My Favorite Skincare Products — Katie Duke | Nurse Practitioner, Creator, Speaker, Advocate

My skin care regimen has changed a lot over the last 10 years. I honestly didn’t really have a “consistent” regimen until my 30’s!!

I wish I started using all this crap when I was in my early 20’s, but, as it turns out,

ONLY Botox can turn back time lol.

A few years ago I decided to start doing some real research. I follow tons of skincare pages, blogs, and Derm and Plastic Surgery NP’s and MD’s, and I have always been obsessed with skincare stuff. Over the years, I have learned the basics, and made some good changes to my products, which I am FINALLY very satisfied with.

The Magic of BOTOX, yes the lighting is different, but not even good lighting can eliminate and relax wrinkles

Now, my line of products focuses on what I need for my skin type and my concerns. I target anti-aging, exfoliating, calming, hydration, repair and, acne fighting. *sigh* Yes, still acne fighting. I was diagnosed with Hormonal Cystic Acne when I was 32, and I honestly wanted to die. I used to break out so bad that I wouldn’t leave the house because of massive and painful cysts on my face. It is a very difficult thing to go through. But, as you read, you will see what drastically treated my cystic acne, which, honestly, has been life changing.

In a nutshell, I’ve found that research backed, medical grade formulated brands usually do the best work, and at the end of the day, it is worth the expense, because, well, IT IS YOUR FACE.

I’m listing my favorite skin care products that are tried and true for me, and are in my constant regimen. From cleansing to anti-aging, etc., these have become my staples. Some of them are more pricey, but, for the ones that are, keep in mind that those bottles can last for 2-3 months, and even upwards of 4 months.

First I want to highlight the importance of a few certain ingredients. These should be present in your regimen no matter what brands you decide to stick with.

There are a few specific products that, especially as we age, are incredibly important

SPF- sun protection, duh
Retinol- strong defense against fine lines, wrinkles, and maintaining a healthy glow,
Glycolic Acid- brightening and exfoliating, stimulates collagen and elastin production, accelerating skin healing and a youthful appearance
Vitamin C Serum- fights free radical damage, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens your complexion

Okay, so, shall we get into it?

1.) Curology

PRAISE THE LORRRDDTTT FOR THIS STUFF. I actually found it on @songofstyle’s blog.

This custom, dermatologist formulated, super-bottle is life changing for anyone who suffers from acne. I had cystic acne for years that hit me out of nowhere AFTER the age of 30. I initially tried prescription medications like spironolactone and doxycycline. The spironolactone worked well, but I did not want to be on pills for life, and wanted something I could use that was more consistent. 3 months after I started using Curology, I was able to come off of all my medications and my skin has never ever looked and felt so great! I do experience random pimples here or there around my period, but it is NOTHING compared to what I used to go through. This product honestly changed my life. Curology is customizable, and after taking their skin test they recommended a formula with niacinamide, azelaic acid, and clindamycin. So, the ingredients are still medicinal but applied topically and much less harsh than the prescriptions I was taking. Best of all, they actually work! I’ve made friends with the team over there and they’ve given me a link you can use to get a free trial bottle!

Potent Ingredients in my custom formulation: Niacinamide, Azealic acid, and Clindamycin (varies per person).

2.) "The Mask" by LexRx

There’s something about using a facemask that just really makes me feel like I’m getting my life together. If my skin is cleaned and I still have enough time to mask before bed I must be doing something right, right? I use masks 2-3 night per week. “The Mask” is my favorite charcoal based mask. I leave it on for about 20 minutes while I soak in the tub, it never over-drys my skin and it smells so good. The brand is owned by two Nurse Practitioners, Alexa Nicholls Costa, and Alexandra Rogers, out of Boston who are also the powerhouse duo behind one of the most prestigious and popular Injectables practices in the area, LexRx. This totally affordable mask is part of their new skincare product launch. The reason I use a charcoal mask is because I like a good deep clean, but this one specifically is NOT harsh, which I love.

Potent Ingredients: Activated Charcoal & Kaolin Clay

3.) Rodan and Fields LashBoost Serum and their Redefine Line

This was a recent line for me, but I wanted a research baked, AFFORDABLE line that was easy to use and gave me a complete basic set of stuff to use. For me these products are easy to use, effective and consistent in results, as well as being pretty affordable. The Redefine Line includes a daily cleansing mask, pore minimizing toner, day moisturizer with SPF 30 and an Overnight Restorative Cream.

Potent Ingredients: Kaolin Clay, Poly-hydroxy Acids, Peptides, Vitamins A, C and E, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin.

Secondly, their lash boost serum! I rave about this to anyone that will listen! It literally doubled the fullness and length of my lashes after using it for 2 months and even if you use it 3 times a week, you will still get results. It’s a little more on the pricey side at $150 but if you just had your eyelash extensions removed or are thinking about it but are scared of what they will reveal underneath this is a must! OR if you’re like me and have relatively thin eyelashes this is for you!

Potent Ingredients: Keratin, Biotin, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil

4.) Dr Devgan Scientific Beauty: Vitamin C Luminous Night Serum and Platinum Hyaluronic Acid Serum

These two products come from a line of luxury medical grade skincare by Dr. Lara Devgan, one of the top plastic surgeons in NYC. Both come in gorgeous glass dropper bottles. The Vitamin C Luminous Night Serum is an intense anti-oxidant serum which reduces aging by stimulating collagen. The Platinum Hyaluronic Acid Serum gives that dewy glow by boosting collagen and elastin. It also helps reduce rosacea after 3 months of use. This stuff makes my skin feel amazing, but make sure you use SPF and only use the C serum at night.

Potent ingredients:

Vit C Serum: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3),

Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic acid, Niacinimide, Lysine, Proline, Copper
Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum

5.) Vintners Daughter Active Botanical Serum

I use this 2 nights a week after my standard regime. It is powerful stuff and so only 1-2 drops does the trick. This bottle is like magic. It never makes me greasy, it smells amazing, and it leaves my skin glowing and refreshed. I love the essential oil, plant based ingredient list and the origin story of the company is worth a read. When i wake up, I feel like my skin is glowing.

Keep in mind, this is also on the pricey side, but, my bottle has lasted 5 months so far!!!!!!!

Potent ingredients: 22 active botanicals

6.) Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

Oh, this product makes me so happy! I’ve tried it all for makeup removal; coconut oil, special face clothes (smell bad after 2 days), etc. Make-up removing wipes may be the easy way out but that’s why I love em! They are easy, dependable, portable, and TSA compliant. Plus you can pick them up anywhere and never have to worry about ordering online. Unless you want to, then grab them here from amazon!

7.) Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

This product is what I use to "take the day off" after I use my makeup remover wipes. It’s a luxurious balm which deep cleans to remove excess makeup, sweat, dirt, you name it. I’m warning you now, if you use this product once you’ll never go back!

Potent Ingredients: Elderberry Oil, Starflow Oil, Padina Pavonica

8.) Decleor Aromessence Neroli Night Balm

By far the most luxurious balm I’ve ever used. A little goes a long way. I use this 1-2 nights a week, especially if I am having a hectic week and not getting a good amount of sleep. This is especially beneficial in the cold dry winter months.

Potent Ingredients: Neroli, Camomile, and Basil Essential Oils

9.) Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

This is a water based formula mask that you leave on all night. It absorbs instantly and won’t get all over your pillow or your partner. I think my favorite thing about this mask is that it can be used AFTER your normal night skincare regimen, and the smell is very relaxing. I have found that for my skin it is soothing and when I wake up in the morning after using it, my skin is soft and hydrated without being oily or greasy. I think there are some nights that call for a water based mask and other nights that call for a more intense serum oil.

Oh, it is also VERY AFFORDABLE $25! From Sephora.com or Laneige.com

The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask $25!!!!!!

10.) Avani Derm Spa Glow Pads

This is a once weekly product that feels like an overnight facelift lol. I wash my face then skip my whole regimen and use only these glow pads before going to bed. They have a strong glycolic acid component which truly makes it feel like an overnight facial, the tightening is INCREDIBLY real!

Click on the Avani Derm Spa Glow Pads link and use the code ROCKYNP for a discount and free shipping!!

Potent Ingredients: Glycolic Acid

11. Skin Medica Retinol Complex 1.0

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 enhances the skin's appearance to promote a smoother, rejuvenated complexion. Formulated for skin types pre-conditioned to retinol treatments, it minimizes the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also improves elasticity and works effectively to visibly reduce acne scars. With continued use, faster cell renewal is encouraged.

There you have it! Most of these products cycle in and out of my regimen based on the season or what mood I am in at night, but I truly do love all of them and if I was stuck on a desert island and could only have 11 skin care products….these would be them!