Sephora's annual sale is the perfect time to invest in skincare products that truly work. As a board-certified dermatologist, I want to share evidence-based recommendations to help you navigate through so many options and find the products that best suit your specific needs.
Cleansers: The foundation of every effective routine
How you cleanse your face determines the success of the rest of your routine. There are two fundamental types of cleansers:
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Active cleansers: Contain ingredients that treat specific skin conditions.
- Kate Somerville Eradikate: With 3% sulfur, ideal for oily skin, redness, and clogged pores.
- Sophie Pavitt: Its benzoyl peroxide mask works perfectly as a cleanser for acne-prone skin.
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Gentle cleansers: Remove impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.
- Soft Wash: So gentle you can use it even around the eyes. Apply it to dry skin and use a cloth for greater effectiveness.
Exfoliants: Cell renewal for radiant skin
Exfoliants remove dead cells and promote cell renewal. It's recommended to use them at night to wake up with renewed skin.
For oily and acne-prone skin:
- Paula's Choice BHA Toner: With 2% salicylic acid.
- Sophie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum: Contains mandelic acid, the gentlest AHA and suitable for sensitive skin.
For more intense exfoliation:
- Flash Mask: With 15% glycolic acid, the most potent AHA that stimulates collagen production.
- Shani Darden Lactic Acid Serum: At 9%, excellent for bumps on the back of the arms.
Practical tip: Don't forget to exfoliate your neck, chest, eye area, and lips as well. There are specific products like Lip Peel that contains gluconolactone and mandelic acid.
Essences and toners: The underrated step
Essences and toners prepare the skin to better absorb the following products.
- SK2 Essence: Although expensive, it noticeably improves skin texture with consistent use.
- Dr. Jart Ceramidin Serum Toner: Rich in ceramides and panthenol, more economical but equally effective.
- Caudalie Mist: Perfect for use under skincare and even over makeup.
Serums: Concentrated power
Serums contain the highest concentration of active ingredients. Select yours according to your main concerns:
For spots and hyperpigmentation:
- Hyper Serum: With kojic acid, arbutin, licorice, and 5% niacinamide.
- Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid Serum: At 10%, ideal for rosacea and discoloration.
For calming and reducing redness:
- Dr. Jart Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum: With centella asiatica and allantoin.
- Deep Puffer: Combines centella and arnica to reduce inflammation and redness.
Anti-aging:
- Clarins Double Serum: Hydrolipidic system that provides immediate firmness.
- Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: With patented TFC8 technology that optimizes the skin renewal process.
Retinol: The gold standard for anti-aging
Not everyone can tolerate retinol, but there are options for different sensitivity levels:
- Kiehl's Micro-Dose Retinol: Approximately 0.1%, ideal for beginners.
- First Aid Beauty Retinol Complex 0.3%: A step up in intensity.
- Ole Henriksen Retinol Serum 0.3%: For more experienced users.
- Shani Darden Retinol Reform: Advanced formulation that many can tolerate.
Eye contour: Specific care for a delicate area
The eye area requires specific products that address concerns such as fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
- With/Jei Oracle Peptide and Antioxidant Eye Gel: Perfect for daytime use.
- Augustinus Bader Eye Cream: Thick texture that creates a moisturizing cocoon effect.
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Serum: Contains retinol, ideal for nighttime use.
Moisturizers: Sealing the benefits
Moisturizers seal all previous products and keep the skin protected:
- Paula's Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Cream: Light and rich in peptides.
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream: Extremely hydrating for all skin types.
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Rescue Skin Barrier Balm: Rich in dimethicone to repair the skin barrier.
- Clarins Cryo Flash Mask: Reduces skin temperature by 7°C, perfect for long flights.
Sunscreen: Never negotiable
Sunscreen is the most important step to prevent premature aging.
Mineral sunscreens:
- Isdin Eryfotona Actinica: With zinc oxide and DNA repair.
- Tatcha Silk Sunscreen SPF 40: Available in a universal shade.
- Iris & Romeo SPF 50: Includes vitamin C and comes in four different shades.
Chemical sunscreens:
- Ultraviolette: Australian brand now available in the U.S.
- Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense: Ultra-light SPF 50 serum with peptides.
Conclusion: Smart investment in your skin
Sephora's annual sale offers a unique opportunity to invest in quality products that will truly make a difference in your skin's health. Remember that consistency is key: you don't need all these products, but rather select those that best address your specific concerns.
An educated approach allows you to make informed decisions about your skincare. Prioritize products with science-backed active ingredients and adapt your routine according to your changing needs.