It's Christmas Day, December 25th, 2023, and if you're anything like me, you're at home, cherishing these moments with family on this wonderful day! This week on the blog, I'm excited to share a recap of my guest appearance on the 'More Than A Pretty Face' podcast with Dr. Azi. It was such a pleasure being interviewed by Dr. Azi, a fellow dermatologist based in La Jolla, CA.  We dive deep into what is pro-aging, skin cancer prevention and treatments, and the different ways to remove cysts and lipomas!

Here's a quick recap:

What is pro-aging?

Aging and gaining maturity are true gifts. "Pro-aging" is a newer idea that reframes aging in a positive light. Instead of fighting it, it's about being proactive and preventing issues as we grow older.Yes, things change with age and over time, but change is inevitable. I'm in my mid-40s, and this mindset is hitting home for me! 

While I want to look as good as I feel, I also know it's important not to place on my value and worth as a person on my physical attributes! It's like aiming for a balance between feeling great inside and looking good outside. 

What about skin cancers?

As a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, I witness the effects of sun damage on my patients daily! Sun damage builds up over time, so starting sun protection sooner than later is key. Using sunscreen and sun-protective clothing plays a major role. But for many, it can feel like they're starting too late, as if the damage is already done. What's the next step then? Well, even starting sun protection now can prevent early problems from becoming more serious issues like squamous cell carcinomas so it's never too late to start! There are treatments like chemotherapy creams that can remove sun damaged cells, and some methods like fractionated lasers and certain B-vitamins (like nicotinamide) can help too. Your board-certified dermatologist is a great person to talk to about more preventative measures based on your skin needs.

My top sunscreens

Choosing the ideal sunscreen for your face or body can be a bit tricky.  My advice? The best sunscreen is the one that feels good on your skin, but what works for one person might not work for another. I'm sharing my top picks, and guess what? Most of them are from the drugstore and reasonably priced! I also dive into sunscreen powders and how they pair with makeup. Relying solely on sunscreen in your makeup isn't something I'd recommend for complete sun protection.

My anti-aging routine

While I'm truly a minimalist when it comes to skincare, I do add a couple of extra steps in my routine. My anti-aging routine includes a vitamin C serum in the morning, sunscreen daily, and a vitamin A cream at night. I've actually been using a vitamin A cream since my teenage years for my acne. So that makes about 20 years of consistent use, and yep, it makes a difference! 

So, what about cysts and lipomas?

If you've ever watched Dr. Pimple Popper, you've seen how they can get pretty big and even burst—yikes! But don't worry, a dermatologist can remove them safely. My advice? If they're getting bigger, causing problems, or bothering you, I usually suggest getting them treated. But if they're not causing any issues, you can simply leave them be.

It was such a pleasure to be featured on Dr. Azi's amazing podcast, 'More Than A Pretty Face!' For the full interview, be sure to check out her podcast here:

https://morethanaprettyface.libsyn.com

Find Dr. Azi here: 

Instagram @morethanaprettyfacepodcast

YouTube @skinbydrazi

TikTok @skinbydrazi

A new podcast episode drops every Monday!