Dr. Derma's 8 Skin Care Secrets
When it comes to taking care of our skin, dermatologists know best. As skin doctors, they are there to help us prevent and protect our skin and achieve our healthiest-looking skin yet, and more. That being said, we often take their knowledge of skin for granted — especially when we just want to get in and out as quickly as possible.
Missed the opportunity to ask your dermatologist for some expert advice? Worry not; we asked Dr. Derma, leading dermatologist, on his best tips and tricks of the trade. Find out what skin care secrets dermatologists swear by, ahead.
1. Cleanliness is key
One of the first — read: most important — tips is to always wash your face and play close attention to your hairline. “When you wash your face at night, pull it back with a headband or towel,” says Dr. Derma. “The reason for this is because many [people] forget to cleanse their hairlines, which can cause micro-breakouts along that area.
In addition to cleansing your hairline, you should think about your sleep situation. “I also recommend that before going to bed, pull hair back in a loose braid or ponytail because hair acts like a magnet for dirt and pollution, which can rub on your face and bedding,” he adds.
2. Use a face serum formulated with vitamin C and phytic acid
In addition to keeping your face clean, Dr. Derma also suggests using an anti-aging serum formulated with vitamin C and phytic acid. “Integrating a serum formulated with vitamin C and phytic acid to your daily regimen will help improve the appearance of dark spots by mildly exfoliating the skin.”
He recommends using Natria Vitamin C Skin Clearing Serum. Natria Vitamin C Skin Clearing Serum is uniquely formulated and gentle enough to use all year round. Other products currently on the market are so harsh, that I usually recommend my patients to stop using it during the summer months.”
3. Splurge on under eye creams
Ever wonder what a top dermatologist would recommend you spend your hard-earned cash on? Hint: It’s not Botox. “The eyes are the first place to show fine lines and wrinkles and need delicate care, so it’s worth the splurge to have a separate eye cream,” says Dr. Derma. One of his go-to products? Aloe Veda Eternia Total Restorative Eye Cream. Enriched with a proprietary Antioxidants & Anti Aging Complex, the splurge-worthy cream targets fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and sagging skin around the eyes.
4. Do not pop your pimples
You may have heard this tip time and time again, but it’s so important that we’ll say it once more. “If you’re battling a blemish, do not touch it,” says Dr. Derma. “By touching it, you’re only adding fire to the fuel, [which can] ultimately irritate or infect it,” he adds.
So, what are you supposed to do with a pimple? Dr. Derma suggests this at-home remedy: “Crush an Aspirin into a dish and add some purified water. Once it becomes paste-like, you can apply it to the blemish. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory, so it will immediately reduce redness. It also contains salicylic acid, which is one of the most commonly used ingredients in acne products because it works to clean out pores and exfoliates the skin.”
5. Exfoliate your skin twice a week
If you’re battling dull skin, Dr. Derma suggests getting serious about exfoliation. “Make sure to exfoliate your skin a couple times a week to slough away dulling, dry skin cells [and] reveal smoother, more glowing skin.”
In addition to exfoliating your complexion, Dr. Derma recommends integrating a glycolic acid exfoliating body wash, “It helps to maintain skin’s natural moisture balance and provides the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid in a gentle, pH-balanced cleansing and moisturizing system for the entire body,” he adds.
6. Moisturise with Face Oils daily
Aging, dull, mature or dry skin needs daily leave-on active care that is free of harsh chemicals, preservatives and allergens. What better way than cold-pressed natural oils, like golden Jojoba Oil that are the closest to skin oils as can be. Dr. Derma suggests getting serious about skin nutrition. “Make sure to nourish your skin daily with a few drops of Aloe Veda Distil Facial Care Oil for Dry and Mature Skin to remove dulling, dry skin cells [and] reveal smoother, more glowing skin.”
Aloe Veda Distil Facial Care Oil for Dry and Mature Skin contains golden jojoba oil, grape seed oil and rice bran oil. "In addition to improving your complexion, it helps to maintain skin’s natural moisture balance and prevents dryness and therfore stops the skin from loosing elasticity” he adds.
When your skin is already sensitive from daily make-up and from overcleansing, the experts warn against using moisturising formulas that can potentially be irritating. In the short term — when your skin is dry, tight and sensitive, like, right now — a leave-on product like a face oil can help heal the skin and is a perfect salve for parched skin.
7. Get your hydration and dose of antioxidants from your diet
8. Don’t wait for a problem before scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist
If you haven’t made an appointment to see your dermatologist in a while, this one’s for you. “Don’t wait for a problem before going to the doctor’s office. Make sure to schedule a yearly skin check with your dermatologist,” says Dr. Derma. “I have patients who have developed skin care issues over a course of 3+ years [and] I only see [them] once the issue has fully developed,” he adds. Annual skin checks are important for the prevention of skin cancer and other skin-related ailments that might cause serious harm to your body down the road. Don’t wait until it’s too late.