Your Science-Backed Guide to Healthy Skin

Caring for sensitive skin requires a gentle approach. I recommend using a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser, choosing moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and introducing active ingredients slowly with short contact therapy to avoid irritation.

Welcome to my skin shelf. I walk you through the key components of a complete daily routine, including a Vitamin C serum and sunscreen for the morning, and a double cleanse followed by targeted treatments like retinol and a good moisturizer for the evening.

The "glass skin" trend from Korean skincare is built on two key principles: consistency and hydration. While this approach works well for normal skin and anti-aging, I explain why it may not be suitable for those with problematic or acne-prone skin.

Skin "brightening" and "lightening" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Brightening focuses on restoring your natural glow by removing dull cells, while lightening aims to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots for an even skin tone.

Patients often ask for one magic supplement for both skin and hair, but unfortunately, one does not exist. I outline the key supplements that I recommend for skin health, such as Vitamin C and Collagen, and those for hair health, including Iron, Zinc, and Biotin.

Oil-based sunscreens can be tricky. I generally recommend them only for individuals with extremely dry skin who are accustomed to facial oils. They can be a good choice for the body, especially in spray format, but I advise caution when using them on the face to avoid breakouts.

A nighttime skincare routine is especially crucial during winter. The cold, dry air can cause your skin to produce excess sebum, leading to breakouts. A proper night routine helps you target specific concerns and ensures you wake up with hydrated, glowing skin.

It is important to be aware of potentially harmful ingredients in your skincare products. I always advise my patients to check labels and avoid products containing parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrances, which can cause irritation.

In this Q&A session, I answer common questions I receive from patients. I discuss practical ways to reapply sunscreen, how to choose the best cleanser for combination skin, and why I advise against applying coconut oil directly to the face.