People always ask me “Courtney, what’s the best _____?”

Whether it’s sunscreen, makeup, facial cleanser or anti-aging treatment, one of the really cool perks of being in this business is that I get to be “in the know” about products and treatments people are crazy about! The cool thing about these products is that while all the products we offer at Horton SPA are scientifically tested and “medical-grade” quality, these are not the most expensive products on the shelves.

I can’t give away all of my trade secrets, but here’s the inside scoop on just some of my cult following medical-grade skin care products:

• Sunscreen: SkinCeuticals® Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF
  50– This tinted physical sunscreen provides a high level of mineral sun protection without a heavy, greasy feel or a “white mask” after application. It contains 5% Zinc Oxide and 6% Titanium Dioxide, which provides broad spectrum UV protection. Here’s the deal: I want everyone wearing sunscreen. Yes, we are in San Francisco and not Santa Fe, but tell that to the UV light that’s causing aging and free-radical damage to your face, neck, chest and hands, even on cloudy days. Most people who don’t wear sunscreen regularly say it’s because they don’t like the “feel” or the texture of most sunscreens (in addition to the  misguided belief that they don’t need SPF daily). Well, enter Physical Fusion. As part of all of my skin care consultations, I have people cleanse their face and together we trial some products on their skin to see how they like the feel of them. Universally, nearly everyone LOVES this product. It goes on with a lightweight, “milky” consistency, and dries clean with almost a powdery finish, matching all skin tones. Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is paraben-free and non-comedogenic. As with all sunscreens, you need to apply a sufficient amount and reapply throughout the day to get the true sun protection. Added bonus: this little gem even enhances skin tone while boosting your natural radiance!

• Facial cleanser: Replenix® Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser – When I see patients for a skin care consultation, chemical peel or IPL treatment, I always have them wash their face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that may interfere with the treatment. I hand them this Replenix cleanser that I keep in my office and send them off into the bathroom. They come back to my SPA room holding out the cleanser, saying “I LOVE this cleanser!! What is it??” It is a mildly-foaming, pH balanced cleanser that hydrates and nourishes, while gently cleansing and calming the skin. It leaves your face feeling clean but not dry or stripped of its natural moisture. This cleanser contains no soap, alcohol or parabens, and the active ingredients include green tea polyphenols (antioxidants), bisabolol (anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties), and cucumber extract. Yum.

• Moisturizer: Neocutis® BioCream – If I could bathe in this stuff, I would. My patients love it so much we can hardly keep it stocked on the shelves. It can be used AM and PM, under sunscreen and makeup. It uses stem-cell technology to provide moisture while improving skin texture, enhancing skin firmness, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. BioCream can be used on sensitive skin and even helps skin recover after chemical peels and IPL/laser treatments. The skin feels instantly soothed and hydrated with just a small amount of this product. Not cheap, but a little goes a long way. Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles after two months of daily use. Yes please!

Want to learn more about these products and some of my other “tricks of the trade”? Make an appointment to come in and see me for a skin care consultation! We will spend at least 45 minutes discussing your skin and creating a daily skin care regime for you, in addition to answering any questions you may have about other treatments we offer.

In health and happiness,

Courtney McSpadden, NP

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at Horton SPA