My answers to some skincare-related questions from reader Romanow:
Q. Hi Jordan! Your skin looks so naturally-glowing here. I know you may have addressed your skin care regime at some other point in time, but would you care to share with me the products that you find most effective? I’m actually trying to work with my own skin (which is combination oily and dry), and I have not really found anything that has given me *consistent* results. Many thanks.
A. Thank you so much! You know, for the past few months I’ve actually been feeling sort of like the picture at left: I haven’t been loving how my face is doing (I’ve noticed wrinkles starting, and have been getting breakouts and some dryness). A few weeks ago, though, I changed my regimen…and it made an immediate difference (a lot of my friends have even commented on how much better my skin looks).
The major change is that I started using products geared specifically to anti-aging instead of my usual cleanser/moisturizer/eye cream. I’ve started washing my face with Cor soap*, which is awesome, and in the evening I use Strivectin’s* face cream and eye cream (they gave me samples to try out for the BetterTV shoot, and they are GREAT). I’ve also been using their exfoliant 2-3x a week; I’ve never exfoliated before, and I’ve noticed a big difference. In the morning I use Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage and Oil of Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging moisturizer. Since I’ve been totally unscientific by changing a lot about my skincare routine at once, it’s hard to say what made the difference, but there you go 🙂
Q. Do you think there is a significant difference between over-the-counter products you can find at your local drugstore versus more expensive designer skincare companies?
Not always. Moisturizers and cleansers are two areas where I’m comfortable cutting costs: for example, while I’m really loving the Cor soap, Cetaphil is also great (I just find that it sometimes takes two passes to remove all my makeup). I also am a big fan of drugstore moisturizer; it’s just a matter of trying a bunch of different brands to see what works for you (I also like Pond’s). When it comes to anti-aging products I’m a little pickier, but I’m still not going to drop $400 on Dior eye cream (or whatever); I prefer science-based, old-school brands like Strivectin over “luxury” brands.
Q. Do you use a toner?
Nope. My skin is dry, so my major concern is moisturizing; toner just feels unnecessary to me.
Q. For my oiler areas, do I really still need moisturizer?
Yes, but it’ll probably feel better to use the lightest formula possible (try HydraEssence Hydrating Creme Concentrate – it feels incredible on your skin, and is totally weightless). If I’m feeling broken out, I’ll use the Zeno Heat Treatment* with salicylic acid, and by the morning my oily areas have evened out. I also love Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion for spot treatment of pimples.
Q. What is your opinion regarding sunscreen/suntan lotions? How do you juggle that into your skin care regimen?
I’ll admit, I’m less diligent about sunscreen in the winter (of course this is bad; you’re supposed to use sunscreen all year round). I try to use a daytime moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, but if I’m using a moisturizer without SPF I’ll generally apply Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF instead of foundation.
*Product sample generously provided by manufacturer.
