If you follow along on Instagram then you know that two weeks ago I got to do something really cool – I visited Skinceuticals, where I received a skin consultation and CUSTOM D.O.S.E. serum. I got a lot of questions from you guys about this (and answer them at the end of the post). It was pretty cool. I’m obviously (duh) very big into skincare but my routine has always been a product of trial and error – trying lots and lots of products until I’ve figured out what’s worked for me.
The idea of having a serum created just for me (and my own skincare needs + concerns) really appealed to both my vanity and my nerdiness. When developing this service, Skinceuticals looked at over 250 skin types. There are 24 individual ingredients (formulated at different percentages) and over 2,000 possible combinations! I loved the idea of receiving my own perfect product but also loved learning about all of the different ingredients and why certain combinations are so potent. I sat down with Dr. Kavita Mariwalla from Mariwalla Dermatology for a consultation. She evaluated my skin using Skinceuticals’ patented diagnostic tool and I answered a handful of questions. From there, Dr. Mariwalla made the necessary selections and and from there, the machine delivered a made to measure serum, just for me!
My formula contained…
- LI+M – licorice root and mulberry extract, which help to promote even skin tone and minimize discoloration.
- PXN – Proxylane, which helps to support the skin’s matrix and improve firmness.
- RET – Retional (.1% but you can go up to .5%) helps to improve uneven skin tone, promote cell turnover, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Lastly, she used an emulsion base which is ideal for dry skin types as it contains conditioning agents and has a light, milky texture. (For oilier types they offer a hydroalcoholic base which is oil-free and has a lighter, more viscous texture!)
I have been using the serum every night now for about two weeks. I am really impressed so far. The most immediate thing I noticed was waking up with more even skin. I noticed a subtle difference after the first night. With time my skin has gotten firmer and smoother and I swear the fine lines in my forehead are gone. But it’s only been two weeks… I’m excited to see what changes I notice in the coming weeks and will definitely keep you guys update on Instagram stories.
I highly recommend having your own CUSTOM D.O.S.E. treatment , especially if you’re starting to have age-related skin concerns. I’m really happy with mine so far.
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT D.O.S.E, ANSWERED!
I got so many DM’s about the serum/the session that I thought I would do a mini Q&A with the most common questions I got asked.
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO THE C E FERULIC? A REPLACEMENT?
A girl after my own heart! Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is one of my favorites too – it’s one of the best vitamin C treatments I’ve tried. This does not replace C E Ferulic as there are no antioxidants in the Custom D.O.S.E serum. You can continue using it in your routine in addition to the serum.
WHERE DO YOU GET IT? DO YOU HAVE TO DO AN IN-PERSON SKIN ANALYSIS?
The Custom D.O.S.E. treatment is definitely an in person thing. As the serum is made just for you, it’s important to have a dermatologist on hand to give you a consultation and make any adjustments to the formula to ensure you are getting the most perfect combination of ingredients. As mentioned above, my consult was with Dr. Mariwalla from Mariwalla Dermatology (she’s amazing and came into the city for the day for the event, if you are on Long Island GO SEE HER!) You can find a professional who has the machine available at their practice here. It’s a quick process – the evaluation takes about 5 minutes and then it takes the machine about 5 minutes to create the serum.
The good thing is that a label with your information and formula ID will be printed and applied to the bottle for easy replenishment. When you run out, your derm can make adjustments to it, or just send you a new bottle.
HOW DO THEY SELECT WHAT GOES INTO IT?
You answer a set of questions (on the tablet) and the dermatologist adjusts based on your skin concerns. From there, the machine’s algorithm develops (and mixes!) your perfect serum.
WHAT % RETINOL IS IN THE SERUM?
As this was my first foray into a professional-grade retinol I had .1%, but they go up to .5%!
HOW DID YOUR SKIN REACT TO THE RETINOL?
It’s reacting really well to it. I use it very night before bed. As it’s pretty intense, I massage it in and then put a really rich oil or night cream on over it to seal it in but also hydrate my skin. I have heard of people experiencing peeling or skin purging when they add retinol to their routines, but my skin has been fine. The only side effect I’ve noticed has been some tightness so I’ve really upped my moisturizing game.
Retinol moves any bad stuff (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples) up from under the skin at a faster rate, so a purge period (if you have acne prone skin) can last up to 4-6 weeks. I think I was lucky in that I don’t break out very often, but I’m told that if this happens, stick with it – the results are worth it and then the bad stuff is out!
WHEN DO YOU USE IT IN YOUR PRODUCT LINEUP AND WHAT OTHER PRODUCTS DO YOU USE WITH IT?
The serum has been the focal point of my skincare routine since starting to test it. Since it’s more intense, I keep the rest of my routine very gentle. At night I will wash my face with a gentle, creamy cleanser. After that I will apply toner if my skin feels like it needs it (I don’t always, but sometimes I do!). Then on goes the serum. I pat it on (all the way down to my décolletage) and then leave it a minute or two. Then I apply a thick (but gentle) night cream or oil.
In the morning I just splash with water, apply facial essence, and then more moisturizer and SPF! (I always say that if you have an elaborate bedtime routine you don’t have to do much in the morning… it’s not as though you were getting dirty in your sleep!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
It depends upon where you go – I was told $195!
Created in partnership with Skinceuticals. Photography by Carter Fish.
