2021 Skincare Trends and Tips: A conversation with Dr. Marisa Garshick

2021 Skincare Trends and Tips: A conversation with Dr. Marisa Garshick

We sat down again with Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS in New York and Brand Ambassador for Romer to talk about skincare in 2021: trends, skin concerns, ingredients insights and tips! Check out our discussion below.

What are some big skincare trends that you are seeing for 2021?

With people spending more time at home, they are more focused on their skin and skincare routine and also paying more attention to what they are putting on their skin and the ingredients that make up their skincare products. Many people are looking for effective options and consumers are spending time researching key ingredients to look for in products. Some trends we are seeing include ingredient-focused skin care. A lot of people are seeking out certain key ingredients such as bakuchiol, niacinamide or CBD to incorporate into their routine, which have become especially popular in the past year and will continue to be recognized in the coming year. Bakuchiol has been thought as a retinol alternative, especially for those with sensitive skin, helping with antiaging and skin cell turnover. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is becoming increasingly recognized for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.

With this, people are also trying to simplify their routines, recognizing sometimes less is more when it comes to skincare and you don’t necessarily need a lot of products to maintain good skin health. Romer Skincare makes this easy for people as it already has a built-in routine with a cleanser, treatment and moisturizer.

Another trend we are seeing is more men focused on skincare routines and products. What is great about Romer is that it can be easily used by both men and women.

What have been the most common recent skin concerns? And what are tips to address these concerns? 

In the setting of the current pandemic, we continue to see a lot of mask-related skin issues, include acne, now known as a maskne, worsening rosacea, perioral dermatitis or contact dermatitis. These skin related issues that occur with wearing masks all generally relate to the friction and occlusive nature of the mask, which can lead to irritation and leave the skin more susceptible to inflammation and breakouts.  Acne that we are seeing related to masks are similar to a type of acne that can also be seen in athletes known as acne mechanica which refers to a type of acne that can occur from friction or occlusion related to helmets or other equipment. When we wear face masks, it leads to occlusion of the skin and the increased moisture that builds up under the mask can lead to clogged pores and worsen breakouts. It is important to also note that many people are noticing an increase in stress-related breakouts as well which can contribute to the acne we’re seeing.  Masks can also lead to red, irritated patches, also known as dermatitis, which can simply be from contact with the skin and friction between the mask and the skin or related to an allergy or sensitivity to the materials comprising the mask itself, such as the fabric or metals.

For mask-related concerns, specifically such as maskne, it is important to continue with a gentle skincare routine including use of a gentle cleanser, moisturizer as well as incorporating certain anti-acne ingredients. That said, because the mask creates an occlusive environment, it is important to not use too many new active ingredients or harsh ingredients at the same time, as the skin can trigger some irritation of the skin. For those with skin sensitivity, it is best to wear cotton, lightweight breathable masks and perhaps among the most important for those susceptible to breakouts is to make sure you wash your masks regularly or opt for disposable masks. For someone who is experiencing red, patchy skin which may be a result of irritation or allergy to the mask materials, it may be helpful to use a thicker moisturizing cream or ointment or in some instances, a cortisone cream. If you are experiencing any changes in your skin, it is best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best treatment options.

Another common issue we are seeing recently is hand dermatitis in the setting of increased hand washing or sanitizing, especially now that the weather is getting cooler.

Winter is coming – how can we keep our skin from drying out in the cold winter months?

Dryness of the skin is a common concern in the winter. In general, it is best to use gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oil and will help to calm the skin while restoring moisture. Additionally, it is best to use moisturizers that will help to hydrate the skin as well as support the skin barrier. I recommend my patients who are dealing with dry skin take a short shower, only once a day, making sure the water is not too hot and I advise them to gently pat themselves dry and then apply a thicker moisturizing cream or ointment to seal in the moisture.

Romer Cleanse is a nourishing gel-oil cleanser which is a great option for these winter months as it helps to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It also incorporates Manuka Honey, a powerful humectant, to help draw in moisture. A key step in a skincare routine, especially in the winter months, is adequate moisturizing. Romer Moisturize is formulated with both shea butter and hyaluronic acid that help to hydrate and soothe the skin as well as antioxidant-rich seed oils to help protect against free radical damage. Those with dry or sensitive skin should look for products that are fragrance-free to avoid irritating the skin.

What are some great ingredients to look out for when looking to revive dull skin?

To help improve dull skin, it is important to exfoliate to help get rid of dead skin cells which can be done through the use of gentle exfoliation. Additionally, using a retinol or retinol-alternative which is especially great for those with sensitive skin, such as bakuchiol, as found in ROMER treat, can help regulate skin cell turnover, improving skin’s texture and tone. When trying to revive dull skin, it is especially important to hydrate and nourish the skin with soothing ingredients. For example, also included in ROMER treat is a combination of squalane, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to deeply hydrate the skin, given a refreshed and radiant glow to the skin.

Can you share insight on Romer’s ingredients and why they stand out among other skincare products?

Bakuchiol – Derived from the Ayurvedic Babchi plant, this retinol-alternative is a great option for those looking to improve skin tone and texture as it helps to regulate skin cell turnover. It is especially good for those who are unable to tolerate retinoids and those with sensitive skin.

Niacinamide – This ingredient, which is now popping up in many skincare products, is an oldie but goodie in the sense that it has recently been recognized for its soothing and antiinflammatory properties. Additionally, it can help to support the barrier as well as brighten the skin and help with hyperpigmentation.

Hyaluronic acid – A key ingredient that can be used all year round, but especially important in the winter as it helps to draw in moisture and helps to restore hydration, which not only helps with dry skin but may make the skin appear more refreshed and radiant. This is found in ROMER moisturizer, but is also great that it is incorporated into ROMER treatment as it helps to prevent any sensitivity or irritation.

Squalane – This non-comedogenic oil is known to help improve hydration and helps to moisturize the skin without feeling too greasy, as it helps to mimic our natural sebum. It can also function as an antioxidant, so may provide antiaging benefits as well.

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