If you’re anything like me, you don’t have the patience to wait 2 weeks to see results. So here are the must-haves for instant gratification in the skin department. Besides all these methods, you can also try [google_bot_show][/google_bot_show]Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center that offer you handy and useful skincare treatments.
- Cleanser: Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash by Peter Thomas Roth
While you can’t knock soap and water, if you’re looking for a real difference, you need to invest in a good cleanser, and my favorite one is the Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash by Peter Thomas Roth, $35 for an 8 oz. bottle, available from www.sephora.com. It may seem pricey, but the results are soo worth it and since you only need a dime-sized amount every time, the bottle lasts for longer than you’d think. Apply to a slightly damp face and leave on for 30-60 seconds. It’s a deep cleanser, so when you wash it off, it acts almost like a gentle exfoliator, leaving your skin looking smooth and glowing right away, whether you have blemishes or not. It’s my emergency fix when I’m having a bad skin day, and there’s nothing else like it. You can use it on a dry face, too, for more dramatic results, but don’t do that too often or you’ll end up with over-dried skin.
- Exfoliant: The Refining Facial by La Mer
At $75 a pop, this 3.4 oz. container (available from www.cremedelamer.com) better have diamonds, you say. And it does! Don’t fear the price tag on this baby because the Refining Facial is priceless. Made of sea muds, diamond dust, and lots of other goodness, this exfoliant leaves your skin looking brighter, more even, and much smoother after just one use. Lightly massage the cream onto your face in a circular motion, a quarter-sized amount will be more than enough. Make sure to rinse your face thoroughly, and be gentle! Use it once a week, and you can make this little container last close to a year.
- Scrub: Super Slough Scrub by Bliss
Your body needs lovin’ too, and there’s nothing better than this scrub, $34 for a 16 oz.. bottle, available from www.sephora.com. Dampen skin then scrub vigorously, and you won’t believe how soft your skin is when you wash it off. I didn’t think it was possible for skin to feel this refreshed, but now I’m a believer. The scrub smells great and lathers up better than anything I’ve tried before, so a little can go a long way….but you’ll be so addicted to the soft and clean feeling that the bottle won’t last long.
- Moisturizer: HydrAction Hydra-Protective Light Creme SPF 20, by Dior
You know how important it is to moisturize, and you know there’s no better way to prevent aging and sun damage than by using SPF. That’s why this cream is so perfect. It goes on light, absorbs quickly, and protects you from the evil sun, all for $54 for a 1.8 oz. jar (available from Sephora, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and others). A little goes a long way here, too, so this miracle jar will last you about 6 months. And you get the instant glow without that greasy feeling!
- Peel: The Microdelivery Peel Kit by Philosophy
Another favorite, this kit ($65 from Sephora) is a 2 step process that exfoliates your skin super gently, so you get all the glow without the irritation. It’s a little goopy, but totally worth the mess because once you rinse it off, you’ll see a whole new you. Make sure to lather well because that’s what gives you the deep cleanse you’re looking for. And if you keep using it, your pores get smaller, thanks to all the conditioning vitamins in there.
I literally cannot live without these products, but I recommend trying them before you buy —most places have samples or will let you try the product in-store. Also, samples are a great way to get that instant gratification we want without the hefty price tag!