In a city where seasons change rapidly and the pace of life never slows down, the right skincare routine is the key to a healthy and glowing complexion. Shay Moinuddin, an aesthetic nurse and director at The Few Institute in Chicago, shared her expert advice on effective skincare. Also, find out about the era of gangster style in Chicago. More on chicagoka.
Peptides in Your Home Routine
One of the main secrets to young and healthy skin is peptides. These molecules are a powerful ally in the fight against aging. They are often called the “building blocks of beauty,” and that is no exaggeration. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that form the basis of proteins in our body, including collagen and elastin. With age, the production of these proteins decreases, and the skin loses its firmness, wrinkles appear, and the complexion becomes dull. When you apply peptide-containing products, they work as a signal, telling the skin it needs to produce more collagen. Thus, peptides don’t just maintain appearance; they kickstart deep regeneration processes.
Benefits of using peptides:
- Improved skin firmness and texture. By activating collagen and elastin, the skin becomes more taut and smooth.
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines. Peptides help minimize the appearance of age-related changes, especially around the eyes and forehead.
- Fighting pigmentation. Some peptides have brightening properties, helping to reduce the visibility of dark spots and even out the complexion.
- Deep hydration. When included in moisturizing products, peptides enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Shay Moinuddin advises paying attention to serums, creams, and masks that contain copper peptides, palmitoyl pentapeptide, hexapeptides, and tri-peptides. These have the best ability to penetrate the skin and activate cellular processes.
Vitamin C in Daily Skincare
Vitamin C is more than just a vitamin from a multivitamin complex. In the world of modern cosmetology, it is a true must-have in a daily skincare regimen. Shay Moinuddin emphasizes that the regular use of products with Vitamin C can significantly improve skin condition, making it smoother and more resistant to external factors. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most powerful antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals. These unstable molecules destroy cells and accelerate aging. In an urban environment, where the skin is constantly exposed to polluted air, UV radiation, and stress, this protection is absolutely vital.
Key benefits of Vitamin C for the skin:
- Skin brightening. It reduces dullness and gives the skin a healthy glow.
- Fighting pigmentation. Vitamin C reduces melanin production, which helps diminish dark spots, freckles, and post-acne marks.
- Protection from UV damage. In combination with sunscreen, Vitamin C enhances protection against ultraviolet rays and prevents photoaging.
- Improved skin texture. It stimulates collagen production, which increases elasticity and smooths fine wrinkles.
The most effective format is a serum, which should be applied to cleansed skin in the morning before moisturizing and SPF. Pay attention to the concentration: 10-20% is optimal for daily use. Ideally, the product should contain a stable form of the vitamin, such as ascorbyl glucoside or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
Skin Hydration and Protection
You can use the most expensive serums and procedures, but without hydration and sun protection, all of it will be nearly useless. According to aesthetician Shay Moinuddin, these two points are the most vital in a daily skincare routine.
Hydration is necessary not only for dry skin but also for oily skin. Moisture maintains the integrity of the protective barrier, helps reduce inflammation and flaking, and keeps the skin soft and supple. One of the most effective moisturizers in modern cosmetology is hyaluronic acid—a potent compound capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB rays) penetrates the skin even on cloudy days, through windows, and even in winter. UVA rays cause photoaging, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity, while UVB rays lead to burns and increase the risk of skin cancer. Daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is mandatory, even for those who spend most of their time indoors.
In the morning after cleansing, apply a light moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid. Follow this with a day cream that has SPF 30 or higher. It is best if this is a separate product, not a combined one. If you are outdoors for longer than 2 hours, reapply sunscreen, especially in the summer.
Exosomes for Skin Regeneration
A new breakthrough in the field of skincare is exosomes—microscopic vesicles that open up new possibilities for skin recovery and rejuvenation. Shay Moinuddin emphasizes: exosome therapy is the future of anti-aging cosmetology.
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles naturally secreted by cells, and they function as “information carriers.” They transfer proteins, enzymes, lipids, and RNA from one cell to another, stimulating activity and regeneration. In cosmetology, exosomes derived from stem cells are used to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and reduce inflammation.
Key benefits of exosomes for the skin:
- Deep cell regeneration. They help the skin recover after procedures (lasers, microneedling, peels).
- Reduced inflammation and redness. Especially relevant for sensitive or problematic skin with rosacea or acne.
- Non-invasive rejuvenation. After a course of exosome treatment, wrinkles diminish, tone improves, and dullness disappears.
- Evening out tone and texture. They help reduce hyperpigmentation and skin scars.
Exosomes are most often combined with microneedling (dermapen), laser therapy, or nano-infusion—this allows active ingredients to penetrate deeper. However, there are also ready-made exosome products in the form of serums or masks for home use. Modern cosmetology bets on science, and exosomes are a prime example of this. Their potential in skin regeneration is just beginning to unfold, but already this is one of the most effective and trendy directions in self-care.
Peptides and Vitamin C remain key components in daily skincare. Peptides promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce signs of aging. Vitamin C, as a powerful antioxidant, helps brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and protect against environmental impact. Many Chicago residents include serums with these ingredients in their daily routine. Regardless of the season, Chicago women prioritize protecting their skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. The use of sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 has become standard practice for preventing premature skin aging and maintaining skin health. Overall, Chicago residents actively follow the latest skincare trends and implement effective methods to maintain their skin’s health and youth.
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