As a woman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and a “Super Doctor” (title courtesy of The New York Times), I understand the importance of caring for the skin. In honor of National Healthy Skin Month, here are my five tips for great skin (and ones I practice as well):
Wear Broad Spectrum sunscreen all year round, even when indoors, as UVA rays penetrate glass and remain constant all year round. UVA and UVB rays can harm the skin and lead to skin cancers, however, UVB is effectively blocked by glass. UVA rays are known to penetrate glass upwards of 60%, which makes wearing SPF essential for people who routinely sit next to a window at work, home or during a long commute.
See your dermatologist annually for a complete skin cancer screening to track your moles and ensure any changes aren’t cancerous. A patient should always inquire about what they should be looking for regarding changing moles. If patients are actively on the lookout for irregular changes, it makes catching a potential skin cancer all that easier.
As tempting as it is, do not tamper with a pimple. Leave that to your dermatologist. Incorrectly trying to extract a pimple can actually cause an infection and the root to go deeper within the skin. That once little blemish can turn into a cyst that now requires medical expertise to correctly calm it down and remove it.
Cleanse the face before your workout session. Sweating with makeup and oil buildup from the day can cause breakouts and blackheads. Furthermore, always thoroughly cleanse the face before bed.
It’s very important to incorporate similar attention you give to your facial care, to your body. I have found that many of my patients invest in professional treatments and a skincare regimen for their face, yet often neglect the skin on the chest, neck and hands, all of which has had just as much environmental damage and aging as the face.
People often ask what’s in my medicine cabinet. Here are my must-haves:
I am an avid user of Intellishade SPF 45. It’s an anti-aging, antioxidant rich moisturizer with a universal tint, plus SPF 45. Three steps in one, it’s doesn’t get easier than that. I truly believe the simpler the regimen, the more likely you are follow it.
There is extensive clinical research exhibiting the undeniable benefits of using Vitamin A and topical antioxidant serums. You would be doing a disservice to your skin not to include this power duo in your regime. My personal favorite is SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5.
Russak Dermatology offers a free skin-cancer screening to all members of the DASHA® community.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
