Spring has sprung, the gardens are overflowing with lush greenery, the trees are in full bloom–and allergy season has begun. I don’t know about you, but springtime allergies affect my skin. If you have sensitive skin and/or this weather has your face feeling itchy and irritated (or both, if you’re lucky like me!), try incorporating a few of these dermatologist-recommended products into your routine.
After I wash my face in the morning (I like to use something gentle and hydrating like Prequel’s Gleanser), in order to keep irritation at bay I love to spritz on a hypochlorous acid spray, which can purify and calm skin– and keep acne-causing bacteria from forming. My current favorite is Universal Skin Solution from Prequel, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis’ brand. After I let that dry, I add my serum.
I recently started incorporating vitamin C into my morning routine due to its antioxidant properties that allow it to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. I’ve been absolutely loving the Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum, also from Prequel. This product is clinically proven to increase radiance and luminance, as well as firmness–after all, it was created by a doctor.
After patting that in, I moisturize with something light yet hydrating. Prequel’s Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk has worked wonders lately for my irritated skin. It is formulated with 10% pure urea, which acts as a humectant by increasing water binding capacity. This light lotion sinks in quickly and is perfect for the morning, when I know I will be layering at least one more product onto my face.
Once my moisturizer is dry, I apply my sunscreen. My two current favorites are Dr. Sam’s Sun Barrier (her products are that good) – a lightweight and semi-transparent mineral SPF 50++++ sunscreen with a peachy tint that disappears upon application – and EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – which contains niacinamide and zinc oxide. I love both of these equally but they serve different purposes: I choose Sun Barrier for days I want a glow, and UV Clear when I want a more matte finish or am wearing a full face of makeup. I feel confident knowing neither will irritate my sensitive skin.
My night routine is similar to the morning, but instead of vitamin C serum, I like to use something that calms and combats redness. I’ve been reaching for Prequel’s new product, Redness Reform Soothing Serum, which contains oat kernel extract, vitamin F for barrier support, and a blend of soothing molecules that comfort the skin. This product is safe for eczema- and rosacea-prone skin.
Once that sinks in, I like to use a thicker moisturizer. A recent discovery that I highly recommend is EltaMD’s Barrier Renewal Complex, a creamy concoction of ceramides, peptides, and lipids that combats aging and helps restore the skin barrier and its natural hydration system.
While I love this on its own, my favorite way to use this product is underneath the Skin Recovery Night Mask, also from EltaMD (the entire Skin Recovery System from this dermatologist-approved brand is amazing). This is the final step in my night routine – a surprisingly light, gel-like mask that reduces redness and provides skin with the gorgeous glow of beauty sleep. Plus, it’s clinically proven to reduce redness after 28 days of consecutive use.
Explore Prequel Skin and EltaMD.
