What's best for the Skin? Advice from the Doctor!

Welcome Fabulous Readers to Another Guest Blogger edition of Certified Fabulous!

Once again, we have our smart and stunning guest blogger Dr. Susan Baskin!

In case you were unable to read her blogs before (Botox Blog) (Healthy Skin Advice Blog), here is a little about her :)

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Dr Susan Baskin graduated from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1993 and did her initial training in Pediatrics and Anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital. She then transitioned into Aesthetic Medicine and became board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine; she is the owner and medical director of Baskin Aesthetic Medicine in Portland, Maine specializing in non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Dr Baskin is an active member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, the American College of Phlebology and the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Well experienced in facial aesthetics, she is a physician trainer for several companies in the field. To learn more about Dr. Baskin go to www.drsusanbaskin.com

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Facial skin care is a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S. and growing. There is no doubt that we care about our skin, are willing to try just about anything, and pay for it-sometimes handsomely. I'm often asked, as an aesthetic physician, what's best for the skin. While I have my favorites, the most important thing to know is what makes up a good skin care regime and make sure you are covering the bases.

1) As we age our collagen production naturally drops off with time. Doing what we can to boost that production is key. Products that contain tissue growth factors can be helpful. Think collagen production and how your product is  achieving that. Check out Skin Medica (my favorite) and Neocutis to find a growth factor product.

2) Applying a retinol or retinoic acid product will increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen to reduce wrinkles and sun damage. Several products exist in this category. Retinols are less effective but milder.  Retinoic acid, especially, in higher strengths will get you more results but can be irritating.

3) Anti-oxidants are key. These products suck up free radicals produced by the sun and the environment that damage the skin. Products containing Vitamin C are great in this category. Vitamin C and E by Skin Medica and CE Ferulic contain good amounts of Vitamin C-and correct amounts are important.*  Many less costly products will state that they contain anti-oxidants but don't actually put them in high enough concentrations to make a difference. If a product is  cheaper-but doesn't work-are you really saving money? 

4) You must wear sun block on a daily basis. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation a  block with an SPF of 30 will protect against 97% of the harmful rays. An SPF of 50 blocks 98%. So forget slathering the really thick stuff unless you are very fair or have history of skin cancer and make sure your SPF is 30. Here's to Spring and summer!

* A recent study has shown the CE Ferulic can cause some damage to the upper layers of the skin so I do prefer Skin Medica. I'm a fan!