Q&A with Dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert

Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Erin Gilbert is an active voice on such topics as pediatric, medical, and cosmetic dermatology and has presented at numerous conferences over the past eight years.

Given her qualifications, it seemed only natural we ask her — among other things — what products she can’t live without, especially during winter months. Read on for her expert answers.

First things first, what can we do to prevent our skin from aging? Or at least slow it down? (And yes, we know about sunscreen!)

Sunscreen is your first line of defense, always. Even in urban environments, I suggest an SPF 30 or higher all year round. My current favorites are Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30 and Olay Pro-X Age Repair Lotion SPF 30. Beyond UV exposure, avoiding chemicals like cigarette smoke and work-environment chemicals like paint, concrete, or volatile dyes and fixatives will help.

Speaking of sunscreen, how necessary is it in winter months in climates like the east coast? Is it possible to overdo it and become vitamin D deficient?

Vitamin D deficiency is indeed a problem as it has been linked to increased rates of cancer. I do not believe that there is a conflict between using sunscreen to prevent photoaging and skin cancer, and vitamin D deficiency. Oral supplementation with Vitamin D can be used to prevent vitamin D deficiency without the damaging effects of UV exposure. (The current FDA recommended dose is 1,000 International units (IU) daily.)

Serums: are they necessary or just clever marketing? Meaning, do we really need a day cream, a night cream, an eye cream, a day serum, a night serum, etc.?

The majority of this is marketing. As a dermatologist, I do not own any serums. I am a big believer in the drug store for dermatologic prescriptions and for basics. Save your cash! The only major distinction between a day and a night product is the need for sunscreen.

Winter is here and the conditions are brutal— freezing cold winds and steamy hot indoor temperatures. It’s drying out our skin! What can we do other than slather on cream?

My favorite question! Take command of the situation. Here are a few tips:

• You need to get a respectable humidifier. I love the Venta brand, but any humidifier will help.
• Drink water, more than usual.
• Limit bathing to short sessions with water that isn’t too hot to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils.
• Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Dove sensitive skin soap.
• After bathing, apply a good layer of emollient like Cetaphil cream or CeraVe cream.
• Keep a small tube of Aquaphor in your pocket for lips and cuticles

How important is it that skin care be organic, green and natural?

That is a very personal choice based on your world-view. I advocate for less wasteful packaging. The “potency” of am organic product is only as good as the ingredients.

What is your personal skin care routine?

This is going to be embarrassing! I am lucky to not suffer from any serious skin disease. I’m also too busy to spend hours primping, as I’m sure many of you are! During the winter I wash my face morning and night with Cetaphil cleanser, pat dry, and at night I apply Retin-A, followed by a thin layer of moisturizer (no SPF at night). I keep Aquaphor everywhere in my house and car and use it nonstop for lips. Several times a week I use a prescription strength glycolic cleanser to slough the superficial layer of skin that can look dull.

What one thing we MUST do for our skin everyday?

Wash with a gentle cleanser and practice smiling.

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