ModernMoms have to do it all, including taking care of their skin and making sure they look gorgeous! Well, maybe us mothers don’t look like Natalie Portman or Halle Berry everyday (makeup and a cute outfit are definitely not necessary when I’m taking the kids to school in the morning!), but other than that, we try our best to slap on some mascara and hide the sneaky wrinkles. ModernMom had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Jody Levine, NYC-based dermatologist with Dial NutriSkin Lotions, who gave us some great tips on making your skin look as radiant as it can. Enjoy!
MM: What’s the best quality skin care line for moms on a budget?
Dr. Levine: When it comes to quality skin care, I go straight for good ingredients. You can typically find your "must haves" at the drugstore. For facial regimens, I recommend three key ingredients: an antioxidant, a broad spectrum SPF, and a retinol. Also, Dial has recently launched a line of NutriSkin lotions that are packed with healthy ingredients and offer varying levels of nutrition based on your skin type.
What’s the biggest mistake you see women commit in their skin care routine?
Constantly changing products. The more you change products, the more sensitive your skin is to the ingredients. This has contributed to the rise of rosacea in the recent years.
What skin care product should women use every day no matter what?
Put on a full spectrum SPF 30 or greater facial sun block. There is no question that the sun is number one cause of aging skin as well as skin cancer. Daily sun block should be a woman’s best friend.
Which skin care products can be skipped in a busy morning routine?
I often skip eye cream since eye creams often make the eye makeup run. Stick to a great night time eye cream.
How should your skin care routine change between the seasons and depending on where you live? (summer vs. winter, dry desert vs. humid)
For the winter, people who live in regions with a cold dry winter must make sure to use facial products that are not too drying–like benzyl peroxide, for example. In the cold winter, moisturizing after a shower is essential to the face. In warmer months when the climate is less dry, there is more room for more drying acne regimens and moisturizing is not as essential.
What are the major problem areas that you see women facing in their skin?
Fine lines around the eyes and mouth are the biggest problem–they’re the hardest to treat and usually require advance laser treatments. Start wearing sunglasses early to help avoid under eye wrinkles.
How do you feel about more drastic measures such as chemical peels and Botox to make skin appear younger?
I do not consider chemical peels or Botox drastic. Botox is one of the most common procedures that I do. It helps people look youthful, refreshed, healthy, and vibrant. Chemical peels are a great maintenance regimen for skin. For patients who get chemical peels, I build the strength of the peel each time they come so they do not leave with a red peeling face but with a beautiful glow.
What are some natural remedies to improve the condition of your skin?
Moisturizing is one of the most important things to do to improve the condition of skin. Healthy skin is filled with moisture. Dry skin not only looks bad, but is also more prone to infection and itching. Some people use natural moisturizers such as safflower oil and olive oil to moisturize their skin, however, I would be careful using them because of allergies to these products.
How should women combat multiple skin issues, such as acne and wrinkles, at the same time?
In my practice I recommend a glycolic and salicylic acetoner to use twice a day. Salicylic acid combats acne. Glycolic acid combats acne and has anti-aging qualities. It removes dead skin and, overtime, promotes growth of collagen.
