Skincare for Mom

http://blog.bergen.com/itworksforme/144/skincare-for-mom/
Posted: February 17, 2012

I’ve fallen into the trap many times of overspending on skincare products. If it costs more it must work better right? Not necessarily. For an upcoming story on skincare in March’s 201 Family I asked dermatologist Michele Grodberg, founder of Contemporary & Cosmetic Dermatology in Englewood to recommend products for moms who don’t want to spend a ton of money for good skin.

Here is what she said:

“One ingredient I look for in a moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, a humectant which attracts water and makes the moisturizer more effective.  I also prefer moisturizers with antioxidants to help combat environmental damage to the skin.  I try to avoid certain ingredients, for example, sensitive skin individuals should avoid fragrance, parabens, lanolin, and propylene glycol.”

Daily Moisturizers with sunscreen:  These do not provide enough sun protection to replace a good sunscreen on a sunny day but they will provide some protection and it is a good habit to wear sunscreen everyday.

Olay Complete Sensitive Skin All Day UV moisturizer SPF 15 – Oil-free and PABA –free.

Purpose dual treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 Fragrance Free

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 – Helps to reduce redness.

Daily Moisturizer no sunscreen:

Cetaphil  Moisturizing Lotion- A great choice for dry sensitive skin.  The basic formula contains no sunscreen

Anti-Aging Moisturizer:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream- Contains a low concentration of Retinol to reduce fine lines.  This is a good starter cream for someone who has never used Retinol in the past or has sensitive skin because a higher strength Retinol can be irritating to the skin.

Body Moisturizer:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Contains ceramides and cholesterol to help rebuild the skin barrier and helps severely dry skin.  Does not contain sunscreen but does contain Parabens.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion –  also good for kids

Curel Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion

A light moisturizer with sunscreen will hold its effectiveness for only 2 hours. Do not rely on this approach for prolonged sun exposure. Better to choose a true sunblock or sunscreen in addition to your moisturizer such as Citrix Antioxidant Sunscreen.

Polyphenols, the active ingredients in green tea extract are potent antioxidants that neutralize damaging free radicals caused by sun exposure. Recent studies indicate these compounds may reverse early skin cancers. Use Replenix green tea extract on a daily basis to protect your skin from environmental damage and to give it a healthy glow.

Bug Repellents containing DEET should not be reapplied too frequently because DEET levels can build up. I suggest avoiding sunscreens containing bug repellent because sunscreens do need to be reapplied frequently.

Clothing is the best protection from the sun. Remember, wear a hat to protect your scalp even if you have a full head of hair.

Self tanners and bronzers are excellent choices to get a tan look without harmful sun exposure. Be sure to apply these products smoothly with the edges of your fingers to avoid streaks and other irregularities. Always wash your hands after application to avoid tan palms! Keep in mind that the tan you get from these products will not protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure and you should still always apply sunscreen or sunblock.

FIGHT DRY SKIN
• Apply a heavy moisturizer while skin is still damp after the shower.
• Exfoliate top layers of skin with a hydrating glycolic acid moisturizer.
• Use a humidifier overnight.
• Drink lots of water – Remember coffee and tea are dehydrating.
• Use a hydrating cleanser for your body.
Dr. Grodberg’s favorites: MGMD® Exfoliating Body Lotion, Olay Complete Body Wash, Aveeno Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion.

SCHEDULE SUN SENSITIVE PROCEDURES
It is best to schedule most cosmetic procedures in the winter so the skin can heal away from the sun. Now is the time to remove unwanted hair with laser hair removal, to zap those red facial blood vessels with a laser or to treat those bothersome leg veins with sclerotherapy.

ADD AN EYE CREAM AND PICK A HEAVIER MOISTURIZER
Dry skin makes wrinkles more prominent so be diligent about hydrating wrinkle prone areas such as the skin below your eyes.
Dr. Grodberg’s favorite: MGMDTM Rejuvenating Eye Serum.

USE SUNSCREEN FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Harmful rays are still present even though the temperature has dropped. Sometimes they’re
even stronger than usual, such as when skiing at high altitudes. Remember to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin.
Dr. Grodberg’s favorite: Citrix Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 30.

GIVE YOUR FEET A BEAUTY BOOST
Nail polish year round can lead to dry, brittle nails. Skip the polish during the winter months while your feet are hidden in socks and shoes and apply a heavy glycolic moisturizer to your toenails and heels at bedtime. This will help to exfoliate the dead cells and hydrate the normal cells leading to twinkling tootsies for spring sandals.
Dr. Grodberg’s favorite: MGMD® Rough Skin Smoothing Cream.