One of the best ways to improve your overall health and achieve that healthy, youthful looking “glow” is by embracing a consistent skincare regime. You want one that aligns with your unique anatomy and needs, but also one that fits your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, live in a dry climate, or reside in or near a big city, your skincare requirements are going to be different than if you live in the country or in an area with a lot of humidity. Age is also a factor when it comes to choosing an appropriate regime. Skin concerns in your 20’s are obviously not the same as those in your 40’s. The great thing about skincare, however, is that there is something for everyone, and it is never too late to start.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sean Doherty, is a proud adopter of innovation. This is why he is such a fan of the skincare line from SkinBetter Science®. Developed by a diverse team of experts with extensive experience in clinical research, this award-winning line of products works because it’s based on proven science. Furthermore, it’s constantly evolving as said science expands. SkinBetter Science® creates medical grade skincare products that we feel are truly worth the price.
Why an In-Person Skincare Consultation is Important
If you spend anytime online then you know that skincare is big business. Every influencer, fashion magazine and health website has got an opinion on the best products for the skin. But just because something worked wonders for your favorite TikTok star does not necessarily mean that it will have the same effect on you. In fact, using the wrong product for your skin may actually exacerbate your issues. This is why one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself is to schedule a skincare consultation with a professional such as a Board-Certified:
- Plastic Surgeon
- Dermatologist
It is important that your skin be analyzed in-person by someone who has the medical training and expertise to assess your individual needs. Once your areas of concern have been identified, we can start to create the right skincare regime for you. This may include over the counter (OTC) products such as those found at your local Target or medical grade products such as those from SkinBetter Science®.
Medical Grade Skincare vs. Over the Counter (OTC)
Medical grade skincare products are different than those that you can buy OTC at your local pharmacy. For starters, they have to be administered by a healthcare professional as their active ingredients are prescription strength. A medical grade product is literally stronger than something bought at Walgreens. This is also why they tend to cost more. However, it means that they can be more efficacious — a little goes a long way. When coming up with your skincare regime, we will always take into account any budgetary concerns. We are incredibly honest about what you can expect to achieve, and our extensive skincare experience makes us very adept at balancing products bought OTC with the precise medical grade product or products that you will need to transform your skin.
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- JC
SkinBetter Science® by Skin Type & Concern
As discussed, no two people have the same skin, not even twins. But we all fall into one of four general skin type categories:
- Normal skin
- Oily skin
- Dry skin
- Combination skin
Think of this as your base template. The great thing about SkinBetter Science® is that they go many steps deeper, with specific products for every kind of skin concern including:
- Anti-aging
- Blemish/acne prone
- Pollution exposure
- Crinkly eyes
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Visible pores
- Sensitivity
- Laxity
- Dull, lackluster appearance
- Redness
- Dryness
- Uneven texture
- Sun protection
Benefits of SkinBetter Science®
The tricky thing with skin concerns is that they can change depending on your age, diet, location, hormone levels, and how much time you spend outdoors, for example. One of the biggest benefits of the SkinBetter Science® line is that its wide array of proven products allows for total flexibility. Maybe you start with their AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads in your 20’s to help keep blemishes at bay and “prejuvenate” against the early signs of aging, but in your 30’s, you may want to kick things up a notch and add one if their InterFuse® products for the neck or for lines. Hydration is important no matter your age, but your skin needs a different level when you are younger than when older. SkinBetter Science® has it all including a Hydrating Boosting Cream, and one developed expressly for men, Solo Hydrating Defense MEN.
SkinBetter Science® Best Sellers
While everyone’s skincare needs are unique, there are two products, regardless of age or skin type, that we recommend for everyone. These are:
- Retinol
- Sunscreen
Retinol’s ability to remodel skin has been proven in multiple scientific studies. The problem for some, however, is that certain retinols can cause irritation especially if your skin is sensitive or you have a condition such as rosacea. One of the many benefits of SkinBetter Science® is that their retinol products come in a range of strengths. As discussed, the “starter” product in the retinol line, and one of the most popular skincare products at our Boston area offices, are the AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads. Made with a combination of retinoid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and a triple acid blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid, these individually wrapped pads pack a gentle, powerful punch as they hydrate at the same time that they exfoliate. For those who need a bit more, we recommend combining the pad 3 times a week with nightly use of either the AlphaRet Overnight Cream or the Intensive Overnight Cream. This 1-2 punch is literally glowing skin in a bottle.
Sunscreen is Essential
Sunscreen is essential for protecting and improving your skin, even during a frigid Boston winter. Though you may not notice it in you 20’s, the sun’s UVA/UVB rays are damaging the underlying foundation of your skin. If you don’t protect it with some form of Broad-Spectrum sun protection such as UV clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and sunscreen, this damage will start to show up in your 30’s or earlier if you are particularly fair. While the visible signs are brown spots and/or areas of hyperpigmentation, the sun is one of the root causes of:
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Loose, sagging skin
- Redness
- Broken blood vessels
- Uneven “crepey” skin texture
SkinBetter Science® has a number of excellent sunscreen options including:
- TONE SMART SPF 75 sunscreen lotion
- Sheer TONE SMART SPF 70 lotion
- Sunscreen compact TONE SMART SPF 68
- Sheer SPF 56 sunscreen stick
The latter is particularly nice for anyone who is on the go and/or exercises outside as you can just pop it in your pocket for easy re-application. This is critical as sunscreen’s potency only lasts about 2 hours before you need to reapply. Though this may seem annoying at first, it is one of those habits with a gigantic pay off. The more you protect your skin now, the less you will have to do later to try to erase the damage.
So, if your skin is not looking the way that you’d like to feel, schedule a consultation to come in and discuss how the skincare line from SkinBetter Science® can help. To find out more about SkinBetter Science®, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450.0070 to schedule a consultation.
SkinBetter Science FAQ’s
A medical grade product such as those in the SkinBetter Science® line is typically going to be more expensive than a similar drugstore product. The active ingredients are prescription strength, and, therefore, stronger. Depending on your budget, we will create a plan that balances efficacy with cost. Not everyone needs to use every product in the line. I pride myself on always being honest with my patients about what a product will achieve and whether or not it’s worth the price for them.
You don’t. This is why I encourage any new patient to schedule an in-person skincare consultation. Developing a relationship with a skincare professional who can guide you through the changes in your skin as you age is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. The skin is your body’s largest organ. Taking proper care of it will make you look better, but it’s also an excellent way to boost your overall health and sense of well-being.
Yes. You do not need as much as you do in the summer when more skin is exposed, but it’s a smart idea to apply sunscreen every day to your face and the backs of your hands.
Definitely. The degree of improvement, however, will depend on the severity of your concerns. If you have a lot of loose, draping skin around your lower face/jaw, skincare is not going to lift it back to how you looked in your 20’s. But most people don’t realize how much skin texture can adversely affect how you look and feel. Smoothing out any unevenness and bumping up hydration helps produce that “glowy”, healthy look that you get after a great workout or facial. This can have a huge impact on your mental and physical well-being.
Without seeing you in-person, it’s impossible to say. However, many patients with oily skin are actually making the issue worse by using too many “drying” products. Most people will benefit from some form of hydration. The key, of course, is finding the right one for your skin’s unique needs.