SKIN CARE

Having a good skincare routine at home is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. In fact, we often tell patients that approximately 80% of their results come from what they do consistently at home, while the remaining 20% come from professional treatments and procedures.

The reality is that healthy, youthful skin is not achieved by using dozens of products or following every trend on social media. Instead, long-term skin health comes from using evidence-based products that are appropriate for your skin type, concerns, and goals.

At Refine Dermatology, we believe skincare should be simple, effective, and personalized. Whether your goal is preventing signs of aging, improving acne, reducing pigmentation, managing sensitive skin, or maintaining the results of cosmetic procedures, the foundation of healthy skin begins with a well-designed daily skincare routine.

As a physician-led dermatology practice, we take an intentional approach to skincare recommendations. We don't believe in carrying every product on the market—we believe in recommending products that are clinically proven to work.

WHY MEDICAL-GRADE SKINCARE MATTERS

One of the most common questions we hear is, "Do I really need medical-grade skincare?"

While there are many over-the-counter products available, medical-grade skincare is specifically formulated to create meaningful changes within the skin. These products often utilize higher-quality ingredients, optimized delivery systems, and clinically studied concentrations that allow active ingredients to penetrate effectively and deliver measurable results.

A personalized skincare routine can help:

• Improve fine lines and wrinkles
• Stimulate collagen production
• Reduce sun damage and pigmentation
• Improve acne and congestion
• Strengthen the skin barrier
• Minimize redness and inflammation
• Improve skin texture and tone
• Maintain results from cosmetic procedures

The goal isn't to use more products—it's to use the right products consistently.

THE FOUNDATION OF AN EFFECTIVE MORNING ROUTINE

Every day, our skin is exposed to environmental stressors including ultraviolet light, pollution, and free radicals generated through normal metabolic processes. Over time, these factors contribute to collagen loss, pigmentation, and visible signs of aging.

For this reason, one of the most important products we recommend is an antioxidant serum, particularly one containing vitamin C.

Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals before they can damage the skin. In addition to protecting against environmental stressors, vitamin C also supports collagen production and helps brighten uneven skin tone.

A simple and effective morning routine typically includes:

Gentle Cleanser

A cleanser removes excess oil, debris, and impurities while maintaining the integrity of your skin barrier.

Antioxidant Serum

Vitamin C and other antioxidants help protect against daily environmental damage while supporting collagen production and improving skin brightness.

Moisturizer

A quality moisturizer helps maintain hydration and supports the skin barrier, allowing the skin to function optimally.

Sunscreen

Daily sunscreen use is the single most important step in preventing premature aging and skin cancer. Even on cloudy days or when spending most of your time indoors, sunscreen should be considered non-negotiable.

THE GOLD STANDARD FOR NIGHTTIME SKINCARE

While mornings are focused on protection, evenings are focused on repair.

One of the most effective ingredients available in dermatology is the retinoid family. Retinoids have been extensively studied for decades and remain the gold standard treatment for improving the health and appearance of aging skin.

Retinoids work by increasing cellular turnover and stimulating collagen production. They can improve a wide variety of concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne
• Sun damage
• Hyperpigmentation
• Uneven skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Loss of skin firmness

If there were only one product category we could recommend for long-term skin rejuvenation, it would likely be a retinoid.

Not every patient requires the same strength or formulation, which is why physician guidance can be valuable when choosing the right treatment. When introduced properly and used consistently, retinoids can create significant improvements over time.

WHEN SHOULD YOU START ANTI-AGING SKINCARE?

Patients frequently ask us when they should begin using products like vitamin C and retinoids.

In general, antioxidants such as vitamin C can be started in your twenties, when prevention becomes increasingly important. Retinoids can also be introduced during this time, particularly for patients with acne or those interested in long-term skin health.

However, there is no "perfect" age to begin medical-grade skincare.

Whether you're in your twenties looking to prevent future damage or in your fifties seeking to improve existing signs of aging, effective skincare can be tailored to your individual needs and goals.

The best skincare routine is the one that is designed specifically for you.

THE SKINCARE LINES WE TRUST

At Refine Dermatology, we carefully select the skincare lines we carry based on scientific evidence, patient outcomes, and tolerability.

SkinBetter Science®

SkinBetter Science combines proprietary technologies with clinically tested formulations designed to improve the appearance and health of the skin. Their products are supported by extensive clinical research and are often well tolerated, even by patients with sensitive skin.

SkinBetter products target concerns including aging, pigmentation, acne, texture irregularities, and skin barrier health.

Colorescience®

Sun protection is one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy skin. Colorescience has developed mineral-based sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection while remaining comfortable enough for daily wear.

Many Colorescience products contain iron oxides, which provide additional protection against visible light and blue light exposure while also offering cosmetic coverage.

Refine Skin®

Our Refine Skin line was developed with one goal in mind: creating effective, affordable medical-grade skincare that allows patients to age gracefully with minimal cost and effort.

Dr. Jill Salyards personally selected and tested each product based on efficacy, ingredients, value, and patient experience. The line was designed to provide excellent results without unnecessary complexity.

Plated Skin Science®

For patients seeking advanced skin rejuvenation, we offer Plated Skin Science. These innovative products utilize exosome technology to support collagen production and improve overall skin quality at a deeper level.

Plated products are particularly beneficial for patients undergoing cosmetic procedures or those looking to maximize their anti-aging results.

A SIMPLE ROUTINE IS OFTEN THE BEST ROUTINE

Many patients are relieved to learn that an effective skincare routine doesn't have to involve ten different products.

A foundational skincare regimen often looks like this:

Morning

• Gentle cleanser
• Vitamin C or antioxidant serum
• Moisturizer
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen

Evening

• Gentle cleanser
• Retinoid or targeted treatment
• Moisturizer

Additional products can always be added based on specific concerns, but building a strong foundation is the most important step.

PHYSICIAN-LED SKINCARE CONSULTATIONS

Choosing the right skincare products can feel overwhelming. Our team works with patients every day to create customized treatment plans based on their skin type, concerns, lifestyle, and goals.

Whether you're looking to prevent aging, improve acne, reduce pigmentation, or simply establish a routine that works, our physician-led approach ensures that your skincare recommendations are based on science—not trends.

If you'd like to discuss your skincare goals, please contact our office or complete our cosmetic consultation survey. We'll help you develop a skincare routine that supports healthy, beautiful skin for years to come.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is medical-grade skincare?

Medical-grade skincare refers to products formulated with higher-quality ingredients, clinically studied concentrations, and advanced delivery systems designed to create measurable changes within the skin. These products are often recommended by dermatologists because they have demonstrated efficacy and safety.

At what age should I start using anti-aging skincare?

Many patients begin incorporating antioxidants such as vitamin C during their twenties. Retinoids may also be started in the twenties, especially for acne treatment or prevention of aging. However, there is no age limit for starting effective skincare.

Is vitamin C really necessary?

Vitamin C is one of the most studied antioxidant ingredients in skincare. It helps protect against environmental damage, supports collagen production, improves brightness, and may reduce pigmentation over time.

What does a retinoid do?

Retinoids increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. They can improve wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, texture, and overall skin quality, making them one of the most effective long-term skincare ingredients available.

Do I need to wear sunscreen every day?

Yes. Daily sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. We recommend broad-spectrum SPF every day, regardless of weather conditions.

Can I use medical-grade skincare if I have sensitive skin?

Absolutely. Many medical-grade products are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. At Refine Dermatology, we carefully select products that are effective while remaining well tolerated.

How many products do I really need?

Most patients can achieve excellent results with a simple routine consisting of a cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, and a nighttime retinoid or treatment product.

How do I know which products are right for me?

The best skincare routine depends on your skin type, concerns, lifestyle, and goals. During a consultation, our providers can evaluate your skin and create a personalized regimen designed specifically for you.