Meet Callie - A Pharmacist Skincare Must Haves

Meet Callie. She is a beautiful pharmacist that has joined Harben House as a Pharmacist Adviser. We go to Callie to get scientific information about our skin and product ingredients. She is a wonderful resource and adviser for Harben House, and we are thrilled to have her on the team. Please read below her current review of must-have products for combination skin types. 

As a pharmacist, I field a lot of questions from friends about over-the-counter products, birth control, infant dosing, and did I mention birth control? But, now in my 30s, I am happy to report that many of my friends now ask for my latest and greatest skincare recommendations. So, here are some of the products that I am currently loving and my skin is thanking me for!

SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex.

One trait that has been ingrained in me since pharmacy school is to read the ingredient label on EVERYTHING. The first few ingredients listed tend to be the most active, so with skincare I look for water and ingredients proven to help with whatever the product is claiming to do. In the case of SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex, the first ingredient is Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media…say what?? In other words, human growth factor is the primary ingredient. I apply my TNS Recovery Complex every morning and night,and the growth factors stimulate regeneration in my skin. Growth Factors can be great for use following a skin procedure to promote healthy skin growth, and even can help reduce old acne scars. Given that it’s made from actual skin tissue, I feel I must warn that it does have a slight smell of feet while applying, but it only lasts a few seconds and feels great (and odorless) once applied. This a must for your skincare regimen!

Truth Treatment Systems Biomimetic Priming Mist.

I have the definition of combination skin, so it is always a delicate balancing act to find a product that moisturizes but doesn’t cause me to get too oily throughout the day.  Enter Truth Biomimetic Priming Mist- a hydrating mist with a matte finish that contains ingredients proven to moisturize while also promoting anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant effects. Created by pharmacist Benjamin Fuchs, (so how could I not love?) This primer uses fulvic acid which acts as an ingredient booster to help other nutrients get absorbed more efficiently - making it the perfect priming mist to apply before your other skincare products and makeup.  Great for all skin types, this is one of my new favorite products that I didn’t know I needed.

Neocutis Micro-Eyes Rejuvenating Cream.

No proper skincare regimen is complete without a multi-tasking eye cream. This one combats dryness, fine lines, sagginess and dark circles (what else could you ask for!). This eye cream contains Neocutis’ patented MPC (Micro Protein Complex)- micro proteins that work together to promote collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid…basically the trifecta of healthy, youthful looking skin. I have always struggled to find a product that works with my concealer to limit dryness and creasing, but Micro-Eyes incorporates de-puffing caffeine with MPC to create the perfect canvas for makeup and concealer application.  

Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Tinted Moisturizer.

And last but certainly not least, sunscreen. All the products in the world are meaningless if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. And rather than applying yet another cream to your face, this moisturizer works in several different ways to serve as an all-in-one, anti-aging sunscreen and light foundation. This, coupled with some brows and mascara, is all I need for an on-the-go makeup routine. As its name implies, it matches your skin tone perfectly with a matte finish- unlike so many sunscreens that cause unwanted shine. It’s SPF 45, so you can rest assured that you’re well-protected throughout the day. This will be in my makeup bag for years to come!

I look forward to sharing more of my personal skin care journey with everyone. I love skincare and I love Harben House!

Callie Lyons, PharmD