In today’s saturated skin care market, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products available and the abundance of information at your fingertips. This can lead to several uncertainties about where to start on your skin care journey. If you’re confused about which ingredients to use, or how to layer your products together, ACES serves as a simple, yet friendly reminder to always include the must-have target ingredients in your skin care regimen. Get ready to unlock everything you need to know about implementing the ACES method to achieve healthier, happier skin!
What is ACES and Why is it Important?
“The ACES method was developed for people who are truly invested in their skin but are bombarded with an overload of information, and unsure where to start in their skin care journey,” says George Scandalis, Cosmetic Medicine Expert & Educator. The method is suitable for everyone with all skin types and serves as a reminder to include the essential ingredients for skin health. “I wanted to introduce people to the world of ingredient-centric skin care and selecting the most important ingredients to focus on”, Scandalis adds. So, what does ACES actually stand for? Let’s break it down.
Once you start incorporating these ingredients into your skin care regimen, you’re already steps ahead towards achieving a healthier appearance inside, and out! The constant debate over what’s right or wrong in skin care practices continue to flood the internet, however Scandalis explains how influencers on social media focus on trends rather than focusing on proven evidence-based skin care needs. The key to avoid misinformation and ACE your best skin, is to selectively pick and invest in quality products that are suitable for your skin type and/or concerns.
To sum it up, you want to include a form of the big three active (ACE) ingredients within your target step, in an overall skin care routine that suits your skin’s needs, in order to maintain your skin’s overall health. Dive deeper to absorb Scandalis’ insights about ACES and the importance of implementing this method in your routine.
Breakdown and Benefits
A: Vitamin A (Retinol)
Derived from Vitamin A, Retinol is the gold-standard ingredient and undisputed champion to combat signs of aging. The beauty of retinol is that there are various strengths suitable for different skin types and concerns. “Retinol is a great option to strengthen the skin, better UV protection, better cellular turnover and the list can go on.” Scandalis adds.
Skin Benefits:
- Boosts collagen production.
- Speeds up cellular turnover.
- Unclogs pores.
- Evens skin tone.
Vivier’s retinols are designed with Poly-Pore® Technology and boosted with Vitamins C & E and squalane to deliver impressive results while reducing the risk of redness and irritation. When incorporating retinol, “work up your strength to a tolerable amount and most importantly on a set schedule. Start with once to twice a week and build your tolerance”, suggests Scandalis. Don’t compromise on your skin’s health without this true anti-aging power ingredient.
C: Vitamin C
No skin care routine is complete without the power of vitamin C. Adding vitamin C to your routine incorporates multiple benefits from this one powerhouse ingredient. It is the multi-purpose antioxidant that maintains skin health and delivers results for all skin types and ages.
Skin Benefits:
- Significantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Promotes collagen production.
- Reduces age spots, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.
- Provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotection properties.
“A high quality, well formulated and evidence-based vitamin C serum is a non-negotiable”, explains Scandalis. When choosing the right vitamin C serum, penetration, stability, and potency are factors to consider. Vivier’s serums are formulated with the purest form of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid USP) and proprietary delivery system for the ultimate anti-aging and skin brightening results.
E: Exfoliant
Exfoliating is like hitting a reset button on your face. It’s a transformative step that unveils your skin’s natural radiance, leaving behind dullness and shedding away dead skin cells. With regular exfoliation, say hello to smoother, brighter-looking skin! If you have oily skin, exfoliating is even more important. It helps regulate oil production and helps prevent breakouts. Plus, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and clean!
Skin Benefits:
- Removes dead skin cells.
- Unclogs pores.
- Improves skin’s texture, tone, and smoothness.
- Helps improve proper product penetration.
However, the E in ACES also stands for vitamin E. Scandalis suggests if you’re on the dry side, which is natural for maturing skin, to add vitamin E to your routine. “It helps lubricate the skin and assists in restoring balance”, he adds.
S: SPF
If you ask yourself, do I need to wear sunscreen today? The answer is always yes! Regardless of the weather or season, the sun’s rays that light up the room will cause damage and aging in your skin no matter what. “It’s not an option; you must wear sunscreen”, explains Scandalis.
Skin Benefits:
- Reduces risk of skin cancer and DNA damage.
- Prevents early onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Protects against hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and redness.
- Protects against sunburn.
For ultimate protection against harmful UV rays and to keep your skin looking radiant, don’t forget to reapply SPF throughout the day to maintain healthy, glowing skin!
How to Use the Ingredients Together, Your ACES Routine, AM/PM
Layering products together is essential for optimal results (if you do it right). The basic steps when incorporating ACES in your routine is to always start with washing your face with a thorough, but gentle cleanser to remove any impurities, and then you may choose to follow up with a toner. The basic rule of starting your skin care routine is to start off with a clean canvas. This step removes dirt, excess sebum, and impurities allowing the following products to penetrate in your skin.
Once your canvas is ready, allow ACES to work wonders for your skin in the AM and PM! The benefit of the ACES method is the simplicity of incorporating a 2-step target routine in the morning and night.
Sample ACES AM Routine
1. Start your day with a clean face.
2. Use 2-4 drops of C E Peptides and let it sink in for a few minutes. This multipurpose product also contains vitamin E, therefore double the benefits!
3. Apply SHEER SPF 30 Mineral Tinted for protection.
If you have dry skin, apply Daily Age-Defying Moisturizer for hydration before sun protection. It’s really that simple. “Great formulated sunscreens have a moisturizing aspect and create a great barrier, Scandalis adds.”
Sample ACES PM Routine
1. At night, wash your face with Medicated Wash.
2. Apply your current retinol strength.
3. On alternate nights, apply Illuminating Enzymatic Peel for an overnight exfoliating glow-booster.
Scandalis suggests enhancing your skin care routine by applying an additional 2-4 drops of Vitamin C serum before your retinol for an extra boost.
Equipped with the knowledge provided by ACES guru, George Scandalis, there’s no doubt that you’re now prepared to ACE your skin care journey. There’s nothing like that feeling of reaping the results of being consistent and caring for your skin’s health, especially when the steps are that simple to remember!
George Scandalis, known as THE SKIN GUY, is a Cosmetic Medicine Expert, Educator, Author & Business Consultant.
