3 Skincare Essentials Estheticians Say You Shouldn’t Skip

Why Consistency In Skincare Matters

Everyone knows a skincare routine is something we must be doing at home to ensure we are seeing results in the treatments we are having done in the office. Although we are all busy in our day to day lifestyle, it truly is a non-negotiable. Oftentimes we find ourselves exhausted at the end of the day, forgetting to do our routines, and maybe even just using a makeup wipe and calling it quits. There are three skincare essentials I use to set my patients up for success with their skincare routine without being overkill.

1. Sunscreen

2. Vitamin C

3. Retinoids

Skincare Essential 1: Daily Sunscreen Use

Sunscreen is the most obvious product we should all be using on a daily basis. Sunscreen isn't just about preventing sunburns. It is the true foundational part of protecting your skin, preserving your results, and preventing long term damage. 

Why is Daily Sunscreen Use Important?

Whether you have had a chemical peel, resurfacing, facial, or just started a new exfoliant in your routine, your skin is more susceptible to damage and sensitive to UV rays. Without sunscreen, you're undoing the benefits and hard work of your treatments and putting your skin at risk for hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and scarring. On top of that, you're losing your financial investment in your skincare treatments! One thing I always tell patients when I am educating them on the importance of their skincare routine is 90% of your aging comes from an extrinsic factor like the sun. And when I say aging, I am talking about those stubborn fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, sunspots and discoloration, and loss of elasticity. Only 10% of it is truly genetic! This should put into perspective how important sunscreen truly is. To learn about effective anti-aging treatments by age, click here.

Does Sunscreen Help With Pigmentation?

One of our most common concerns we treat in the clinic is pigmentation. UV Exposure triggers melanin production, which can worsen dark spots, melasma, and uneven tone. Especially in those deeper skin types and ethnicities! Daily sunscreen usage is also important for everyone involved no matter the color of your skin. 

Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

I mostly focus on aesthetics but I also spent the last 4 years working in dermatology and plastic surgery. I watched a ton of scar revisions, MOHS surgeries, punch biopsies, and grafting to help with skin cancer. You may think you're invincible, but the sun doesn’t mind. Those years of tanning beds, getting that “first burn” of the year isn't going to save you when your annual skin check comes around. Daily and consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is going to protect you from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays that can lead to dangerous skin changes over time. 

No matter how advanced the treatment, expensive the product, or how luxurious the serum - it is all wasted without the use of daily sun protection. 

Skincare Essential 2: the Power of Vitamin C

In the world of aesthetics, sunscreen truly takes the cake. But let's talk about another must have for any of my patients - Vitamin C. I am sure you have heard about it...every skincare line offers one and advertises it. We know vitamin C helps brighten and has some protective benefits, but why is it important? Let's talk about it!  

Why is Vitamin C Important For My Skin?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. It is used as a second line of defense to sunscreen. It helps fade dark spots, stimulate collagen production, support the lipid barrier in our skin, brighten the skin, and protect against environmental damage like pollution and UV. I look at vitamin C as a booster. It is going to boost and elevate your skin. 

In our office we have multiple products that can offer a specific-to-you experience. We have vitamin C with Hydroquinone, we offer different strengths for your tolerance, and we even have a product that is mega packed with 19 different antioxidants to defend and repair. 

When Should I Use Vitamin C In My Skincare Routine?

Use Vitamin C after cleansing as your second step in your skincare routine. This antioxidant comes in a thin serum base and is the first thing you put on clean dry skin. A true antioxidant lasts in the skin for 24 hours which is why we only apply it once a day, unless told otherwise. Vitamin C also comes in different forms. I am mostly talking about where it is derived from, how it is packaged, and what is going to truly work. For example, medical grade skincare is going to have vitamin C in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid, instead of just ascorbic acid. This is the purest form of vitamin C that you can use on the skin!

Ultimately, Vitamin C stops the chain reaction of damage. It is a powerhouse, and that is why it is a non-negotiable for me and all my patients!

Skincare Essential 3: Retinoids for Renewal

Retinoids are one of the most researched and results-driven ingredients available. They have been around since the late 1960’s. The very first retinoid developed, was tretinoin. Since then, retinoids have truly evolved and now come in many different forms for all skin types and sensitivities. Retinoids are great for helping breakouts, smoother skin, thickening the dermis, and stimulating cell turnover. 

How Do Retinoids Work?

As we age, our skin's natural renewal process slows down. Retinoids boost that turnover rate, which results in glowy skin and a youthful appearance. It also prevents clogged pores, and keeps breakouts at bay. They are often a go to for helping teenage or adult acne. Retinoids also help fade dark spots, and even skin tone. 

When Should I Use A Retinoid In My Skincare Routine?

When incorporating a retinoid into your skincare routine, always use it at night. Retinoids are defective by sunlight. I always tell my patients to put it on clean dry skin, and then follow with any additional steps. 

How Do I Choose The Right Retinoid For Me?

In our office, we have multiple products that we can choose from to make sure we are picking the right retinoid for you. We offer every strength of prescription tretinoin, and other retinoids, like SkinBetter AlphaRet, that you can use every night and never get sensitive or dry from it. Retinol is often paired with other AHA/BHA like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid. 

Retinoids are not just a trend, they are a clinically proven multi-tasking power house!

Building A Skincare Routine That Works

That's it! Those are my 3 essentials for any skincare routine. Incorporating sunscreen, Vitamin C, and a retinoid into your skincare routine will protect, brighten, smooth, exfoliate, repair, and defend your skin. Our providers are proficient at making a regimen that fits your needs, so come visit us at Horizon Medical Spa and Wellness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare Essentials

Breck Moore is a skilled Medical Aesthetician and Laser Tech with a passion for helping patients achieve top-tier results. Since 2020, she’s worked in dermatology and plastic surgery settings before finding her home at Horizon. A JCCC honors graduate and guest speaker for future aestheticians, Breck holds advanced training in lasers, devices, chemical peels, and medical-grade skincare. She’s committed to continuing education and has been nominated for “Best of KC” in both 2023 and 2024. With deep roots in the beauty industry, Breck is dedicated to educating and empowering each patient. Outside the clinic, she enjoys life with her husband and two daughters—soaking up sunshine (with SPF!), cheering on the Chiefs, and tackling family projects. Book with her online, by phone, or connect on Instagram @skinxbreck.