Inside My Skincare Cabinet: 19 Products That Actually Work
Plus: My Dermatologists’ Numbers (love them!) & Where I Stand on Plastic Surgery
Hi there,
Whether it’s societal pressures, the patriarchy, or just our own desire to feel like ourselves, women have been trying to defy gravity for millennia. I still laugh at my younger self, baffled by the idea of an eye cream, and now I practically have an aisle’s worth of them among my products.
My love for skincare didn’t start from vanity. It started when I had my first child. I was sleep-deprived, frustrated with breastfeeding, and overwhelmed by the chaos of first-time parenting. Spending ten quiet minutes with a bottle of face oil felt like a miracle. I didn’t care if my wrinkles disappeared; I just needed a moment of control, a ritual that reminded me I existed outside of motherhood.
Over time, those rituals evolved to new products, treatments, and dermatologist visits. Now, my goal is simpler: to maintain that soft, youthful glow without it feeling like a full-time job.
Before I go on though, let me share where I stand on beauty and plastic surgery: I say live and let live. Life is already hard enough for women. We are judged harshly, and constantly (and doubly so if you’re a woman of color). If a tweak here or a lift there makes you feel better, just go for it. The idea that skincare and plastic surgery are anti-feminist is nonsense to me. Telling women what they shouldn’t do with their bodies is just another form of control, and it’s even worse when it comes from other women.
It’s easy to say, “let your gray hair grow,” until you’re interviewing for a job next to a 23-year-old. Easy to say, “love the skin you’re in,” until investors look you up and down before they decide to fund another man. And honestly, even if none of that were true, I’d still want my skin to glow. Taking care of myself inside and out isn’t vanity. It’s agency. And it sure as hell shouldn’t be a source of shame.
With that in mind, I posted a little video of my vanity on Instagram (click here if you want to take a peek), and this week I’m sharing my current skincare lineup: what I’m using daily, what’s new for me and actually working, and the two doctors I trust (one here in the Hamptons, one in Brazil). I haven’t done anything in Brazil in over 18 months, but a consult is on my calendar for my next trip.
I hope it’s useful, and helps you get rid of any guilt or need to apologize for wanting to take care of yourself.
Sending love and beauty,
Patricia
My skincare product list, which I rotate during the week. Scroll to the end for 2 of my doctors’ phone numbers.
MAC Hyper Real Cleanser*: I love this oil for fall and winter
Bioderma Micellar Water* for everyday
Superdose Vitamic C Serum: I am a huge customer of Beauty Pie. You pay an annual subscription and get incredible prices for their products. Absolutely worth it.
Skinceuticals C+ AHA*: I use this at night.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid by Beauty Pie: one of my favorite products, it give me that dewy glow.
Glycolic Acid Toner: another icon from Beauty Pie, I use this about 3x a week before bed, and I can see the difference in my skin when I wake up.
DamDam Mochi Mochi Moisturizing Cream: I was introduced to this brand in Japan by a dear friend of mine. I met the Founders Gisele Goh and Philippe Therrien, and they shared their beautiful brand ethos during my visit. They are very committed to preserving Japanese farming and combining ancient Japanese philosophy with the technological advancements of today. The quality is superb, and I highly recommend it.
U Beauty Super Hydrator: this has been my go-to everyday moisturizer since they launched their line.
DamDam Ginko Bouncy Water Cream: I bought this one to wear during the hotter days, it’s light in texture yet very potent. A little goes a long way.
Overnight Skin Perfector: I love this product and use it most nights. Another Beauty Pie winner.
Kat Burki Vitamin C Face Cream: I love to alternate this at night.
DamDam Matcha Eye Serum: super light and milky, I just started using this product and love how it feels.
One Skin Eye Cream: I have been using this and have seen a difference in texture around my eyes. I apply all over and it seems to help lift the lid area.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin: I have reordered this cream multiple times. I wear it during winter day and night.
Musely Spot Cream*: for years I tried to get rid of a sun spot on my face. Then I tried this brand (you schedule a Telehealth appointment to get the prescription). It takes diligence but it worked!
SIO Super Eye Lift: I love this product because not only the patches are effective, but they are also reusable. They are made with medical-grade silicone patches and they help smooth crow’s feet and under-eye wrinkles.
Tallow & Honey Balm*: I just got this a few weeks ago. It’s made with grass fed and finished beef tallow and honey, and I have to say: it’s extremely nourishing and hydrating. I don’t know if I would recommend for someone who has acne prone skin, but my skin has definitely improved in texture and it seems more plump.
Biodance Collagen Mask: I love this mask. My skin feel super hydrated and bouncier after I use it. Great before applying makeup for a special event.
Keana Nadeshiko Pore Care Rice Masks*: I got these in Japan, they are very common and popular, but when I went to the website, they are no longer shipping to the US due to the new tariffs ☹️ But here is the link anyway - if things change, give it a try! It’s an affordable product, and it dos the job. Could also be a great stocking stuffer - fingers crossed we can buy them again soon.
My doctors:
My dermatologist in Brazil is Dr. Guilherme de Almeida*, and his practice’s name is Olsen Almeida Dermatology. He is technically not on social media, but his wife Thalita is and talks often about the different treatments. He shows up there sometimes. Her skin speaks for itself: it looks flawless but not overdone. I like his philosophy: he prefers to treat the skin with techniques and technology that will enable the skin to produce collagen and get plumper from within, rather than using fillers. I have done his ultrasound treatment in the past and it was excellent. His office phone is +5511-3129-7227, and they can take messages via WhatsApp at +5511-97593-1790. He is very well known in Brazil, so he is quite pricey - but worth it.
My doctor in the Hamptons is Dr. Eunice Park, Founder of Airem. She is a Facial Plastic Surgeon, and a specialist in Korean beauty, and always uses the latest Korean innovations. Last spring I did a Pico laser with her with zero down time, and very little redness. I did this to get rid of some hyperpigmentation on my skin, and I could see an improvement in texture and extra glow 2 to 3 weeks after the treatment. Dr. Park is a great listener and a pleasure to work with. I am due for a check this Fall, and I will be doing her facials, and probably the micro needling. If you want to reach Dr. Park, her numbers are: (516) 614-1880, she has offices in Water Mill, NYC. and Syosset. I’ve never done plastic surgery, but if I ever do, she’ll be the first one I’ll call.
See you next week!