Aging Prevention
There are 4 key elements of this whether you are 23 or 50. The rest is gravy. If you set these habits as early as possible in your life, your 50+ year old self will thank you so many times. Much of what we see around us as skin aging is preventable.
This collection has the 4 key things + 1: good daily sunscreen, high quality antioxidant (under sunscreen), a good moisturizer, a "vitamin A" cream at night (retinoid), and weekly gentle exfoliation.
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Triple Antioxidant SerumMadison MD$120.70Size: 1 oz.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
This antioxidant is loaded with the good stuff. Vit C in the form of Ascorbyl glucoside (stabilized form of L-ascorbic so it doesn't deteriorate with time), Vit E to also stabilize the Vit C, green tea extract, and ferulic. All are natural and hydroquinone free.
The pigment fighter I recommend is the 5-Point Brightener & Pigment Serum. This serum goes under the Triple Antioxidant Serum, if you have pigment problems like melasma or brown spots.
The goal of MadisonMD is to produce skin care products for active lifestyles, focused on wellness, skin health & beauty, at a good price point.
Free of: Animal cruelty, parabens, propylene glycol, & fragrancesKey Ingredients
ACTIVE PRIMARY: Ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C), ferulic acid, tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, emblica, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol (B5), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), green tea leaf extract
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5-Point Brightening & Pigment SerumMadison MD$106.25Size: 1fl oz
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
This product is loaded with plant based lightening and brightening agents. The ingredients speak for themselves. And there are actually 9 active agents in this products! It's very compatible with other products and make-up.
For pigment problems like melasma and brown spots use twice a day after cleansing, but under all other products.
For prevention, use once a day in the morning, after cleansing then put your other products over it.
The antioxidant I recommend is the Madison MD Triple Antioxidant Serum.
The goal of MadisonMD is to produce skin care products for active lifestyles, focused on wellness, skin health & beauty, at a good price point.
Free of: Animal cruelty, parabens, propylene glycol, & fragrances
Key Ingredients:
ACTIVE PRIMARY: Lactic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid, bilberry extract, ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C), licorice extract, dipotassium glycurrhizinate, ferulic acid, emblica, sodium hyaluronate, BSC multifruit extract (sugar cane, sugar maple, orange fruit, lemon), ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), rutin, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), resveratrol, green tea leaf extract, linolenic acid, beta caroteneanthenol (B5), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), green tea leaf extract Secondary: Witch hazel, linoleic acid, lecithin
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Eye RescueMadison MD$69.70Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
This is the best eye cream I've ever used with peptides, Vit C, a very gentle retinol, hyaluronic acid, and very high quality oils to protect and moisturize the delicate eye area. See what you think! The pseudoalteromonas extract is from the arctic marine algae naturally high in antioxidants.
Use twice a day ....morning and night. Use on lips too.
I recommend for even more effect, putting the AQ growth factor eye serum underneath Eye Rescue at night.
The goal of MadisonMD is to produce skin care products for active lifestyles, focused on wellness, skin health & beauty, at a good price point.
Free of: Animal cruelty, parabens, propylene glycol, & fragrances
Key Ingredients
ACTIVE PRIMARY: Tripeptide-10 citrulline, tripeptide-1, pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), sodium hyaluronate, lecithin, green tea leaf extract ACTIVE SECONDARY: Shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, avocado oil, aloe leaf juice, allantoin
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Retinol Complex .25SkinMedica$52.70Size: 1 oz
Who It's For
For sun-damaged skin and for those wanting to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and aging.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
This is SkinMedica's updated version of the old Tri-Retinol Complex, and it is still an excellent over-the-counter retinol. At this percentage, the effects are similar to Renova/tretinoin, etc. Use at night. If you can use the prescription version of tretinoin (like Renova), do so - but many people don’t want to be bothered with a prescription and the two retinols listed on this site are almost as good. This retinol also has vitamin E in a base that will not clog pores and is still compatible with moisturizers and sunscreens. Also see the Neocutis Nouvelle+Retinol Correction Cream. Start with this one though if you have never used a retinoid before.
Retinoids are repair creams that have 20 years of science and experience behind them. They build collagen and normalize sun damaged keratinocytes (skin cells) and help to prevent precancerous growths and skin cancers if used regularly.
How to Use
Apply one pump to the face at night. Always use at night - light inactivates it. Begin using twice per week, then increase gradually. If this product irritates your skin a little, try applying your moisturizer first, then wait 10-20 minutes, then apply this. You must use a sunscreen every morning if you use a retinoid because your skin will be just slightly more sun sensitive. Stop this product a week before sunny vacations and consider not using it if you can't be consistent with sunscreen or truly are outdoors constantly.
Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate-13, Squalane, Retinol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Ceramide 3, Bisabolol, Phytosterols, Squalene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax (Oryza Sativa Cera), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Lauryl Alcohol, Polyisobutene, Dextran, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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Retinol Complex .5SkinMedica$66.30Size: 1 oz
Dr. Irwin's Review
Same great, high quality retinol from SkinMedica, but twice the concentration as the 0.25%. This one is a 0.5%. If you are new to retinols, start with the lower strength (0.25) twice a week, gradually build up to nightly, and then try going up to this one (0.5%).
If you are dry or sensitive, use retinoids OVER your moisturizer.
If you have very oily, acne prone, tough skin, you can start with this.
Key Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycine Soja Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate-13, Squalane, Retinol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Ceramide 3, Bisabolol, Phytosterols, Squalene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oryza Sativa Bran Cera,
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AQ Active SerumAQ Skin Solutions$127.50
Size: 1fl oz
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
Cell growth factors which improve skin cell health and activity, this product is better than TNS. The scientist involved with these two products figured out how to use the young skin cell conditioned media, and how to concentrate it, without the cell waste products. The cell waste products are what caused the funny odor to TNS. This product is odor free!
For aging prevention and repair, use once a day at night, after cleansing then put your other products over it.
The eye serum is great also!
Free of: Animal cruelty, parabens, propylene glycol, & fragrances
Ingredients:
Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
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AQ Eye SerumAQ Skin Solutions$84.15Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
Cell growth factors which improve skin cell health and activity, this product is better than TNS. The scientist involved with these two products figured out how to use the young skin cell conditioned media, and how to concentrate it, without the cell waste products. The cell waste products are what caused the funny odor to TNS. This product is odor free!
For aging prevention and repair, twice a day, morning and night, after cleansing then put your other products over it.
The AQ Active Serum (for the face) is also great to use under your moistuizer or retinol at night.
This is a serum and doesn't moisturize. Use the MadisonMD Eye Rescue over it each time.
Free of: Animal cruelty, parabens, propylene glycol, & fragrances
Key Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycerin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Steareth-20, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Butylene Glycol, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Polysorbate 20, Chrysin, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Aminoethylphosphinic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract, Lactic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
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C E FerulicSkinCeuticals$140.25Size: 1 oz.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
Ok.....so the SC antioxidants have been market leaders for some time, but they have not innovated in the past 15 years so I think there better products out there now. Also these still have propylene glycol in them - sheesh - now in the top 20 of causing allergic reactions.
So....I'm biased now toward the product that we created. Better form of Vit C, less expensive, and no propylene glycol or other irritants.
Ingredients
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Laureth-23, Alpha Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
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C-Infusion SerumDermaQuest$78.20Size1 fl. oz
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
An antioxidant, this is a non irritating Vitamin C lotion that's still light. With the Vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) as the second ingredient, it has enough concentration of the active to make it effective. Great for sensitive or easily irritated skin, but also great for those with dry skin. Use it under your sunscreen in the morning.
Ingredients
Water (Aqua),Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Sorbitol, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Squalane, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Linoleic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Phospholipids, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Alcohol, Ectoin , Lecithin, Cyclotetrapeptide-24 Aminocyclohexane Carboxylate, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Glucosamine HCl, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Micrococcus Lysate, Plankton Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil.
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Prevention + Daily Moisturizer SPF 30Image$37.40Size: 3.2 oz.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
This sunscreen has been very popular. Very moisturizing and great for normal to dry skin. It absorbs in well! Make-up goes over it easily. Since untinted you can use on the face, neck, chest.....really anywhere. Tube is 3.2 oz and lasts well.
This is one of the highest zinc sunscreens on the market that is still priced well and has the zinc 18%. Zinc is the best UVA plus UVB blocker in a sunscreen.
One of the best sunscreens for melasma due to it's zinc 18%. If you want a zinc 18% sunscreen with a tint, look at the Dermaquest 30 tinted.
Note: We stopped carrying the Image SPF 50 because it had less zinc (9.0%) which was confusing patients. The SPF 50 has more chemicals.
Can be chalky on darker skin tones. Try the tinted version instead.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide 21%.
FEATURED INGREDIENTS
Hydrolyzed pea protein
Zinc oxide
Antioxidant blend
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
ZINC OXIDE 21%
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
AQUA/WATER/EAU, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, GLYCERIN, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII NUT EXTRACT, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, LECITHIN, ISOSTEARIC ACID, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, POLYSILICONE-31, SORBITAN STEARATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, HEA/SODIUM ACRYOLYDIMETHYLTAURATE/STEARETH-20 METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, HYDROLYZED JOJOBA ESTERS, LIMONENE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ALLANTOIN, C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN, LAMINARIA DIGITATA EXTRACT, ARTEMISIA VULGARIS EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, CITRUS NOBILIS (MANDARIN ORANGE) PEEL OIL, XANTHAN GUM, BISABOLOL, POLYSORBATE 80, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, ERYTHRITOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, VANILLA PLANIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT, GLUCOSE, HYDROLYZED PEA PROTEIN, PYRUVIC ACID, SODIUM CHLORIDE, BAROSMA BETULINA LEAF OIL, TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, HOMARINE HCL, SODIUM SUCCINATE, ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA EXTRACT, MICROCOCCUS LYSATE, PLANKTON EXTRACT, ERGOTHIONEINE. -
UV Clear SPF 46Elta MD$27.20Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Who It's For
Best for oily and acne prone skin. Men tend to like this product because it's light and nongreasy.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
9% zinc oxide for true broad-spectrum protection. Another great sunscreen from Elta. Niacinamide to calm and protect sensitive, acne-prone skin. Oil-free, good for sensitive skin. Paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.
How to Use
Apply to face, neck, and hands 30 minutes before sun exposure. Use daily.
Ingredients
Zinc Oxide 9%, Octinoxate 7.5%. Purified Water, Cyclomethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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UV Physical SPF 41 Chemical Free TubeElta MD$25.08Size: 3 fl. oz
Who It's For
Especially good for those with sensitive skin. Not great for those with acne and a lot of oil. Water resistant.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
Lightly tinted. This is a sunblock that is free of chemical sunscreen actives, with natural mineral UV Protection SPF 41 with 9% Zinc Oxide and 7% Titanium Dioxide for true broad spectrum protection. Oil-free, paraben-free and fragrance free. Ideal for very sensitive skin and children. Absorbs quickly. Can be a little chalky when first applied.
How to Use
Apply before sun exposure and reapply every 2-3 hours in high sun or after swimming or sweating.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: 9.0% Zinc Oxide, 7.0% Titanium Dioxide Inactive Ingredients (alphabetical order): Aluminum Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Hydrated Silica, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Octyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Perfluoronyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate 13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Purified Water, Quercitin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Selenite, Soft Tex Yellow Iron Oxide-C337773, Soft Tex Red Iron Oxide-C337775, Soft Tex Russett Iron Oxide-C337721, Soft Tex Black Iron Oxide-C337751, Thioctic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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Non-Tinted UV Daily SPF 40 PumpElta MD$23.80Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Who It's For
Best for normal to combination skin to moisturize and protect from sun damage.
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
Light, sheer, daily SPF 40 (but not as light as the Clear) with 9% Zinc Oxide for good UVA and UVB protection. For the face, either alone or under makeup. Glides on easily and absorbs quickly into the skin. Hyaluronic acid to increase skin smoothness and softness and to decrease appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Paraben-free. Men like this product usually.
How to Use
Use daily on face, neck, chest and hands, 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: 9.0% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate. Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyether-1, Citric Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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Zero Irritation RetinolMadison MD$66.30Size: 1.7 fl oz
Dr. Irwin's Product Review
The key to the zero irritation is in the base cream and the way you use it. The base is very hydrating and moisturizing with triglycerides, shea butter, and avocado oil. This formula is focused to treat sun damage, wrinkles and help to prevent skin cancers (like all topical retinoids). Also contains small amounts of vitamin E, Vit B5 (panthenol), and chamomile extract.
Be sure to apply at night OVER your moisturizer after waiting about 5 minutes.
Free of: Animal cruelty, parabens, propylene glycol, & fragrance
KEY INGREDIENTS: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprilyc/Capric Triglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Polysorbate 60, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Dimethicone, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Xan-than Gum, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, PEG-8, PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer,Palmitoyl Myristyl Serinate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol
Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD
Unbiased Product
Recommendations
Dr. Irwin is a board certified dermatologist in Seattle at Madison Skin & Laser Center. She has no financial ties to any cosmetic company.
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