Skincare Q&A With Global Biossance Expert McKenzie Rose
Q: I’d love to know, as a mid 30’s with limited time and main concerns being fine lines and dullness, are there any ingredients to focus on so that my skincare can be streamlined but still effective?
I feel like I’m at a point where I’m happy to invest in quality products but don’t want too many steps. Looking for a small number of hero products to commit to rather than a heap of products I rarely use.
A: I want to congratulate you on this perspective. I’ve talked to so many people who are easily distracted by trends and end up purchasing way too many products that don't actually get used. The true secret to a successful skin care routine is one that minimizes obstacles and one of the biggest obstacles is confusion. Since your main concerns are fine lines and dullness, I would suggest including moisturizing, firming, and gentle exfoliating ingredients in your routine. An effective routine could look like this;
AM
1. Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser (It's not necessary to cleanse in the morning but this is a great option if you want to, because it's not drying)
2. Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum (This has clinically proven ingredients to increase the moisture levels in your skin including hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid and we love a good stable copper peptide ingredient to help encourage healthy collagen production in your skin)
3. Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is the perfect moisturizer for keeping your skin barrier protected. It has a rich yet non greasy texture4.
4. And of course, you would finish off your morning routine with your favorite sunscreen. The one that you enjoy using is your best option.
PM
1. For nighttime, you could start with a gentle single or double cleansing routine (I love our Squalane + Antioxidant Oil Cleanser first then Amino Aloe Cleanser)
2. Followed by a gentle exfoliating serum, Squalane + lactic acid resurfacing serum. This can be every other night working up to 4-5 times a week. On off nights, you can use Copper Peptide Serum again.
3. All skin needs moisture, and Omega Repair Cream can be used day or night. For a more intense recovery hydration mask, try Ectoin Overnight Rescue as a leave on hydrating mask 1-2 times a week. (that is a bonus tip )
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Q: What's a good alternative to Retinol? I can't use it atm due to breastfeeding
A: When you need to take a break from retinol, I love to suggest a product that really focuses on maintenance of elasticity and collagen. Squalane + Firm and Lift Dual Serum is a fabulous option because it uses a retinol like ingredient to reduce the depth of wrinkles. You can also lean on peptides and antioxidants, which help with firmness and radiance safely while breastfeeding.
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Q: I would love to hear some tips and ideas on how to look after our skin from within through our nutrition?
A: Here are some of my favorite foods to include in my diet:
- Omega-3s from fatty fish, chia, or flaxseed which can help keep skin hydrated
- You can get a nice antioxidant boost from berries and leafy greens
- And protein helps maintain collagen and tissue repair.
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Q: Also, there are so many options when it comes to facials and skin treatments… what are some of the best options for someone with dry skin and fine lines?
A: When it comes to facial treatments I always recommend speaking with your provider and going with the modality they are most comfortable with. Generally speaking though, a smart choice for someone with dry skin and fine lines is going to be a facial with gentle exfoliation and I personally would include LED therapy, which has been shown to improve collagen production and skin hydration.
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Q: I have very sensitive skin and so rarely use make up and find a lot of sunscreens even hurt my face! I’ve worked hard over the last few years restoring my skin barrier and this has helped. Are there any other recommended treatments/products/tips for continuing on this path to healing the skin barrier?
A: I am so sorry that you have had these experiences with makeup and sunscreens. You're definitely not alone, just because a product worked for someone else does not mean it works with all skin types especially those with sensitive skin. My best advice for you right now is to keep your skin routine scaled back to the essentials. Unfortunately, sometimes when we add multiple “skin barrier protecting” products or ingredients, our skin can become more compromised. So essentially more is not more. Focus on cleansing, hydrating and sun protection. When shopping for products look for ones rich in Squalane and ceramides. Avoid alcohol-heavy toners. A good rule of thumb is to patch-test new products and introduce then slowly. You’re already doing a great job – you've got this!
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Q: Advice for managing pigmentation through pregnancy
A: Pregnancy can make pigmentation trickier, so daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a good start. I would even say 50+ if you have one you like and will reapply. Gentle brightening serums with antioxidants and vitamin C, Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is a safe option, but avoid hydroquinone, strong chemical peels, and retinoids during this time.
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Q: As a skin specialist, what is your holy grail, can’t live without, ingredient for overall skin health?
A: If I had to pick one, it would be squalane. It hydrates, strengthens the barrier, and is gentle enough for every skin type, making it a true multitasking hero for everyday skin health.
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Q: Is it important to have a separate day and night cream or can the same one be used for both?
A: You don’t have to have separate formulas for morning and night. A single moisturizer can work beautifully, as long as you add SPF during the day. Consistency matters more than multiple products!
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Q: What changes should someone make as they move towards their later 30’s?
A: This is the perfect time to focus on antioxidant protection, hydration, and gentle cell turnover. Adding peptides to support collagen, a retinoid or gentle AHA exfoliation treatment and maintaining barrier health is always a must. Less irritation, more nourishment!
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Q: If I’m trying to focus on high quality, ‘cleaner’ skin care, what should I be looking out for to avoid when reading an ingredient list?
A: It's easy to get swept up looking for “clean” ingredients, I would suggest instead shopping for a brand you can trust. One that you know is using vetted ingredients that have been clinically tested for efficacy and safety. I am always confident when recommending a Biossance product because I love their standards; everything is vegan and cruelty free, always tested to meet safety standards, no synthetic or artificial fragrances or dyes, so you can trust what you are putting on your skin.