A dermatologist consult grants you first-hand expert advice, and a medical article can deliver a handful of useful takeaways from the industry’s best, but it’s rare to hear from dozens of dermatologists at once. Luckily, as part of its Skincare You Want to Share campaign, CeraVe surveyed more than 50 doctors and got their take on some hot topics.
CeraVe asked more than 50 dermatologists across 23 countries their number one tip for body skin care, and 96% of them said moisturizing after the shower while the skin is still damp. During a discussion hosted by CeraVe, Dr. Adeline Kikam, board certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Brown Skin Derm LLC explained, “the whole idea is moisture retention and if you do it immediately after showering, then you increase your chances of retaining that moisture versus doing it later.”
Bellevue, Washington dermatologist Daniel Sugai, MD, said you shouldn’t scrub yourself dry but rather lightly pat and while your skin is still damp, apply the moisturizer. Dr. Kikam advises her patients to apply lotion within two minutes of getting out of the shower. Additionally, Dr. Sugai noted that this practice is linked with respecting and protecting the skin barrier, so it’s important to make a routine out of it.
Although 87% of dermatologists surveyed believe that moisturizing the body is just as important as moisturizing the face, Wilmington, NC dermatology chief resident Dr. Muneeb Shah noted that body skin-care isn’t talked about as much even though it warrants the same attention and care. The majority of dermatologists, 90%, agree that daily moisturizing is important for overall skin health and that everyone should be doing it. When it comes to ingredients, most dermatologists think ceramides are the most important to look for in body skin care products, so be sure to stock up on ceramide-rich products.
