Ready to transform your skin? A top dermatologist reveals the best things she did to boost her complexion this year
Dermatologists preach skincare advice to patients all day, but how do they take care of their own skin to ensure it’s as healthy as it can be? We asked Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, to reflect on the five best things she did for her skin this past year — here’s what she had to say.
Sunscreen layering involves using different sunscreens for a cosmetic effect and to provide more photoprotection, Dr. Houshmand explains. Her first layer, which acts as a primer, consists of a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. She then follows up with a colored balm SPF as her blush, and ends with a powder sunscreen to finish. “This technique ensures I’m getting the needed amount of sunscreen for protection, which is 1.5 ounces (or one shot glass’ worth) of sunscreen for the body, and half a teaspoon for the face and neck,” she says.
“Microneedling creates targeted, microscopic holes just under the surface of the skin to improve mild textural imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles and superficial scars,” Dr. Houshmand explains. “Radiofrequency microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency, which, in addition to the benefits of standard microneedling, enhances skin tightening and addresses generalized skin laxity due to the heat from the radiofrequency.” Dr. Houshmand incorporated this into her skincare routine for both her face and neck, and notes its added benefit of having minimal downtime and being safe for all skin types.
For Dr. Houshmand, skincare doesn’t stop at the jaw. The reason: there are several factors working against the skin on the neck. For one, it’s thinner compared to other areas of your body. It also has fewer sebaceous glands (sweat glands) than those seen in the face, so it doesn’t get the benefit of the natural oils from the glands to moisturize itself, notes Dr. Houshmand. Finally, technological devices like cell phones, tablets, and laptops cause us to look down, which can create horizontal lines on the neck, or “tech neck.” Dr. Houshmand continues (and recommends continuing) your skincare routine down the neck, using hydrating and gentle ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and some actives like palmitoyl tripeptide, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You may slather on the lip balm during the day, but Dr. Houshmand believes lip hydration is just as important in the evening. “There are many factors that contribute to dry lips, such as sun exposure, not drinking enough water, biting or licking your lips, temperature extremes (too hot or too cold), and using irritating lip products,” she says. “Hydrating the lips is important to avoid cracking and peeling, and applying a lip balm at night time before bed allows the ointment to be present on the lips for a greater duration compared to the daytime (when you’re eating, drinking, speaking and potentially licking the lips).”
Exfoliating acids dissolve dead skin cells at the cellular level and can be a great way to reveal fresher, healthier skin. “I have incorporated AHA — specifically, glycolic acid — once weekly at night in a serum formulation or a peel pad,” says Dr. Houshmand. “This is wonderful to promote skin cell turnover while still being gentle and hydrating (which is great for my dry, sensitive skin type) — this also helps to give a more even tone and luminosity to the skin.” If you’re looking to incorporate an exfoliating acid into your skincare routine, apply no more than one to two times a week, as over-application can result in skin irritation.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.
