Topical Skin Care

Navigating the skincare world can be tricky. How do you know which products to choose, and how do you get your skin to look and feel healthy? What does it even mean to have healthy skin?

Dr. Karen Leong has the utmost respect for her brilliant partner, Dermatologist Dr. Zenovia Gabriel (Dr. Zena). 

“We believe that dermatology and plastic surgery fit together perfectly; our goal is to bring harmony to your own natural look so that you can be and feel like a better version of yourself.” – Dr. Zena

Discover Dr. Leong’s plastic surgery videos to learn more about the importance of skin care.

WATCH PLASTIC SURGERY VIDEOS
Topical Skin Care Essentials Newport Beach

The synergy in this collaboration between a plastic surgeon and a dermatologist means their combined expertise brings a truly unique and complete approach to skin, aesthetic medicine, and surgical care.  

Patients know that they are receiving the most comprehensive care when they visit ZENA Medical. They have come to trust Dr. Zena’s skincare philosophy and regime in-clinic as well as at home, she practices evidence-based medicine and is passionate about patient education. She makes sure that the latest research and developments in dermatology are communicated to the patients in a way that they can easily understand and apply to their daily skincare regime. 

Dr. Zena’s Skin Pyramid is the cornerstone of her practice, illustrating skin treatment procedures in a simple to understand graphic. At the base of the pyramid is skin ‘Maintenance and Correction,’ which begins with sunblock for prevention and moves up to nourishing daily topicals, Retin-A, and bleaching creams to achieve strong, clear, and beautiful skin.

Dr. Zena recommends these maintenance therapies and customizes a topical regime to help you look radiant through all stages of life. You receive a customized treatment plan that has been specifically chosen to target your concerns. ZENA Medical’s specially curated products are personally selected by Dr. Zena to maintain their Signature 4 approach to perfect skin: even COLOR, smooth TEXTURE, ample VOLUME, and taut ELASTICITY.

These products are recommended after an in-depth consultation – systematically analyzing your skin and helping you maintain and prolong the results of in-clinic procedures. We navigate through hundreds of research-backed products to find you the ones that are potent but affordable as well. Some of the product lines we currently offer:

Dr. Zenovia Skincare
Elta MD
ZO Skin Health

Learn More About Topical Skin Care

Most dermatologists agree it is important to cleanse the face twice daily to get bacteria, dirt, and pollutants off your skin. However, there are different types of cleansers that are more ideal for certain types of skin.

“The common mistakes people make are using the same product in the morning and at night and not getting a product that is ideal for their skin type,” says Dr. Lolis. “For example, someone prone to breakouts may use a cleanser with salicylic acid only to find it has a reverse effect. When skin is dried out, it increases oil production, which can only make a breakout more prevalent. The best approach would be to see a dermatologist for a skin assessment and a product recommendation that is most suitable for your skin type.”

Exfoliating is important, as it helps to take dead skin cells off the skin’s surface and give your skin a glow, and it should be done once or twice a week. Many exfoliants contain ingredients such as rice enzymes, sugar granules, and walnut shells, which help to revive dull skin. “If oily skin and breakouts are a concern, try one with charcoal,” says Lolis. “If your skin is sensitive, opt for an exfoliating mask as opposed to a scrub, which can be irritating.

“Serums usually contain antioxidants, which help fight free radical damage,” says Dr. Jaliman. “They can also contain anti-aging ingredients such as retinol and peptides, which stimulate collagen production.” Because they penetrate deep into the skin, these products are great for hydrating dry skin. They are best used after your cleanser, and they can be used underneath moisturizer to treat the skin while sleeping.

Nutrient-filled face oils help to build a resilient layer for your skin, no matter your skin type. They can be very hydrating, which makes them especially useful for those with dry skin. “Argan oil and vitamin E are great for pretty much every skin type and issue,” says Lolis. “Ideally, add two or three drops to a moisturizer or serum. For acne-prone skin, tea tree oil will work very well, and vitamin C oil will help with any scarring.”

Sunscreens are essential for protecting your skin from UV damage, no matter the season. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to apply sunscreen beyond just the typical bottle. “Everyone should be using a moisturizer with SPF even in winter,” says Lolis. “If you’re outside or live in warmer climates, it’s even more important to protect your face. The key is to know your skin type and use sunscreen that is a suitable fit. Some sunscreens are greasy and may clog pores. This is why it’s best to use a moisturizer formulated to address a particular skin issue that has sunscreen built-in.”

To help keep your skin looking younger, Lolis recommends using a moisturizer from head to toe. “The face, neck, and décolletage should get moisturizer twice daily as should elbows, knees, and feet,” she says. There are many kinds of moisturizers available for different skin types, but if you really want to keep your skin hydrated, look for moisturizers that contain glycerin or hyaluronic acid, suggests Jaliman.

Chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin, which means they tend to go deeper to remove excess dead skin cells than exfoliators. They usually contain glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids. “Use it once every two weeks, but avoid these if you are prone to rosacea and eczema,” says Jaliman. Chemical peels tend to be more intense and typically are done by a professional. Still, there are also at-home DIY peels available to address things such as acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.

Toner can be used after a cleanser twice a day to remove excess traces of makeup or other residues from the skin. “Toners shrink pores and restore skin to its natural pH balance,” says Lolis. “This is important because when our pH levels are thrown out of whack due to soaps and chemicals in cleansers, oil production increases, causing a cycle of breakouts.” Those with sensitive skin should use an alcohol-free toner.

There are many different types of masks on the market, ranging from hydrating to drying and even brightening, making them useful for all skin types. “Done weekly, you’ll see a change to the skin, and breakouts will have a chance to dry up and heal,” says Lolis. “I am also a fan of using soothing masks on the cheeks and then a clarifying mask on the forehead, chin, and jawline. It’s okay to mix it up. The key is to apply a mask to clean, exfoliated skin, so there isn’t anything blocking it from penetrating the skin.”

Eye creams tend to be formulated for specific eye area issues such as puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles. “There are some creams that tackle several issues at once, and these contain things like caffeine, glycerine, camomile, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides,” says Lolis. “Eye creams are specially formulated to penetrate the finer skin around the eyes.” They can be used once or twice a day, but look for retinol or peptide eye creams to use at night, as they stimulate collagen production, suggests Jaliman.

To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 200-8222 or fill out the consultation form below.

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