Everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to anti-aging skincare – from using injectables (botox and fillers) to applying medical-grade topicals or simply embracing the natural route – we all fall somewhere on the spectrum. For me personally, I combine advanced ingredients (such as retinol and glycolic acid) with facial exercise and massage. In the future, I may look into dermatological treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels and/or laser treatments – but I stop short when it comes to injectables. That’s just my personal choice – and everyone is entitled to choose what works for them!
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| From The Skiny Instagram with Helen Vong and Mehreen |
To stay informed on the latest skincare products and ingredients, I follow The Skiny blog. Editor Helen Vong covers a wide range of topics from Sun Protective Clothing (am buying one of these hats before my beach holiday!) to decoding celeb-favored treatments such as IPL, I’m always learning and loving what I read. When Mehreen and I learned that Helen was hosting a Beauty Brunch in Yorkville, we RSVP’d in a heartbeat!
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| Gorgeous Venue – the Beauty Brunch was held at Dyne Restaurant |
One of the reasons I wanted to attend this event was because of the opportunity to meet Dr. Lisa Kellett – she is one of Toronto’s top dermatologists and has been featured on the Marilyn Denis show, etalk and the E! Network. I LOVED learning from her – Dr. Kellett is so approachable and easy to talk to. You can tell that she has such a passion for what she does, and for the dermatology industry in general.
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| Chatting with Dr. Kellett!!! |
And now for the highlights of what I learned from Dr. Kellett:
- The Holy Trinity of skincare we should be using: Retinols (Vitamin A), Antioxidants (Vitamin C) and Sunscreen!
- Acne sufferers should use a sunscreen spray – spray on hands then pat over face.
- Keep a stick SPF (such as a lip balm) in your bag at all times to use as emergency SPF – so you’re never caught short without sunscreen!
- Don’t forget to apply SPF to these areas: under eye area, neck, hands and chest.
- Do not spot treat acne – apply treatment all over your face to prevent and treat blemishes.
- Stem cells are the future of skincare – using your own collagen to regenerate your skin.
My question for Dr. Kellett: What topical treatment would you recommend for light acne scarring (looks more like enlarged pores than pitting)? Her answer: Retinols. My follow-up: Would Adapalene (a retinol derivative in my current skincare routine) be effective for this? Her answer: It is effective as long as it doesn’t irritate your skin.
Other Highlights from the Event:
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| Clockwise: With Louise, Stylish Mehreen and a spy pic of Mehreen’s gorgeous arm candy! |
- Finally getting to meet Louise – we’ve been reading each others’ blogs for a long time.
- Hanging out with Mehreen – she’s so much fun to talk to…beauty products, Youtubeland, marriage…we covered it all and could have kept going!
- Registered Nurse Diana’s response when asked about the right time to start treatments to prevent aging: When it bothers you enough to make a change – and for some people, that is never. Loved the supportive attitude towards everyone’s skincare choices and decisions.
- The generous gift bag featuring Dr. Kellett’s skincare line. Especially excited about the sunscreen and the Vitamin C and Retinol Serums – thanks Helen!
What I wore:
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| Old Navy Dress, F21 Necklace, Old Navy Boots (this year’s version), Balenciaga City Bag |
Hope you enjoyed reading about my experience! I’m curious – what is your approach to anti-aging skincare?
Great post!! I am 29 and still struggle with acne and I wasn't sure how to incorporate anti aging into my acne treatment. Good to read this!!I wonder what type of sunscreen spray is best?
Erica – I think there are a lot of acne treatments now targeted towards us (i.e. ppl who would like to use anti-aging as well) – so that's good! Dr Kellett has a kit geared towards adult acne sufferers (blogged about here: http://ellaprettyblog.blogspot.ca/2013/10/make-up-in-mail-vichy-idealia.html)For the sunscreen spray – Helen blogged about Dr. Kellett's sunscreen spray here: http://theskiny.com/kellett-skincare-sunscreens/One important thing they mentioned at the event is that the best sunscreen is one that you actually use LOL! So if you find one that already works for you (whether it be mineral or chemical SPF, spray or lotion) you should definitely stick to it! For me personally, the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Water-Light sunscreen is one of the few sunscreens that don't irritate my skin with daily use (there's a pic of it in this post: http://ellaprettyblog.blogspot.ca/2013/07/whats-in-my-beach-bag-monthly-must-reads.html).I've tried fancy mineral sunscreens meant for people with the MOST sensitive skin…and wouldn't you know it – they broke me out LOL! So I stick to my Neutrogena one!
so good to read – I've struggled with acne for 17 years and I'm still figuring it out 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the post – and good luck finding the best solutions for your skin 🙂
So glad to meet you too! I was pretty nervous when Helen asked me to speak at the event but I had a great time and Dr. Kellett and Diane had so much great advice!
Louise – it's funny that you were nervous before the event – because you couldn't tell that AT ALL when you were speaking! You were so knowledgeable and easy to understand – I loved listening to you! And yes – I came away SO happy with all the skincare advice I picked up – it was a GREAT event 🙂
I am so jealous you got to attend this! I would love something like this I'm a skin care addict and love talking anything skin care :)thank you for sharing these tips :)xo
It was a fun event – you should follow Helen on twitter so you can attend the next one 🙂 I'm a skin care addict too – I love finding out what products REALLY work!
Love this! I'm so envious of all the fun events you attend Ella! I think I need to be more diligent with sunscreen. I'm careful in summer, and then forget that the sun still comes out in winter! That's something I need to change.
As I mentioned on IG, I'm the same way – I often neglect sunscreen in the colder months – but I'm going to be diligent about applying at ALL the time from now on – and on my hands, neck, eye area & chest!
Sorry just commenting now!!! I am so happy I got to attend this and had time to catch up with you ! Love your recap of the event and thanks so much for the pics !! Xox
Thanks Mehreen – I'm super-intrigued by your prescription retinol method we talked about – it seems so effective and simple. And I had so much fun catching up 🙂