When something isn’t working right, are you quick to throw in the towel or do you take a step back, roll up your sleeves and start digging for a solution? For me, quitting is never an option. So when I spend my hard-earned money on fancy new hair products or special anti-aging serums and they don’t work the magic the labels claim they will—I don’t toss them in the trash. I also don’t call the company to complain (not yet, anyway).
Q: What can I do to improve the look of my pores?
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
The small “holes” you see on the surface of your skin, called pores, are actually hair follicle openings. Each pore contains a gland which produces the skin’s oil, or sebum. When these glands are bigger, pores tend to be more noticeable.
Q. How should my skincare routine change from winter to spring?
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
The days are getting warmer and the delicate aroma of flowers and fresh green grass has started filling the air. That’s right—spring is here! With the seasons changing, now is also a good time to make important changes to your skincare routine. So what are you waiting for? Let’s spring clean your skincare routine.
Q: I’m almost afraid to ask—is chocolate really bad for my skin?!
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
Relax! The age-old tale of chocolate being bad for you isn’t true. This decadent treat is often blamed for breakouts, but there is little evidence to support the claim that chocolate causes skin problems. In fact, it may actually have benefits for skin—and your overall health.
Q: The ingredients lists in some of my skincare products scare me. What are these chemicals, and are they harmful?
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
Have you ever looked at the label of a skincare product and thought, “I don’t recognize any of these ingredients!”? You’re not alone. Many of today’s cosmetics and skincare products are made from a combination of chemical substances with long, unpronounceable names that look frightening, especially when you consider where they’ll end up—slathered all over your face and body.
Q: I know that skincare needs change over time. But how do I know which products to use—and when to start using them?
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
Strolling down the skincare aisle of any store, it becomes clear that that choosing “the right products” isn’t always easy. With so many cleansers and creams and treatments available, many women resort to trial and error—grabbing whatever looks best at the time, usually according to simple (and often misleading) claims on labels.
Q: I already use day and night creams, but during winter, I still feel like my skin needs more moisture. What do you recommend?
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O.M., responds:
When you’re dealing with cold, crisp winter weather and more exposure to wind, dryness tends to be the most common skin affliction. Heated air in homes, cars and workplaces also contribute to dryness because moisture from the skin evaporates into the air.
