Q&A with Dr. Cox: Navigation Skin Care

Our focus this month is everyday skin care. A good skin care regimen maintains the health of your skin, prevents premature aging and protects your investment in aesthetic treatment, but choosing the right products can sometimes be daunting. We asked Dr. Cox to share her insights on getting the most out of your skin care routine.

Q: Selecting the right skin regimen can be overwhelming. Do you see patients who are confused about what’s right for them?

Absolutely. With thousands of skin care products on the market, it can be incredibly difficult to select the right products for your unique skin and goals. Sophisticated advertising and packaging can make it difficult to separate valid claims from bogus ones. The average American woman spends over $2,000 on skin care products annually, and unfortunately the majority of these products are unsupported by clinical data or research.

Q: What is the difference between medical-grade skin care and what you can buy at a department store or drugstore?

Medical-grade products are proven effective in scientific studies. They typically contain higher concentrations of useful active ingredients, and are more specific as to what they treat. Since they’re not one-size-fits-all, they’re typically available only in doctor’s offices where you’ll get expert recommendations for your skin type and goals.

Q: Are medical-grade products more expensive?

The better question is whether it costs more to get results with medical-grade vs department store or drugstore products. And the answer is clearly No. You’ll get better results for less money with medical grade products.

Q: What are some of the tools used to determine if a skin care regimen is producing the desired results?

I’m excited to provide Visia Complexion Analysis in my office. The Visia system takes facial photographs that measure pigmented spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, sun damage, brown spots, red areas and areas with bacterial build-up. This analysis allows us to scientifically track results from both skin care products and treatments, and empowers patients to see what’s really working for them.

Q: Do you have any advice for people who are unsure how to create a good skin care regimen for themselves?

We specialize in helping patients develop and manage effective skin care routines. Give us a call at (919) 289-4645 to schedule a skin care consultation. We try hundreds of products and review the science and clinical evidence behind each one.

Q: What is the relationship between skin care products and procedures like lasers, chemical peels and injectables?

I want patients to get the most benefit from treatment, and that means protecting the investment with good daily skin care. We can do a lot in an office visit – but what you do on a daily basis at home has the greatest impact on the health and appearance of your skin. Fortunately, most patients know this, but a recent skin care study showed 80% of patients leaving a doctor’s office after cosmetic treatment bought an over-the-counter skin care product. Right thought, but you have to use products that work, and products that will compliment and not complicate your treatment.

Q: We know it’s hard to pick… but if you could have just three kinds of skin care products, what would you pick?

The first product you should always reach for is sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, and also one of the most preventable. Aesthetically, sun damage accelerates aging of the skin. Look for a mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunblock that protects against both UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays. As a bonus, I recommend products that also protect again infrared damage, including the light that comes from computers and fluorescent lights. Zinc Oxide is a key mineral-based, physical-blocking component. Look on the back of your sunscreen – if you don’t see Zinc listed as an active ingredient, you’re putting your skin at risk for damage and premature aging!

The second thing I recommend to all patients is Retin-A (tretinoin). This prescription product, derived from vitamin A, increases the frequency of cell turnover and boosts collagen production. The result is a well-documented reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots and uneven tone, and large clogged pores and blemishes. There is widespread agreement among dermatologists that this ingredient is uniquely effective against the visual signs of aging. We carry the generic form of Retin-A, tretinoin, as well as retinols, a non-prescription, milder form of Retin-A.

For the third product, I’d recommend something unique to the patient’s individual skin improvement goals. Younger patients might benefit from the exfoliating and brightening properties of a product with glycolic acid. For older patients, products with growth factor and anti-oxidants can rejuvenate and prevent future structural loss. Those with pigment issues can choose from a variety of products that brighten the skin and address dark spots, redness and other tonal unevenness. This is one benefit of the amount of products out there today – whatever you’d like to improve, there are medically-validated products that can help you make the changes you’d like to see.