I’m a dermatologist with combination skin – I use a ‘feminine’ cream for anti-aging & my DIY eye mask depuffs & hydrates
A SKINCARE expert has revealed her go-to methods for taking care of her combination skin with a few unexpected products.
She admitted that she uses a feminine hygiene cream for anti-aging and created her own eye mask that depuffs and hydrates.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
She shared some of her tried and true tricks for taking care of her combination skin with The U.S. Sun.
SKIN SOLUTIONS
Dr. Shirazi is very open and honest about having acne-prone combination skin.
Because she is also prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma, she said she tends to use different products in different climates throughout the year.
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She practices a technique at night called "retinol staging" which she also teaches many of her patients.
The expert breaks up her beauty routine into an early evening hydrating stage and a late evening bedtime treatment stage.
First, Dr. Shirazi uses a gentle cleanser on dry skin to remove sunscreen and makeup, then adds water to lather it and rinse it off.
"If I am wearing a lot of makeup I first use Micellar Water, I love the Bioderma one," she added.
Then, she applies a vaginal estradiol cream under her eyes and a thin layer over her face to conceal signs of aging.
She follows up with her Restore Moisturizer with resveratrol, stem cells, ceramides, niacinamide, and green tea polyphenols.
She waits until right before bedtime to apply retinol on its own because it reduces the risk of "dryness, peeling, and irritation many people experience with powerful actives like retinol."
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DIY DETAILS
Dr. Shirazi also offered free and DIY advice for more youthful skin.
She said one of her favorites is making black tea and dropping cucumber slices into it and adding a touch of honey.
"Cucumbers are very hydrating, and honey has healing properties and helps with cell regeneration," she explained.
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Then, she puts it in the fridge, lets it chill, and applies it to the eyes to help depuff and hydrate.
"Black tea is rich in antioxidants and the caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels and draws out excess fluid that causes puffiness and contributes to eye bags," she said.