TV's Hottest Skin Doc Spills Anti-Aging Secrets
"Patients ask me all of the time why us nerdy doctor types can't create an anti-aging cream that really works and I say we have one -- it's called sunblock. People should wear an SPF that's a minimum of 30 every day. Broad-spectrum blocks are best.
"People tell me all of the time they don't go outside or they work from home. You always walk outside whether it's to get the mail or go to the bank. You're always getting some amount of sun. Even the television screen can emit UV light, which can make discoloration persist. "
Dr. Kirby also swears by retinols, a vitamin-A derivative found in plenty of anti-aging products, both prescription and over the counter. Retinols prevent whiteheads and blackheads, prevent and correct discoloration, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinols can be purchased just about anywhere, but don't be fooled. Dr. Kirby warns that it doesn't matter whether you drop $150 at Barney's or $10 at the local pharmacy -- you're going to achieve the same results. In other words, you're basically paying for the packaging.
So what does he recommend? Obviously, you can get your hands on Dr. Kirby's own line of beauty products, Kirby Dermaceuticals. Dr. Kirby admits to largely giving these products away to his own patients. And while they are well and good, he says you'll likely be just as satisfied with Neutrogena, which is both reasonably priced and available all over the world.
Of course, a beauty regimen just wouldn't be complete without an effective moisturizer. When it comes to treating fine lines under the eyes, that's just what the doctor ordered.
"One of the most difficult areas that I get the most complaints about is the fine lines under the eyes. The thinnest skin is the eyelids, and as a result, they're very prone to having damage. The area shows age and how tired you are very quickly. One of the dilemmas is that sunblock burns in that area. Retinols also irritate that area because of the thin skin. I recommend people wear big glasses every day and use a dab of high-quality moisturizer under the eyes every single night," he adds.