In partnership with KaramMD. Editor's note: We only work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
In my job as a beauty editor, I’m always striving to find the most effective products that deliver on their promises. This could be anything from a soothing face mask or microcurrent device to a hydrating cleanser or effective lash serum. And while my routine often changes based on what I’m testing (cue an overflowing vanity), I can always get behind a line of skin care that opts for quality over quantity.
Karam MD is relatively new on my radar but it caught my attention because, unlike a lot of products I try, Karam MD was founded by a plastic surgeon. Dr. Amir Karam is double board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology, and has spent decades watching his patients choose quantity over quality, marketing over science, and deal with the repercussions of routines that just weren’t well-suited for their skin. So in 2021, after 4 years of development and third-party clinical testing, Dr. Karam launched The Trifecta: a cleanser, a vitamin C serum, and an all-in-one anti-aging cream.
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Great Skin Gateway: The Travel Set
The Trifecta has become an editor-favorite (you can read TQE’s full review here), so it only made sense for the brand to launch a travel kit, too. They sent it to me to test out on a recent trip to New York City, which I welcomed. One of my biggest travel woes is not having TSA-friendly sizes of my best skin care. It’s important to me to keep my routine as stable as possible, and too often travel disrupts that––and in turn, disrupts my skin.
The Trifecta is what Dr. Karam calls “a prescription-level solution to one of the most emotionally impactful aspects of aging.” He’s combining high-quality actives like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and more in a simple, three-step routine. I was excited to try it because, even for the most seasoned skin care enthusiasts, this kind of approach can be extremely effective. More isn’t always more.
To start, Rinse, the non-foaming cleanser is extremely gentle, especially for a gel formula. My skin can get quite dry, especially when flying, so an effective, non-drying option is essential. It contains calming ingredients like aloe vera and arnica extract, plus barrier boosters like broccoli seed oil and willowherb oil (always love an antioxidant). I like that it creates a gentle lather and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped.
Next in order is Quench, the vitamin C serum, which I love for its fast-absorbing, lightweight gel texture. (Sometimes vitamin C serums can be sticky or greasy-feeling, which doesn’t layer as well.) In addition to its three stable forms of vitamin C, which are great for lightning dark spots and enhancing skin radiance, Quench includes sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) to plump skin; green tea for antioxidant protection; and licorice root, which is a storied brightening ingredient. Additionally, it has hydrating ingredients to help skin feel nice and cushiony.
Finally, Illuminate, the anti-aging cream is applied last (and before SPF!). What’s really unique about this cream is that it's incredibly lightweight, which is ideal for daytime, but it’s also extremely hydrating, which is perfect for nighttime. It contains a slow-release retinol, niacinamide and 20+ actives for smoother, brighter, and firmer skin––without causing irritation. Thanks to super strengthenors and hydrators like sodium hyaluronate, squalene, aloe, jojoba oil, and shea butter, the cream leaves skin feeling full of moisture, but never greasy or slick.
Just remember: Always wear sunscreen after applying moisturizer each morning, especially if it contains any sort of actives or retinoids. I like an SPF 40+, at minimum. Then I get the benefits of a high-powered skin care routine, plus the sun care needed to protect it.
Simplify To Amplify
After my trip, I decided to keep a good thing going. I’ve been using The Trifecta at home, too. I love the consistency of having a simple yet effective routine, especially as the days get longer and busier. I’m not sacrificing effectiveness with fewer products. I also like that each product is designed to be used morning and night, which makes packing the travel set a no-brainer, especially for carry-ons!
The Trifecta has also become a huge hit with my husband, who is always dabbling in my backstock of products to test. (I think he appreciates the neutral, black-and-white branding, and above all, the simplicity of the routine.) If you’re in the market for something potent, simple, and efficient, the Karam MD Trifecta is a fantastic place to start. And if you want to try before committing, test the travel set!
