When it comes to skincare, there’s no shortage of products out there. There are a myriad of options, ranging from luxury products like La Mer to drug store brands like Olay. Regardless of price, all of these products claim to be the best at reducing wrinkles and fine lines while improving overall skin health. However, which ones actually work? For National Healthy Skin Month, we asked Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a dermatologist at Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, for her insight into having fabulous skin. Here are her top 6 skincare routines that are clinically proven to work. Take a look at these top secrets and start implementing them today!
Wear Sunscreen
Dr. Sandy: Sunscreen decreases melanoma skin cancer and photoaging. The largest and longest study examining this question was done in Australia over a 10-year period and showed a decrease in not only melanoma incidence but photoaging in those who used sunscreen regularly and not indiscriminately. A more recent study published in 2018 in JAMA Dermatology was the first study to examine the association between sunscreen use with melanoma risk in young people under 40 years. The study analyzed data collected from nearly 1700 people who participated in the Australian Melanoma Family Study. The study showed that sunscreen use in childhood and adulthood was protective against melanoma in young people 18-40 years old, with their risk reduced by 35 to 40 percent for regular sunscreen users compared to people who rarely used it. “
Use retinol cream
Dr. Sandy: “Retinol and Retinoic acid have been shown to decrease photoaging and fine lines in controlled studies.”
Hollywood actresses are notorious for their ability to age gracefully. Though some might say that this is due to surgeries or Photoshop magic, there could actually be a scientific reason. Speaking to W Magazine, Harold Lancer, a Beverly Hills dermatologist who has famous patients like Beyoncé and Scarlett Johansson, noted how unlike previous generations, these actresses had access to preventative skincare treatments like sunscreen and use Retin-A or other retinol creams in their 20s that ensured they would age with fewer wrinkles.
Use Latisse for eyelash growth
Dr. Sandy: “Latisse or the drug Bimatoprost can thicken and lengthen fine hairs – eyelashes and in some cases eyebrows when used regularly. This is because the hair follicle stays in a growth cycle for a longer period of time before it is shed.”
Use Vaniqa for decreasing hair growth on face
Dr. Sandy: ” Vaniqa or the drug Eflornithine is a topical cream that decreases hair growth on the face. It is the only topical prescription treatment that slows the growth of facial hair. In clinical studies, 81% of women showed clinical improvement with twice daily use. Hair regrows quickly once discontinued. “
Use glycolic acid cream to get rid of acne and melasma
Dr. Sandy: “Glycolic acid, BHA and salicylic acid can all improve acne, skin pigmentation and photoaging via an exfoliative effect. They can be very beneficial for comedonal subtype of acne and melasma. It is important not to overuse them as they can lead to redness and irritation of the skin. Creams in 4-8% have been shown in clinical studies to decrease photoaging. 10% body lotion may be beneficial for ingrown hairs on the legs but should not be used in the groin. “
2% clindamycin in 8% glycolic acid and for ingrown hair on leg
Dr. Sandy: “This solution is very useful for ingrown hairs due to shaving and on the legs for women. It is too strong to use in the groin and underarms. Apply nightly.“
Thanks to telemedicine, these clinically proven methods are just a few clicks away and can be seamlessly delivered to your doorstep. You no longer have to be a celebrity to get your hands on the best skincare treatments. You don’t even have to bother driving to your local drug-store! This National Healthy Skin Month, implement these tried-and-tested routines to take your skincare to the next level.