HCD Blog

At Carruthers and Humphrey, we spend a lot of time lately talking about the science behind skincare. We care deeply about making recommendations that we can trust — and that means seeing the evidence behind products and having confidence in the brands we carry.

The product lines sold in our boutique — including SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, Colourescience and Vivier — have brand promises we feel confident in supporting.  "Many products claim to do all sorts of things from erase under-eye bags to eliminate wrinkles. As a physician, I want review the scientific evidence that it can do what it claims to do before recommending we add it to patient's 360°program." Dr. Katie Beleznay

Here are six different products, with six unique purposes, that Drs. Carruthers and Beleznay love.

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

This product is one of our absolute favourites. Featuring a balanced mixture of naturally-occurring growth factors, antioxidants, soluble collagen, cytokines, and matrix proteins, it helps to rebuild the skin’s naturally occurring collagen. The result? Reduced fine lines and wrinkles as well as improved texture and tone.

Vivier Seequin 4

A new addition to our shelves, this product features 4% hydroquinone — a molecule that reduces the ability for our skin cells to produce excessive pigment and thereby evens skin tone. This particular choice includes Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) as well, providing an extra boost of collagen.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Applying Vitamin A can minimize wrinkles associated with natural aging. We’ve found SkinCeuticals’ 0.3 retinol formulation to be especially popular — not only is this evidence-based product gentler on patients’ skin than previous formulations, but it visibly brightens the skin’s overall appearance.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

When it comes to improving the skin’s hydration, we almost always recommend HA5 by SkinMedica. The hyaluronic acid-based hydrator smooths and illuminates the skin, and decreases the appearance of fine lines almost immediately.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

The combination of Vitamins C and E in this SkinCeuticals serum simultaneously enhances collagen synthesis and protects the skin from further damage from Infrared rays, offering protection and replenishment in tandem.

SkinMedica Total Defense SPF

We will always emphasize the importance of a daily sunscreen. After all, what’s the point investing in restorative products, if you aren’t protecting yourself against further damage? SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair is a popular one among our doctors. It’s lightweight, contains antioxidants, it blocks infrared rays, and the tinted version helps create an even skin tone making it a great base layer for everyday use.

"A commitment to skincare is a learned behaviour. When we see that the results of this learning are so successful, it makes us want to carry on doing this very important, personalized, medical maintenance therapy. Our patients long term success is truly important to us." Dr. Jean Carruthers

Ultimately, everyone’s skin characteristics and concerns are unique, which means that everyone would benefit from a customized skincare program. These are just a few of our physicians favourites. To learn which evidence-based products are best for you, book a consultation with our team.