Staying Fit
Ever wonder what skin care products you’d find in your dermatologist’s medicine cabinet? I asked five board-certified women doctors our age what they use daily for a healthy, glowing complexion. The answers were a surprising mix, from easy breezy practical to a complex layered regimen. Some of the products are out-of-the-ballpark pricey, others are professional brands you’ve probably never heard of and a few are familiar drugstore picks. What’s the takeaway? Aside from giving us the voyeuristic thrill of sneaking a peek at some of their favorites (sorry, readers, space limitations mean not room for all), the dermatologists dished some insider tips.
Many dermatologists often use professional-grade skin care products sold at medi-spas, in dermatology offices or on specialized sites rather than the usual mainstream stuff. However, let’s be clear. They are doctors and know what they’re doing. Since many of these products have higher percentages of active ingredients ask your own dermatologist if they are suitable for you. That said, the team provided plenty of useful tips. Take a look:
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1. Personalize your skin routine for your skin.
Make a plan for your skin — not your best friend’s or sister’s complexion or what a celebrity over 50 says works for her. “Everyone’s skin and situation is different, so there’s not one specific product that will work for all,” says Lupenko. “You may have more or less sun damage and varying degrees of issues like brown spots, lines and wrinkles, skin that sags, a medical concern such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis or a sensitivity problem like eczema.” Be sure your routine addresses your skin and its current state.
2. Respect your skin’s sensitivity level.
Lots of women find their skin more prone to redness and irritation at 50. Some common ingredients like fragrance, alcohol and essential oils may be off-limits. Others — even those proven to improve sun damage and wrinkles — like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and chemical sunscreens may not work for you either. Know what triggers your sensitivity and skip it no matter how amazing the claims. “I have delicate, sensitive skin so for me less is more,” says Jaliman. “I can’t use some of the more aggressive products others can, such as retinol, and stick to formulas with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.”
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