A dermatologist friend of mine, Dr. Benabio, writes an excellent blog that I think everyone should be reading--The Derm Blog. He was also recently quoted in O, the Oprah Magazine (so you know he's got to be good). I decided to get his expert opinion on some skincare questions and share them all with you.
What is the best way to treat oily/combination skin without drying out your skin?
The key is to not overdo it. Some people have skin that is so oily that it almost never gets dry and flaky. If, however, your skin has a tendency to flake, then you might be using cleansers that are too harsh or you might be over-scrubbing. I recommend starting by cleansing your face in the morning with a product meant for combination skin such as Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths for Combination Skin. You can then use a toner if you wish, but I think they are often unnecessary. If you like the feel of a toner after washing, then I recommend something mild like Peter Thomas Roth's Oxygen Mist. Then apply a non-greasy sunscreen before applying your makeup. I recommend Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 Sensitive Skin or Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 with Shiitake Mushroom extract. At night, wash off all your makeup with the Oil of Olay Cleansing Cloths. Apply a moisturizer for oily skin such as Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Oily Cream or Oil of Olay Regenerist.
I occasionally find that when I use products meant to control sebum, that sebum seems to be produced even more. How can I stop that awful shine in my T-zone without messing up my skin?
Believe it or not, you are lucky. Oily skin is easier to manage and often appears younger than dry, irritated skin. You just need to focus on products that will reduce your skin's natural oils. In the morning, use a cleanser for oily skin such as Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser. You also probably like using toners and can tolerate one like Kiehl's Tea Tree Oil Toner. The next product is the important one: Apply an oil control gel such as Ferndale Clinac O.C. Oil Control Gel before applying your sunscreen and makeup. This will prevent that oily shine from surfacing. At night, use the same cleanser. You could also try a facial scrub once a week, such as Philosophy Microdelivery peel.
Which skincare products do you recommend for: acne-prone skin, dry skin, combination skin?
For acne-prone skin use a salicylic acid cleanser such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. Then apply a benzoyl peroxide cream such as Oxy Balance with 5% benzoyl peroxide (5% is just as effective as 10% and is a lot less irritating).
For dry skin, use a cleansing cream like Noxzema Cleansing Cream. Never use a toner, as this will likely dry out your skin further. Then use a moisturizer like Eucerin Sensitive Facial Skin Q10 with SPF 15. You should try to moisturize one more time during the day if possible.
Which product do you feel is the most over rated and which is the best but seems under valued?
Overrated: Strivectin (the "better than Botox?" cream). It's not.
Undervalued: prescription retin-A creams like Renova.
Can you give 3 do's and don'ts for skin care?
Do: Wear a broad- spectrum sunscreen every day. Don't believe all the hype that lots of sun is good for you. See my post on tanning for much more detail.
Do: Wash your makeup off completely every night. It can lead to clogged pores, pimples, and even skin infections.
Do: Realize that women and men even in their 20's can get melanoma. Check your skin regularly and see a physician if you have a changing or concerning mole.
Don't: waste money on products that are not designed for your particular skin. Many women with dry skin waste money on toners while women with oily skin waste money on expensive moisturizers. Know what your skin needs and choose products accordingly. Also, remember that many over-the-counter skin care products are just as effective as more expensive designer products.
Don't: use a magnifying mirror and tweezers to find and pick at pimples or other minor skin blemishes. I promise you, you will only make it worse.
Don't: get medical advice or treatments, including Botox, fillers, and lasers from a non-professional. Be sure that a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is present if you are going to have any invasive cosmetic procedures performed.
5 Skincare Questions for Dermatologist, Dr. Benabio You On Here » 5 Skincare Questions for Dermatologist, Dr. Benabio
