So since reading the last post we hope it’s safe to say your shaves this weekend were nothing short of spectacular. And since we’re on the subject, we’re gonna run with it. If you followed all the steps, shave oil and all, you might feel a little like what they call ‘a metrosexual’. Don’t worry, deep breaths; no one knows! So between us, we’re going to take you one step further – moisturizer. It’s a tough one, moisturizer. On the one hand if you use it, it’ll keep your skin in good nick, and keep you looking good. The implications of looking good are obvious we hope. On the other hand, moisturizer is still regarded by some as a step too far, and in some circles still carries a certain social stigma, a bit like leprosy.
So what to use? There’s a plethora of products out there all claiming to do much the same thing, but your apartment’s not Sephora, so what?
We called in some Big Guns; dermatologist and laser expert Dr. Hema Sundaram (Doc1), and dermatologist–dermatopathologist Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell (Doc2).
Maxim: There are so many brands and so many products out there. How do we choose between all these pots of potions and lotions?
Doc1: Make sure you're paying for what's in that moisturizer jar or tube, rather than fancy packaging and an expensive advertising campaign. Best bet is to consult a dermatologist or other medical skin care expert for skin analysis and recommendations based on your skin type and goals.
Doc2: Look for moisturizers with simple formulations, then choose the texture for your skin type: dry, look for a thicker one; oily, a lighter one; sensitive, fewer ingredients, no perfume, dye or chemicals; wrinkled, more greasy and occlusive.
Maxim: Some ingredients seem to crop up in moisturizers a lot, others not so much. What do we need? What can we do without?
Maxim: There are so many brands and so many products out there. How do we choose between all these pots of potions and lotions?
Doc1: Make sure you're paying for what's in that moisturizer jar or tube, rather than fancy packaging and an expensive advertising campaign. Best bet is to consult a dermatologist or other medical skin care expert for skin analysis and recommendations based on your skin type and goals.
Doc2: Look for moisturizers with simple formulations, then choose the texture for your skin type: dry, look for a thicker one; oily, a lighter one; sensitive, fewer ingredients, no perfume, dye or chemicals; wrinkled, more greasy and occlusive.
Maxim: Some ingredients seem to crop up in moisturizers a lot, others not so much. What do we need? What can we do without?
Doc1: The ideal moisturizer to protect, repair and rejuvenate skin should have skin growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants. Additional Retinol (vitamin A) is also a good idea. Best bet is to find a product that contains all these ingredients so that your skin care routine is quick, simple, effective and economical.
Doc2: Vitamin C and Green Tea are well proven antioxidants to help prevent and or treat the aging effects of unwanted oxidation processes from the sun, chemicals, diet, lack of sleep, etc. Stick to proven ingredients. Nothing beats the Retinols and the acids together with Vitamin C and Green Tea in packaging that is dark and small so you can use it up fast; antioxidants tend to degrade and become inactive fast. Products with peptides tend to be more expensive…go to them when you can afford them.
Maxim: So there’s the clinics where you specialists do your special stuff, but Duane Reade has some dope deals, and Sephora looks kinda sweet…you see what I’m getting at?
Doc1: There are decent products in Sephora etc. or even in your local drugstore, such as the Neutrogena brand. But if you want the best value skin care - paying for scientifically researched and proven ingredients rather than for the packaging and marketing - your best bet is to consult a board certified dermatologist or other medical expert in skin care for recommendations.
Doc2: Vitamin C and Green Tea are well proven antioxidants to help prevent and or treat the aging effects of unwanted oxidation processes from the sun, chemicals, diet, lack of sleep, etc. Stick to proven ingredients. Nothing beats the Retinols and the acids together with Vitamin C and Green Tea in packaging that is dark and small so you can use it up fast; antioxidants tend to degrade and become inactive fast. Products with peptides tend to be more expensive…go to them when you can afford them.
Maxim: So there’s the clinics where you specialists do your special stuff, but Duane Reade has some dope deals, and Sephora looks kinda sweet…you see what I’m getting at?
Doc1: There are decent products in Sephora etc. or even in your local drugstore, such as the Neutrogena brand. But if you want the best value skin care - paying for scientifically researched and proven ingredients rather than for the packaging and marketing - your best bet is to consult a board certified dermatologist or other medical expert in skin care for recommendations.
Maxim: Wait! Aren’t I doing that as we speak? Sweet!
Doc1: Right. For instance, I would highly recommend SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and Retinol Complex.
Maxim: Awesome! Doc2, thoughts?
Doc2: Be a sleuth, read the literature in general, and more specifically on the product you are thinking of buying. Ask for samples. If you are convinced with what you read and see results from the samples, go ahead and buy the product. My advice is not to go to the very expensive product, or the cheap one. Read again, and choose the medium priced one, get a small jar, and go from there.
Maxim: If we can’t afford a dermatologist or products from these clinics, can we just use Palmer’s Cocoa butter and hope for the best?
Doc1: I'd rather you didn't, as it blocks pores and can cause breakouts! Good - and good value - over the counter brands include Neutrogena and Dove. You can also find good value options in the office of your dermatologist or other medical skincare expert.
Doc1: I'd rather you didn't, as it blocks pores and can cause breakouts! Good - and good value - over the counter brands include Neutrogena and Dove. You can also find good value options in the office of your dermatologist or other medical skincare expert.
Maxim: We know that smoking ages the skin (We just quit actually. Again.). Are there other lifestyle choice we can make to stay pretty, like diet and exercise?
On the diet absolutely! There is overwhelming evidence now that diet truly affects skin inflammation. The rule of thumb is to simply eat what good nutritionists have said all along. Fresh fruits and greens are anti inflammatory because of their antioxidant effects and oily fish due to their Omega 3. Processed foods are pro inflammatory because they are usually rich in Omega 6 Oils.
Simple.