Food doesn’t cause acne. However, if certain foods seem to make your acne worse, try to avoid them. For a small percentage of people, milk/dairy (especially skim milk ; almond or whole milk appear to be fine), or whey protein or nuts may aggravate acne and low glycemic diets and increased fish intake appear to be helpful in reducing acne for some patients. A lower BMI (Body Mass Index) appears to also result in less acne.
Cleanliness
Acne has very little to do with poor hygiene. In fact, overwashing and overdrying the skin will lead to more redness, dryness and inflammation in the skin. The best approach is to gently wash your face once or twice (if you wear makeup or play lots of sports) a day with a mild cleanser rather than soap, pat dry rather than rubbing with a towel, and ideally after waiting 30 minutes (minimum 10 minutes), apply your medicated acne treatment. Acne is more caused by genetics and hormones than by not washing your face enough.
Acne is only a cosmetic problem
Acne is not just a cosmetic condition. Acne problems will affect the way you look and feel, but thankfully with no risk to your overall health. However, there is no question that acne can leave emotional as well as physical scars, often permanent.
Let acne run its course
Acne is very common, but that doesn’t mean it should be tolerated. In this day and age when we have so much information and great treatments for acne, there is no reason to have to suffer the effects of acne and the potential for acne scars.
Talk to a skin care expert about the right acne regimen tailored specifically for you, from a daily cleansing & moisturizing routine, to prescription creams & gels, pills, or other options such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments.
Moisturizer should not be applied to acne or acne-prone skin
People with acne-prone skin do not necessarily have extra oily skin, so moisturizer is important for your skin. Hydration is the key to clear and calm skin. You’ll want to find a “noncomedogenic” moisturizer and sunscreen that will not clog your pores and in turn, make your face breakout.
Acne can be cured
Since there is no single cause for acne, there is no single cure. Some treatments work well in some people, while they do little in others. At the same time, acne medications may be well-tolerated in one person, and cause an allergic or other adverse reaction in another person. Unfortunately, both acne and the treatments for acne are sometimes unpredictable.
Make sure you have a consistent and effective skincare regimen designed by a skin care expert, with the appropriate acne treatment plan that has the right balance of effectiveness and safety, and at the right budget for you. While acne can clear up or go away for many years or in many cases permanently, there are unfortunately others who suffer from acne their whole lives; it is very difficult to predict how any one person’s acne will behave.
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Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin, recently provided his expert dermatology advice regarding cracked heels in the article below. Read more to find out.
Dear Asking For a Friend,
After a summer in flip flops, my feet are a mess. Even after a pedicure, my heels are still cracked and dry. What are the best ways to keep the skin on my feet soft and supple?
Signed, Cracked Heels
Dear Cracked Heels,
If you’ve spent a lot of time walking barefoot this summer, you may have inadvertently contributed to the formation of calloused skin. But while cracked heels may look unsightly, one study found that the hard skin on your feet might actually be good for you, with tough skin serving as “nature’s shoes”, protecting knees and joints.
Going barefoot is one reason for dry, cracked heels, but genetics also may make someone more susceptible to calloused skin, as well as aging, since over time, skin loses elasticity and gets drier.
Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist and medical director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre says that people who take blood pressure or cholesterol medication may be more prone to cracked heels, as well as those with an underlying condition, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, eczema and psoriasis. He also suggests that athlete’s foot and obesity can also lead to cracked heels, but it’s most commonly caused by inadequate hydration and improper footwear.
But if your feet have spent the summer sweating it out in flips flops, or going in and out of pools or lakes, cracked heels can happen because once wetness evaporates, there is nothing to seal the moisture back into the skin. And while slides and open-back sandals may feel perfect for those hot, humid days, they can cause the fat under the heel to expand sideways, which may further contribute to dryness and cracking. Prolonged standing can also add pressure on heels, making the skin even more fragile.
Luckily, there are many DIY remedies that can effectively treat cracked heels. A weekly 10-minute at-home foot soak that consists of warm water and fresh lemon juice may help — the acidity in the fruit can gently get rid of dead skin cells. Scrubbing your feet with a soft brush and the occasional removal of dry skin, followed by applying a nourishing cream can be an inexpensive way to keep your feet soft and supple year-round. Note that frequent attempts to remove calloused skin can lead to more dryness, so resist the urge to obsessively and abrasively scrape your heels. You can also look into whether you have adequate zinc, iron, vitamin B, C, and E levels as mineral and vitamin deficiencies may contribute to persistent cracked skin.
Barankin says that the best way to prevent cracked heels is to wear covered shoes and to moisturize with something greasy. Look for foot care treatments that contain ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and shea butter and apply to your feet right after water exposure. Urea is another key ingredient that may prevent cracked heels — this exfoliant can help to remove dead, flaky skin, and it can be especially helpful when combined with a proper foot file. Avoid tools that resemble a cheese grater as these may cause injury and exasperate the problem. Instead, choose a foot file that is gentle on the skin — an electronic gadget, an antibacterial ceramic stone or a pumice bar can safely shave off rough skin and remove hardened calluses.
With the fall season inching closer, Barankin suggests removing sweaty socks after a long day, moisturizing feet generously, and putting on a fresh pair of 100 per cent cotton socks to lock in the moisture and help prevent dry skin. If consistent at-home care isn’t enough to help heal your cracked skin, a podiatrist may offer additional suggestions.
A 27-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage 4 skin cancer is using TikTok to raise awareness of the dangers of melanoma.
Kassidy Pierson has earned more than 200,000 followers on TikTok while documenting her life with terminal cancer. Pierson was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in 2015 after visiting a dermatologist about a suspicious mole on her thigh.
In an interview with Buzzfeed, Pierson said that her oncologist opted not to perform any treatments after her mole was removed. A year later, a scan revealed that the cancer had metastasized throughout her body, including her brain, which lead to six years of treatments and surgeries to help manage the cancer.
As we age, so does our skin. One of the major complaints is laxity. As we start to lose collagen, hyaluronic acid production slows down and fibroblasts and elasticity start to wane, we start to notice volume loss and crepey skin starts to appear. For women, as we begin the next stages of our lives, we start to lose estrogen, which in our youth helps to keep fat on the face. It is kind of like a balloon with a slow leak!
We know about fillers and we know about treatments that help to resurface the skin thereby creating new collagen cells. With this, over time, we can increase volume. But there is more we can do to tighten the skin and bring our skin back to where it once was.
Radiofrequency (RF) has always been the gold standard in skin tightening, no matter how many devices and lasers come up on the market. But, in the past, most of these devices were incredibly painful or with short-term results. The industry has been working to alleviate the discomfort associated with unipolar RF devices, but in doing so, their efficacy was compromised.
At Toronto Dermatology Centre (TDC), we knew that this was an area we wanted to research as it was a constant concern for so many of our patients. One company kept coming into play, Inmode. Inmode is an American company with a great reputation for being current and effective and highly scientific with their devices. They work with bipolar RF to reduce discomfort and increase results. At TDC, we are working with their Forma and Morpheus8 devices. Let me explain how they differ.
Forma is straight RF. The bipolar technology allows the patient to have a relaxed treatment for face &/or neck feeling similar to that of a hot-stone massage. While being treated, you can actually feel the skin tightening and it feels scrumptious! Results per treatment are immediate with no downtime. And because it is not a laser, it can be utilized by all skin types and at any time of the year. A one-off treatment is ideal for an event, such as a wedding or evening out on the town and results can be enjoyed immediately. For longer lasting results, it is suggested to do a series about 7-10 days apart, with maintenance single treatments done quarterly.
The Morpheus8 (M8) combines the same RF with microneedling. This combination has been proven over and over again to be more effective than either stand-alone device and is rated as one of the most effective services for anti-aging on the market. Instead of treating with RF superficially, this time the energy is emitted into the tissue via microneedles. While the microneedles create a damage to the cells in order to stimulate new collagen formation, the depth of the RF creates a better tightening of the mid to upper layers of the skin at the same time. Results this time are not immediate, due to the depth of the energy. However, with about 4 treatments, one every 4-6 weeks, the end results can be substantially superior to RF alone. Maintenance is about 1-2 times a year thereafter, because as we all know, skin continues to age!!
Although there can be discomfort with the M8, we have compiled multiple options for our patients including medical grade numbing and Penthrox, if needed. We have also experimented with different ways to get the best results with our settings that allow the patient not only great results, but a much more pleasant approach to achieving them. And the best part is that the Morpheus8 can treat not only the face and neck, but just about any area of the body that may be lax or crepey. I personally have had my loose skin on my stomach done and now I have a visible belly button again!!! I have treated above the knees and under the arms on patients as well as the buttocks and thighs.
One more thing that I feel needs to be acknowledged about the M8 is its ability to treat scars. The microneedling contributes to collagen formation to reduce scars and smooth the skin, but the addition of the tightening gives patients results much faster than simply relying solely on lasers. Although there are times when lasers such as our Profractional laser are a must, in many cases the M8 can do the job faster, and without the downtime.
There is no limit to when a patient should start with these treatments. A younger patient may need a pick-me-up for a special event or a patient of any age may feel they are not quite ready for the M8 yet, and that is where the Forma comes in. Or, for those of us who are starting to see some jowls, maybe some loose neck skin or someone like me, who had some loose skin on the body, the M8 is ideal.
One day, some of us will look into plastic surgery, but the longer we are able to put that off, the better. In the meantime, tightening the skin, treating scars or even age prevention now has a go- to device that has been medically proven to be beneficial and safe for most of your skin’s needs. Find out more by setting up your consultation with one of our medical estheticians today.
~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre
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Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin is quoted in healthing.ca online about how to clean our navel (belly button) properly. Read below to learn more.
Dear Asking For a Friend,
I take daily showers and consider myself pretty clean, but I recently noticed some brown buildup inside my navel. Scrubbing the area with a loofah and a body wash doesn’t seem to help, and when I rubbed it, it quickly turned red. What is this stuff and how can I safely remove it?
Signed, Crop Top
Dear Crop Top,
Just like the rest of the body, your belly button needs a good scrubbing: our navels can be magnets for all sorts of gross junk that you’ve never even heard of.
North Carolina-based researchers swabbed the belly buttons of 60 study participants and uncovered some pretty disturbing stuff. A total of 2,368 species of bacteria was found inside the participants’ navels, with more than half of the identified bacteria being “completely new to science,” according to an independent report.
One participant’s belly button had “a bacterium that had previously been found only in soil from Japan” – where he has never traveled – while two types of “extremophile bacteria that typically thrive in ice caps and thermal vents” were identified in someone else’s navel.
The truth is that because our midriffs aren’t usually exposed, our navels don’t get a lot of airflow. So in addition to bacteria, belly buttons can attract and harbour lint, dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat as well as soap residue.
Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist and medical director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, says bacteria — especially staphylococcus and streptococcus, as well as candida yeast — can accumulate on the surface and inside the navel. And if the area isn’t cleaned properly, that buildup can lead to more complications.
“If you don’t clean the area periodically, it can become red, have discharge, develop an odour, become itchy or sore, and infrequently become infected,” warns Barankin.
No one wants a smelly belly button that’s full of germs, dirt and who knows what else. Luckily, all that unwanted stuff inside the navel can be safely removed through regular cleanings.
To minimize bacteria and extract anything else that may become trapped in there, experts recommend a weekly hygiene routine. Simply dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol or plain soap and water and gently clean the area once a week, and dry pat as you normally would after a shower.
If you have a belly button piercing, navel hygiene is even more important, because it risks getting infected. An existing piercing should be washed with the same routine: rubbing alcohol or soap, once a week. New or fresh piercings should be swabbed with salt water or a saline solution from your local drugstore. It can take up to a year for a belly button piercing to fully heal, so make sure you read up on aftercare.
If there’s stubborn belly button buildup that you can’t seem to get rid of yourself, a dermatologist or a primary care provider can evaluate the area and use special equipment to remove it.
The bottom line is that no one ever thinks of the navel as a reserve for bacteria and other buildup, and unless you want a smelly belly button or a yeast infection in there, you should clean it properly and periodically.
You can help keep your days carefree and easygoing by learning how to prevent these summer skin problems.
1. Acne breakouts. When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, this often means breakouts. Dermatologists recommend the following to help prevent acne:
Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. Wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can lead to a breakout.
Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest. The label may also say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.”
2. Dry, irritated skin. When outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have dry irritated skin. The biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. If your skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, try these tips:
Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, using one that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30+, and water resistance.
Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin. Soaps and body washes labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin.
Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.
Slather on a fragrance-free moisturizer after every shower and bath. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, so you’ll need to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath.
Carry moisturizer with you, so you can apply it after washing your hands and when your skin feels dry.
Turn up the thermostat if the air conditioning makes your home too dry.
3. Folliculitis. Every hair on your body grows out of an opening called a follicle. When follicles get infected, you develop folliculitis. Infected hair follicles look like pimples, but they tend to be itchy and tender. To reduce your risk of getting folliculitis this summer:
Immediately after your workout, change out of tight workout clothes like biking shorts and shower.
Stay out of hot tubs and whirlpools if you’re unsure whether the acid and chlorine levels are properly controlled.So many people get folliculitis from a hot tub that there is actually a condition called “hot tub folliculitis.”
Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes when it’s hot and humid.
4. Infection from a manicure or pedicure. Manicures and pedicures can leave your nails looking great, but they can also expose you to germs that can cause an infection. You don’t have to give up manicures and pedicures. Taking some precautions can help you avoid an infection. You’ll find out what dermatologists recommend at, Manicure and pedicure safety.
5. Melasma. Being out in the sun can make those brown to gray-brown patches on your face more noticeable. There are things you can do to make it less noticeable even during the summer, Melasma: Tips for managing.
Summer means spending more time outdoors. However, the increased exposure to things like sunlight, insects, and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. Fortunately, there a few simple steps people can take to avoid unwanted rashes, which can quickly sideline summer fun.
6. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac (rash). Many people develop an intensely itchy rash when a substance found in these plants, urushiol, gets on their skin. The best way to avoid this itchy rash is to learn what these plants look like and avoid them. You’ll find out how to identify these plants and protect your skin when you cannot avoid them at, Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
7. Prickly heat (or heat rash). Blocked sweat glands cause this. Because the sweat cannot get out, it builds up under your skin, causing a rash and tiny, itchy bumps. When the bumps burst and release sweat, many people feel a prickly sensation on their skin.
Anything you can do to stop sweating profusely will help reduce your risk. Tips that dermatologists offer to their patients to help them sweat less and thereby lessen their risk of getting prickly heat include:
Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton.
Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day or move your workout indoors where you can be in air-conditioning.
Try to keep your skin cool by using fans, cool showers, and air-conditioning when possible.
8. Seabather’s eruption. Also called pica-pica, this itchy rash develops in people who go in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off the coasts of Florida and Long Island, New York. You get it when newly hatched jellyfish or sea anemones get trapped between your skin and your swimsuit, fins, or other gear.
The larvae are as small as a speck of pepper, so you won’t see them in the water. You can, however, prevent this rash if you:
Stay out of infested water. When the water is infested, you may see a sign that tells you to stay out of the water, or you may hear about someone who recently developed an itchy rash after being in the water.
9. Sun allergy. You can develop hives (an allergic skin reaction) when you’re in the sun if you:
Take certain medications
Have a sun sensitivity (usually runs in the family)
If you have an allergic reaction to the sun, you’ll see red, scaly, and extremely itchy bumps on some (or all) bare skin. Some people also get blisters.
To prevent an allergic skin reaction:
Check your medication container (or ask your pharmacist) to find out if it can cause an allergic reaction when you go out in the sun. Medications that can cause an allergic sun reaction include ketoprofen (found in some pain meds) and these antibiotics — tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. If the medicine can cause a reaction, stay out of the sun.
Protect your skin from the sun. You can do this by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothes, and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or more.
10. Sunburn. Getting sunburn can spoil summer fun and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Here’s what you can do to prevent sunburned skin:
Seek shade
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and pants when possible
Apply sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30+, and water resistanceYou’ll find more tips to protect your skin from the sun at, Prevent skin cancer.
11.Swimmer’s ear. When water gets trapped in your ear canal, you can develop an infection called swimmer’s ear.
You can prevent this infection by keeping your ears dry. Here’s what dermatologists recommend:
Wear ear plugs while swimming
Never clean your ears with cotton swabs because these can push earwax and dirt deeper into your ear canal and irritate your ear
12. Swimmer’s itch. Also called clam digger’s itch, this itchy rash appears after wading or swimming in lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. You get it when parasites in the water burrow into your skin, causing tiny red spots on areas that your swimsuit didn’t cover. Sometimes, intensely itch welts (hives) and blisters appear.
Children are especially susceptible because they tend to stay in shallow, warmer water.
You can prevent swimmer’s itch by taking the following precautions:
Stay out of infested water. When the water is infested, you may see a sign that tells you to stay out of the water, or you may hear about someone who recently developed an itchy rash after being in the water.
Briskly rub your skin (and your child’s skin) with a towel after getting out of the water. The parasites start to burrow when the water on your skin begins evaporating not while you’re in the water.
When to call a dermatologist
While these summer skin problems can dampen your fun, they’re usually not serious. Most go away in a few days to a few weeks. If a rash or other skin problem lingers or worsens, you should [see one of our] dermatologist.
Dermatologist Ben Barankin, who is the medical director and founder of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, says that the order of applying your sunscreen depends on the type of sun protection you’re using. “You can apply a moisturizing sunscreen – more cream based rather than lotion – or apply chemical sunscreen first, then moisturizer,” he says. However, “physical sunscreen, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, is applied overtop of moisturizer.” He also recommends waiting for about one minute between applying each layer of product. And as for makeup? “Wear sunscreen underneath your makeup or foundation, and you can also consider a BB cream with tint and SPF.”
Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin was interviewed by Slice recently and was asked for some expert advice on common misconceptions in skincare routines that people have. Read below to find out.
Young beautiful woman applying cream to her face and looking worried at the mirror at home bathroom. Beauty, skin care concept, lifestyle
So you’ve finally found all the products you need for a perfect skincare routine. Armed with a cleanser, some oils, a serum or two and a fave SPF, you’re on the right path to glowing skin. But now you’re wondering how to implement your routine properly. What order do you apply each product in? Are there specific steps you should be following? And should your routine differ from day to night?
Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Toronto dermatologist and Medical Director of Toronto Dermatology Centre helps us break down everything you need to know about correctly layering skincare.
A myth about skincare routines
Barankin says skincare routines are specific to your skin and season — it’s not one-size-fits-all and changes over time. Some people need seven products in their routines, while others need three or four; it all depends on your skin. During puberty, our skin is more oily and acne-prone, but after age 50 it becomes more dry and dull, so you need to adjust the products in your routine accordingly.
“Too many people use the same products throughout the decades,” he says. “Too many don’t use sunscreen or don’t apply enough or reapply it. Not enough people are using retinol or AHAs on their face.”
He also says you have to listen to the experts when it comes to making a routine that works for you. Sorry to break it to you, but your fave skinfluencer on TikTok isn’t a professional. “Too many are watching TikTok videos or other social media from ‘influencers’ who have [no] education, training or experience in treating skin conditions,” he says. “Too many think their ‘online research’ is equivalent to my many years of professional dermatologic education and experience.”
Instead of scrolling through vids that promise glass skin, always go to a dermatologist to treat any skin conditions that are bothering you.
How to correctly layer skincare
You may have always been told to layer your skincare products based on their thickness, meaning you start with lighter products such as essences and toners, and finish with a thick moisturizer. However, Barankin says it’s a bit more complex than that, as the order you do can depend on your age, skin type, season, your history of skin issues and the products you’re using.
“In general, I prefer that most people gently wash their face with lukewarm water, pat dry, then apply a moisturizer suited for their skin type or season,” he says. “In the morning, they can then apply a sunscreen as the last step, or in the evening, apply a retinol or vitamin C or AHA/BHA as the last step.”
Keep it simple
“Skincare routines should be kept as simple as possible, especially if you’re just starting out,” Barankin says. In the morning, clean your skin using a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water, then pat dry, moisturize and put on your sunscreen. At night you can do the same, minus the SPF, instead you can use an anti-aging treatment.
“Once you’ve gotten into a routine, you might add an eye serum as well,” he says. “You can skip the toner.”
Don’t skip your sunscreen
We all know that SPF is key to preventing sunburns and skin cancer, but it’s also super important to keeping wrinkles at bay, stopping rosacea breakouts, blotchy skin and sun freckles. It’s arguably one of the most important things to put on in your routine. Grab a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
“I generally advise SPF 30 in Canada, and higher if [you’re] going more south or if laying in the sun, reapplied every three to four hours, and especially after getting wet or toweling or sweating,” Barankin says. “Tanning salons are a definite no-no.”
Products you need
Barankin says some of his fave skincare brands include La Roche-Posay, Ducray, Avene, Cetaphil, CeraVe and Bioderma.
“Medical-grade products available in dermatologist offices such as ZO, SkinCeuticals, and SkinMedica are excellent too,” he adds.
Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin shared his expert advice on “what skincare products to use in your 20s” with Yahoo Style. Read below to learn more.
If you’ve taken the time to learn a new language or master an instrument during the lockdown, then, honestly, props to you. Because for many of us (myself included), while we made pledges to hone some sort of skill during quarantine, that skill turned out to be ordering in food and watching TV. However, in addition to stalking the “Bridgerton” cast on Instagram, there is one topic I’ve recently become fixated on: anti-aging skincare.
As a 20-something who, in part, has made a career writing about beauty, I’m always semi-prepared for lightning to strike me down every time I leave my apartment without a liberal application of sunscreen. And while no amount of SPF can completely do away with future fine lines and wrinkles, there are definite advantages to starting your anti-aging, or rather, proactive skincare routine, in your 20s.
With that being said, I am (as indicated by the aforementioned career remark) not a dermatologist; even the thought of it would send my high school biology teacher into a tailspin. Rather, to get a science-backed opinion on anti-aging skincare, I spoke to Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Toronto dermatologist and Medical Director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre.
Sunscreen
According to Barankin, sunscreen and sun protection are everything and more when it comes to anti-aging practices all 20-somethings should adopt.
“Ultraviolet radiation damages the skin both in the short term (shows up as a tan or sunburn, or makes cold sores come out) and in the long-term (skin cancers, pre-cancers, discoloured and blotchy skin, and burst blood vessels),” he says.
Come rain or shine, Barankin recommends applying an SPF 30 or higher every morning and reapplying it every 3 to 4 hours or after working out or coming in contact with water.
Retinoids
“Retinoids are the gold standard in anti-aging,” Barakin says. “They help treat and prevent acne, improve acne scarring and fine lines, even out the skin tone, and give the skin more of a glow.”
“You have to start them low and slow and be careful that they don’t dry or irritate [your skin] too much,” he adds. Topical retinoids should be applied as part of your nighttime skincare routine, and their use should vary depending on the time of year. Barankin suggests using them less often in the winter or in combination with a good moisturizer.
Vitamin C
“According to the dermatologist, vitamin C is also useful for improving skin tone, collagen production and fine lines. “
However, he cautions that it’s not as powerful as retinol and retinoids.
“Unfortunately, [topical vitamin C can sometimes] cause a bit of acne,” he adds. “You need to find a stable form of the product and not just the highest concentration.”
AHAs and BHAs
In addition to retinoids and vitamin C, “peptides and growth factors are important” parts of an anti-aging skincare routine. He recommends exfoliating once or twice a week and periodically including AHAs/BHAs, i.e. glycolic acid, to maintain a youthful, glowing complexion.
Dermatologist recommendations
Over and above at-home treatments, Barankin says, “starting photo-rejuvenation treatments (IPL/BBL) once per year in your early 30s (in fall or winter) is also an excellent starting point.”
Seeking out “medical-grade chemical peels in your mid-20s onwards can help treat acne, acne scarring, improve [skin] texture, tone and glow as well” can also help your skin stay fresh and youthful.
For people in their mid-to-late-30s, Barankin says medical-grade micro-needling “is also a great [way] to amplify your collagen.”
