to the sunset soirees and poolside parties of summer, we’ve also come to a bittersweet realization: our skin is in need of some serious TLC. Combine epic temperatures, super-strong UV rays, and yes, all that time spent in the pool and on the patio, by the beach – you name it – and our skin is looking at little worse for wear. Think: dullness, dark spots and desert-like dryness. But with the help of a dermatologist, and the right mix of targeted products, you can get your skin’s bouncy glow back in no time.
The problem: Dehydrated Skin
From chlorinated pools to indoor air conditioning and the drying effects of the sun, skin can suffer from serious moisture loss, resulting in a dry, lacklustre complexion.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $24.99
The solution: Give skin a boost of moisture with hyaluronic acid-based serums. “Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the skin’s natural hydrator,” says dermatologist Dr. Monica Li. “In skincare, hyaluronic acid pulls water from the air and draws it into your skin to provide hydrating effects. It’s great for all skin types and can give skin that dewy look.” Li likes Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which contains a 17% Hydration Complex that combines both low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acids, moisturizing glycerin, and skin-conditioning ingredients vitamin B5 and trehalose. The potent complex acts like a magnet to lock in moisture nine layers deep to quench skin for a full 24 hours. Kick things up a notch at night with a more concentrated serum such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum. The unique pressed formula boasts a hydration matrix technology that’s clinically proven to restore the skin’s moisture barrier overnight, complementing the skin’s natural renewal process. The serum melts into skin, leaving it three times more hydrated by morning, while a mix of antioxidants fend off environmental stressors that can cause dry skin. The result: Smooth, supple, and glowing skin. “I love serums because they’re lightweight, so they absorb almost immediately into skin, while delivering a high concentration of active ingredients and instant hydration,” says Dr. Li.
Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum, $24.99
- How to apply Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum: In the morning and evening, apply to damp skin after cleansing and before moisturizer.
- How to apply Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum: Apply generously after cleansing and leave on overnight.
The problem: Sun damage
No matter our best intentions and diligent sunscreen usage, sun exposure is inevitable in the summer, and with it, the requisite spots we see on our skin when summer nears its end.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum, $36.99
The Solution: Counteract dullness and dark spots and future-proof your skin with an antioxidant-powered vitamin C serum. In skincare, not only does vitamin C fend off premature aging from external aggressors, it’s also an effective brightening agent that helps even out skin tone, says Dr. Li, leaving behind a more luminous complexion. The derm recommends Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum, which boasts a high-potency formula featuring 20% pure vitamin C, resulting in visibly smoother, brighter skin in one week, and improved skin radiance in four weeks. It’s also clinically proven to reduce the look of dark spots, help even skin tone and smooth skin texture and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best part: each dose of the serum is captured in a biodegradable, seaweed-derived capsule, so the skin-loving ingredients stay fresh until you’re ready to use them. “Vitamin C can be notoriously unstable and break down when it’s exposed to light or air, so it’s important to find a serum that keeps the formulation protected,” says Dr. Li.
- How to apply Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin C Serum: Once daily after cleansing and before applying moisturizer, pinch, twist, and pull the capsule tip to release the serum. Apply with your fingertips and massage into skin.
The problem: Fine lines and wrinkles
Along with the aforementioned spots, too much fun in the sun and the resulting UV rays, can lead to premature aging of the skin. “UV rays break down collagen and elastin – our skin’s natural support structure,” says Dr. Li. “This diminishes skin’s strength and in turn, leads to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, $36.99
The Solution: Turn back the clock and nourish skin with retinol, the gold standard wrinkle-fighting skincare ingredient. Try Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, which features Retinol SA, a form of Vitamin A, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and provides visible results in just one week. The replenishing oil works throughout the night to renew and refresh skin and is scientifically proven to help diminish the look of deep wrinkles. How? “Retinol boosts the skin’s natural cell turnover,” says Dr. Li. “It also amps up collagen production, so skin appears firmer, smoother and more resilient.” Read: fewer wrinkles, and a younger-looking you.
- How to apply Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil: Every morning and evening after cleansing, apply four to five drops onto the palm of your hand. Use fingertips to gently massage onto the face in a circular motion.
