My Top 3 Skincare Essentials (And What They Actually Do For Your Skin)

bluelakesaesthetic
Jun 8
4 min read

If you’ve ever stood in the skincare aisle wondering what you really need—this post is for you. As a licensed RN and injector at Blue Lakes Aesthetics, I get asked all the time: “What are the three products I should never skip?” or “If you had to choose just a few products, what would they be?” And honestly, it’s a great question. There are thousands of skincare products on the market—but when it comes down to it, only a handful truly deliver.

So here are my top three skincare must-haves: retinal, vitamin C, and mineral SPF. These are the staples I come back to again and again, both personally and professionally. Skincare’s power players—backed by research, results, and my own experience using them daily. Let’s break each one down with the why, how, and what to expect.

1. Retinal (Retinaldehyde): The Fast-Acting Cell Communicator

What it is:

Retinal is a vitamin A derivative—like retinol, but one step closer to retinoic acid, the active form your skin actually uses. This means it's more effective and faster acting than retinol, but with less irritation than prescription tretinoin.

What it does:

· Increases cell turnover (think: exfoliation without scrubs)

· Stimulates collagen and elastin

· Smooths fine lines, brightens skin, and clears clogged pores

· Helps treat acne and fade dark spots

Why it's worth it:

Retinal doesn’t just sit on your skin, it talks to your cells and tells them how to behave like younger, healthier cells. Over time, your skin becomes firmer, clearer, and more radiant.

How to use:

· Start with 2–3 nights per week on clean, dry skin

· Always follow with a gentle moisturizer

· Avoid layering with acids or vitamin C at the same time—alternate nights

· Expect results in 6–12 weeks with consistent use

My picks:

✨ Professional: Avène Retrinal 0.1 – A beautifully formulated, non-irritating retinal cream

✨ Affordable OTC: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10% – Potent but gentle, great price point

2. Vitamin C: Your Antioxidant Shield + Brightening Booster

What it is:

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution, and stress. These free radicals break down collagen and trigger pigmentation—vitamin C helps stop that damage before it starts.

What it does:

· Fights daily environmental damage (pollution, sun, stress)

· Helps fade dark spots and even skin tone

· Boosts collagen production

· Brightens dull skin over time

Why it’s worth it:

You can’t see oxidative stress, but it’s aging your skin every single day. Vitamin C is your first line of defense and a key partner to SPF. Together, they reduce premature aging, pigmentation, and dullness.

How to use:

· Use in the morning, right after cleansing

· Apply 4–6 drops to face and neck

· Let absorb before applying moisturizer and sunscreen

· Don’t mix with niacinamide at the same time unless your product is formulated to combine them

My picks:

🍊 Professional: SkinBetter Alto Advanced – Broad antioxidant blend with C, E, CoQ10, and more

🍊 Affordable OTC: Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic – Great potency and pH stability

Pro tip: If you're sensitive or dry, go for a lower strength (10–15%) or a cream-based formula.

3. Mineral Sunscreen: The MVP of Skin Protection

What it is:

Mineral (or physical) sunscreen contains active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on top of your skin and reflect UVA/UVB rays—unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin and convert UV rays to heat.

What it does:

· Prevents premature aging, dark spots, and collagen breakdown

· Reduces risk of skin cancer

· Protects skin from post-procedure damage (microneedling, peels, etc.)

· Essential when using actives like retinal or vitamin C

Why it’s worth it:

SPF (sun protection factor) is the #1 most effective skincare product for preventing premature aging. Yes, even more than your expensive serums. Retinal and vitamin C won't do much if your skin is still taking daily sun damage. UV rays are the top cause of visible skin aging—think fine lines, dark spots, uneven tone, and loss of firmness. Daily exposure (even through windows or on cloudy days) breaks down collagen and accelerates aging at a cellular level. SPF protects your skin by forming a shield—especially mineral (physical) SPF, which reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them.

How to use:

· Apply every morning—365 days a year, even if it’s cloudy

· Use 2 full finger lengths for your face and neck

· Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside or wearing makeup

· Look for "broad spectrum" and SPF 30 or higher

My picks:

🛡️ Professional: GlyMed Plus Hydrating Protection Gel SPF 30 – Lightweight, non-comedogenic, perfect under makeup

🛡️ Affordable Clean OTC: Badger SPF 30 – Reef-safe, fragrance-free, and gentle on sensitive skin

💡 Pro Tip: On-the-GO, Keep a brush-on SPF like Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50 in your purse or car. It’s mess-free, portable, and blends right into makeup—perfect for reapplication on the go.

Final Thoughts: Skin That Works With You, Not Against You

These three products—Retinal, Vitamin C, and Mineral Sunscreen—don’t just work on your skin; they teach your skin how to perform better over time. They’re the foundation of every effective skincare routine, whether you’re targeting acne, aging, or just trying to glow a little harder.

Want a custom plan that fits your skin and lifestyle? Let’s chat. I offer 1:1 skincare consults and can match you with the right products based on your goals, budget, and sensitivities.

📍 Blue Lakes Aesthetics – 407 N Lincoln Ave #100, Loveland, CO

📲 Call/Text: 303‑819‑8348

🌐 Book Online

Smart skincare isn’t overwhelming. It’s just knowing what works—and why. Let me help you glow smarter. 💙