Author: Dr. Samantha Mikals
Every night, I do at least 2 things—retinoid and moisturizer/night cream. Ideally, I should wash my face with a gentle cleanser as well… but let’s be honest, I’m not perfect.
Whenever I wear makeup, I definitely remove it and wash my face before bed. One of my favorite face washes is the d’Alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle Mild Skin Balancing Vegan Cleanser. Another, which I keep in the shower, is the Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser.
The most important nightly habit (aside from getting at least 7 hours of sleep) is to apply a retinoid. There are many types and strengths of retinoids. The most common mistake is using one that is too strong too fast. Retinoids work by increasing cellular turnover, which means if it is too strong, you will have peeling and burning/irritation. It is more important to use a retinoid consistently every night than to have the strongest retinoid percentage. It is a balance of maintaining consistent cellular turnover without overdoing it. Retinoids also increase the production of collagen and elastin.
My favorite retinoid is VT Cosmetics Cica Reti-A Retinol Cream 0.05, which contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and retinol. HPR is a newer retinoid that directly binds to retinoid receptors in the skin, working immediately… while retinol requires a few steps to be converted to retinoic acid (active form). HPR is effective and way less irritating compared to prescription tretinoin, which makes it much easier to sustain as a nightly habit.
Just like in the morning, I use Nature Republic Green Derma Mild Cica Cream at night. It smells and feels amazing! It has so many useful ingredients: https://incidecoder.com/products/nature-republic-green-derma-mild-cica-cream
It is a bit harder to buy in the US. I have ordered mine from Nature Republic Irvine in the past (link in comments). Sometimes, Beauty Depot on Southside Jacksonville can get it in stock: https://share.google/c16wFhjtL2za5nofx
Just about everything else that I use can be ordered from Amazon! Here is my Amazon shopping list of Korean skincare products: https://a.co/0fqJTLPH
As a Jacksonville Concierge Medicine and aesthetics ENT doctor, I love sharing the skincare habits that actually work — both the products I recommend to patients and the ones I use myself. If you’re curious about medical-grade aesthetic treatments in Jacksonville, FL — like retinoid prescriptions, skin rejuvenation, or a personalized skincare consultation — I’d love to help. Our concierge approach means you get the time and attention your skin deserves.
If you would like to learn more or book an appointment with Dr. Samantha Mikals, click here.
