Because we can never have enough knowledge when it comes to excellent skin care—specially when the seasons change—we chatted with SkinCeuticals Canada’s own scientific communications and national education lead Chloe Smith about her brand’s hero products and best ingredients, plus tips and tricks to take our skin from fall to winter without incident. —Noa Nichol
Hello Chloe! To start, please tell us a bit about yourself.
Complexion perfectionist, skin-health professional, sunscreen-awareness advocate, teacher, self-esteem supporter, wife, dog mom and national skin-care expert, I read my first skin-care book at age 14—Dr. Nicholas Perricone’s The Clear Skin Prescription—after being prescribed Accutane for unresponsive cystic acne. That book, plus an exceptional dermatologist who managed me through Accutane, started my lifelong obsession with skin. My career at SkinCeuticals is my passion, I honestly don’t even call it work! It is a sense of purpose.
What makes SkinCeuticals unique?
We formulate all products with ingredients backed by science, with optimal concentrations for real biological results proven on human beings. We are sold exclusively by Canadian physicians, and physicians combine SkinCeuticals products with medical aesthetic treatments to improve treatment results. In short, science is our purpose and proof is our difference.
And what are some of the brand’s “hero” products?
This is not an easy question! C E Ferulic prevents DNA damage caused by sun exposure. It offers a photo-protective effect similar to a sunscreen, and is the only vitamin C proven to penetrate human skin (which is actually very hard to achieve)! Blemish + Age Defense is for acne, texture and wrinkle correction. Even if you are not suffering from acne, I encourage most patients to use this product for even skin tone and texture. It’s like an at home chemical peel applied every night! Discoloration Defense contains tranexamic acid, which is actually an oral drug for heavy menstruation. However, topical application of tranexamic acid demonstrates promising results for melasma reduction (weird, right?). Discoloration Defense targets the root cause of melasma, and every biological pathway that causes pigmentation. The results my dermatologists have seen thus far are incredibly promising, especially when used in combination with laser procedures for pigmentation reduction. And Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50—most women omit foundation once they try this sunscreen!
We’re particularly intrigued by SkinCeuticals’ H.A. Intensifier, with purple rice! Tell us more.
H.A. Intensifier is a topical serum that volumizes the skin. Many people think this is a hydrating serum, but it is so much more than that! It uses proxylane to increase internal hyaluronic acid production and purple rice to prevent hyaluronic acid from breaking down. H.A. Intensifier is the only product on the market that prevents the skin’s breakdown of internal hyaluronic acid (thanks to purple rice)! What this means is long-lasting volumized, plump skin for patients of all ages. It is also the perfect complement to hyaluronic acid based fillers like Restylane and Juvederm to keep the skin plump.
Any time-tested and/or new skin-care tips as we transition from fall to winter in Canada?
Canadians are known for braving the cold weather, and along with the cold come lifestyle changes. We spend more time indoors exposing our skin to heated, low-humidity environments. We move from the heated indoors to the colder and windier outdoors, and our skin gets shocked! This can lead to dry, red, irritated skin. Also, most Canadians think the sun is not as harmful in the colder weather, which couldn’t be farther from the truth! The snow is like a mirror that reflects the sun’s rays back at us. We are still prone to sun damage, and must use a sunscreen year-round. A seasonal skin-care regimen should involve products that help keep the skin barrier strong and healthy and protect the skin from sun damage. Often, these are soap-free cleansers, richer moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients, and mineral-based sunscreens.
Finally, a personal question: as a skin-care expert, can you give us your top insider secret for beautiful skin?
A properly formulated vitamin C is the top dermatologist’s secret for beautiful skin … aside from year-round sun protection!
Win! SkinCeuticals’ H.A. Intensifier ($120)!
We have a winner! Congratulations Tara C. of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, who won SkinCeuticals’ H.A. Intensifier, valued at $120!
share:
Be the first to comment