#DermsHolyGrail: Dr. Fatima’s Skincare Regimen

Name: Fatima Fahs

Practice setting and job title: Dermatology Resident. Detroit, MI

Fitzpatrick skin type: II/III

Oily vs. Dry vs. Combination skin: combo skin

AM Regimen:

With a toddler at home and little time to myself in the morning, my AM routine is quick but efficient. I never compromise on the first 3 steps and I think they are staples to any basic AM routine!

Cleanser: I always reach for a gentle cleanser in the morning because most of my exfoliation occurs at nighttime and I am careful not to irritate my skin. I usually rotate between neutrogena or cerave gentle cleansers.

Extras (antioxidants, medicines, etc.): My holy grail vitamin c serum is Phloretin CF by skinceuticals. I can definitely tell a difference when I’ve run out for a week and haven’t been using it! It helps keep my skin bright and boosts the efficacy of my sunscreen. A cheaper, drugstore option that I also love is Derm Intensives 10% Vitamin C Serum by L’Oreal Paris

Sunscreen: This is a non-negotiable step in my skincare. I never leave the house without sunscreen on and I have plenty to choose from based on the time of year, how my skin is feeling or if I’m wearing heavier makeup for an event. Here are some of my favorites include La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF, EltaMD UV Clear and Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. To reapply during the day, I use ColoreScience Brush On Sunscreen.

Foundation / Concealer: Since my time is limited in the morning, I typically reach for Purlisse BB Tinted Moist cream (shade medium) that I smear onto my face with my hands before I’m out the door. It gives me a smooth-even complexion and wears well all day at work!

PM Regimen:

Makeup remover: I always start by wiping off any makeup or residue off my face with a Neutrogena makeup remover facial cleansing towelette. If I have heavier makeup on, I will also follow this with a cleansing oil, lately I’ve been loving Dermalogica PreCleanse.

Cleanser: Again, I tend to stick with gentle cleansers. A few times a week, I might reach for an exfoliating cleanser, I love how gentle but effective Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant is.

Extras (antioxidants, medicines, etc.): When I’m not pregnant, I reach for a prescription strength retinoids three times a week to help with cell renewal, acne, complexion and anti-aging. In pregnancy, I tend to exfoliate a few times a week with Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel Pads, which are glycolic acid pads that help keep my skin bright and smooth and my pores tight!

Moisturizer or Night Cream: I love Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Cream for nighttime moisturizing. It is light enough to not clog my pores but potent enough to hydrate my skin. If my skin is feeling extra dry, I will apply a hydrating serum beforehand, like squalane oil or hyaluronic acid serum from The Ordinary.

Eye cream: I don’t generally use an eye cream, my friend Dr. Shari Marchbein taught me to use aquaphor ointment to my lids and lips and I absolutely love doing this in the winter months for extra moisture! If I’m feeling like my eyes are extra tired, I will reach for Neocutis Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream–a splurge, but definitely worth it.

#1 Favorite Can’t-Live-Without Skincare Product: Sunscreen!!!

Anything else you want me to add:

I typically don’t keep the exact same routine, as I’m constantly testing new products and trying new things. I will so though, I never compromise on applying a vitamin C serum and sunscreen every day and think these are absolute musts in a basic skincare routine!

To learn more about Dr. Fatima’s skincare regimen, her pregnancy skincare recs, and life as a dermatology resident – mom, check her out on Instagram @dermydoctor! Thank you for sharing your pearls with us!