Q&A with Dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD FAAD

Q&A with Dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD FAAD

We sat down with Dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD FAAD, to discuss some frequently asked skincare questions and to get some great skin tips and tricks!

1. Do you have a certain ingredient that you recommend to everyone regardless of skin type?
The product I recommend to every single person is sunscreen! But a close second is an anti-aging product containing a retinoid or bakuchiol.

2. How do I know if my skincare routine is working?
When your skincare routine is working, your skin should feel comfortable and hydrated. You should not have dry or oily areas and you should not be experiencing breakouts.

3. What is the difference between dehydrated and dry skin?
Dry skin results from the decreased production of sebum and lipids typically found in the skin that help hold in moisture. Conversely, dehydrated skin simply lacks moisture. Dry skin is flaky and rough and may be itchy or painful to touch. The tendency to have dry skin may be genetic. Dehydrated skin is caused by weather, pollution and diet factors. Dehydrated skin feels tight and is often red. Think of dry skin as a skin type and dehydrated skin as a condition.

4. How often should I see a dermatologist?

Every adult should get a full body skin exam yearly! Most of us have had a sunburn, a tan or used tanning beds. Each of these puts us at increased risk of developing skin cancer.

5. How is skin affected by changing seasons and weather?
Lack of humidity in the air makes the skin prone to dehydration. Drier climates may make conditions like eczema and psoriasis worse. Hot, humid climates increase sweating and may contribute to acne breakouts and folliculitis. Change of season can trigger a flare of many conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne and seborrheic dermatitis to name a few. Overcast days lend themselves to sunburns as we may forget to find shade.

6. What can I incorporate into my diet to help my skin?
This is a loaded question. So many things in our diets affect the skin!
If you are experiencing breakouts, minimizing dairy overall and avoiding skim milk in particular may help. I also tell my acne patients to cut whey from their diet as it is a milk protein that may contribute to acne. If you are really struggling to control your acne, trials of minimizing meat or cutting out gluten may allow you to determine if those ingredients are contributing to your breakouts.
Eating a diet rich in colorful vegetables and thus high in antioxidants, allows your skin to better handle oxidative stress induced by chronic UV exposure and pollution. It is this oxidative stress that leads to collagen degradation and wrinkles.
Avoiding sugar is also key for avoiding wrinkles because sugar leads to collagen destruction.

www.brookejeffymd.com
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Dr. Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist based in Phoenix, AZ and originally from Louisville, KY. She practices medical dermatology at Spectrum Dermatology. Dr. Jeffy believes the skin is a reflection of overall health and is passionate about educating her patients, not just treating them. Her favorite condition to treat is acne in all ages and she loves teaching tweens how to care for their skin.

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