After practicing dermatology for 30 years, I’ve had countless people ask me for my best skin care advice, my favorite products, and what my magical skin secrets are (really, my magical skin secrets!). Being a part of the skin care industry for so long has taught me that great skin is something that’s coveted by most people. Everyone wants their skin to look young, healthy, radiant, and beautiful, and that’s not only women, it’s men as well. No one wants to look old or tired. Everyone wants their skin to have that sparkle, that glow. There are few better compliments that you can give a person than “you look young for your age!” and there’s a reason for it.
What is Your Best Skin Care Advice?
Well, after 30 years, I’ve finally decided it’s time to lay everything out on the table. I’ve decided to go straight to the source to bring you the best skin care tips and advice from the people who know best, others in the skin care industry. I’ve surveyed my other doctors and employees at Eastside Dermatology and I’ve asked my partners at DermWarehouse to share their secrets, tips, and best advice for skin that will look young and healthy for years to come. Enjoy!
“90% of skin aging is from the sun. It’s only 10% that comes from genetics and muscle movement. The most common habit I see that causes significant health and skin-related problems down the road is not wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. This is a habit that I try to instill in my family and my patients. It’s something so easy to add to your daily routine, yet so many people skip it or forget about it. Many people think that unless they’re planning to be outside for the entire day, going to the beach, exercising, etc. sunscreen isn’t necessary, however, you should apply sunscreen anytime you’re outside, even if just for a few minutes. If you’re walking to work, taking your dog for a walk, running back and forth between your car and stores to do errands… this is all time that you’re spending outside with your skin exposed to the sun. Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis will keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free and more importantly, it will help protect you against skin cancer.” – Dr. Alan Parks, Dermatologist, Eastside Dermatology & Partner, DermWarehouse
“Wear sunscreen!! You can spend a lot of time and money on skin care products and procedures, but if you don’t protect yourself from the sun, you are just asking for wrinkles and dark spots.” – Dr. Benjamin Bogucki, Dermatologist, Eastside Dermatology
“Be proactive about your skin care. Use products that will help your skin stay beautiful now and in the future.” –Cheyenne, Office Manager, Eastside Dermatology
“Always wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and in the winter time. The UVA rays which are the most damaging can penetrate through clouds and glass, causing pre-mature aging and possibly skin cancer. SkinMedica’s Vitamin C+E Complex is a product that I love to recommend because it contains essential vitamins, will help brighten the skin and improves overall tone and texture.” –Sandy, Esthetician, Eastside Dermatology
“Start thinking about your skin care routine at an early age and remember that beautiful, young-looking skin won’t stay that way forever if you don’t take care of yourself. Start thinking about products you can use to prevent aging and sun damage in your 20s and once you’re in your 40s, 50s, etc. you’ll be thankful that you did. It always pays to be proactive. I personally love using skincare kits because they make your entire regimen so easy by laying out the steps you need. The Jan Marini Normal/Combination Skincare Management System is fantastic and contains everything you need. For a kit with less steps that also works wonders, I would recommend the DefenAge Clinical Power Trio. I also love the Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 44. I wear it every day!” – Stefanie Parks, CEO, DermWarehouse
“It’s surprising that many times clearing up acne is as simple as keeping your face clean. I love to work out and I always make sure to wash my face as soon as I’m done. One of my favorite cleansers is the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. I also really rely on the Glytone Acne Treatment Spray for Back/Chest. It’s so easy to use and really helps clear up any acne on the body.” – Jason Parks, Partner, DermWarehouse
“There isn’t one product or one skin care routine that works for everyone. This is not a cookie-cutter process and you should always make decisions on your skin based on your own skin type, age, concerns, etc. You also can’t use the same products at 50 or 60 that you used at 20. As women age, they begin to have increasing wrinkles and lines on their face and neck and often lose volume in their face. In addition to their normal skin care routine of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen each day, additional products should be added to help these issues and to delay the aging process of the skin. An eye cream like the Neocutis Lumiere, retinol product such as the Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 and a neck firming cream such as the Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced should be added, along with a Vitamin C brightening serum, like the Obagi Professional-C Serum 10%. These products will help diminish fine lines and wrinkles and slow the process for further ones to develop.” –Robin Parks, Partner, DermWarehouse
Some of Our Favorite SPF Recommendations:
- Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – This is a customer-favorite sunscreen, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
- Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF – This daily SPF not only protects against UVA and UVB rays, it has antioxidants to block free radicals and it helps control oil production.
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 – A great daily sunscreen that smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
- Clinicians Complex Total Sun Protection SPF 30+ – A hydrating, oil-free daily sunscreen with aloe vera, green tea, and Vitamin E.
For more recs, check out our blog: Best Sunscreens for Each Skin Type
We’ve given you our best tips and advice, and now it’s your job to put it all to good use! The overwhelming message here is as follows: Wear sunscreen, be proactive in regards to your skin care, and keep your face clean. Most importantly, however, make sure to visit your dermatologist regularly. A yearly full-body skin check is key in preventing skin cancer. Any changes in size, shape or color of a mole should be looked at by your dermatologist. Be aware and proactive about your skin and this will ensure healthy results. Make it your resolution to start thinking about and applying all of these great tips and you’ll be on your way to younger, more beautiful, and immeasurably healthier skin.
