AARP Hearing Center
Doesn’t it seem like every dermatologist has flawless skin? We’re reminded of this each time we go to the dermatologist’s office, wishing we could have a peek inside their medicine cabinet to uncover their secrets. To satisfy your curiosity (and ours), we asked three board-certified Black women dermatologists to let us in on their daily skin-care regimen for smooth, supple and even-toned skin. The routines range from minimalist to super complex, and consist of both budget-friendly gems and splurge-worthy picks. Plus, the dermatologists give a few pointers to help you get that highly coveted, melanin-rich glow you’ve been seeking.
1. Wear sunscreen, 365 days a year.
Each dermatologist will tell you she won’t leave the house without a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which can help protect your melanin from harmful UV rays. The result? A more even skin tone, and younger-looking skin. “Even if you don’t leave your house during the day, you have to put sunblock on, and you need to reapply … because we react to indoor and outdoor lighting, [as well as] the blue light from the phone [and] computer,” says Jeanine Downie, M.D., of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey.
2. Tailor your skin-care routine to your specific needs.
“I like to be intentional when selecting ingredients to ensure that the product will deliver the results I’m seeking,” says Jeaneen Chappell, M.D., of Chappell Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Dallas. This means not falling for the hype when new, trendy products launch — and not being a sucker for pretty packaging, either. For Chappell’s combination, acne- and rosacea-prone skin, she relies on topical antioxidants and hyperpigmentation fighters, such as vitamin C and niacinamide: “These are [also] great for reducing free radical damage from the sun,” she says. “I like to think of them as sunscreen boosters.”
