Skin Care Answers for Spring

We talked with our Wellness Advisory panel to see what they had to say about their tips for skin care. From sunscreen to adult acne, these tips can help keep your skin protected and nourished all season long.

What is the single most important skin care product a woman should have and why? 

• "Sunscreen! Next, if you are over 40, a retinol of some sort." -Deborah Tuggle, clinical nurse specialist at Norton Healthcare
• "Retin-A or a similar retinol. Other than sunscreen, Retin-A is the single best product that a woman could use. It literally can reverse many signs of aging. It's been around a long time. There are many over-the-counter products that have retinols in them but in my opinion, good old generic Retin-A (tretinoin) works better than anything OTC." -Sean Maquire, M.D., Plastic Surgeon, Physician's Center for Beauty
• "Sunscreen of course, but I am really a fan of the daily facial moisturizers with good sunscreen for men and women.  Will keep your skin hydrated and protected from UV damage." -Tamella Cassis, M.D., Cassis Dermatology and Aesthetics Center

What sunscreen brand(s) do you recommend people use on their skin? 

• "I prefer Philosophy HOPE oil- free cream.  It provides a slight tint of coverage while protecting your skin.  I love that it absorbs quickly and provides a moisture while preventing sun damage." -Gretchen Houchin, program director at Nazareth Home 
• "My favorite is Neutrogena but everyone is so different I would recommend trying a few to see which feels and works best for them." -Cheryl Scanlon, wellness manager - Health Promotion, University Hospital KentuckyOne Health
• "Obagi SunShield Broad spectrum spf 50. As we now know, anything above about spf 50 is pure marketing. There is little benefit above that level. The most important thing to remember about sunscreen is that you have to use it to work! Frequent reapplication is important too." -Sean Maquire, M.D., Plastic Surgeon, Physician's Center for Beauty

Are there any natural/ at-home remedies you suggest or use for your skin? 

• "I like vitamin E skin oil at night over my retinol cream and two or three times a week, good old vaseline!" -Deborah Tuggle, clinical nurse specialist at Norton Healthcare
• "Tea tree oil." -Melissa Little, co-owner of Little Eatz
• "I love to use coconut oil on my skin, especially my face. It absorbs right in and is never greasy. It also provides a small amount of sun protection when used on a regular basis. It leaves my skin soft and glowing." -Rhonda Sigler, marketing manager

What is your go-to skin care product for Spring and Summer?

• "I love the Aveda toner and exfolliant." -Mary Haynes, CEO of Nazareth Home
• "Sunscreen, of course. Other than that, SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum is a great overall product for anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties." -Sean Maquire, M.D., Plastic Surgeon, Physician's Center for Beauty
• "I use either Neutragena or Oil of Olay moisturizer with an SPF of 50 to soften and protect my skin during the Spring and Summer." -Kristi Jedlicki, program director for St. John Center for Homeless Men 

What product(s) would you recommend for adult acne? 

• "To do a review of one's diet first and go from there." -Cheryl Scanlon, wellness manager - Health Promotion, University Hospital KentuckyOne Health
• "Adult acne is tricky. I don't believe that there is a one-size-fits-all answer here. Applying something topical doesn't really address what the real issue is. It could be due to hormonal changes as we get older or something going on in your gut. An imbalance in your intestinal flora and even low stomach acid can trigger acne or Rosacea in adult women." -Rhonda Sigler, marketing manager
• "Usually best to visit your dermatology office when you are having trouble.   Really need to make sure you have adult acne.... you might have contact dermatitis, rosacea, perioral dermatitis.  All treated very differently." -Tamella Cassis, M.D., Cassis Dermatology and Aesthetics Center