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As winter arrives and the days get shorter, we need to talk about sunscreen. I love skincare and dream of being a dermatologist, so I dug into why sunscreen matters all year. Let's break down why sunscreen is crucial, even when it's not sunny outside. UV Rays 101: UV rays are the sunlight that can harm our skin. UVB rays cause sunburn, but glass blocks most of them. Sneaky UVA rays, though, easily get through windows, leading to skin issues. Surprisingly, 75% of these aging rays can pass through windows. No matter the season, this emphasizes the critical importance of integrating sunscreen into our daily routine, regardless of the season. Blue Light Blues: Screens are all around us nowadays. Screens emit blue light, and being on them a lot can age our skin and cause other problems. Prolonged exposure to this light accelerates premature aging, stimulates melanin production, and may lead to pigmentation irregularities. Sunscreen acts like a shield against this digital harm, protecting us from the effects of constant screen time. Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen: In a recent shadowing experience with a local dermatologist, the mineral vs. chemical sunscreen debate came to light. Mineral formulations, enriched with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, create a physical barrier against UV and blue light without compromising pore integrity. Despite my positive experience with a chemical sunscreen (La Roche Posay Double Repair), considering the potential long-term health implications associated with chemical formulations, especially for those with sensitive skin, I might make a switch to mineral alternatives. It's always fascinating how evolving knowledge can reshape our skincare choices. Sensitive Skin Alert: Certain skincare products can heighten the skin's vulnerability to sun damage. Notably, the use of retinol, a common anti-aging ingredient, can thin the outer layer of the skin, increasing sun sensitivity and the risk of sunburn. So, it's essential to plan our skincare routines and always include sunscreen. Sunscreen as a Skin Friend: Forget the idea that sunscreen is thick and goopy. Modern sunscreens are infused with high-quality, skin-nourishing ingredients, offering hydration and protection in tandem. The evolution of sunscreen from a mere shield to a holistic skincare component underscores its significance in maintaining skin health. In the skincare world, sunscreen isn't just for sunny days. Whether it's winter or we're indoors, sunscreen is like a best friend for our skin. Use it every day, not just as a precaution, but as a key part of keeping your skin strong, glowing, and healthy for the long run.

Congratulations are in order! Not only are you making strides in your medical school journey, but you're also embarking on the exciting adventure of planning your dream wedding. Balancing medical school demands with wedding preparations can be overwhelming, especially for someone as organized as you. However, fear not, because with the right strategies, you can successfully navigate this challenging yet joyous time. I am currently OMS-2 who is in the midst of plan a wedding while in medical school and figured I could share some valuable insights and practical tips that will help you achieve the wedding of your dreams without compromising your studies or your sanity. 1. Utilize the Summer Break: The summer before your OMS-2 year can be a game-changer. It provides you with a precious window of opportunity to tackle significant wedding preparations. During this time, take advantage of your mental break from school to focus on wedding-related tasks. Having already secured essential wedding elements like the venue and entertainment by this point, you can delve into the finer details such as the color scheme, flower arrangements, and other personalized touches. Consider using this time to shop for your wedding dress, thereby eliminating the need to travel during the school year. 2. Create a Mood Board: As a meticulous planner, you likely have multiple visions for your big day. Organize your thoughts and ideas by creating a mood board that captures your wedding concepts. This visual representation allows you to explore different themes, color palettes, and arrangements for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Importantly, include estimated costs for each idea to align with your budget. This approach empowers you to make informed decisions while maintaining your signature organization. 3. Delegate and Collaborate: Your type A (medical school) personality might have you inclined to handle everything yourself, but trust us when we say that delegation is your friend. Enlist the help of enthusiastic family members, friends, or even bridesmaids who are eager to contribute. Assign tasks such as vendor research, brainstorming ideas, or other logistical responsibilities. By sharing the load, you free up valuable time and energy to focus on more critical decisions, ultimately reducing stress levels. 4. Embrace Open Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and wedding planning is no exception. With multiple stressors at play – med school, wedding planning, budget management – maintaining open lines of communication becomes vital. Engage in honest conversations with your partner, family, and wedding party about expectations, preferences, and any concerns that arise. While these discussions may be uncomfortable at times, they foster a collaborative environment and prevent misunderstandings down the line. 5. It's Your Day: Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love story. While well-intentioned friends and family might offer opinions, ultimately, the decisions rest with you and your fiancé. Embrace the mantra that this is your day and stay true to your vision. The path to planning a wedding while in the midst of medical school may seem like a daunting one, but with the right strategies, your journey can also be incredibly fulfilling. Just remember, you're no stranger to handling stress – you've already tackled the demands of med school! By combining pre-planning, meticulous organization, smart delegation, open communication, and a healthy dose of self-confidence, you can absolutely achieve the wedding of your dreams without compromising your aspirations in medical education. As I continue to navigate my own wedding planning journey, I'm confident that I'll stumble upon more valuable tips along the way. So, fellow medical students and soon-to-be-newlyweds, keep taking those deep breaths and face each challenge with the same determination you bring to your studies. Remember, the finish line is always within reach, both in your medical education and in planning your perfect wedding day. You've got this!

If you're a skincare enthusiast or someone who loves a radiant, dewy complexion, chances are you've come across the buzz surrounding the L'Oreal Lumi Glotion. This product has been making waves in the beauty community, promising a luminous glow and lightweight feel. Curious about its effects on sensitive skin and its dermatologist approval, I delved into the realm of reviews and research to uncover the truth behind the hype. The Glotion Craze: A Closer Look Introduced as a revolutionary product by L'Oreal, the Lumi Glotion is a radiant enhancer that aims to give your skin a natural luminosity and youthful radiance. Many reviewers have praised its ability to provide a subtle, lit-from-within glow that elevates your makeup game or can be worn alone for a fresh, no-makeup look. The product is designed to be lightweight and easy to apply, making it a versatile addition to any beauty routine. Sensitive Skin Savior? For those of us with sensitive skin, finding the right products can feel like a daunting task. The fear of irritation, breakouts, or redness can often overshadow the excitement of trying something new. Fortunately, the Lumi Glotion appears to be a promising option. The product's lightweight formula is often lauded by individuals with sensitive skin, as it seems to provide a healthy glow without causing major issues. This could be attributed to its non-comedogenic properties, which means it's less likely to clog pores and lead to breakouts. The Dermatologist's Verdict As conscientious consumers, it's natural to wonder whether a product has been given the green light by dermatologists. This is where a quick Google search comes into play. Numerous beauty forums and articles suggest that the Lumi Glotion is generally well-tolerated and approved by dermatologists. However, to make an informed decision, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific skin needs. Real Experiences: A Personal Touch I recently had my own encounter with the L'Oreal Lumi Glotion, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Having experienced sensitivity issues with certain products in the past, I was cautious about trying something new. However, my worries were put to rest as I applied the Glotion and felt its feather-light texture glide onto my skin. The subtle radiance it provided made my complexion look naturally dewy and refreshed, boosting my confidence even on makeup-free days. My positive experience aligns with the sentiments of many others who have incorporated the Glotion into their routines. While personal experiences can vary, the general consensus seems to be that this product is indeed a hit, especially for those of us with sensitive skin. Conclusion: Glowing Reviews for Glotion In the world of beauty and skincare, finding a product that lives up to its promises is a true victory. The L'Oreal Lumi Glotion appears to be one such gem, offering a lightweight, glowing formula that caters to sensitive skin needs. While its dermatologist approval seems promising based on online discussions, it's always wise to seek personalized advice. So, if you're on the hunt for a product that imparts a radiant glow while being gentle on your sensitive skin, the Lumi Glotion might just be the answer you've been looking for. As my own experience has shown, sometimes taking that leap of faith into the world of beauty can lead to a truly luminous outcome.

Introduction In the vast and ever-evolving world of skincare, finding the perfect cleanser can feel like a daunting task. With a myriad of options promising stunning results, it's easy to get swept up in the allure of innovative products without considering our skin's unique needs. My recent personal journey led me down an unexpected path, underscoring the importance of understanding my skin type and its specific requirements when choosing cleansing products. Embracing the Foam Not too long ago, I embarked on a new skincare adventure, bidding adieu to my tried-and-true gel cleanser in favor of a foaming counterpart. The initial allure was undeniable – the foam cleanser seemed to work magic, effortlessly whisking away makeup and impurities. The luxurious lather and invigorating sensation left me feeling revitalized and ready to face the world. Little did I know, this switch would pave the way for a revelation. The Deceptive Allure It didn't take long for me to fall under the spell of the foaming cleanser's apparent effectiveness. The frothy bubbles and the delightful sensation of squeaky-clean skin were convincing proof of its prowess. Months into my foamy affair, however, the mirror revealed a different story – my once-smooth complexion was gradually giving way to an uneven, textured terrain. Unraveling the Mystery: Skin Sensitivity Determined to decipher this unexpected twist, I embarked on a quest for answers within the realm of skincare research. The truth I unearthed was a pivotal revelation: the compatibility between a cleanser and one's skin type is non-negotiable. In my case, two crucial factors emerged, highlighting the unsuitability of foam cleansers for my skin: The Absence of Natural Oiliness: While foam cleansers excel at combatting excess oil, my skin leaned towards the drier side of the spectrum. The intensive cleansing action of the foam was mercilessly stripping away essential moisture, compromising my skin's protective barrier and leaving it vulnerable. Sensitive Skin Speaks: Sensitive skin is a delicate canvas that demands tender care and minimal disruption. Regrettably, the potent cleansing properties of the foam were overwhelming for my skin's sensitive nature, culminating in heightened redness, irritation, and a visibly coarser texture. Lessons Imprinted My skincare escapade served as an invaluable reminder that experimentation must always go hand in hand with informed decision-making. While exploring new products is an exciting prospect, true success lies in comprehending your unique skin identity and its distinct requirements. What may be a game-changer for one person might not necessarily yield the same results for another. As my journey takes me back to my gel cleanser, I'm reminded that authentic skincare triumphs emerge not from fleeting trends or persuasive marketing, but from a considerate, personalized approach. This experience has etched into my skincare ethos the significance of embracing change cautiously and researching extensively before embracing a new product. The allure of foam and its perceived efficacy can be captivating, yet the tale of my skin's evolution reinforces the importance of matching products to individual skin types. As I reintegrate my gentle gel cleanser into my daily routine, I do so with a renewed appreciation for the interplay between products and skin – a dance that, when orchestrated thoughtfully, results in radiant and harmonious skin health.

I was recently approached by one of my fellow classmates about skin care recommendations for men. It was a great question! I didn't know any off the top of my head, but innocently assumed that good skin care products should work well on all types of skin, regardless of gender. I decided to do a little research to see if there was a significant difference between male (DMAB = designated male at birth) and female (DFAB = designated female at birth) skin and if there was anything you could do to tweak your skin care routine (and still be manly ;)). Here is what I found: 1. Male skin is ~20% thicker than female skin. This is a good and a bad thing. Due to the thicker skin, there is more collagen which prevents the formation of wrinkles! This is why men often get wrinkles later than women. The downside is that when the wrinkles appear, they are much deeper compared to women. potential adjustments to make: use retinol serum at night = decrease size of wrinkles use hydrating serums + literally hydrate (drink more water) = prevents exaggeration of wrinkles 2. Testosterone makes male skin more active + have larger sweat glands = more oily (consequently less prone to dry skin) potential adjustments to make: use lighter, less oily, or even oil-free moisturizers cleanse 2 times a day ditch your "shower bar of soap" + instead use a hydrating cleanser on your face 3. Male skin is more prone to acne due to being more oily potential adjustments to make: use exfoliative cleanser that have acne fighting ingredients like salicylic acid + benzoyl peroxide 4. Shaving increases your skin's sensitivity + can potentially damage it potential adjustments to make: exfoliate before shaving = reduces risk of razor burn avoid alcohol based aftershaves rinse your face with cold water afterwards = reduces redness apply moisturizer after shaving In addition to some research, I wanted to look up some Dermatology-Recommended Brands that are directed specifically towards men: Clinique For Men Lumin Disco As a reminder, it is almost always better to use fragrance free products on your skin, so instead of using soaps to make you smell manly, use good skin care products, and then apply cologne afterwards to attract the ladies! In the end, my recommendation is to ditch the "shower bar of soap" skin care routine and implement these recommended changes to make your (or your S.O.'s) skin healthier and clearer! Still, in the end, gender aside, everyone's skin is so different and to get YOUR best skin, you first need to figure out what type of kind of skin you have. Remember that taking good care of your skin isn't just for women, but men can do it too! The ladies love clear skin! Til next time! Student Dr. Paige Daly

Welcome all! I am excited to write my first blog about skin care! The reason why I have begun this blog is because I am passionate about improving my own skin care and this can hopefully improves others, while also on a budget. Everyone's skin is different, but what I have found out about my facial skin is that it is naturally dry, tight, and gets flushed and hot very easily. Most, if not all, days I like a very simplified makeup routine, but just enough to cover up my naturally rosy cheeks. Through a consistent, hydrating skin care routine, I have been able to be more comfortable in my natural skin. I hope you find something new in my skin care routine that you could try and incorporate into your routine. One fun fact that I recently learned that I have most recently added into my daily routine is adding some of these products onto the back of my hands because it is one of the first locations where "age" can be seen (in addition to face & neck). Enjoy! AM: Wash with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser & cold water & pat dry - helps remove excess oil, makeup, sweat, dead skin cells Apply CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C serum - help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, & improve the appearance of wrinkles & dark spots Apply La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense serum - hydrates & soothes skin to decrease redness Apply Neutrogena Hydro-boost Niacinamide serum - improves skin hydration (new FAV!) Apply CeraVe Eye Repair cream with ring finger - minimize the look of wrinkles, dark circles, & puffiness Apply CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen - has 30 SPF! PM: Wash with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser & cold water & pat dry Apply CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol serum - increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines Apply La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense serum Apply Neutrogena Hydro-boost Niacinamide serum Apply CeraVe Skin Renewing Night cream - rejuvenate skin while you sleep! Apply CeraVe Eye Repair cream with ring finger Lightly use Gua sha - improve facial lymphatic flow Til next time! Student Dr. Paige Daly

Matcha Lattes have become very trendy, and I have joined the bandwagon! I first got into matcha tea lattes via Starbucks because everything tastes better at Starbucks! One of the immediate differences I felt with drinking matcha instead of coffee or cold brew was a sustained energy rather than the fluctuating ups and downs of the coffee caffeine high. Because of this, I have switched to my first drink of the day to be homemade iced matcha tea lattes instead of coffee and if I need a little extra boost of energy in the slump of the afternoon, that is when I will pour myself a glass of cold brew. By doing this I also cut down on the extra sugars and calories Starbucks adds into their delicious drinks. My current Iced Matcha Tea Latte concoction: Superfoods Matcha Green Tea Powder Oat milk Lots and lots of ice Now the real question: Matcha is good for the taste buds, but is it good for the skin? IT IS! Matcha green tea powder helps the skin in numerous ways. Not only fight aging, but skin cancer, acne and clears blemishes. How does it do this? 1. Anti-Aging: Matcha contains MANY antioxidants which are good for fighting the everyday stresses (free radicals) we experience in life (bad foods, UV rays). Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals to prevent them from damaging tissues in the body, like skin cells. By neutralizing free radicals, matcha is preventing premature aging or wrinkles, which is most seen on our faces, necks, and backs of the hands. 2. Skin Cancer Prevention: Matcha also contains what we call EGCG or Epigallocatechin Gallate. EGCG has many functions, some of which are repairing damaged DNA (from free radicals) and stimulates our immune system to remove cells that are damaged beyond repair. In other words, the EGCG is repairing the damage that occurred when that the antioxidants could not neutralize it. 3. Clears Acne & Blemishes: Finally, Matcha helps our skin by decreasing inflammation, sebum production (fatty acid that causes acne), and reduces acne related bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), all to decrease the likelihood of you triggering an acne outbreak. Matcha decreases inflammation due EGCG being a strong anti-inflammatory product. By decreasing the sebum production, this prevents dirt and other dead skin cells from getting trapped into our pores and causing acne. P. Acnes is a bacterium that is commonly found on the skin and is connected to acne outbreaks. When matcha is used on the skin, it has found to have an anti-bacterial effect and reduce acne outbreaks by 89%! Now does this mean I will be putting a matcha mask on every night? No. But do I feel more confident that matcha is benefiting my wellbeing and not just tasting good? Yes! I hope you find this interesting and maybe give an iced matcha tea latte a try! Til next time! Student Dr. Paige Daly

We all know consistency is key in everything we do, but how long does a good skincare routine take to really see the benefits? I know I have struggled with sticking it out with certain skin care products long enough to finally see results. Patience is hard sometimes (okay, maybe a lot). It hasn't been until recent when I not only have seen a difference in the smooth, texture of my skin, but can feel a difference! It is a very rewarding feeling, but it took some time to get here. Feeling my smoother than usual cheekbones made me question how long it typically takes to see results from a good skincare routine. Through some research, I found that depending on what product you are using, depends on how long it should take to see results. Obviously, this is not an end all, be all because everyone's skin is different, but here is what I found: Cleansers ~immediate - 30 days Cleansers are great if they are used every. single. day. I particularly like to use them in the AM and PM and found to get my best results doing that. Cleansers remove the dirt that has been built up on your face all day and then in the morning, remove the thick creams and oils you put on your face before bed. By doing this, cleansers give your skin a blank slate and be neither greasy nor dirty. Moisturizers ~immediate - 2 weeks Moisturizers are one of the quickest products to see its effects! Not a big shocker there! When you see your hands looking dry, especially during the cold months, you automatically apply lotion without even thinking. Same thing happens when you apply moisturizers to your face! Exfoliants ~immediate - 1 month Depending on how big your pores are will determine how quickly you will see your results. The more you consistently use exfoliants (I like to use it ~2x a week), the less likely you will see dramatic effects, but that is because your pores are smaller now! Yay! Serums ~6-8 weeks In my opinion, serums are hard to stick to without bouncing around and trying new brands. This is because it takes so long to see results AND these small, little bottles are so expensive! One tip that I would remind you of is that if your vitamin C serum is looking orange or dark, I would get a new one because that color indicates that it is oxidized (in other words, its functions are neutralized). Retinol ~4-6 weeks Even though the science says 4-6 weeks, I first began seeing a difference in my pore size and overall smoothness in my skin within less than a month! If you haven't tried retinol before, I highly recommend; start with small amounts and slowly work your way up to using it every night! Acne products ~1 day - 12 weeks Breakouts are one of the most frustrating things people can deal with, but with patience, clear skin can be achieved! Acne products help reduce inflammation and can be seen within a matter of days, but for the more stubborn and persistent acne, it might take a whole lot longer. The key is not to give up! So, next time you are in Target doing your monthly (maybe weekly) shopping spree (no judgement here!), rather than pick a new skincare product to tryout, pause for a second to think about how long you have been using your other products. The important thing to remember is that getting your best skin is not an overnight process but is a journey. Don't to lose hope, trust the process! You got this! Til next time! Student Dr. Paige Daly