Complexion perfection

“I believe you need to start young to stay young,” advises Dr Macrene, one of New York’s most in-demand dermatologists and founder of Macrene Actives. “I’ve noticed a real shift in what clients and the industry want from their skincare needs, and it comes down to the quality of ingredients.” She continues, “I wanted to create a clean, anti-aging solution, with my clientele’s hectic lifestyle (whom she is far too discreet to name, but think high-profile Hollywood and socialites) and their need for the very best in anti-aging actives – in mind.” With over two decades of lab experience under her belt, Dr Macrene took on the challenge and sought the most potent actives across the US, even testing ingredients on herself and growing them on her own organic farm, while taking over manufacturing in her own lab. “I have a unique 360-degree view of skin from my clinical experience, research for FDA trials, formulation experience for major beauty brands and my extensive work with lasers and injectables,” explains Dr Macrene.

A decade ago, the cult brand 37 Actives was launched – free of parabens, phthalates, fragrance and sulfates, and full of active ingredients in glass recyclable packaging – and now Dr Macrene has raised the bar further and reformulated the line to include even more actives than before and to ensure Macrene Actives are vegan, organic, gluten-free and free from nasties such as silicone, parabens and talc. “I sourced the very best in organic, plant-derived actives to address specific concerns such as wrinkles, brown spots, redness and poor texture – I want to make procedures obsolete with active natural ingredients.” The result? A streamlined regime of five game-changing products.

The High Performance Cleanser makes for a great starting point. With 20 organic plant-derived actives, this creamy vegan cleanser unclogs pores, fights blemishes and helps maintain the skin barrier and its pH. The best way to use it, according to Dr Macrene, is to splash the face with lukewarm water, rub two pumps of the hydrating cleanser between moistened palms to lather, massage into skin for 30 seconds, then rinse. Repeat for best results.

Next, The High Performance Cream, with its abundance of plant- and sea-derived actives (it contains 50), is rich in texture and particularly good for dry and dehydrated skin. A potent cocktail of anti-oxidants, de-puffers, super-hydrators and blemish fighters work in tandem to deliver beautifully clear, plumped skin. Post-cleanse, apply to the skin evenly until absorbed fully – a small amount goes a long way.

Follow with The High Performance Serum: think of it as a high-tech add-on designed to ramp up the performance of your skincare regime. Using a couple of pumps, pay particular attention to the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, upper lip, chin and around the eyes. And this serum delivers a triple threat: not only does it firm and tone, it also softens fine lines and wrinkles and reduces blemishes.

For those with concerns about their lips, Dr Macrene has created a solution. We know the plumping affect that hyaluronic acid has on the skin, but when applied to the lips in a more concentrated form, with a host of peptides, ceramides, antioxidants and oils, it can naturally boost both the color and plumpness of the lip. “After brushing my teeth, I like to dab the lip filler to the upper and lower lip and bring my lips together to smooth across – it really does make a difference,” says Dr Macrene.

While reluctant to recommend an additional skincare step, there is definitely cause to use Dr Macrene’s Neck and Décolletage Treatment, especially if you’re wary of the effect on your neck of compulsively looking down at your phone. Think of it as your one-step skincare solution, with Dr Macrene advocating using the hydrating lotion to tighten the neck, chest, hands and even elbows, while also lifting and firming the skin.