Men’s Daily Skincare Routines: Tailor Your Regimen to Your Age

When it comes to skincare, men often tend to overlook the importance of having a daily routine. However, taking care of your skin is crucial, not only for your appearance but also for your overall health. And as you age, your skincare needs change, requiring you to tailor your regimen accordingly. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of a daily skincare routines for men and how you can customize it to fit your age and specific needs. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, we’ve got you covered with expert advice and practical tips to help you achieve healthy, radiant skin. So let’s dive in and learn how to create a daily skincare routine that works for you!

Table of Contents

In Your Twenties, Maintain That Glow

So, you’re in your twenties and your skin glows. It’s elastic, hydrated, and (best of all) full of collagen. It’s also full of natural oils, which makes you prone to break out more often. With this in mind, as a smart twenty-something, you should start your day with a non-comedogenic or oil-free cleanser followed by an oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen. Before going to bed, the routine should consist of gentle cleanser followed by an oil-free moisturizer. Exfoliating a few times a week will help reduce breakouts. Guys who shave should spend the extra buck on shaving cream that contains moisturizer to prevent ingrown hairs.

In Your Thirties, Be Proactive

Now you’re in your thirties, Vitamin A will be your secret weapon against aging. You’re starting to lose elasticity and the collagen that was abundant in your twenties is now less so. As always, pay extra attention to the label on your daily moisturizer to ensure it includes broad-spectrum sunscreen. Moreover, now is the perfect time to start incorporating anti-aging creams into your overnight regimen. In addition, your aim will be to increase collagen production in your skin, so when you’re shopping for products, look for ones that contain Vitamin A with retinoids. Also, now is the time to start focusing on your eyes. Keep in mind retinol products for around the eyes should be gentler than the cream, serum, or moisturizer you’re using on your face since the skin there is thinner.

In Your Forties, Fifties, and Beyond, Step it Up

Welcome to your forties and fifties. On the plus side, you’re probably not breaking out since your skin isn’t secreting as much natural oil as did in your twenties. Because of this, you’ll want to use thicker moisturizer. Again, read the label and find a product containing hyaluronic acid – this is a terrific agent for helping replenish and retain skin moisture. You’ll also want to incorporate more anti-aging products into your daily regimen. This is also the time in your life when antioxidants like Vitamin C will come into play to help slow the degradation of collagen and help brighten and treat photodamaged skin. In your mornings, don’t limit your Vitamin C intake to just your breakfast orange juice. A gentle cleanser followed by a Vitamin C serum and moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid (and sunscreen) is the perfect way to start your day. At night, use a gentle cleanser followed by retinol cream and hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer before bed.

Healthy Habits

In addition to what we’ve mentioned above, let’s be clear on a few important lifestyle and personal care themes that hold true at any age: Incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily, morning routine; Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol consumption; Exercise, hydrate, and eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables; Get enough sleep, they don’t call it “beauty rest” for nothing. In your case, let’s call it “handsome rest.”

Conclusion

Skin care for men doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is important. By incorporating a few simple steps into your daily skincare routines, and modifying your approach over time, you can ensure healthier, younger-looking skin at any age. So whether you’re in your twenties or your fifties, it’s never too late to start a skincare regimen that will benefit your skin for years to come.

Pregnancy Acne: Managing Changes to Your Skin While Nursing or Pregnant

Whether you’re a regular at the dermatologist’s office or seeking a first treatment, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you might want to hold off.

Many women experience changes to their skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These changes can include hyperpigmentation, acne, growths, and varicose veins. Frequently, these changes will send women to seek treatments from a skincare specialist.

We dermatologists take special precautions to consider the welfare of both the patient and the baby during pregnancy. While some procedures are perfectly safe, others should be put off until after delivery.

So what’s safe for expectant mothers and what should be avoided? Keep reading to learn more about some of the frequently asked skincare questions we receive from pregnant and nursing women.  

How Should I Treat Pregnancy Acne?  

As a result of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, up to 45% of pregnant women experience increased levels of acne. Occasionally, it may be the first time you experience acne to such a degree. But if a breakout has you headed towards the pharmacy in search of an over-the-counter acne treatment, you might want to visit your dermatologist first.

Surprisingly, many over-the-counter acne products contain ingredients which are considered “Category C” in pregnancy, which means that research has not yet determined whether they are safe for pregnant women to use. These ingredients include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, both of which are incredibly common in everyday acne treatments.

Thus, if you’re experiencing pregnancy acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist for recommendations on which acne products are safe for you to use. Your dermatologist may suggest one of the following treatments for pregnancy acne:

Topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythomycin:

• Topical chemical exfoliants like glycolic or azelaic acids
• Regular facials and extractions performed by a dermatologist

As your hormones change throughout your pregnancy and after giving birth, your skin will continue to change. Your doctor can help you to design a skincare routine that’s effective yet safe.

What Skincare Ingredients Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?  

There are several other product ingredients that should be completely avoided during pregnancy and nursing, and even while trying to conceive. Many people don’t realize this, but any ingredients you apply to your skin can seep into your bloodstream and interact with your baby’s development.

Vitamin A derivatives are a common cautioned-against ingredient, since they have been associated with defects. Propoular skin products formulated with vitamin A derivatives include Retin-A, Tazorac, Renova, and Accutane. We also recommend avoiding tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline, as these may cause permanent skin and teeth discoloration.

Can I Get Botox and Fillers While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? 

One question that frequently comes up is whether fillers and Botox-like products such as Dysport and Xeomin are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of fillers and other injectables on pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established. Thus, they are generally not recommended.

That said, hyaluronic filler products like Restylane, Juvederm, or Belotero are technically safe as they are simply sugar-based compounds. However, in general, we recommend that new and expectant mothers hold off on all cosmetic procedures until after delivery or breastfeeding has ceased. If you have your heart set on these procedures, we recommend that you consult with your obstetrician first. In our opinion, since we don’t know whether they are 100% safe, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Can You Have Other Dermatology Treatments While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? 

Similarly, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser, ultrasound, and radiofrequency type facial procedures should also be avoided while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

While there’s no strong evidence to suggest that these procedures are harmful to either mother or baby, these procedures can have adverse effects to the skin. During pregnancy, women are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring. Thus, dermatologists cannot promise that these treatments will have the same positive results for pregnant women as they might before or after pregnancy.

Due to the lack of studies, we recommend scheduling any elective dermatological treatments until post-pregnancy. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry and you and the baby are more important than any cosmetic treatment. We also recommend consulting with your dermatologist to develop a safe skincare routine, especially if you’re experiencing pregnancy acne. When in doubt, ask your obstetrician for their advice.

At Sadick Dermatology, we know that many women want to look and feel their best, no matter what stage of life or experience. Since pregnancy can provide new challenges to skincare, it’s best not to guess or go it alone. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to develop a plan specific to your needs. We’re here to help. Sadick Dermatology has some of the best dermatologists in NYC. Call us at 212-772-7242 and one of our highly-experienced staff will be pleased to assist you.

Cold Weather Skincare Tips: How to Prepare for a Winter Wedding

While winter weddings are certainly romantic, winter is not the best time for your skin to be front and center. Chilly temperatures and dry indoor heating can do a number on the smooth, supple complexion you’ve been perfecting in the months leading up to your wedding.

Luckily, dry winter skin is preventable – if you know what you’re doing. That’s why we put together these winter skin care tips! Keep reading to find out how to prep skin for a winter wedding.

Winter Skin Tips for Brides

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! 

When the temperature drops, so do humidity levels, and the resulting dry air can zap the moisture right out of your skin. Thus, your summer moisturizer isn’t going to cut it during the winter months. 

Replace your usual moisturizer with a thicker formula that includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help skin hold onto moisture. Further amp up the hydration factor by using a moisturizing mask once or twice per week.

The result? Your skin maintains its beautiful dewy glow – even in the dead of winter.

Stock Up on Blueberries 

Eating more antioxidants can preserve your complexion by neutralizing glow-stealing free radicals from pollution, UV radiation, and stress. Antioxidant-rich superfoods like blueberries, cranberries, squash, and pumpkins are all in season, so make sure you add them to your grocery list. 

…Or Apply Antioxidants Topically 

Antioxidants don’t just benefit your skin when you eat them. Some antioxidants are actually more effective when applied directly to the skin.

Ask your dermatologist for creams that include ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, or resveratrol. These can create a barrier on your skin, protecting it from environmental stressors.

Play with Climate Control

Indoor heating can spell disaster for a luminous bridal complexion, so avoid cranking the heat at home. You might be a bit more chilly than you like, but you’ll save on your energy bills!

Invest those savings in a humidifier, which adds water back into the dry air. Aim for 45-55% humidity, which is the optimal level for skin hydration.

Say Goodbye to Hot Showers

Long hot showers feel great (especially when the weather is cold!), but they strip skin of its natural moisturizing oils. Take quick, lukewarm showers instead. When you step out of the shower, apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

Perfect Your Pout

When planning your winter skincare strategy, don’t forget about your lips! If your bridal makeup look includes a bold lipstick shade, then a dry, flaky pout is the last thing you want.

It’s easier to prevent chapped lips than to treat them, so wear a lip balm with SPF 30 every day and reapply frequently. We also recommend using a sugar scrub on your lips weekly to gently exfoliate them, keeping them smooth and flake-free.    

Protect Your Skin

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear sunscreen. Wear a daily moisturizer with SPF to protect skin against photoaging and sunburn. SPF protection is especially critical if you’ve been undergoing treatments to fade hyperpigmentation and scarring. Otherwise, you might undo all your hard work!

If you’re planning on being outdoors for long periods of time (like if you’re going skiing), layer exposed skin with a protective ointment to keep it from getting chapped and inflamed.

Discuss with Your Dermatologist

Any bride’s first step in her bridal beauty timeline should be talking to a board-certified dermatologist. Make sure your dermatologist knows that your wedding will take place in winter. This will help them to design a custom beauty plan that will fit your needs. Need some advice or interested in learning more about our advanced treatments? Contact us at: info@saddickprod1.wpengine.com

Overall, the best way to avoid dry winter skin is to stay ahead of it. Start following these winter skin care tips now and your skin will be healthy, hydrated, and luminous on your big day.

Want to learn more about ways to maintain a glowing look, even in winter? Sadick Dermatology has some of the best dermatologists in NYC. Call us at 212-772-7242 and one of our highly-experienced staff will be pleased to assist you.

Skin Care During Pregnancy

So you’ve got a baby coming, and you don’t want to lose ground with your skin care routine.

While some women can look fabulous through pregnancy, others are more affected by the hormonal changes. They notice dark spots, acne or varicose veins appearing. These are common concerns that you should discuss with your dermatologist, midwife, obstetrician or family physician.

When it comes to skin care products and treatments, many physicians recommend that you simply postpone their use until pregnancy and breastfeeding are over. In addition to safety concerns about products, skin issues may resolve on their own when your life is back to normal.

Topical moisturizers, antioxidants and sulphur-based products are safe during pregnancy. You could also safely undergo microdermabrasion, which exfoliates the skin with tiny crystals.

Products to Avoid

Unsafe products include but are not limited to:

• Retinoids (tretinoin) are a standard part of the anti-aging regimen. But they are not recommended for use during pregnancy. The FDA also recommends that pregnant women limit their Vitamin A intake.
• Beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment.
• Accutane is known to cause serious birth defects when used during pregnancy.

The clinical research done on this topic is limited – because no physician is likely to perform studies of pregnant women and different skin care products. If you’re in doubt about any skin care product or treatment, consider your options carefully and talk to a physician before using it.

Photo by Showbits

What Women Want from Skin Care Products

Harris Interactive and Neutrogena recently conducted a survey to explore the relationship women have with their cosmetics.

Over one-thousand women responded, answering questions about their priorities and needs when it comes to skin care products and cosmetics.

Highlighted Results

• 58 % said if they could own one product, it should be one that delivers flawless skin tone.
• 68 % would give up something important to have flawless skin
• 46 % say they’ve incorporated makeup into their skincare routine
• 56 % are relying on cosmetics that offer sun protection
• 58 % women over age 55 want to minimize lines and wrinkles
• 8 % want longer lashes
• 3 % want fuller lips
• 2 % want enhanced cheekbone definition

Great skincare products are a key factor in maintaining beautiful, healthy skin, but many people also need professional guidance from a dermatologist or aesthetician – especially those who have sensitive or dry skin.

If you’re one of the many patients regularly undergoing procedures like microdermabrasion or chemical peels, you’ll definitely benefit from a physician’s guidance in choosing skin care products that work in conjunction with your treatment.