Dermotologist Advice You Don't Want To Miss

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A roundup of the best tips from cherie's derm panel with Dr. Mina and Dr. Cula.

cherie

Jan. 21

Earlier this week, cherie held an exclusive panel with members of our community and two of our top dermatologists on the app, Dr. Mina (@skindocmina) and Dr. Cula (@culskin). These two amazing resident dermatologists answered some of the most asked questions from our community, and now we're here to share it with you all! About The DermsDr. Cula N. Dautriche MD, PhD, dermatology resident in New York

Dr. Cula

Dr. Mina Physician, MD, dermatology resident in Los Angeles

Dr. Mina

What is your current skincare routine and one product you can't live without?Dr. Cula: "My current skincare routine is very simple because I'm very lazy and I just like to get to the point. I do 3 steps; first is washing my face. I use the CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser. I have sensitive skin and that's what works best for me. Then I use vitamin C because I am very prone to hyperpigmentation. I alternate between SkinCeuticals and Vichy's vitamin C. For my moisturizer I love La Roche Posay, I love the Double Toleriane Moisturizer. I also love CeraVe because of the ceramides and niacinamide which help with oil production. Then for my sunscreen, I can't live without the ISDIN sunscreen. That's the best one for me especially as a person of color. At night, I do the same thing but use a retinoid instead of my vitamin C. "

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, LA ROCHE-POSAY , cherie

LA ROCHE-POSAY Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Dr. Mina: "My routine is not as simple! I use the hydrating cleanser from CeraVe. I love that this one is gentle on my super dry skin. I use the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. In the winter months, I add hyaluronic acid. The Inkey List one is great. I do use an eye cream and the Inkey List caffeine one is amazing. For moisturizer, I use the Drunk Elephant Protini or the CeraVe moisturizing cream. For sunscreen, I alternate between a tinted one, like Alasatin's or Ulta MD, and if I want no tint, I use Coloresciences SPF 50. I also have this really great affordable one from Coppertone! At night, I use the SA cleanser from CeraVe and a Retin-A after that. Then I follow it with a hyaluronic acid serum, my moisturizing cream, and lastly, an eye cream."

Hyaluronic Acid Serum, THE inkey LIST, cherie

THE inkey LIST Hyaluronic Acid Serum

How important is price when it comes to skincare?Dr. Cula: "I'm very cost-conscious. I feel like marketing is very strong in the skincare industry and it can be very confusing for consumers like us. There are a lot of great products out there that you don't have to break your bank for. You just have to know the brand and exactly what you are looking for. Cleansers should be the cheapest thing in your routine. You just need to know your skin type and should not be paying more than $30 for that. The thing worth investing in is additives. Like vitamin C serum because not everyone can formulate a great one. There are a few brands that have one that actually works, so it's worth investing in. You shouldn't have to spend too much on cleansers, moisturizers, or sunscreen. If you're a person of color, invest in a good sunscreen because you do want something that won't leave a tint or white cast on your skin."

LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector, VICHY, cherie

VICHYLiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector

Dr. Mina: "So I 100% agree with cleansers! Also for sunscreen; it's worth spending if you don't want that white cast. Vitamin C is def worth a splurge because the pH that it's maintained at varies which is why it's so expensive. Moisturizers don't have to be expensive, CeraVe moisturizing cream is totally fine. "

CeraVe Moisturising Cream, CeraVe, cherie

CeraVeCeraVe Moisturising Cream

How early should one start using retinol?Dr. Mina: "This can be technically started at any age bc it is an acne medicine (Retin A is). Teens can use this for their acne, so it's never too soon. But if you're interested in incorporating it, it's fine to start in your 20s. You don't need to spend a lot of money on this as a lot of brands overcharge. Adapalene is great and it's a retinoid that's available over the counter. La Roche Posay has a great one. CeraVe retinol is also really great, but should only be used at night."

Effaclar Adapalene Gel .01% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment, LA ROCHE-POSAY , cherie

LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Adapalene Gel .01% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment

Dr. Cula: "There is no age! Some kids have acne and have them treated with a retinoid. The earlier the better because of their anti-aging benefits. I love SkinMedica's retinol, but it is on the pricey side."

Retinol Complex 0.25, SkinMedica, cherie

SkinMedicaRetinol Complex 0.25

What causes body acne?Dr. Cula: "Body acne, or bacne, is acne that is not on your face. It starts with follicular occlusion, then you get inflammation, and then bacteria that forms the pimple. It's really just acne on your back. Some people have it on their chest and usually, you have it because those areas are high sebaceous. The best way to get rid of it benzoyl peroxide! I love and adore this ingredient, it's so underrated. It functions as an antibiotic and fights off any bacteria that contribute to acne. The other thing I might give my patients is a prescription antibiotic as well."Dr. Mina: "Agreed! Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best things you can do for it. CeraVe and Panoxyl are the best washes for that. Washing your back in the shower is really helpful. You can even use retinoids like adapalene. If over-the-counter stuff doesn't work, definitely see your dermatologist."

Acne Creamy Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 4% Daily Control, PanOxyl, cherie

PanOxylAcne Creamy Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 4% Daily Control

What is the best way to combat maskne?Dr. Cula: "I'm struggling with this one too. Maskne is driving me crazy! But what I've been telling my patients is that your skincare regimen should evolve to meet your skin's needs at that time. Before the pandemic, my skin was pretty under control. With wearing masks, it's been more difficult but the best thing to do is to start with a clean mask. themsk hygiene plays a big role. If they are disposable, I wouldn't wear it for more than a day or two. If you have a cloth mask, change it every day and just wash it at the end of the week. Then, upgrade your routine to an acne routine. Use a benzoyl peroxide wash, don't skip your retinoid, and if you can take a break from your mask, try to wash your face in between!"Dr. Mina: "I've also been experiencing maskne. Salycilic acid cleansers have helped me so much and just as Dr. Cula said, change your mask! I was having maskne because I was wearing the same mask for 8 hours, but I noticed that changing my mask halfway through the day has helped so much. Washing your face halfway too is also ideal if you can. Retin-A will also help, but the main thing is hygiene."

Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser, THE inkey LIST, cherie

THE inkey LISTSalicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser

Is retinol and vitamin C a bad combo?Dr. Mina: "I get this question all the time. Retin-A is used at night. Vitamin C is for the morning. They're both great but they shouldn't be used together. They have an increased risk of irritation when used together. Vitamin C is an antioxidant—it's fighting free radicals and pollution so it's protecting your skin during the day. Retin-A makes your skin sensitive to the sun so it's better for the night."Dr. Cula: "I have nothing to add!"How do you make large pores and blackheads go away?Dr. Mina: "I have a post on cherie about this. I'm sure Dr. Cula gets this all the time too but this is one of my most popular questions. With pores, basically, your pore size is already determined by age, sun exposure, and genetics. It's not something you can really shrink, but you can make them less noticeable. You can do that with salicylic acid cleansers, retinol and retin-As, and sunscreen."Dr. Cula: "I agree, there's even a new facial you can get from a derm office that works wonders. It's called Skintox and you get microinjections of botox and you're left with an airbrushed look."Dr. Mina: "Also, if you are looking for a primer that helps with this, Benefits pore primer works really great."

Benefit the Porefessional Smoothing Pore Primer Set, benefit, cherie

benefitBenefit the Porefessional Smoothing Pore Primer Set

What's the best eye cream for dark circles/wrinkles?Dr. Mina: "I love the one from Drunk Elephant and the Inkey List caffeine eye cream. But you don't necessarily need one! I just like the texture of it, but you can just use your moisturizer and vitamin C in that area."

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, DRUNK ELEPHANT, cherie

DRUNK ELEPHANTC-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Dr. Cula: "Yes I love the Inkey List! And Kiehl's has another great one that helps for dark circles. I don't personally use an eye cream but a lot of my patients come back happy with those suggestions."