The Holy Trinity of Skincare: Three Things Every Regimen Needs
There are a lot of beneficial skincare ingredients. But if we had to boil it down to the absolute essentials, the ones you can’t do without, the ones that are the foundation of every skincare regimen, it comes down to three things.
The Antioxidants
Daily exposure to environmental stress triggers free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that break down collagen and accelerate aging. Antioxidants protect collagen and guard cells against damage by reducing the concentration of free radicals in the skin.
Some of the most potent antioxidant compounds are found in vitamins like A, C, and E and the phytochemicals of botanicals, including green tea, algae, whole leaf aloe, rosehip oil, and grapeseed oil.
The antioxidant that tops the list of must-haves is vitamin C. In addition to its potent photoprotective effects, this superstar antioxidant is an essential co-factor in collagen synthesis, and it inhibits the enzymes that break down collagen. It is both promoter and protector of healthy skin structure.
Additionally, vitamin C suppresses melanin production triggered by environmental stressors, promoting bright, even tone. Clinical studies have proven that antioxidative protection is higher with the combination of vitamins C and E than with vitamin C or E alone. We use this combination in our Pure C + E serum for brightening, firming, protecting, and repairing.
More antioxidant favorites:
Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser
This antioxidant powerhouse gently purifies, protects, calms, and nourishes the skin. Use it for face, body, hair, and as a shaving gel. For acne-prone skin, green tea offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, mild astringent qualities.
An anti-oxidant-rich, ultra-refining cocktail of protective and nourishing ingredients including niacinamide, mandelic acid, rosehip oil, green tea extract, and kiwi fruit extract. Use it daily to remove debris and oil, minimize the appearance of pores, protect from environmental stressors, and prep for additional products.
The Cell Regulators
Cell regulators are ingredients that directly affect collagen metabolism to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. Things like vitamin A, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and peptides fall into this category. Vitamin A, niacinamide, and vitamin C are cellular change agents that also have antioxidant effects. They are catalysts for collagen synthesis while also protecting against environmental damage and collagen degradation.
The most essential of the cell regulators and the most widely used in this category is vitamin A. The pure form of vitamin A, and the most potent, is retinoic acid (Retin-A). It’s highly effective but can also be highly irritating. To get around the irritation issue, formulators use derivatives with a larger molecular structure to slow absorption. The problem with that? Most are too large to reach the lower levels of the skin to stimulate cellular activity.
Dr. Fulton was the co-developer of Retin-A, so he understood the power and the problems inherent in this ingredient. He optimized vitamin A propionate for maximum results with minimal irritation, creating the most effective non-prescription retinoid available. It’s the foundation of Vivant’s transformative vitamin A therapies.
More cell regulating favorites:
Use this peptide concentrate to relax wrinkles and activate collagen and hyaluronic acid for a plump, smooth, hydrated complexion.
This antioxidant and peptide-rich formula for brightening, lifting, and firming blends vitamin A, grapeseed oil, and caffeine to give your eyes a serious wake-up call.
The Exfoliators
Exfoliation stimulates cell turnover to bring fresh new skin to the surface and encourage collagen production. But it also serves another vital function. Exfoliating clears cellular debris from the surface of the skin to enhance penetration of antioxidants and cell regulators.
No matter what type of skin you have or what you’re targeting, exfoliation is essential. For acne, exfoliation helps decongest pores and clear impactions. For aging skin, exfoliation minimizes fine lines, brightens dull skin, and promotes cell renewal. For dry skin, exfoliation clears dead skin to allow moisture to penetrate. For uneven tone, exfoliation reduces surface pigment to reveal a brighter, more consistent tone.
There are two types of exfoliation: chemical and mechanical. Acids, chemical exfoliators, work by dissolving the cellular glue to loosen dead cells. Mechanical exfoliation uses scrubs or pads to physically lift away dead cells. A combination of both will bring your most radiant complexion.
Mandelic acid is one of our favorite exfoliators because of its gentle action and multi-tasking abilities. Its larger molecular structure means it’s absorbed more slowly by the skin, minimizing irritation. It’s antibacterial, making it excellent for preventing breakouts, and it suppresses tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
Our Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Exfoliating Cleanser and Daily Repair Pads are the perfect exfoliating duo for keeping skin bright and breakout-free.
More exfoliating favorites:
This calming benzoyl peroxide formula kills acne bacteria, peels out impactions, and reduces inflammation to speed healing and prevent future breakouts.
An advanced therapy combining vitamin A with glycolic acid, kojic acid, and lactic acid to accelerate cell renewal, decongest pores, smooth texture, and bring a radiant, luminous tone. Best for skin already acclimated to vitamin A.
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