Women's Health

Derm Diaries: 'I'm a Dermatologist With Hyperpigmentation From Acne Scars—Here's How I Treat It.'

Dermatologists prescribe products to their patients all day long, but have you ever wondered which ones they personally use? Welcome to Derm Diaries, a new series where dermatologists share their skin woes—and solutions—so you can steal secrets from their skincare routines.

Her family history of acne is what inspired Sapna Palep, MD, to become a derm in the first place. "I suffered from teenage acne, but as most women with hormonally driven acne, it got really bad in my twenties," says Dr. Palep, who founded Spring Street Dermatology. "I was on and off antibiotics for many years, then decided to do oral isotretinoin (accutane) which changed my life greatly in a positive way. It became more manageable."

While she's still on an oral medication—spironolactone—she now has a strict skincare regimen to help with the aftermath of acne. "I've been battling with my scarring and hyperpigmentation ever since, but no one would ever know it because of the strict regimen I keep," reveals Dr. Palep.

She exfoliates once a week.

"I also exfoliate weekly with Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash or NEOVA’s Serious Microderm Scrub. NEOVA is a physical exfoliant, and the glycolic wash is a chemical exfoliant. Exfoliating gives the face an instant glow by removing dead skin cells. It also allows your other products to penetrate more effectively into the skin. The best time to exfoliate is in the morning, because the skin renews itself overnight. In addition, exfoliating also prevents sweat, dirt, and bacteria from getting stuck under the skin. Just be careful, as over-exfoliating can sensitive your skin."

To read complete article: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a31261817/dermatologist-hyperpigmentation-skincare/