Our Skin Diary series dives into the skincare routines and products of our Apostrophe team (and hopefully beyond!). For this entry we spoke with Vemmy Metsutnan, our Lead Care Coordinator. When she’s not taking calls from patients and delivering expert-level service, she loves playing with her dog and exploring the Bay Area. Read on to learn how she keeps her sensitive and acne-prone skin glowing!

Age: 24

Skin type: Combination skin with seborrheic dermatitis around nose and cheeks.

Skin concerns: I have acne-prone skin and seborrheic dermatitis, which makes my skin very sensitive, especially in the winter. I also have some hyperpigmentation from sunspots (thanks, genetics) and I always want to target blackheads on my nose where I get the most oily. Plus, I’m concerned about fine lines and wrinkles now that I’m going into my mid-20s.

Lifestyle: I have two dogs at home that I love, but they shed A LOT. The hair can be a bit irritating (especially with my sensitive and acne-prone skin) so I’m very conscious of making sure my skin is clean. I am also busy and I like to sleep in (I have my cake and eat it too) so I like to be very minimal on weekday mornings. I do go out frequently over the weekend so I want to make sure the products I'm using will effectively wipe away makeup and leave me fresh-faced in the morning. I don’t follow any particular diet and I try to exercise when possible.

Location/climate/environmental concerns: Bay Area. It’s super windy so my skin AND lips get dry easily.

My approach to skincare: I try to stick with affordable products, but working at a dermatology company has its perks! I usually prefer non-scented products, and ones that are not too oily (except for makeup removers). MAIN GOAL: QUICK, EASY, AND EFFORTLESS!

AM

• Wash face with water.
• SkinMedica Uplifting Eye Serum ($60) → puffy eyes, dark circles, crows feet!!
• SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex ($102) → brightening.
• Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizer SPF 15 ($19) → moisturizer + sunscreen (on days where I will be out in the sun more, I will also use the SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield™ Broad-Spectrum SPF 32 - $38).

PM

• If I am wearing heavy makeup, I will cleanse my face with a cleansing balm (my favorite is the Banila Co's Clean It Zero - $19).
• On minimal makeup days, I will use Bioderma Sensibio H2O ($15) + Innisfree Appleseed Eye and Lip makeup remover ($8).
• SkinMedica Purifying Foaming Face Wash ($44) or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Gel ($11) → Wash my face again (yes, I double cleanse) just to make sure I get all the remaining makeup or dirt/dust/etc. that I accumulated throughout the day.
• Apostrophe Tretinoin Formula 0.025% ($75) → GOOD FOR EVERYTHING (preventing wrinkles and fading sun spots and old acne scars)
• Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer ($33)
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream ($19)
• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20) → This is a lifesaver, must get for those with dry lips! (Editor’s note: I’m also a big fan of this product! It’s an injection of moisture straight to your lips.)

Weekly
Rotate between:

• Skinfood Black Sugar Wash-Off Face Mask ($10) → For scrubbing away dead skin cells and black heads.

• Clay mask (variety of brands) → To pull out all the impurities from my skin and prevent blackheads.

• Sheet masks → Gotta treat yo’ self and moisturize your skin weekly. I use ones I find around the office. They are all good, but my favorites use gel sheets instead of paper!

  

Have a skin routine that is killing the game? Share your secrets with us by filling out our Skin Diary form! We’ll take care of the rest.