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.
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.”
Dr. Shirazi also revealed that she typically uses a gentle hydrating cleanser in the morning and evening, but periodically will use an exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Next, she tones with Dermabright pads formulated with multiple plant-based skin-brightening ingredients and is “mixed freshly and customizable.”
“During the summer, I mix in Hydroquinone as my melasma tends to worsen,” she said.
What is vaginal estradiol?
Estradiol vaginal gels, creams, insert, and rings are used to treat changes in and around the vagina.
These can be vaginal dryness, itching, and burning caused by low estrogen levels or menopause.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Next in her skincare regimen, she uses illumiC serum formulated with 15% L-ascorbic acid + Ferrulic acid and follows it up with a water-based tinted SPF moisturizer, Hydratint BB SPF 44.
She stopped wearing foundation because it flared up her breakouts and these products gave her “adequate coverage” and a “filter-like appearance” that made her skin dewy and even.
“I will use a clear SPF powder throughout the day for reapplication and to soak up excess oil and moisture, but most importantly to protect my skin and keep my hyperpigmentation in check,” she said.
When you try to apply retinol right after moisturizing, it can’t get through as the moisturizer forms a barrier, the expert said.
“That’s why I find my technique of retinol staging to be effective in reducing irritation without compromising the effectiveness and results from retinol,” she explained.
ANTI-AGING ADVICE
Dr. Shirazi said the “most effective” anti-aging product is retinol after sunscreen.
She recommended a RoC hydrating cream with retinol and hyaluronic acid that was “moisturizing” and resulted in “smoother, firmer skin.”
She and her patients love it as well as the brand’s Multicorrexion Revive + Glow with 10% Vitamin C blend, which she suggested pairing in the morning as a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer.
Buy it now
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RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream, $20.78, Amazon
RoC Multicorrexion Revive + Glow with 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, Azi MD Skincare
Restore Moisturizer, $95, Azi MD Skincare
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.
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.