Today’s video is “How to get the most from your Skincare Products“. For this video, I’ve interviewed Dr Joshua Zeichner, M.D., who is the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and board-certified in Dermatology. He is Board Certified in Dermatology and considered one of the country’s key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea.
- Face Washing 101
- How to Get the Most from Your Skincare Products
- Eczema Tips: How to Help your Child Feel Better
- How to Apply Sunscreen
MarcieMom: Dr Zeichner, thank you for taking time to help with this AAD video series.
Cross-Reactivity in Beauty & Skincare Products
For individuals with sensitive skin using multiple products, say facial cleanser, moisturizer and make-up, is there any guideline to ensure that there is no cross-reactive ingredient? e.g. choosing the same brand or ensuring that each does not have certain ingredient?
Dr Joshua: If you are sensitive to skin care products, your dermatologist can perform patch testing, an exam to determine what ingredients you may be allergic to. You should avoid products with those particular ingredients. Unfortunately, you cannot necessarily just stick to one brand because individual products do vary in their composition. However, some brands in general do stick to being fragrance free, etc.
Medication or Moisturizer – Which to Apply First?
MarcieMom: It is recommended to wash the face first, followed by medication, then moisturizer or sunscreen, followed by make-up. What is the interval between applying moisturizer and sunscreen? Does the moisturizer have to dry before applying sunscreen?
Dr Joshua: We do not have great data on this. We do not really know if it is best to moisturize or medicate first. In general, I recommend applying one product in a thin layer, allowing it to dry for about 60 seconds, then applying the next layer. If you apply too much cream it may take longer to dry.
Does sunscreen have moisturizing effect and therefore, can skip applying moisturizer?
Dr Joshua: Only if you are specifically using a facial moisturizer with sunscreen. Straight sunscreens for the beach are not designed to be moisturizers.
Common Irritants for Children Eczema Skin
MarcieMom: What are the ingredients that frequently irritate a child’s sensitive/eczema skin?
Dr Joshua: Usually fragrances and preservatives
MarcieMom: Thank you Dr Joshua for your reply, I’d be sure to remember applying moisturizer even when I’d be applying sunscreen for my child with eczema, and thankfully, we found skincare products that don’t irritate her eczema skin.
