Someday, when you’re mad at me because I made a joke you didn’t think was funny or I got my lips injected and you thought it was irresponsible, please remember what I am going to do for you today. And then quit being mad at me. Is that a deal? Do we have a deal?
I went to the dermatologist last week and I am about to bring you all of the advice she gave me and save you a co-pay.
Now, I cannot do a Mole Patrol from here. So perhaps you should see your own dermatologist and have that done because you and I both know that as a child of the 80’s and 90’s you used BABY OIL. However, could you imagine me doing a Mole Patrol on you? My Lord, would we even make it through from laughing so hard? Who would be laughing harder? Me, at the absurdity of having to scour your body and read your moles? Or you, at hearing me snort-laugh while surveying your upper left quadrant? We will never know…..thank God.
Last week I went in and saw my Dermatologist, Dr. Ming Jih, in Houston Texas and here’s what she said when she walked in the door: “Hey, Melissa. Oh, you have such beautiful skin.” Now y’all. How do you look your derma in the eye and tell her she needs glasses? But yet, that is exactly what I did. But I phrased it like this, “Woman! Who are you looking at?”
Apparently I have lovely skin. This was news to me. I went under the firm belief that my skin is thinning, discolored and chock-full of menopausal acne. And, for the most part, I was right. But let’s take this brick by brick, shall we?
Thinning skin: Yes, she noticed some thinning skin, especially on my neck/decolletage area. This does not come from age as much as it comes from SUN. She said she noticed the same thinning skin on my arms. This also comes from sun. This began conversation #1 of all things sun and how we should stay out of it and cover up when in it and SPF the crap out of it. She recommended using an SPF every single day all over my face, neck and arms. This goes against everything I learned watching Melrose Place.
Discoloration on the face: Some people deal with true discoloration on the face due to birthmarks, melasma, vitiligo, etc. And some people think they have discoloration on the face but really they are just seeing brown sun spots. Guess which one I am? This began conversation #2 of all things sun. The sun spots on my face really are sizeable and the problem is that once you have them, there is no way to un-have them. She did recommend certain “photo facials” that can lessen them greatly, but erase them completely? Nope. She recommended I get a series of IPL Photo facials if my sun spots really bother me (they do!) and then do the work required, which is wearing a daily SPF on my face and never being in the sun without a hat. (I have all of her favorite recommendations down below, don’t worry.) Just so y’all know, I plan on living in a hat this summer. Make fun. I don’t care. My face looks like a county map, so I have to do something.
Menopausal acne: This is a real thing. And it sucks. It’s like being 14 all over again but without the enchantment of first kisses and starting your period in gym class. She was happy that I was seeing a hormone doctor and getting everything leveled out. That would do more for this kind of problem then anything else because menopausal acne does come from some imbalances, internally. And then she said, “But if your hormone doctor tells you to get in the sun…” so I cut her off and said, “I get it, I get it. Take a vitamin d pill, throw on a hat, and hope for the best.” She laughed and said, “But you didn’t say anything about applying SPF, Melissa.” And that began conversation #3 on all things sun. Help me.
Questions I asked her…
Me: What is the best cleanser for me to be using at my age?
Her: I don’t make a big deal about cleansers. They are only on your face for so long. I would like to see you using something with oil in it to remove your makeup. Our face dries as we age and I’m about to put you on Tretinoin, which is really going to dry you out, so I think an oil like the one from ISDIN would be great for a makeup remover, but I still want you to follow it up with a cleanser of your choice. However, at your age I strongly recommend something that has either glycolic acid or salicylic acid in it. And if you can find something with both - even better. My son, my husband and I all use Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Face wash. It has both acids in it and it does the trick for very little money. I recommend it to everyone.
Me: Is there a particular SPF that you like when it comes to face?
Her: Not necessarily, but I use Neutrogena Daily Defense because it goes up to SPF 60. It does the trick and doesn’t cost much. Please start putting it all over your neck and arms, too.
Me: Do you have some kind of affiliate deal with Neutrogena?
Her: No, that’s your line of work - not mine.
Dr. Jih did prescribe me Tretinoin which she calls a “miracle cream.” She likes it for literally everything from wrinkles to clogged pores, acne and sun spots. I’ll keep you posted on how this works. TikTok says I can rub a raw potato on my face twice a day, every day, and remove sun spots and y’all know I’m not above trying it.
I just wanted anyone who hasn’t been to the dermatologist in a while to know what the word on the street it. Us, women, have to stick together. No gatekeeping here. I’ll spill any secrets I have with you. But I do suggest you go in for all things Mole Patrol. Please!
Below is a list of everything I was able to track down for you. Throw it in your cart, make the appointment, buy the hat. Doctors orders!
Love you,
Melissa
Step 1: ISDIN Essential Cleanse Oil-Based Cleanser
Step 2: Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Cleanser
Step 3: Neutrogena Daily Defense Face Serum Sunscreen SPF60
Step 4: Order one of these two hats! The Brixton sun hat or the Ralph Lauren straw hat for sun. I ordered both and I must say, I look like a sun-scared 50 year old…but also, adorable!
Step 5: Contact Raegan Williamson at Allure Aesthetics for that IPL Photo Facial (series of 3). 936-238-8707
I had to read this as I’m a dermatology nurse practitioner and have been for over 20 years. I pretty much agree with all of the suggestions minus the sunscreen. Titanium and zinc are the best physical blockers of the sun and I would recommend any sunscreen that has those ingredients for your face and neck. I love neutrogena products too but maybe spend a little more on your face. My face sunscreen I love and you can only get from a Derm office. Alastin hydratint or Elta Md elements. Both are tinted and very silky and smooth and you will love them. As far as body sunscreen use something you know you will put on everyday you go out. Make it a habit. La Roche Posay also came out with an oil based foaming cleanser. I wanted to try but I’m not dry I have oily skin so not for me. Hope this helps. Tretinoin is and will be your best friend for life. Keep making us laugh! Love your zest for life!
Thank you for all of your information! Stupid, stupid question, but I am going to ask it anyway! The cleanser...I am assuming this is a good cleanser to use, even if you don't have the acne? I am 61 years old...and I too struggle with sun spots. Not a lot, but still, they are there! I love watching you, and what you have to say! Keep doing your thing, to keep us all laughing! Cheryl, from Amery, Wisconsin :)