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%, phloretin 2%, and ferulic 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

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: 1 fl. oz

Who It's For

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

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

Cell Growth Factors/Antioxidants/ Peptides. Especially good for those women who want to do things as quickly as possible and have no patience with multiple steps. I wish I could bathe in this product, but it’s too expensive.

Use it at night or under your sunscreen in the morning or both. It’s the first “double pump” product I’ve seen that works well. You press the plunger and it dispenses your cell growth factor serum (TNS Recovery – the reddish one) AND your antioxidant and peptide mix at the same time. 

There are 7 different antioxidants so it’s hard to compare it with other antioxidant serums (7 is not always better than 1). Has some weak plant based skin lighteners.

Expensive but could be worth it, in my opinion, especially if you hate multiple steps. 

How to Use

After cleansing both morning and night, massage gently over entire face.

Ingredients

Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Water (Aqua), Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables, Alpha-arbutin, Isoceteth-20, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ergothioneine, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Hydrolyzed Silk, Phospholipids, Ubiquinone, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Aminobutyric Acid, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Squalene, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ethylparaben, Fragrance

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: 1.4 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

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

Finally there is a plant based alternative that works almost as well as the hydroquinones which are available by prescription. For those those with melasma, or a lot of sun damage, there may not be a "cure," but it's nice to have a reasonable alternative to the hydroquinone.  You can use this product year around, or use it when you are taking a break from prescription hydroquinone.

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

Ingredients

Transexamic 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: 2 fl oz

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

 This luscious cream can be used morning and night if you want.  Very emollient and hydrating.  Nice, natural scent.  Organic. Not for oily skin and acne.

Ingredients

Monoi: fragrant Tahitian oil; hydrates and firms the appearance of the skin
Argan Stem Cell Complex (Argan Stem Cells and Nutmeg Seed): contains PhytoCellTec™ Argan stem cells and Nutmeg Seed; results in smoother looking skin
Argan Oil: antioxidant; softens and moisturizes
Evening Primrose Oil: moisturizes
Shea Butter: moisturizes and revitalizes the look of skin
Jojoba Oil: supports and hydrates the skin
Grape Seed Oil: antioxidant and emollient

Size: 1.7 oz airless pump

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

 Niacinamde is featured in this product and helps with skin texture, quality and eveness.  Niacinamide is a work horse. Most people will notice within 60 days improvement in texture, elasticity, pigment and fine lines.  Also great is the high concentration of lipids (skin oils) naturally found in skin to help build up the barrier function in dry skin.  Good for irritated or dry skin.

Key Ingredients

Purified Water, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide NS, Ceteareth-25, Ceramide EOP, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Caprooyl, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Piptadenia Colubrina Peel Extract, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract , Bromelain, Tocopherol, Xylitol, Ficin, Glutamine, Biotin, Proline

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

Size: Comes in two sizes:  Small and Medium

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

If you protect the backs of your hands from light, it prevents brown (age) spots and wrinkles. UVA radiation is the main culprit and comes in through your car windshield, windows, and is present outside all day.  I use them all the time now when I'm driving.  Soft, easy to get on and off, and fingerless. They even have a textured surface on the grip so your hands won't slip on the wheel.

How to Use

Anytime, but especially good in the car.

Size: 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,

Size: 1 fl oz (30 mL)

Dr. Irwin's Product Review

 Contains a ton of healthy skin oils some natural to skin like the triglyceride, and some just healthy oils like the grape seed oil.  Great for dry, sensitive, or eczema prone skin.  Not great for acne or oily skin.  Contains vitamin C and little vitamin A (retinyl palmitate).

Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil.