A BIOCHEMIST is going to be sure her skincare is backed by science — and a really savvy one can find a deal, too.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, Valerie Aparovich raved about several skincare products including a $12 anti-aging serum that visibly reduces wrinkles.
Aparovich is a certified cosmetologist-aesthetician at , an AI-based and science-backed beauty app.
She admitted that she has dry skin and shared which products she uses to revitalize and hydrate it.
And just because she might have access to pricey products, that doesn't mean she doesn't know how to spot a good bargain.
"If you’re looking for a budget-friendly anti-aging product, The Ordinary is a great brand to look at," said Aparovich.
She would know — she has over seven years of experience in skincare cosmetics and toxic-free beauty.
"They offer dedicated youthfulness-boosting formulations powered by the most popular and effective skincare actives."
This includes retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides.
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Serum, $12.10, is one of her favorites from the brand.
"Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover and promote skin renewal," Aparovich explained.
There are several benefits associated with integrating the helpful ingredient into your regimen.
"They support collagen and elastin fiber synthesis, improving skin texture and firmness, enhancing surface smoothness, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles," she added.
She also recommended The Ordinary's fast-selling and popular Multi-Peptide + Hyaluronic Acid or "Buffet" Serum, $19.90.
"Cosmetic peptides mimic the function of natural peptides, serving as collagen protein building blocks within our skin," she said.
It is jam-packed with hydrating materials that increase the skin's "thickness, firmness, and elasticity" and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, according to the website's product .
The peptides within "promote repair and regeneration mechanisms within the cells and act as humectants."
Aparovich said this "helps the skin seal and retain moisture."
Lastly, Aparovich incorporated vitamin C as an integral element in any beauty routine.
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, $8.30, The Ordinary
, $12.10, Sephora
, $19.90, The Ordinary
"Vitamin C is a fortifying antioxidant that helps protect the cells from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors and associated with accelerated aging," she explained.
The Ordinary's Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone, $8.30, gives you great bang for your buck.
The vitamin in the product "stimulates collagen synthesis" and promotes the skin's firmness and elasticity.
The serum also brightens and evens the complexion and helps lighten hyperpigmented spots that commonly appear as we age.
It leaves behind a "smoother surface" overall with continued use.
Aparovich follows a very specific and nutrient-rich regimen for her dry skin.
She uses a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser like , which is typically around $20.
She explained that it helps "gently remove impurities from the skin without stripping it of natural oils, compromising the moisture barrier, or causing irritation and tightness."
Then, she follows it up with a hydrating toner "powered by probiotics, such as , $25, a "minimalist formulation" based on Bifida Ferment extract to support "healthy skin microbiome."
She added that it strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, "providing ample hydration and leaving your canvas soothed, softened, and refreshed."
Lastly, she tops it off with a ceramide-rich moisturizer.
She prefers the , which is currently on sale for $43.50.
Ceramides are fatty molecules with emollient properties.
Aparovich explained that they "help strengthen the skin’s hydrolipid barrier, prevent transepidermal water loss, and nourish, soften, and smooth your canvas."
