Another week, another #DermsHolyGrail, this time featuring Dr. Amelia Hausauer, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Northern California. Amelia is a friend of mine – we actually trained at NYU together, and she was my brilliant senior resident.
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: Amelia K. Hausauer MD FAAD
Practice setting and job title: Private practice, board certified and cosmetic fellowship trained dermatologist, Director of Dermatology and Minimally Invasive Aesthetics at AESTHETX in Silicon Valley, Ca
Skin type (oily, dry, combination, acne, sensitive, etc): Fitzpatrick skin type 2, sensitive and dry
AM Regimen:
Cleanser: water, I’m dry so I use a cleanser at night to remove dirt and makeup
Actives (antioxidants, medicines, etc.): antioxidants forever to protect DNA. Skinbetter science Altodefense is my go to because it blocks free radical damage from ultraviolet light, blue light from devices, infrared and pollution. It’s also got brighteners and is in a ceramide moisturizing base so does multi-duty. I then layer Alastin Restorative Skin Nectar which contains their hero peptide Tri-Hex that clears out old damaged and helps build new healthy collagen and elastic fibers. It also contains proteins that direct facial fat cells to store more lipid, so it’s plumping, which I especially need after wearing an N95 that squishes on my face all day long.
Sunscreen: I’m a dermatologist so I often wear two layered. Currently, flip flopping between Isdin Eryfotona Ageless if I want a tint or original if I don’t – it contains DNA repair enzymes, Skinbetter Science sunscreen sheer SPF stick, and EltaMD Replenish. They all have at least 10% zinc oxide as well as other ingredients so I know I’m getting broad spectrum coverage. Isdin makes a powder that is great for touch up during the day. And I keep trying to get my hands on a Bluestonesunshield face shield.
Makeup (Foundation/Concealer): Jan 2018 I decided to throw away all my makeup and try “cleaner” makeup only. I check the ingredients at the EPA skin deep database often. There have definitely some hits and misses, but I love Westman Atelier Vital Skin sticks because not only is it a great foundation/concealer but it also contain skin enhancing ingredients like squalene which helps preserve suppleness and moisturization.
PM Regimen:
Makeup remover: Drunk elephant Slaai melting butter but I’m really interested to try their new Micellar water
Cleanser: The above doubles as a cleanser usually
Toner: I don’t really believe in toner. 1-2 times per week I will use the Skinbetter science AlphaRet peel pads that contain their unique retinoid, lactic, salicylic and glycolic acid. They help with cleansing pores and clarifying skin but need to be careful since overuse can strip the skin of its natural hydration and cause irritation.
Serum: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex like above applied after my retinoid
Actives (antioxidants, medicines, etc.): I have sensitive, dry skin so Skinbetter Science AlphaRet is a hero product. I use it almost every night except for maybe twice per week when I try to use a prescription strength. See more details below
Moisturizer/Night Cream: I’m super dry so I often layer multiple at night morning. Love Drunk elephant LalaRetro Cream, Alastin Ultra Nourishing and for a splurge, Skinbetter Science Trio. Vanicream is great for the body, a cleanser product, and inexpensive. If I want to get frilly, I love Le prunier facial oil. It’s got high omegas from prunes harvested at a single organic farm in California and smells like marzipan.
Eye cream: After all the above, I don’t often use an eye cream.
#1 Favorite Skincare Product: this one is hard but I got to go with AlphaRet. It has been a game changer and the first new retinoid molecule in two decades. Doesn’t produce the same irritation of most prescription strength products but is much stronger than over the counter retinols; it performed as well as prescription tretintoin 0.025% in a short duration clinical trials. It’s revolutionary technology fuses an active vitamin A molecule, that does not need to be converted in the body like most retinols, to lactic acid which provides hydration. It also contains glycolic acid to loosen and polish off dead skin and provide additional anti-aging and radiance affects in its own right. It allows us dry folks to get that luminous glow and collagen boost without over drying. Oh and sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
Anything else you want me to add: I believe in science backed skincare regimens. Clean doesn’t always mean safer. It’s got to work but be thoughtful, so high yield, quality ingredients are what I love.
Thank you Dr. Hausauer for sharing your skincare secrets with us! Follow her on Instagram @drdonnatran!
- For anyone interested in skinbetter science products: You can only purchase this through a certified retailer, which is through a healthcare professional’s office. If you have questions about how to purchase this, you can leave a comment below or DM me on my social media accounts.
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