RX Summer Skin Secrets: Richie L. Lin MD

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We all need to adapt our skin care routines during the hot, humid summers. Board certified dermatologist, Dr. Richie Lin is here to help. Here are a some of his top tips to maintain and protect summer skin:

1. We all sweat more during a sticky July day.  To keep your face looking fresh, your summer cleanser and moisturizer should be a touch more drying to control oil production. Look for cleansers that contain drying and acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, and moisturizers that are lightweight.  For acne prone individuals, oil control for the rest of your skin is also important so be sure to use a body cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

2. No sunscreen is truly “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” since all sunblocks will dissolve in water eventually.  In fact, these labels will soon be a thing of the past since the FDA has ruled that only the term “water resistant,” with a time limit, can be used on a label.  If you are swimming, exercising, or even just sweating from a day of walking around, you should reapply your sunscreen every 1-2 hours for continued protection.

3. Sunscreens with an SPF below 15 do not protect against skin cancer or premature aging.  The FDA will now require these products to state that they only protect against sunburns, but not against the carcinogenic effects of the sun.  Make sure you pick a sunscreen with enough SPF.

4. Swim shirts and brimmed hats with UV protection are very popular right now.  You see every toddler and young child at the pool or beach wearing them.  If adults are mindful enough to protect their children from large doses of sun exposure, shouldn’t the same rules apply to big people?  Protecting yourself with a swim coverup that contains SPF and a wide brimmed hat means you will be stylish and safe at the beach!

5. During the summertime, sun spots can darken with sun exposure.  Being vigilant about sun protection and using a prescription strength lightening cream containing hydroquinone at night can help keep those sunspots light and your skin tone even.

About Richie L. Lin MD

Richie L. Lin, MD of Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, is a board certified dermatologist with strong roots in northern New Jersey. Raised in Millburn, and a graduate of Millburn Senior High School, Dr. Lin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a BA in music literature. He then returned to New Jersey and earned his doctorate of medicine from UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, during which time he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Lin trained in internal medicine in San Francisco before completing his dermatology residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. During residency, Dr. Lin was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident in the Division of Dermatology. After residency, he joined the faculty at the New York University School of Medicine.Dr. Lin has now returned to Short Hills, New Jersey to practice, while teaching at Columbia University.Dr. Lin has published extensively in peer-reviewed dermatology journals. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He specializes in skin cancer detection and removal, including Mohs surgery, but also practices general dermatology. Dr. Lin also performs non-invasive skin rejuvenation procedures, including Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, laser hair removal, in addition to a wide array of skin laser treatments.

Drugstore’s Finest: CeraVe

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Recommended by dermatologists everywhere, the CeraVe line of skincare products are all non-irritating, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Better yet, they are all available at a drugstore near you.

The CeraVe line was created in conjunction with dermatologists and was intended for use in the treatment of dry skin and other conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. CeraVe is the first brand to contain essential ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids that healthy skin needs. CeraVe uses a patented “multivescular emulsion” or MVE® system that was only available through prescription not long ago. This system consists of a controlled and steady release of various ingredients over time allowing skin to be hydrated longer and more efficiently with one application. The daily regimen of cleansers and moisturizers helps repair, replenish and protect the skin’s barrier to leave it looking and feeling soft, clean and healthy.

The CeraVe line of skincare products are drugstore’s finest. Here is a review of the first few products I have tried and tested:

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: Gentle yet powerful, this cleanser removes makeup, dirt and oil like a champ. It leaves the face feeling soft and clean, not stripped or dry. It contains the brand’s signature ceramides and hyaluronic acid – two ingredients that help lock in moisture so your skin will never feel tight or dry.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30: A great daytime moisturizer that feels light on the skin but wards off UVA/UVB rays with it’s standout broad-spectrum sunscreen. It keeps skin hydrated and restores the skin’s barrier with Niacinaminde (vitamin B3) making it less vulnerable to the elements.

CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion: This body lotion does it all – exfoliates, smoothes and softens. Skin can only be truly hydrated when the top layer of dead skin cells are removed. This allows moisturizing ingredients to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. The Renewing Lotion does all of this for you. Formulated with both salicylic acid (used for epidermal exfoliation) and ammonium lactate (a mild exfoliant and humectant) this lotion gently removes dry, scaly skin. While, vitamin D, glycerin, ceramides and hyaluronic acid smooths, firms and hydrates the skin.

CeraVe, in my opinion, is the best affordable line of skincare products. All of the products are gentle, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-irritating and readily available at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide.