The holidays are the perfect time to pamper your loved ones, and what better way to show you care than with a gift that promotes self-care and wellness? This year, we’ve curated a special skincare gifting guide featuring our team’s absolute favorite skincare products.
Whether you’re shopping for someone passionate about their skincare routine or just getting started, these picks will surely bring joy and radiance to any beauty lover’s holiday. Spoiler alert: Alastin’s Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF, skinbetter AlphaRet products, and ZO Exfoliating Polish are the most popular across the L&P and iO Clinic staff!
Whether you’re shopping for someone passionate about their skincare routine or just getting started, these picks will surely bring joy and radiance to any beauty lover’s holiday. Spoiler alert: Alastin’s Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF, skinbetter AlphaRet products, and ZO Exfoliating Polish are the most popular across the L&P and iO Clinic staff!
What Our Wellness Nurse, Leslie Payne, RN, Uses on Her Face
Wellness Nurse Leslie categorizes her skin as combination, oily, or acne-prone. Her routine prioritizes keeping breakouts away and sun damage to a minimum. Three products she can't live without are skinbetter's AlphaRet retinol, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser, and EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen.- Skinbetter AlphaRet is a great choice for all skin types, combining retinol with the moisturizing benefits of AHA to reduce the dryness that retinol can sometimes cause.
- SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that can provide a deeper clean compared to standard cleansers.
- EltaMD UVClear sunscreen is a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps protect against harmful UV rays while keeping the skin calm and clear.
Licensed Esthetician, Colleen Shimamoto's Skincare Essentials
Licensed esthetician Colleen would say her primary skin concerns are acne-prone, aging, and pigmentation. Having dealt with acne throughout her life, she’s found the perfect combination of products for her skin. She swears by Dermaclear by Dermquest, Obagi C Clarifying Serum, and Tretinoin.- Dermaclear by Dermquest is a powerhouse cleanser designed to target acne and clear clogged pores effectively.
- Obagi C Clarifying Serum combines vitamin C with hydroquinone to brighten and even out skin tone, addressing pigmentation concerns.
- Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid renowned for its ability to treat acne, stimulate collagen, and improve overall skin texture. Tretinoin is only available in-store at the iO Clinic!
Nurse Ginger Orozco's Must-Haves Skincare
Cosmetic Nurse Ginger Orozco focuses on anti-aging, dryness, and mature skin. She spends lots of time outdoors and exploring nature, so keeping her skin protected from the sun and damaging agents is important to her! Her favorites include Marini C-Esta Gel, ZO Exfoliating Polish, and Alastin Ultra Nourishing Cream, with a couple of bonus picks: Skinbetter Alto (in-store only) and ZO Exfoliating Polish.- Marini C-Esta Gel is a vitamin C serum that delivers powerful antioxidant benefits while firming and brightening the skin.
- Alastin Ultra Nourishing Cream deeply hydrates and strengthens the skin’s barrier, perfect for any dry skin.
- Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF offers the perfect amount of sun protection for day-to-day use and a subtle glow with the tinted coverage.
Skincare Staples from Sid Gonzales, Licensed Esthetician
Licensed esthetician Sid Gonzales focuses on targeting pores, exfoliation, and dry skin. She has perfected her routine and has best glass skin in the office! She credits her amazing skin to iO Clinic facials and Jan Marini’s Bioglycolic Cleanser, Trioluxe by Skinbetter, and ZO Toning Pads.- Bioglycolic Cleanser gently exfoliates with glycolic acid to smooth and brighten the skin.
- ZO Exfoliating Polish is a micro-exfoliant that smooths skin texture and enhances radiance.
- ZO Complexion Renewal Pads are excellent for daily exfoliation and pore refinement, making them a versatile addition to any routine.
Skincare Picks from Krystal Sun, Physician Associate
Physician Associate Krystal has combination skin with her main concerns being her pores and pigmentation. Her routine works for her busy schedule and lasts throughout the long days at L&P Aesthetics Palo Alto! Her go-to products are SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, Tretinoin, and Alastin Hydratint Pro Sunscreen.- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a gold-standard antioxidant serum that brightens, firms, and protects against environmental damage.
- Tretinoin enhances cell turnover, minimizing pores and pigmentation.
- Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF combines broad-spectrum protection with a sheer tint, evening out skin tone.
Skincare Favorites by Stacey Tentoglou, LVN
Perioperative Lead and LVN Stacey describes her skin as combination, acne-prone, and prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Stacey is always on the move and travelling, but never without these! Visit her at the iO Clinic and she will tell you all about her must-haves-Alastin Vitamin C-Radical Defense, Skinbetter AlphaRet Peel Pads, and Alastin HydraTint Pro.- Alastin Vitamin C-Radical Defense is a potent antioxidant serum that protects against free radical damage while brightening skin tone.
- Skinbetter AlphaRet Peel Pads deliver gentle exfoliation and improve skin clarity without irritation.
- Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF provides hydration, SPF protection, and a radiant, even finish
Licensed Esthetician, Melissa Musto’s Skincare Essentials
iO Clinic’s licensed esthetician Melissa Musto targets rosacea, anti-aging, and sun damage with her top three products: SkinBetter Mystro Active Balance Serum, Marini Transformation Cream, and ZO Gentle Cleanser.- Skinbetter Mystro Active Balance Serum is an innovative antioxidant serum tailored to soothe and balance sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
- Jan Marini Transformation Cream promotes skin repair and reduces visible signs of aging.
- ZO Gentle Cleanser provides a deep but gentle cleanse, leaving skin feeling refreshed and ready for treatments.
