Skin Care
How do I prevent and treat aging skin?
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
Sunscreen not only prevents signs of aging, but new studies show it actually helps reverse signs of aging. Sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum. Additional tips on sunscreen and sun safety are available here.
What skin care routine is good for anti-aging?
Topical retinoids are the mainstay of any good anti-aging skin care routine. A variety of topical retinols and retinoids exist. A cosmetic consultation in our office is a great way to get a personalized skin care routine with the help of Dr. Campbell. A variety of options exist, some of which are discussed by Dr. Campbell in a recent article in Forbes.
Retinoids make my skin red and dry, what can I do?
All retinoids cause dryness, redness and irritation to the skin initially. Start at the lowest active dose to minimize these adverse effects and increase as tolerated. Use your retinoid in moderation and titrate up as tolerated. Start with small pea sized amount to entire face 10 minutes after washing in the evening three times per week and gradually increase the frequency over several months. Always apply a thin layer of moisturizer on top of your retinoid. For patients with sensitive skin consider biweekly applications of the lowest active dose of retinoid. Dr. Campbell can help determine the best active dose for your skin type.
When will I start to see results with my retinoid?
Several weeks or months of retinoid use is required before any improvements are noted, but many studies support the effectiveness of topical retinoids for sun damaged skin. Sadly the benefits of retinoids are lost once stopped so they should be continued indefinitely. Long-term maintenance is the secret to any good conservative beauty routine.