This fall a part of my personal journey is to commit to a skin care regimen. I’ve blogged a lot about setting goals and creating a playbook for success in my Monday Mojo series. So I decided it was time to share a part of my personal journey with you. I’ve been going to the dermatologist for many years and I have to admit that sometimes skincare can feel like a part time job. What I really want to do is get back to basics-I’m talking healthy, smooth, skin. To help me get that all-over glow I’m choosing Eucerin. This time around I not only wanted to develop a regimen but actually do some research and learn about the best practices and products to get healthy, glowing, smooth skin.
I reached out to Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton of Ingleton Dermatology in New York. Dr. Ingleton is a member of the Eucerin Skin First Council. Her unique approach to skincare has not only made her the go-to authority on general and cosmetic dermatology for the media, but has also earned her a devoted list of clients in the fashion, beauty and music industries. She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of my questions about developing a good skincare regimen, caring for the health of your skin, and the products that can help us achieve that overall glow.
RDD: A lot of women want that glowing, flawless skin that they see other women, friends or even their favorite celebrities have. But they aren’t sure where to start. What do you recommend as a general skincare regimen for an adult woman?
Dr. Ingleton: I’m not a big fan of soap. I prefer soap free cleanser. There are many on the market, they are labeled accordingly. They key is they do not sting the eyes. So you can even use it to remove your makeup. Soap will burn, generally. Everyone should use a moisturizer with a sun protector, regardless of what color you are. Use a moisturizer with an SPF.
RDD: Is SPF 15 OK?
Dr. Ingleton: An SPF 15 for a person with darker skin in the winter time is fine. For summertime, SPF 30 should be the gold standard. An SPF 15 will protect you for a couple of hours, then you’ll need to reapply. I know people aren’t going to do that so it’s better to go with a higher number such as an SPF 30 or higher and you’re protected for the day, no matter what color you are.
RDD: Do we still need astringents or toner?
Dr. Ingleton: Astringents are particularly good for people who have super oily, clogged skin like teenagers. For an adult woman who has really oily skin you may find use for an astringent. It doesn’t have to be that you cleanse, tone, and moisturize. That is not the cure for everyone. But if your skin type is such that you are very oily and your skin is clogged you could use an alcohol-free toner.
RDD: When a patient is under a dermatologist care what else should they do to get that extra edge?
Dr. Ingleton: You want to make sure that you are taking general good care of yourself. Not smoking. Going easy on the alcohol. Never drinking to excess because alcohol does have an impact on your skin as well. Avoiding the night life-the life where you’re out every night and not getting enough sleep. Exercise is a great thing. It brings a lot of blood flow to the surface and gives you a ruddier, fresher appearance. Drinking water helps flush a lot of toxins out of your system and keeps your body hydrated.
Taking general good care of yourself such as eating well will help your skin in a general sense. It won’t cure your acne or your eczema. But in terms of how healthy you look, those things will enhance your appearance.
RDD: I’d like to talk about your work with Eucerin. It’s a brand my dermatologist has always recommended. What products are your favorites and why?
Dr. Ingleton: I do have some favorites. Professional Repair Lotion is a fantastic product. I’ve been using it for summer, but it is especially great for the winter when you feel you need more hydration. I just love it when my skin has lots of moisture. It has ingredients that help heal skin that is being tortured by the weather. Soothing Repair Lotion has a lighter weight and it makes your skin shiny and hydrated all day.
In my practice I recommend Aquaphor a lot. It is great for chapped lips. However, I also recommend it for dry cuticles and cracked heels. My other big, big favorite is the Skin Calming Body Wash. It has omega oils. You’re washing your body but you’re not getting a high foam, soapy cleanser. You’re getting something creamier. It leaves a layer of body oil on your skin. So for people who normally would put on a body oil and then lotion, this eliminates those two steps. It is one of my go-to products for the winter time.
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I’ve started on my skin care journey already. And I must say that so far I am pleased with the results. So over the next few weeks, I’ll share with you some of the products that I’ve been using and some of the tips I’ve learned along the way. I’ll also include some more skincare advice from my conversation with Dr. Ingleton.
If you’re also pursuing healthy, beautiful, glowing skin, let me know what products you’re using. Have you tried Eucerin products? I’d love to hear your skincare experience!
This is a sponsored post. However, I do want you to know that I am indeed on a journey to improve the health of my skin and Eucerin is part of that plan. As I’ve stated many times in my posts, your skin doesn’t stop at your neck. So I am looking to enhance my overall skincare. Eucerin has been recommended to me many times by my personal dermatologist and I do use their products.
