Skincare experts reveal their go-to ways to care for combination skin with some surprising products.
She admitted that she uses feminine hygiene creams for anti-aging and has created her own eye masks to remove puffiness and hydrate.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist, specializes in internal medicine, surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.
She shared some of her tried-and-true tricks for caring for combination skin with The US Sun.
skin solution
Dr. Shirazi is very open and honest about having acne-prone combination skin.
She said she is also prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma, so she tends to use different products for different climates throughout the year.
She practices a technique called “retinol staging” at night and teaches it to many of her patients as well.
The expert divides her beauty routine into a hydration stage in the evening and a “treatment stage” later in the evening before bed.
First, Dr. Shirazi uses a facial cleanser that’s gentle on dry skin to remove sunscreen and makeup, then adds water and lathers it up.
“When I wear a lot of makeup, I start with micellar water. I love Bioderma water,” she added.
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Next, she applies vaginal estradiol cream under her eyes and a thin layer all over her face to hide any signs of aging.
She follows up with Restore Moisturizer, which is formulated with resveratrol, stem cells, ceramides, niacinamide, and green tea polyphenols.
She waits to apply retinol alone until right before bed. That’s because it reduces the risk of “the dryness, peeling, and irritation that many people experience with powerful actives like retinol.”
Dr. Shirazi also revealed that she usually uses a gentle moisturizing cleanser in the morning and evening, but regularly uses an exfoliating cleanser containing salicylic and glycolic acids.
Next, she tones with DermaBrite pads, which are formulated with multiple plant-based skin-brightening ingredients. “You can mix it up fresh and customize it.”
“My melasma tends to get worse during the summer, so I mix it with hydroquinone,” she said.
What is vaginal estradiol?
Estradiol vaginal gels, creams, inserts, and rings are used to treat changes in and around the vagina.
These include vaginal dryness, itching, and burning sensations caused by decreased estrogen levels and menopause.
This drug is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Next, her skincare regimen uses illuminC serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid + ferulic acid, followed by a water-based tinted SPF moisturizer, Hydratint BB SPF 44.
Although she stopped using foundation because her breakouts worsened, these products gave her “adequate coverage” and a “filter-like look,” leaving her skin dewy and even.
“I use a clear SPF powder throughout the day to reapply and absorb excess oil and moisture, but most importantly to protect my skin and reduce hyperpigmentation,” she said.
Experts say that if you try to apply retinol right after moisturizing, the moisturizer will create a barrier that won’t penetrate.
“That’s why I feel that my retinol staging technique is effective at reducing irritation without compromising retinol’s effectiveness and results,” she explained.
anti-aging advice
Dr. Shirazi said the “most effective” anti-aging product is retinol after sunscreen.
She recommended RoC moisturizing cream with retinol and hyaluronic acid, which has a “moisturizing” effect and results in “smoother, firmer skin.”
She and her patients also love the brand’s 10% vitamin C blend, Multicorrexion Revive + Glow, which she suggests pairing in the morning as a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer.
buy it now
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RoC Retinol Corexion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream, $20.78, Amazon
RoC Multicorrexion Revive + Glow 10% Vitamin C, $25.72, Amazon
DermaBright Pads, $82, Azi MD Skincare
IllumiC Serum with Ferulic Acid, $150, Azi MD Skincare
Hydratint BB SPF 44, $58, Aji MD Skin Care
Restore Moisturizer, $95, Azi MD Skin Care
DIY details
Dr. Shirazi also provided free DIY advice for more youthful skin.
She said one of her favorite things to do is to make tea, drop cucumber slices into it and add some honey.
“Cucumber is highly hydrating, and honey has healing properties and helps with cell regeneration,” she explained.
Then put it in the fridge to cool and apply it to your eyes to depuff and moisturize.
“Black tea is rich in antioxidants, and the caffeine has a vasoconstrictive effect, constricting blood vessels and flushing out excess water that can cause puffiness and eye bags,” she says. .
