Dr. Mercy Swears By These 10 Skin Care Tips
These are the tips and products the dermatology surgeon recommends for every patient.
Related To:
Photo By: Instagram: @dr.mercyod
Photo By: Astrakan Images
Photo By: Hiraman
10 Skin Care Tips and Products Dr. Mercy Loves
Dr. Mercy’s work makes a difference, whether she’s giving someone a rejuvenating facial or healing patients’ lifelong insecurities. The skin is the largest organ on our bodies, and this dermatologist and Mohs surgeon has some exclusive tips for keeping yours healthy. Here are the top 10 tips and products that Dr. Mercy recommends to all of her patients, regardless of age.
Sunscreen Is Your Daily Friend
"Sunscreen is the most important skin care tip and anti-aging product you can incorporate into your routine. You should never leave the house without sunscreen on, this habit is as important as brushing your teeth. Not only does it slow down aging, wrinkles, and age spots, but it can also prevent skin cancer. As a dermatology surgeon, I have seen my patients’ skin improve drastically when they start applying sunscreen religiously. No matter what your skin type, color, or ethnicity, I always recommend a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Patients wearing sunscreen must remember to reapply every 2-4 hours while outdoors. Also, don’t forget to wear broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses because they protect you from the sun and make you look fabulous."
BUY IT: Colorscience, $69.00
Get a Yearly Skin Check from a Board-Certified Dermatologist
"Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US and most skin cancers are curable if detected early. It is important to check your skin regularly for moles that bleed, have changed colors, changed size, or itch. A biopsy can be performed at your visit, with results typically back within 7 days. I always tell my patients that most skin cancers are non-life threatening if caught and treated early, so pay attention to your moles!"
Consider Adding Vitamin C to Your Routine
"Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that stops the damaging effects of free radicals on your skin. As an antioxidant, it increases collagen production, improves hyperpigmentation, and prevents premature aging of the skin. Vitamin C is very potent, so I recommend for all my patients to start with a low concentration and increase slowly."
BUY IT: Sephora, $78.00
Incorporate Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
"Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are known as chemical exfoliants that can improve hyperpigmentation, skin texture, acne, fine lines, dullness, and blotchy skin. These should only be used 1-2 times a week. If used more than recommended, the acids can irritate your skin."
BUY IT: Sephora, $88.00
Keep Your Routine Simple
"Applying too many skin care products can be too harsh on the skin. This can lead to breakouts, redness, and clogged pores."
Incorporate Retinol
"Retinol increases skin cell turnover — this increases collagen production, smoothes out skin texture, decreases pore size, improves hyperpigmentation, minimizes fine lines, and decreases wrinkles."
BUY IT: Amazon, $16.70
Don’t Ignore Your Neck and Hands
"Your skin care routine should extend past your face to your neck and hands to ensure a total healthy skin look. The skin on the neck and hands are very delicate, therefore more susceptible to the damaging effects of UV-Rays. It is important to apply anti-aging products, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Lasers and light treatments can also be used to clean up previous sun damage and even out your skin tone."
BUY IT: Revision Skincare, $92.00 (Neck Cream)
BUY IT: Amazon, $29.00 (Hand Gloves)
Include Hyaluronic Acid for Added Hydration, Especially in Colder Months
"Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin that binds to water leading to hydrated, revitalized, and dewy skin. The winter season is typically cold and dry in many places, this can be very harsh and may cause dry and dehydrated skin. Replenishing the skin with products containing hyaluronic acid can help attract water to the skin and combat dryness."
BUY IT: Revision Skincare, $86.00
Feed Your Skin from the Inside Out
"The skin is a reflection of your internal health. Incorporating lots of greens, fruits with high water contents, a good quality omega-3, and 6 fatty acids can improve the ability of the skin to combat sun damage, improve fine lines, and increase its ability to retain moisture."
BUY IT: GNC, $69.99
Growth Factors
"Growth factors in skin care products stimulate the regeneration of cells that prevent aging. Growth factors provide the skin with the necessary substance needed for repairing damaged skin, increasing firmness, and rejuvenating skin. This is a staple in my skin care regimen."
BUY IT: Biopelle, $136.00
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Dr. Pimple Popper’s Advice for Preventing "Maskne", These Are the Best Cica Products for Soothing Irritated Skin, Dr. Sarah's Perfect Pedicure Must-Haves