EWC Spotlight: Dr. Leslie Gerstman, Laser and Cosmetic Medicine Guru
Wintery cold leaving your skin feeling dry, dehydrated and damaged? Well fret no more! EMBODY Wellness Company caught up with NYC Laser and Cosmetic Medicine Guru, Dr. Leslie Gerstman to find out her top 5 tips to get your glow on and EMBODY Wellness inside and out.
Follow Dr. Gerstman’s top five to rejuvenate, replenish and restore your skin to its best!
1. Exfoliate:
Exfoliating encourages cell turnover, removing old skin cells and stimulating young cells to move to the skin’s surface. Dr. Gerstman recommends daily retinol and monthly microdermabrasion or dermaplanning.
Microdermabrasion uses a gentle tool that softens fine lines and wrinkles, helps to smooth coarsely textured skin, decreases the appearance of scarring and pore size, and reduces age spots.
Dermaplanning also uses a gentle tool to exfoliate dead skin cells and vellus hair (e.g., “peach fuzz”) leaving the skin supple and vibrant. Most people notice marked improvements in the texture and appearance of their skin immediately after their first treatment, making it an excellent procedure to have prior to a special event. For pregnant and nursing moms who want a glow, this is an ideal treatment as it’s non-invasive and does not require the use of any chemicals.
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative that is highly effective in reversing sun damage and signs of aging, should be at least 0.5% and is only sold through physicians’ offices or medical spas. If you don’t want to go the prescription route, try “Revision” (www.revisionskincare.com), as it is non-irritating and has a lovely fragrance. Retinol should never be used when pregnant or breastfeeding. However, lactic acid is a great substitute. It is found naturally in skin and acts as a skin barrier protectant and hydrating agent. Those who are acne prone should use salicylic acid, unless pregnant or breastfeeding. It is oil soluble, so it penetrates into the pores better. Dr. Gerstman suggests “PCA Nutrient toner”. It contains lactic acid and pumpkin wine extract. Pumpkin contains the highest natural source of salicylic acid along with other nutrients and smells divine. When using any of these exfoliators, applying SPF in the daytime is an absolute must.
Also, start your day glowing by using a gentle organic cleanser. Ensure that it doesn’t contain harsh surfactants like “SLS” and also is paraben free. It is essential not to strip your skin’s natural oils with these types of harsh chemicals.
2. Hydrate:
Once dead skin cells are removed, topicals like moisturizers and serums will penetrate more effectively, giving you that dewy glow we all seek. Dr. Gertsman recommends organic Argan oil, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil and shea butter. Josie Maran’s Argan oil products are amazing.
3. Protect
SPF of at least 30+ rain or shine is critical. Yes, even when it’s cloudy get in the habit of daily SPF. Dr. Gerstman recommends “Intellishade” from Revision (www.revisionskincare.com) to of her clients. The SPF 45 tinted moisturizer also has a few anti aging ingredients. If you don’t love your SPF and if isn’t smooth under make-up, you won’t wear it. “My clients and I swear by “Intellishade”, it gives skin a dewy and luminous look.”
4. Nourish
Proper diet is essential: an antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid rich, “anti inflammatory diet.” This means an abundance of fruits and vegetables, omega 3 fatty acid foods like fish oils or walnuts, lean proteins and spices such as turmeric and ginger. It also means avoiding refined carbohydrates while limiting dairy. Importantly, watch your sugar intake, especially fake sugars. “My motto is always to eat REAL foods to maximize the benefits to my body, skin, mind and spirit.”
5. Spiritual balance
A glow comes from the inside out, truly. Meditation and yoga helps calm your nervous system and connect you to your intuition. Having this connection gives inner confidence that radiates out. “As a primary care physician, artist, and mother of three, I get how busy and hectic life can be, but taking time to relax, de-stress your mind and do what you love is critical. Even a few minutes of self-love a day will increase your glow, attitude and energy.”
“Youth is more than the absence of wrinkles. Beauty is projected when one’s inner and outer worlds are balanced.”
www.drgerstman.com
Try out Dr. Gerstman’s tips and share your experiences. How do you get your glow on?
