Anti-Aging and Wrinkles

Size:  1 oz.

Who It's For

Most skin types except the most sensitive.  This product will usually be helpful for pigmentation problems also.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

In line with SkinCeuticals' superb antioxiants - a triple compound with L-Ascorbic 15%, Vitamin E 1%, and 0.5% Ferulic (a plant based antioxidant).  Acts to prevent damage to skin cell DNA from UV via reduced free radical formation and prevention of DNA mutations.  May stimulate collagen production slightly.

How to Use

Apply to freshly cleansed skin as the first layer.

Ingredients

Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Laureth-23, Alpha Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate 

Size: 1 fl. oz

Who It's For

All but sensitive skin.  If you are sensitive, try this in a small amount for a few days on a test area.  

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

SkinCeuticals made its name originally by making the best antioxidants, and this one is no exception. 3 antioxidants in one, it contains L-ascorbic acid 10%, phoretin 2%, and ferrulic acid 0.5%. My personal antioxidant under my sunscreen. The same high quality without the glass jars - love the new closed pump with its travel-friendly packaging. Oxidizes only minimally with time (turns slightly yellow).

How to Use

Apply after cleansing and under your moisturizer and/or sunscreen.

Ingredients

2% Phloretin, 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), 0.5% Ferulic Acid

Size: 1 fl. oz

Who It's For:

Normal to dryer skin types and a good choice for sensitive skin.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

As antioxidants go, I still think the higher quality SkinCeuticals products or the high quality Vitamin C serums are more effective.   But not everyone tolerates those or likes the serum formulation.  This is a good option for those who don't like the serums or gels or just need an antioxidant that's quite gentle.  Contains reservatrol and polyphenol (plant-based antioxidants) isolates.  Also, this is more affordable than the SkinCeuticals ones.

How to Use

Apply in the morning under sunscreen or at night under your Vit A cream. 

Ingredients

Purified Water, Squalane, Cyclomethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caffeine U.S.P. Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Polyphenols, Resveratrol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Chamomilla Recutila (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Polysorbate-20, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethanolaine, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA

Size: 1 fl. oz

Who It's For

All skin types but the most oily and acne prone.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

An excellent antioxidant with 90% polyphenol extracts of green tea.  The cream form is very good for those of you with more sensitive skin or those who just don't like the smell or feel of the Vitamin C serums or gels.  The base is light but moisturizing.  Contains calming plant extracts as well, cucumber and chamomile. 

How to Use

Once or twice a day.  Use your antioxidants directly on cleansed skin and put your other products over that. 

Ingredients

Purified water, glyceryl stearate (soy), behenyl alcohol, palmitic acid, caffeine UPS, stearic acid, lecithin, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, 90% polyphenol isolate of camellia sinensis leaf, sodium hyaluronate, bisabolol, cucumis sativus (cucumber) extract, chamomilla recutita (chamomile) extract, triethanolamine, polysorbate 20, methylparaben, diazolidinyl urea, phenoxetol, tetrasodium EDT

Size: 1 fl. oz

Who It's For

This will be too irritating for some.  Use the Replenix Cream CF or Power of Three antioxidants if you can't use or don't like the vitamin C antioxidants. Normal or oily skin and anyone looking for the antiaging properties of a good antioxidant.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

Vitamin C 20%. Very high quality in that it uses L-ascorbic acid which penetrates cells well and has been proven to protect cells from UV damage to skin cell DNA, promote more even pigment, and help with fine lines.  Start with the Replenix Cream CF or the Replenix Power of Three though if you haven't used antioxidants before.

In Vitamin Cs the better quality products are serums or gels in a 10-20% concentration, contain L-ascorbic acid (not the Vitamin C esters), and are PH-ed to about 3.0. There are many expensive Vitamin Cs on the market that are not as good as this one here.  You should use this up in about 3-4 months.

How to Use

Use on cleansed skin in the morning under moisturizer and sunscreen.  It's fine to use these at night also if you are not using a retinoid then.  Using both at night is irritating for most people. 

Ingredients

Water, L-Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Zinc Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide

Size: 1 fl. oz. (30ml)

Who It's For

In my opinion, everyone (as long as no allergies or irritation) should use either the prescription form (stronger), or a nonprescription retinoid like one of these.  They still do more than any other topical to build collagen, reverse sun damage, help keep pigment even, and help prevent precancerous lesions and skin cancers.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

This is an excellent 0.6% retinol (vitamin A cousin) cream, which is slightly stronger than the SkinMedica (0.25%).  If you've never used retinol or the prescription versions like tretinoin (generic), Retin A, Renova, etc., start with the more gentle, lower-strength SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25%.  If you are doing well with that after awhile, then try going up to this one. 

If you already use the prescription forms which are stronger (but can be more irritating), then don't use these.  This has a nice midweight base - not oily but also not drying.

A nice bonus on this product: they originally had this as Nouvelle Retinol Skin Cream but recently reformulated it to include a gentle, non-hydroquinone pigment corrector Melanex. 

How to Use

Always at night because light inactivates it.  It's fine to put it over your moisturizer and wait 10-15 min. if you are prone to irritation. 

Ingredients

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Glycerophosphate, Glycerin, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Ester, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Leucine, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dicetyl Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Peg-10 Soy Sterol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, BHT, Propyl Gallate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Size: 1 fl. oz

Who It's For

Almost everyone who's trying to repair sun damage and prevent wrinkles and skin cancers should be on one of these vitamin A "cousins."   A few will be too sensitive for retinoids and should use a combination of cell growth factors and antioxidants instead.  Don't use if you have a propylene glycol allergy. 

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

This product is now an excellent value for its price point!   The generic prescription tretinoin and all the prescription retinoids like Renova have gotten very expensive.  This product is quite similar in strength to Retin A .25% but at a much better price.   If you've used prescription products before, you should do well with this.   If you haven't used them before, consider starting with the SkinMedica Retinol .25 first, then going to the NeoCutis Nouvelle+ (.6%), and then this SkinCeuticals 1.0.

How to Use

Always at night.  Usually best to put a moisturizer on, wait 5-10 minutes and then apply a pea sized amount.  You don't need very much. 

Ingredients

Water, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Laureth-4, Laureth-23, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyorspermum Parkii (shea Butter), Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Propylene Glycol, Allyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, BHT, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate, Glycerin, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Leureth-7, Bisabolol. Rosa Canina Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (matreicaria) Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Methylsothiazolinone, Tetrasodium EDTA

Size: 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

Size: 0.63 oz

Who It's For

Sun-damaged or aging skin, especially for the time pressured.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

Contains Cell Growth Factors - this was the original cell growth factor product by SkinMedica.  Still a good product.   This is a product with less science behind it than the retinoids and high quality antioxidants so make sure you're using those first and then add this as a third anti-aging product.  My recommendation is to use your antioxidant as a first layer in the morning, followed by moisturizer and/or sunscreen.  Use this as a first layer at night followed by moisturizer then Renova/Retin A/tretinoin.

The more expensive version just prior has added antioxidants and peptides. 

How to Use

Use it under your sunscreen in the morning or at night or both.  After cleansing both morning and night, massage gently over entire face. 

Ingredients

Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Ethoxydiglycol, Isoceteth-20, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Fragrance

Size: 1.6 oz

Who It's For

See above - depends on the strength.  Some with sensitive skin will still get irritated even with the 10% so try cautiously at first if you are.  Unscented. 

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

Glycolic creams are still an excellent way to achieve results ........and especially if you consider their price point, which is  lower than other anti-aging products and some acne products.  The trick is to get a good formulation and know how to use them. Start with the 10% and work up slowly.

10% -  helps with sun damage on the neck and chest, great for more sensitive skin, with acne especially on other acne meds, and I use at night once a week or so as a break from retinoids

15%  -  See above, If you have no problems with the 10%, try going up to this.  Also, excellent for dry areas on the body like the lower legs. 

20%  -  If you have very oily skin, this may be the right one for you.  This also works super well for men who get the ingrown hairs with shaving (use nightly - NOT after shaving).  Great on the body (not for neck and chest in women) for those extra dry areas.

How to Use

Generally start lower and work up.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Glycolic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Cyclomethicone, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Green Tea Extract, Aloe Vera, Mucopolysaccharides, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Laureth-7, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea. 6/2/09

Size: 2 oz

Who It's For

Those who love that "glow" that comes with great antiaging products. Okay for all skin types.  Men love this product also. 

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

This is the old Vivite Night Renewal Facial Cream, but SkinMedica bought Vivite and tweaked the Night Renewal Cream just a bit.  A 20% glycolic night cream. I have to confess I was originally skeptical about this product.  There are many glycolic products out there but this one truly is one of the best.  I use it now alternating nights - one night Renova and the next this product. I seem to get even better results. Try putting this over your moisturizer like you do your retinoid.  It does tingle or sting just a little for about 2-5 minutes. This is normal for this product.

How to Use

Nightly or every other night. A little stinging or tingling is normal but if it lasts longer, is painful, or is making you red or irritated, stop using it.  Glycolics can cause some sun sensitivity, so wear sunscreen or sun protective clothing if you are using this.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin,  Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol,  Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,  Ceresin, Saccharide Isomerate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Algae Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate,  Octyldodecanol, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate,  Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Stearic Acid, Sodium PCA, Urea, Trehalose,  Polyquaternium-51,  Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose,  Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Triacetin,  Aluminum Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Size: 1.4 fl. oz

Who It's For

An affordable cream for normal to dry skin and a good choice for younger skin.  Use the lotion version of this if you have acne or oily skin.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

This alpha hydroxy based cream is good for normal to dry skin, isn't irritating, and it helps regenerate collagen a little  and speed natural exfoliation. Also helps with acne. But use the lotion not the cream if your skin is really oily or acne prone. Good choice for teens to early 30s.  Good price point.

How to Use

Apply to face and neck once daily for two weeks and twice daily thereafter, as tolerated. Gently smooth in the cream until it disappears. You must use a sunscreen daily if you are using a glycolic product. 

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Decyl Oleate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Isocetyl Stearate, Arginine, Isostearic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben

Size: 2.0oz

Who It's For

Anyone with brown spots, melasma, sun damage, and any pigment excess problems.  It is especially helpful for those people who are allergic too or get irritated by anything with the "bleaching" ingredient hydroquinone in it. 

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

For those those of us with melasma, or a lot of sun damage, there really is no true cure.  But there is good control. Hydroquinones are the key active ingredient in all the prescription versions (4%) and most of the drugstore lightening creams (2%). Finally there is a plant based alternative that works almost as well.  

If you have pigment problems, you must wear  an 18-20% zinc containing sunscreen every day, and wear a brimmed hat whenever outdoors! 

How to Use

Start by applying under your moisturizer and vitamin A cream (retinol or tretinoin) at night.  If you are tolerating well, try increasing it to twice a day.

Ingredients

Tranexamic Acid Helps correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Phenylethyl Resorcinol Helps support melanin balance to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide & Tetrapeptide-30 Helps prevent the appearance of new spots while visibly balancing the appearance of your skin tone.

Marine Extract Blend Helps to correct and prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Phytic Acid Enhances skin texture and promotes even-looking skin.

Size: 0.42 oz (12 grams)

Who It's For

Anyone with spots or bruises (from cosmetic/laser they want to cover.  Available in two shades, light to medium, and tan to dark.

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

This the best invention since the iphone (jk). It contains 5 different shades of mineral cover-up that can be mixed to actually cover just about anything including a black tattoo. It covers acne, brown spots, anything red, and bruises!  Put all your regular products on first including makeup if used, then apply.  It works on skin types 1-4. Our patients and staff thought the darker palette for types 5, 6 was too orangey so we don't carry it.

How to Use

Put all of your products and normal makeup on first.  Then use the little brush to spot treat the trouble spots. Sometimes you need to use several of the colors together to get the right blend and it's fine to do that!

Ingredients

Mica, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate Benzoate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf Extract, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Lauroyl Lysine, Calcium Silicate, Sodium Sulfate, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beta-Carotene (CI 40800), Bismith Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Carmine (CI 75470) Contains Carmine As A Color Additive