Skincare is key, but thinking about the right methods can get overwhelming since there’s so much information swirling around. But don’t fret, The Curvy Fashionista caught up with Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist who works with Dove, to get the scoop on must know skincare tips, accessible skincare products and methods.
We chatted about what ingredients you should keep in your rotation, how often you should visit a dermatologist, the benefits of antioxidants, and more.
Here are eight key things Dr. Gohara said you should remember when it comes to taking care of your skin:
8 Skincare Tips To Keep You Moisturized
Gentle Cleansing Is Key
Do you know if your cleanser is the right one for your skin? Did you know that “in terms of skin health in general and what keeps your skin healthy, gentle cleansing with moisturizing is important.” Dr. Gohara shares with us the difference and importance of WHAT you use!
She continues to share, “That’s why I love the Dove beauty bar because to me, I regard it as the universal gentle cleanser. It works on any skin type.”
What skin cleanser are you using? Is it gentle on your skin?
Get Into Antioxidants
This one is a fun one. As I get older, I keep hearing about the importance of antioxidants. But why are they important?! THAT’s the million dollar question. Right?
Well, we learn from Dr. Gohara that “Antioxidants protect you against different kinds of light. So ultraviolet light, blue light, like light bulbs, light from your phone and computer screen.”
Who knew this? I did not.
So what do you use to protect your skin? Which options are the best?
Thanks to our new expert, Dr. Gohara says “I like a Vitamin C serum. If I’m going to my son’s basketball game, or if I’m going to the grocery store, or if I’m going to a gala, I always put on Vitamin C in the morning because it just adds on that extra layer of protection.”
But why protect the skin? What are we protecting our skin from?
“There are these little chemical particles that come from ultraviolet light that wreak cosmetic havoc in the skin. They can create discoloration, they can create wrinkles, they can create whatever.
So think about old school Pac Man!
The little chemical particles are like the pellets and the antioxidant goes around guppying those up like Pac Man.”
Ha! We love this analogy and this gives us a better visual as to the what and why. But, Vitamin C Serum is not the only way to protect the skin. Did you know that what we consume helps?!
The good doctor continues to share:
“Diet and skin care is another thing.
Berries are high in antioxidants. Green leafy vegetables are high in antioxidants.
Red wine, take it or leave it, has good antioxidants.
So, there’s a lot of different sources of antioxidants, but I like Vitamin C.”
Pause. Wine? Well then, give us all the red wine, too!
SPF Matters
It does not matter if you are blessed with melanin or not, you need a great sunscreen. While there are different schools of thought about usage in foundation or standalone options, you need a great sunscreen in your life! This is a must use skincare tip that I stand by!
We were happy to hear that Dr. Gohara agrees with us!
Sunscreen should be worn 365 days a year, especially for the summer months. And there are different formulations that are great for everybody.
There are powders, there are BB creams, there are sheer formulations, there are chemical free formulations. So there’s something for everybody!
Did you know that the American Academy of Dermatology says that we are to use SPF 30 or higher? Not only this, but the doctor tells us that we are to reapply every couple of hours! She add that this is “to prevent skin cancer but also to prevent hyperpigmentation, something that I see in a lot of people.”
Have you been skimping out on your sunscreen? Which ones are your go tos?
Soap vs. Cleanser
Over the past years, there have been movements to use better cleansers and to be more mindful with which soap products we use. Why? Did you know that soaps have harsh sulfates? I did not realize this, but after listening to what Dr. Gohara has shared, it makes sense.
Soaps actually have harsh sulfates. And through this process called saponification, really good fats that are in cleansers lose their moisturizing properties.
Cleanser maintains its moisturizing property and actually has a moisturizer in it.
So as you cleanse (with Dove), you’re getting moisture deposited into your skin. So it’s not a soap, it’s a beauty bar.
And in fact, we recommend as dermatologist that people do not use soaps. Don’t use soap, use cleanser. Use gentle, mild cleansers like this.”
Skincare Starts in the Shower
This one surprised me. While we have been using the fanciest of lathering products, we have to be a bit more mindful here…
The doctor shares that “it’s really important because your skin barrier can be really compromised, if you scrub your skin too hard and if you use a harsh soap.”
Compromised? This sounds serious, right? So what happens if it does? Well, we learn that “if your skin barrier is compromised, your skin is more likely to be dry, irritated, itchy, and not healthy.”
Is that right?!
So what can we do?
Dr Gohara shares what we should do!
So, when you start in the shower with using a gentle cleanser that’s depositing moisture into your skin as you cleanse, you’re creating a healthy environment for your skin barrier. This makes your skin function at optimal level.
And it’s also other stuff we do in the shower, like we scrub, and that’s not good for you.
It’s all about being gentle on your skin, and using that time to respect your body.
Even those fancy scrubs we love so much? Ohhhh, I need to be kinder to my skin… we all do!
Hyaluronic Acid
Are you ready for another must know skincare tip? This one is always a confusing one to me. Although the words says acid, it actually a moisturizing product! But what is this?!
Dr. Gohara breaks this down for us:
Hyaluronic acid is one of my favorite ingredients right now. We’re born with hyaluronic acid. It’s in us biologically.
It’s a substance that absorbs water and it’s found in the skin and around the joints, and so it absorbs water.
So it keeps our skin looking plump, and radiant and hydrated.
And then when you hit 30 it kind of begins to decline! It’s good to replace it.
I love the ingredient hyaluronic acid. I put it on my face every day.
Changing Up Your Skincare
Okay, with all these skincare tips, I know I am currently thinking about what to add or take away from my skincare routine! You too? We are in this together.
But, how do we do this? Where do we begin?
Dr. Gohara is here with the tips!
I think about layering on clothes and layering on skincare in the colder months. In the summer, I’m just using like my gentle cleanser, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and sunscreen. In the winter I may add on a thicker moisturizer on top of it.
So, it’s about layering on, just like you’re layering on your clothes, and your hat and your gloves.
Easy enough… Now that we know the WHAT, we can find the ideal products for our skincare needs. Right?
When To See A Dermatologist
Have you ever been to a dermatologist? When was the last time that you have been? Did you know that “The American Academy of Dermatology says everybody 40 and above should go to a dermatologist once a year for a skin cancer screening regardless of skin color.” Yes! This is what Dr. Gohara stresses.
Can we get a jump on this?
Do we have to wait until 40? Nope. Dr. Gohara also shares that “if people notice inflammation in their skin, they should see a dermatologist because the earlier you get screened, the better off you are.”
Ohhh, well that’s that… I am going to find someone to help me maximize my skincare regimen!
So, what do you think about these 8 skincare tips?
Which products help you keep your skin in its best shape? Regardless of the season, there are always tried and true skincare essentials to own. Right? Which are yours?
Which steps have you missed or will be adding to your regimen?