Liz's Skin Philosophy

Walk into a beauty store or scroll through social media and you can easily come away believing that healthy skin requires ten different serums, the newest trending ingredient, and a bathroom counter overflowing with products.

I don't believe that.

As a nurse and a skin-care advocate, I believe the most important thing we can do is understand what our skin actually needs and give it those nutrients consistently.

I often tell my clients:

We have 14 opportunities every week to nourish our skin—once in the morning and once at night. Why wouldn't we make those opportunities count?

Our face, neck, décolleté, and hands are exposed to sunlight and the environment throughout our lives. We cannot stop our skin from aging, nor should that be the goal. But we can give it the best opportunity to remain healthy, resilient, smooth, and radiant as we age.

For me, that starts with three essentials:

Vitamin A. Vitamin C. Sunscreen.

And there is one important distinction:

Vitamin A does not simply mean retinol.

Vitamin A Is a Family

Retinol is one form of Vitamin A, but it is not the only form.

Different forms of Vitamin A can be used in skin care, and some are gentler than others. At BMAW, Vitamin A can be incorporated into both the morning and evening routine, while retinol is introduced separately at night when appropriate for the skin.

This is one of the reasons I appreciate the Environ approach. Rather than beginning with the strongest product possible, Vitamin A is introduced gradually and increased as the skin becomes accustomed to it.

Healthy skin is not created by attacking it. It is created by supporting it consistently.

MORNING: Vitamin A + Vitamin C + SPF

In the morning, I want to nourish the skin and prepare it for the day.

Vitamin A is an important part of healthy skin function. Exposure to sunlight can deplete Vitamin A in the skin, which is one reason I believe in replenishing it consistently.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps support the skin against environmental stress while supporting collagen and helping the skin appear brighter and more even.

I think of Vitamins A and C as daily nutrition for the skin.

And then we protect it.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of my absolute non-negotiables—not only at the beach and not only during the summer.

Face. Ears. Neck. Décolleté. And don't forget your hands.

If we are going to work this hard to support healthy skin, we also need to protect it.

EVENING: Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Retinol When Appropriate

At night, we have another opportunity to nourish the skin with Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

For the appropriate person, this is also where we may introduce retinol.

Because retinol is a more active form of Vitamin A, I prefer a gradual approach. Some clients may begin only a few evenings each week and increase as their skin becomes comfortable.

The goal is not to see how much retinol your skin can tolerate. The goal is to achieve healthier skin.

There is a difference.

Start Low. Build Slowly. Stay Consistent.

One of the biggest mistakes I see in skin care is assuming stronger means better.

It doesn't.

More acids, more exfoliation, more retinol, and more products do not necessarily create healthier skin.

I would rather see someone use an appropriate routine consistently for years than use an aggressive routine for three weeks, become irritated, and give up.

My Skin-Care Non-Negotiables

My philosophy is simple:

AM
Vitamin A + Vitamin C + daily broad-spectrum sunscreen

PM
Vitamin A + Vitamin C + retinol when appropriate

Then we individualize everything else.

Your skin doesn't need every new trend. It needs thoughtful care, the right nutrients, protection, and consistency.

We cannot prevent aging. But we can give our sun-exposed, aging skin the best opportunity to remain healthy, resilient, radiant, and beautifully cared for.

You have 14 opportunities every week to nourish your skin. Make them count.

Let Me Help You Simplify Your Skin Care

If you've purchased a collection of products and aren't quite sure what you should be using—or why you're using them—bring them with you to your consultation.

At Botta Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, I will look at your skin, review what you are currently using, identify what may be missing, and help you develop a routine appropriate for your skin.

Because good skin care shouldn't be confusing.

It should make sense.

Liz Botta, RN
Owner, Botta Medical Aesthetics & Wellness