We’re back with another #DermsHolyGrail, this time featuring the lovely Dr. Afton Chavez, who is currently finishing up dermatology residency at Brown and will be heading off to do a Mohs fellowship at Harvard next year.
Don’t forget to check out all the other regimens that have been featured to get the inside scoop on what dermatologists actually use on their own skin.
Name: Dr. Afton Chavez
Practice setting and job title: Dermatology resident, PGY4 at Brown (soon-to-be Mohs surgery fellow at Harvard (Lahey)
Fitzpatrick skin type: 2
Oily vs. Dry vs. Combination skin: Combination
AM Regimen:
Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. To me, it’s important to go for a gentle moisturizing cleanser since other products in the regimen like retinoids/glyolics/sal acids can be drying. Also, saving money on this helps to put the $$ towards something that is actually staying on the face (not being washed off).
Extras (antioxidants, medicines, etc.): Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense
Sunscreen: La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen for Face, SPF 50…sometimes I just wear this without additional makeup since it’s tinted! Super light weight.
Foundation / Concealer: Bare Minerals Original SPF15 Foundation and Warmth All Over Face Color; I love the lightweight, natural look and it’s non-comedogenic, so won’t cause acne
PM Regimen:
Makeup remover: Simple Micellar Water
Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Toner: I don’t use toner! I think the other steps are more important, so I focus on those
Serum: Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum by La Roche Posay; it contains madecassoside, which is an antioxidant from the plant extract Centell asiatica, vitamin B5 (panthenol) for moisturizing and repair, and hyaluronic acid, which is the same component naturally present in the skin that draws in moisturize, and is a constituent of certain fillers.
Extras (antioxidants, medicines, etc.): I alternate Differin Adapalene 0.1% gel every other night with prescription tretinoin 0.1% cream. Since adapalene is lipophilic, it penetrates pores better, which may make it a bit better for treating acne (I have acne-prone skin). I like the stronger concentration of tretinoin for the anti-aging effects, but it’s too drying/irritating for me with nightly use, so alternating it with a gentler retinoid helps minimize side effects.
Moisturizer or Night Cream: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Eye cream: I actually don’t use one! I find that the hyaluronic acid serum followed by moisturizing cream does the trick for hydrating and plumping the skin under eyes to reduce fine wrinkles
#1 Favorite Can’t-Live-Without Skincare Product: My retinoids (above). They treat acne, AND reduce fine wrinkles and brown spots. #win
Anything else you want me to add: Healthy skin goes beyond what you put on your face externally. I’m all about eating a plant-based diet, regular exercise, sleep, hydration, adventure, and a smile to radiate the true “glow” 🙂
Thank you Dr. Chavez for sharing your skincare secrets with us! Follow her on Instagram @thatdermlife.
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