Hey Dolls! I don’t know about you, but the weather on the “right coast” has been awful. Bitter cold one day, 70 degrees the next, torrential rain, ice, and all of a sudden the sun peeks out and smiles. The daily changes have wreaked havoc on my skin. I recently had a facial at the fabulous Four Seasons Spa, and the aesthetician shared that my normally oily skin was extremely dry; most likely attributable to the weather. I’m sure that I’m not to only Doll battling skin challenges this time of year. In an effort to get answers, I asked my dear friend, Dr. Yolanda Holmes, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist and partner at Washington DC Dermatology, for expert advice on daily skincare, and how to protect our pretty faces during the winter months.  Peep the deeds below, get to know Dr. Holmes and read her advice on saving our skin. 

Tell me about your decision to become a dermatologist. Of all the specialities, why this one? I became a dermatologist because in high school I developed vitiligo on my left ear. I went to see a dermatologist where I lived, but did not fully understand the condition. I attended to college at Howard University; and at Howard University Hospital there was a Vitiligo Center. I went for treatments once a week for about a year and my vitiligo was cured, and thankfully has not returned. This experience influenced my decision to pursue a career in dermatology.

What are the basic of good skincare, regardless of age? The very basics of good skincare are simple – cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.

Does skincare change for women with more mature skin? Skin does change for women when they mature. The skin can typically become drier, and because of hormonal changes may suffer from acne breakouts. Aging skin loses its elasticity and is prone to lines and wrinkles.

Does skincare change for women of different ethnicities? Skincare is basically the same for all women. Women with dark skin rarely suffer from skin cancers, but the sun does age the skin. Darker skin is less prone to wrinkling but the sun can precipitate the development of dark spots.

Do some myth-busting for us. I’ve heard that women of color don’t need sunscreen. For once and for all, what’s the truth? Sunscreen is important for women of color. Skin cancer is very rare; however, I have seen a few cases. As we are evolve, I believe that we will become more alike, so it is important that we know the importance of sunscreen. The sun ages the skin and also induces the development of hyper pigmentation – dark spots.

Skincare doesn’t just apply to our face, what about our bodies; especially in this cold weather when we tend to get extremely dry? Daily moisturizing is important for our bodies, especially this time of year. The decrease in humidity in the air makes skin drier and prone to cracks and breaks in the skin. These openings in the skin are portals for infection. The skin also looks better if it is well moisturized. There are many really good skin care products at local drug stores, so cost should not be a factor.

What are your “go-to” holy grail products? What should every woman include in her skincare regimen? I believe that every woman should have a great moisturizer and sunscreen. Even if your skin is oily, it is important to use a moisturizer because oily skin will overcompensate with the production of more oil causing the skin to look shiny. I also encourage women beginning in their 30’s to start with an anti-aging product at bedtime. It is always easier to prevent then to correct. 😉

Finally, what about Retinoids, products like Retin A, to improve the skin’s appearance. They seem to be popular. Do they work? Retinoids are some to the best anti-aging products on the market. You can buy over the counter products with retinol or prescription products like Retin A. They work by improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also even the tone of the skin.

Thanks Dr. Holmes! Next time let’s chat about the popularity of skin enhancements.

Peep Best Products 2017 Best Skincare Essentials to jump-start your winter regimen.

Farmaesthetics Winter Greens Herbal Hydrating Complex, Warming Oil, Vapor Bath Elixir, and Snow + Cedar Organic Bath and Beauty Bar

InstaNatural Moroccan Rose Water

SheaTerra Wild Sage + Cinnamon Wild Hand and Bath Bar

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme Mask

Caudalie Resveratrol [Lift]

Dr. Brandt Magnetight Age-Defier

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum

Farmaesthetics Eyebright Eye Makeup Remover & Treatment Oil

Savannah Bee Royal Jelly Body Butter – Chamomile and Myrrh

Kale + Spinach Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Age Prevention Moisturizing Cream

Meet Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes
A board certified dermatologist, Dr. Holmes received her bachelor’s of science degree in Human Development, as well as her graduate degree from Howard University. She continued her studies to later earn her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After completing an internship focused on Internal Medicine at the Washington Hospital Center, Dr. Holmes then completed her Dermatology residency and was a research fellow at the Department of Dermatology at Howard University.

With a successful medical practice that specializes in excellent skin health of all persons of color, Dr. Holmes has continued to lead the way in her cosmetic anti-aging techniques for non-surgical facial correction, enhancement and rejuvenation. With over 12 years in practice, Dr. Yolanda Holmes is loved by many as a caring, helpful and knowledgable physician who goes the extra mile for her patients, friends and family. An asset to the community, she continually donates many of her services to the elderly, military and indigent. Moving forward, Dr. Holmes looks at the years to come being involved as a leader in innovative medical care.

*Member of the National Medical Association
*The Washington DC Dermatology Society
*The American Academy of Dermatology

What are your holy grail winter skincare products?

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

TPD