Skin Health Essentials

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.

This week I sat down with my daughter, Kelli Rogers, LE, to dive into the essentials of skin health—how you can both feel great and look your best. We talked about the importance of daily skincare routines, the impact of lifestyle factors like hormones, diet, and sleep on your complexion, and which products and procedures really make a difference—whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your regimen. With fall right around the corner and summer sun damage in the rearview, now’s the time to focus on both protecting your skin and reversing any harm.

We touched on the basics—cleansing, vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night, and moisturization—and why men especially shouldn’t overlook these simple steps. We also discussed how advances in products like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and specialized creams can address issues like dryness, crepey skin, and loss of facial volume from rapid weight loss (such as with GLP-1 medications). Beyond topicals, we reviewed the role of treatments like microneedling and Ultherapy for tightening, as well as the critical importance of internal health: hormone balance, proper nutrition, and cutting down on inflammation. It’s a holistic approach—true anti-aging, inside and out.

PODCAST NOTES

• Skin is not just your body’s largest organ, but also the most visible marker of overall health. It requires routine care, vigilance, and protection. We discussed the importance of regular skin cancer screenings; skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer, and early evaluation by a medical provider is key, especially after increased summer sun exposure.

• A truly effective skincare routine starts with the basics: cleanse gently with a sensitive skin cleanser, use a vitamin C serum first thing in the morning to shield your skin from environmental damage and reduce pigmentation, then use a retinol or Retin-A product at night to promote cellular turnover. Always finish with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Each of these steps plays a specific role in keeping skin strong, youthful, and resilient.

• The order in which you apply products really matters. Apply thinner serums before thicker creams to maximize absorption, and always layer your products to create a barrier that holds moisture where it’s most needed. This “thin to thick” principle is a small change that can pay big dividends in your results.

• Sun protection cannot be stressed enough—not just in the summer, but every single day, even indoors or at your computer. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these provide a physical barrier without the controversy of chemical filters. If you’re concerned about a white cast, look for modern tinted or sheer formulas that blend with your skin tone.

• Lifestyle plays a foundational role in the appearance of your skin. Balanced hormones, a nutrient-rich diet, and proper sleep all impact your skin’s health. No matter what products or procedures you use, without addressing these basics first, your results won’t be optimal. Everything starts on the inside.

• For those dealing with signs of aging—especially dryness and “crepey” texture—consider adding products rich in peptides and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, found in some fillers and also available topically, pulls moisture into the skin, plumping up fine lines and preventing a crepey look. The delicate skin of the neck, even thinner than your eyelids, benefits from targeted treatments and creams with collagen-boosting ingredients such as collagen 7.

• With the increased use of GLP-1 medications and other rapid weight loss interventions, many people are noticing a hollowness or sagging in the face. Products like VOL.U.LIFT by Image Skincare help maintain facial volume, while in-office procedures like microneedling and Ultherapy physically lift and tighten the skin. Body creams and collagen stimulators can also help address loose skin elsewhere.

• Never underestimate the transformative power of bioidentical hormone therapy, especially for women in menopause. Adequate estrogen supports skin thickness and elasticity, making all of your aesthetic treatments work better and keeping you healthier overall. Bioidentical hormones do not increase breast cancer risk and actually have protective benefits for the heart, bones, and brain. This is a powerful, often-missed component of skin and whole-body health.

Ultimately, good skin health is about more than just what you put on your face. It’s an ongoing commitment that involves daily habits, smart product choices, and a willingness to address the bigger picture of your well-being. 

Taking time each day for basic care—cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sun protection—adds up in the long run. Don’t overlook how much your diet, sleep, and hormone balance affect your skin, and remember that it’s never too late to start making positive changes. 

Celebrate your progress, be patient with yourself, and consider reaching out to a professional if you’re unsure where to begin or want to take your skin health further. Empower yourself with the knowledge that your efforts today are an investment in your long-term vitality, confidence, and overall health.

Till next week. 

Stay educated. Stay healthy.