The Top 7 Questions Derms Get Asked Most Often

Education

Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast with a beauty cabinet full of goodies, or you lean more on the minimalist side, chances are you have some questions about skincare — and you’re not the only one. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick gets the same common skincare questions during the spring and summer spanning sunscreen to sun spots, anti-aging routines and more. Ahead, she shares the top questions and their answers.

1. What is the best sunscreen?

It’s no surprise that one of the common skincare concern questions dermatologists get during the warmer months is about sunscreen. "It is best to look for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and is broad-spectrum, suggesting that it provides coverage for UVA and UVB," says Dr. Garshick. For sensitive skin types, she suggests opting for a mineral sunscreen that’s zinc or titanium-based. That said, at the end of the day, Dr. Garshick notes the best sunscreen is one you'll actually use — which brings us to the next question.

2. How often should I apply sunscreen?

On sunny and cloudy days alike, Dr. Garshick says it's essential to apply sunscreen every day and reapply every two hours — or sooner if you're swimming or sweating a lot. Ensuring you're using a sufficient amount of sunscreen is also key. To help with this, Dr. Garshick shares the two-finger rule, which means applying sunscreen the length of your index and middle finger to the face and neck. Apply the equivalent of a shot glass or an ounce per application for the whole body.

“Sunscreen prevents spots from developing, but it can also help prevent them from becoming darker…”

3. Do I still have to wear moisturizer?

It's common to assume that because our skin isn't craving as much moisture as it did in the winter months, it's okay to skip moisturizer during the spring and summer. However, Dr. Garshick advises continuing to apply moisturizer because it helps keep the skin balanced, healthy and hydrated. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, she suggests opting for a lightweight moisturizer that is oil-free or non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores) to help prevent breakouts.

4. How often should I shower?

Even if you sweat more than usual during the warm months, it's best to stick to showering once a day or every other day, according to Dr. Garshick. Taking multiple showers per day can cause dryness and skin irritation, she says. If you have dry skin or are eczema-prone, it's best to keep your showers short and use lukewarm water instead of hot to prevent skin from drying out.

5. What can I do for my neck, chest and hands?

These areas get a lot of sun exposure, especially during spring and summer, and like the face, they are also susceptible to signs of aging. "For this reason, it is important to regularly apply sunscreen to these areas to prevent sun damage," Dr. Garshick says.

"Even if you sweat more than usual during the warm months, it's best to stick to showering once a day or every other day."

6. What’s the ideal at-home regimen to help prevent signs of aging?

For best results, Dr. Garshick recommends consulting with a dermatologist who can assess your skin and prescribe a personalized routine based on your skin type and needs. As a starting point, though, Dr. Garshick says most people can benefit from incorporating retinol or retinoid and antioxidants such as vitamin C into their skincare routine. And, of course, moisturizer and sunscreen are a must.

7. What are good ingredients to help address brown spots?

Dr. Garshick says wearing sunscreen is the best way to prevent and treat brown spots and hyperpigmentation. "Sunscreen prevents spots from developing, but it can also help prevent them from becoming darker," she says. Exfoliants such as glycolic acid and lactic acid can also help improve discoloration, as can ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, kojic acid, licorice root extract, azelaic acid and tranexamic acid.