The Only 3 Skincare Products You Really Need
From a Master Esthetician, Mom of 5, and Skin Wellness Advocate
Let me be honest—as a licensed master esthetician, a wife, a mom to five amazing (and very active!) kids, and a small business owner, I know exactly how hard it is to carve out time for skincare. Some days I barely have time to finish my coffee, let alone go through a 7-step routine. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a complicated routine to see real results.
If you’re going to invest in just a few essentials for healthy, glowing skin, these are the non-negotiables:
SPF, antioxidants, and retinol. Let’s break down why they matter—and which products I trust enough to use on myself and recommend to my clients.
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1. SPF – The Most Important Anti-Aging Product You’ll Ever Own
I say it daily in the treatment room and at home: if you’re not wearing SPF every single day, you’re wasting your skincare. Harsh, but true. Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer—even on cloudy days or through your car window.
My Go-To Recommendations:
• Colorescience Flex SPF 50 – Light coverage, comes in four blendable shades, and feels like second skin. Perfect for busy mornings when you want a little glow and protection in one.
• Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 – A dewy finish and antioxidant boost in a universal tint—great for dry or mature skin.
Why it matters:
• Shields skin from UVA/UVB rays and blue light
• Prevents dark spots, fine lines, and collagen breakdown
• Protects the investment you’re making in your skincare routine
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2. Antioxidants – Your Skin’s Daily Dose of Defense and Glow
Antioxidants are like your morning green juice—but for your skin. They neutralize free radicals from pollution, stress, and sun exposure that speed up aging. If you want brighter, healthier skin, this step is a must.
My Favorites:
• Skinbetter Science Alto Advanced Defense & Repair Serum – Clinically proven, packed with 19 powerful antioxidants, and a favorite in our practice for glowing, resilient skin.
• Epionce Intense Defense Serum – A multivitamin for your skin. Combines vitamins A, B, C, D, and E for comprehensive antioxidant protection and visible radiance.
Why it matters:
• Brightens dull, uneven skin tone
• Enhances sun protection when layered under SPF
• Strengthens skin barrier over time
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3. Retinol – The Holy Grail of Skin Transformation
There’s a reason retinol is one of the most researched ingredients in skincare: it works. Whether you’re targeting fine lines, acne, or texture, retinol is your nighttime workhorse.
Client-Approved Picks:
• Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream – A gentler alternative to traditional retinol with less irritation, but all the results. Ideal even for sensitive skin.
Why it matters:
• Speeds up cell turnover to smooth and refine texture
• Boosts collagen production for firmer skin
• Fades dark spots and supports clear, radiant skin
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The Busy Woman’s Skincare Bottom Line:
If you’re juggling a million things and can’t commit to an elaborate skincare routine (hello, I see you!), you only need three products to make a real impact:
• Antioxidant serum in the morning
• Broad-spectrum SPF daily (rain or shine)
• Retinol at night
Keep it simple, stay consistent, and choose clinical-grade products that actually work—your skin will thank you.
If you’re not sure where to start, or want help customizing your routine, come see us. I love helping busy women like you build skincare that fits real life—and still delivers beautiful results.
