Our Skin Diary series dives into the skincare routines and products of our Apostrophe team (and hopefully beyond!). For this entry you’re hearing from our Medical Director, Dr. Aimee Paik! As a dermatologist and the head of our medical team, she knows all the secrets to combating fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. Read on to find out which products she trusts to handle her own skin concerns (even derms get the occasional breakout)!

Age: 39

Skin type: Normal to dry

Skin concerns: Fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne

Lifestyle: I try to eat as healthy as possible focusing on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I also try to avoid processed foods. Even though I am a busy professional and mom of two young kids, I recently started working out regularly (five days a week with the help of workout dvd's... thank you, T25!). I find that exercising gives me energy, and I like how it makes me feel strong. Having a healthy lifestyle is important for your body in general and likely has skin benefits too.

Location/climate/environmental concerns: I live in Monterey, CA which is usually temperate and sunny.

My approach to skincare: Less is more. I tend to avoid things that are heavily scented or have unnecessary ingredients in order to avoid irritation. I also don't add unnecessary products to my skincare routine – I like to stick to what works for me!

AM

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($9) → A classic. Gently cleanses the skin without overstripping it.
2. La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin ($30) → I recently started using this and am really liking it. It is light, absorbs well into the skin, and is very hydrating. I also like that it is formulated for sensitive skin. I usually skip this step in the summer since my sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer, but in the winter I find that my skin needs this. my skin tends to get dryer so sometimes I need a rich moisturizer in the morning. During the summer I tend to skip this step.
3. Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 ($22) → I think this brand makes the best sunscreens. This absorbs very well into the skin, has no off-putting scent, and does not make me break out. Most importantly, this product has a high concentration of zinc oxide. Zinc oxide provides the best UVA protection, which are the UV rays that cause wrinkles and hyper pigmentation. This ingredient can often be pasty, but Elta MD sunscreen rubs into the skin easily and does not leave a whitish cast on my skin. I always rub this on my neck and chest as well.
4. Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($13) → I apply this on my lips to moisturize them and act as a skin protectant.

PM

1. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser ($9) → Gently cleanses the skin. A common complaint is that it doesn't remove make-up well, but I use a clean washcloth to gently dry my skin afterwards which removes any leftover residue.
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($13) → See above!
3. Apostrophe’s Tretinoin Formula ($75) → Not a surprise that I love Tretinoin Formula since I helped create it. It has a light moisturizing base, rubs easily into the skin, and has no unpleasant scent. Tretinoin prevents acne, fine lines and wrinkles, while niacinamide is helpful for hyperpigmentation and has some anti-aging benefits as well. These are the only skin care ingredients proven to really work and are significantly more effective than anything available OTC. It is safe to use life-long. During the summer time when my skin is not as dry, I will apply before my moisturizer.
4. La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin ($30) → Great moisturizer, per above.
5. La Roche Posay Toleriane Riche Cicaplast Baume B5 ($15) - A new product find for me, amazing for targeting dry skin spots quickly. It is fragrance-free, which means it has no added scent, not that it has no smell. The actual smell of the product is quite pleasant. It contains glycerin and panthenol, both great humectants that hydrate the skin.

Have a skin routine that is killing the game? Share your secrets with us by filling out our Skin Diary form! We’ll take care of the rest!