LOOK YOUR BEST AT ANY AGE.

Dr. Stefanie Christian, M.D. offers non-invasive and minimally-invasive skin care procedures including laser skin care and injectables, that improve skin texture, pigment, and tone. These treatments require little to no downtime and visibly and measurably improve the quality of the skin without scars.

Avène Retrinal
Retinoids, a class of chemical compounds related to vitamin A, can be beneficial for the skin at many ages. For teens and 20-something’s with acne, retinoids are often an important component of an effective anti-acne program because they reduce skin oil and unblock pores. For those of us over thirty, retinoids are an invaluable part of an anti-aging program because they increase cell turn-over, thus helping to keep skin radiant while minimizing pigment differences from sun damage.

Avène Rétrinal is my absolutely favorite retinoid. Rétrinal is formulated with 2 exclusive ingredients: retinaldehyde, one of the most effective forms of vitamin A, and vitamin E, an anti-oxidant. Retrinal has been clinically proven to help prevent and reduce the visible signs of aging with little to no irritation; and because Rétrinal contains a high concentration of thermal spring water, it is actually hydrating, unlike most other retinoids, which can be drying and irritating. I actually use Rétrinal as my night time moisturizer and retinoid, thus killing two birds with one stone.

Avène Rétrinal comes in two strengths, .05% and .1%, just like other prescription retinoids.

Avène Hydrance Optimale SPF 25 Hydrating Cream

Hydrance is a light, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and it can be used safely and effectively on all skin types. It also contains a stable form of vitamin E to provide anti-oxidant protection.

It is important to remember that UVA rays penetrate ozone, clouds, and glass; so even in January in Cleveland, we are exposed to these destructive, aging rays, and we need to wear sunscreen on our exposed skin every day. With rare exception, makeup does not protect against UVA rays and cannot be considered wearing sunscreen. On the other hand, by using Hydrance every morning, 1. I am combining a medical grade sunscreen with a lovely light moisturizer, 2. I am sure to put it on every day because I use my moisturizer every day, 3. I know the quality of the protection I am getting, and 4. I am saving time and money by using one product instead of two.