Posts filed under ‘Confessions of a Dermatologist’
Confessions of a Dermatologist
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Katie Rodan
This derm’s confession? I am a control freak, especially when it comes to my appearance. Because even good stress can take a toll on one’s skin, every year I have the five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to deal with my misbehaving complexion. Going to cocktail parties, battling the crowds while shopping for last minute gifts, packing patients into my schedule for their holiday “fix,” all while I’m sleep deprived and sustained on a diet of sugary carb-laden fatty foods, does not wear well! A flare-up of sensitive skin, breakouts and under-eye dark circles comprise my personal battlefield.
Fortunately, as a dermatologist, I have knowledge, experience and skills on my side to whip my skin into picture perfect shape, making sure I look as fresh and rested at my New Year’s Eve party as I did at Thanksgiving dinner. Here are my top tips to hide stress and prevent it doing a number on my skin.
First, I try to meditate at least 10-15 minutes a day. Meditation helps to control cortisol, the hormone which is released in response to the “fight or flight” reaction. The skin signs and symptoms of cortisol excess include an increase in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) which causes skin to become dry and itchy. Also, cortisol produces a spike in sebaceous gland output contributing to breakouts which can really ruin your family photos. While I don’t have the natural temperament to meditate and most days don’t feel like I have the time, fitting this practice into my routine really helps take the edge off holiday stress.
Second, I always address the visible signs of stress-induced inflammation, like redness and irritation. My favorite methods of masking these flare-ups is with the powerful combination of SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment and ENHANCEMENTS Mineral Peptides. Both contain exclusive RFp3 technology to reduce irritation, diminish redness and build up my skin’s barrier so it’s more prepared to battle my next bout of stress.
And when things get really bad, I escape it all and retreat to the mountains for some R&R. While I’m skiing I think of nothing more than getting down the mountain safely.
Here’s to looking fabulously flawless for the festivities ahead. Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy and stress free holiday season!
Confessions of a Dermatologist
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Kathy Fields
My dermatology training and experience provides a profound appreciation of the impact of diet on skin. And I do my best to eat healthy foods that will benefit my body and complexion, and avoid the ones that will derail my diet, cause mid-day energy slumps and adversely affect my skin. But there is one day every year when self-control goes out the window and I can’t help but indulge … and that’s Thanksgiving Day. I absolutely love the classic Thanksgiving meal and just can’t stay away from port marinated turkey and stuffing.
In my 20s and 30s, I tried different tricks to survive the 4th Thursday in November … turkey without the sauce, the three bite rule, no stuffing, no desserts—you name it, I’ve tried it. But older and wiser now, I’ve learned to better manage this indulgence with simple planning. Here’s how I prepare for Turkey Day:
- I start Thanksgiving Day reflecting on what I’m grateful for during an hour long cardio session. It’s a great way to meditate, not to mention make room for the meal to come. I make sure to drink lots of water and if I’m feeling really hungry before mealtime, I’ll sneak in an apple to curb my appetite.
- After dinner, I am first to volunteer for dish duty. Getting away from the buffet table helps minimize grazing and gives me the opportunity to catch up with the other relatives that are drying as I wash.
- Finally, I make sure to send all the leftovers home with our friends and relatives. While one day of indulging is completely appropriate … stringing it out through the weekend is not. At the end of the day, my advice is to enjoy Thanksgiving (and all the trimmings) guilt free but make sure you plan appropriately so you don’t carry it with you into the new year.
Confessions of a Dermatologist
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Katie Rodan
I am afraid of plastic surgery. Sure, I’ve been through med school, performed countless surgeries, and I face blood on a regular basis. I even share my medical practice with an excellent plastic surgeon, well known for his “natural results.” But nevertheless, I’m afraid to undergo “the knife.” Mainly it’s because for every good outcome attributable to any one of the number of excellent Bay Area plastic surgeons, there are a handful of less-than-perfect results. I’ve also seen friends and patients who have dared to undergo surgical, cosmetic procedures only to look a little bit like someone else. But here’s my dilemma—as a 55-year-old dermatologist, with everyone looking at my skin, I’m expected to have a flawless complexion.
To ensure that my skin always looks its best (even after a night of lousy sleep) and to delay or hopefully avoid cosmetic surgery, I can’t waste my time with products that are anything less than stellar. That’s why I use a daily skincare regimen loaded with peptides to smooth existing fine lines and prevent new ones from forming. Every night before I apply my skincare, I use a micro-channeler system to maximize the effects of those peptides and other beneficial ingredients I’m putting on my face. The micro-channeler creates small channels in my skin’s outermost layer, allowing products to penetrate deeper, giving me better overall results. In the morning I use my top secret anti-aging cream, which contains sunscreen, of course and is loaded with lots of other goodies, and I’m out the door. There are also occasional botox touch-ups … I’m not opposed to a little extra help here and there. But my daily routine keeps my skin looking its best today, tomorrow and the years to come.
While l I’m open to changing my mind in the years to come, for now I’m sticking to my guns. So as time takes its toll, I’m continuing to roll … and that’s how I do it!
CONFESSIONS OF A DERMATOLOGIST
CONFESSIONS OF A DERMATOLOGIST
By Dr. Kathy Fields
As an ambitious woman in my mid 50s, I am on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It helps keep my skin juicy by preserving my natural collagen, maintains the quality of my skin and nails and keeps my hair in check, not to mention the fact that it will help keep my brain sharp for years to come.
Now, there are varying opinions on HRT, but the visible skin benefits of hormone support are real. Below are photos of identical twins … one who takes HRT and one who does not. Notice the difference in their upper eyelids, jowls and neck. The results speak for themselves; hormonal support certainly has gone a long way for the twin on HRT.
HRT is not for everyone. Get the facts at www.menopause.org or from a recent interview I did on View from the Bay. Then, ask your ob-gyn if HRT is right for you. Skin is a beautiful thing … and HRT can help you wear it well for many, many years to come.
View from the Bay link: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=view_from_the_bay/health_fitness&id=7521846
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Katie Rodan
I, Katie Rodan, the creator of the best-selling acne system in the world, have acne. It started when I was a teenager and although it has gotten much better in my adult years, it is still something I have to deal with every day.
You might be surprised to hear this, because on most days my skin is clear and blemish-free. But those results are only achieved through a daily, full-face routine to stop the acne process in its tracks.
On those rare instances when I do have a pimple, here’s my emergency pimple fix:
Step 1: I apply an ice pack to the pimple for ten to fifteen minutes to reduce redness and swelling around the breakout.
Step 2: I clean the area with a sulfur-based wash and apply a treatment lotion containing sulfur as well, which can be purchased without a prescription. This keeps my pores freer and cleaner.
Step 3: I follow with benzoyl peroxide to keep the pores clear.
Step 4: Finally, I apply a thin layer of mineral peptides to hide the blemish and help calm the inflammation.
If a pimple resurfaces at a really inopportune time, like before a big event or TV appearance, I’ll even have my medical associate give me a cortisone shot to clear up the pimple in less than 24 hours.
To really keep acne in check, there’s no substitution for a full-face, daily medicated skincare routine. But this emergency pimple fix is great for helping in a pinch!
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Kathy Fields
Between visiting family in both Chicago and Florida, business travel across the country, and upcoming college campus visits, I practically live in my suitcase. I am constantly unpacking and repacking clothes, shoes, toiletries and skincare for different locales. And when it comes to what has become almost a weekly routine, this derm’s confession: I’m a slave to my pores.
Wherever I travel throughout the country, my priority is keeping my pores happy, regardless of climate. So I cater to them each and every day. When jet setting to Miami during the hot, humid summers, I pack a clay-based cleansing mask to unclog pores; an oil-free mattifying sunscreen and oil-blotting papers to reduce oil on-the-go. When I travel to Chicago during the cold, dry winters, my focus changes to moisturization (if skin gets too dry it will start creating excess oil, leading to clogged, enlarged pores). I bring a heavy moisturizer to apply on damp skin after showering to lock in moisture. Regardless of where I am, my daily routine always includes a product containing hydroxy acids to keep my pores clear, and retinol to fortify my skin structure so my pores stay tight and younger looking.
This may seem like a lot to go through, but at the end of the day it’s all worth it to look as young as you feel. Skin is a beautiful thing … wear it well.
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Katie Rodan
Strong, meaningful relationships are the cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Having a special someone, whether it be a friend, family member or spouse, can help inspire you, support you and drive you to success. For me, that special someone is my husband Amnon. We married in 1984 and have been happy partners in the 26 years since.
But today, my confession … I don’t always want to kiss my husband.
And while you may gasp at my secret, I think all the women out there understand my pain, literally. Because there’s nothing worse than kissing a man with a scratchy beard that irritates your delicate skin. So what’s a woman to do?
I suggested he try a simple shaving routine and the results have been amazing.
- Wet skin on face.
- Exfoliate skin with a gentle micro-dermabrasion stick. Do not rinse off!
- Shave.
- Rinse skin and pat dry.
- Apply a soothing lotion with peptides to reduce inflammation and redness and prevent razor burn.
- Lather on the sunscreen and get on with your day.
Amnon’s skin has been smoother, softer and brighter ever since—just another excuse to pucker up!
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Kathy Fields
I am the proud mother of two boys and I am reminded of them every time I look in the mirror. This derm’s confession … no, I didn’t get their names tattooed on my forehead … I have melasma. Also known as “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma is a hormonal disorder causing dark patches in the skin that often appears for the first time during pregnancy. It’s a disfigurement for me and one that I will always need to treat, protect and conceal to look my best, especially as an outdoor enthusiast. I’ve had to make some major lifestyle changes as a result. I used to be carefree about time spent in the sun (and always applied sunscreen). These days, even sunscreen isn’t enough, and I’ve had to pick up new summer hobbies, like scuba diving far underwater where the sun “don’t shine”.
To avoid the visible signs of melasma, I’ve had to change my habits and commit to hydroquinone-based treatments. On days where my melasma is in full swing, I apply mineral peptide treatment to help even skin tone. Whether you are experiencing melasma yourself, or know someone who is, this is a lifelong condition that ebbs and flows. Consistency is the key to management; I’ve learned to be forever vigilant about sun protection and lifestyle choices.
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Katie Rodan
Dr. Fields and I will be the first to tell you to run from the sun. That natural, sun-kissed glow may be pretty but it is hardly worth the risks of skin cancer, brown spots and accelerated aging. Just because I slather myself in sunscreen, hide under a huge hat and sport sunglasses so large they cover half my face doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my Southern California beach babe roots in favor of a pasty white, librarian-like complexion. I want it all—especially when it comes to my skin. So here’s how I have learned to fake it:
First: Prep your skin by exfoliating: Before applying a self-tanning lotion, I scrub away dead, dry, scaly skin on my legs, chest and arms with a gentle micro-dermabrasion stick. And for a two-for-one benefit, I leave the micro-dermabrasion product on my legs for an even closer shave and enhanced exfoliation in one fell swoop. Smooth, freshly shaved and exfoliated skin ensures a uniform application of the self-tanning product.
Second: Moisturize the driest areas over your joints: Apply a thick coat of your favorite body lotion over the elbows, ankles and knees to prevent a concentrated uptake of the self tanner in areas where the skin is thickest.
Third: Apply a gradual self-tanning moisturizer for a more natural, and streak-free glow. My favorites are made by Jergens and Dove which are lightweight, full of good moisturizers and don’t smell like your average self-tanner.
These are my best tips, what are yours?
Skin is a beautiful thing … wear it well.
Confessions of a Dermatologist
By Dr. Kathy Fields
As a dermatologist I try really hard to practice what I preach. But, when it comes to getting 8 hours of sleep, I have to admit there are days I fall short. Most days are filled with meetings, conference calls, and patient rounds and then I head home to my two teenage sons and husband all eager for quality family time and an email inbox that has reached capacity. If I squeeze in a workout, some days there aren’t eight hours left over.
My confession: there are days I run on six hours of sleep and there’s no denying it… lack of sleep takes a toll—dark circles, puffiness, dull complexion, the list goes on.
My solution: Regardless of reality, I have to look the part. Here is my secret to combat the visible signs of a late night or early morning:
- Exercise. Despite how tired I might feel a good workout always gets my blood pumping and this brings my skin to life. Eyes are brighter, cheeks are rosy and I look and feel ready to face the day.
- A cool surprise to my eyes. To perk up my eyes after a long night, I go straight to my refrigerator to grab an ANTI-AGE Eye Cloth. Yes…I store an extra box in the refrigerator for those mornings I need a little extra wake up call. These cool cloths loaded with powerful peptides help combat wrinkles and inflammation on the spot.
- Add some color. To keep my skin looking bright and even, I start with ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion paste in the shower. The salt and sugar granules scrub away dead skin cells, leaving my skin looking fresh and new. After that, I apply my daily skincare routine, and end with ENHANCEMENTS Mineral Peptides SPF 20 to even tone and further protect against sun damage.
So, remember to strive for 8 hours of sleep but on the days that is impossible no one has to know.
I told you my secrets….now tell me yours. What do you do to hide the visible signs of a late night?
Derm RF
Mary Radford, RN
Dr. Katie Rodan
Dr. Kathy Fields
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