Growing up in the sun-drenched summers of Italy, Lisa often found herself basking under the Mediterranean sun with little regard for sunscreen. Now at 41, she reflects on those carefree days, acknowledging the lasting impact they had on her skin. “I never wore SPF every day. I thought it was something you just put on when you went to the beach or the pool,” she recalls. This was the era when a tan was considered the ultimate accessory, a notion popularized by cultural icons like Britney Spears.
Lisa’s sun-soaked lifestyle extended beyond the beaches, as she frequented tanning salons to maintain her bronzed look. However, in her late 20s, the allure of a perpetual tan began to fade as she noticed changes in her skin. Seeking cosmetic enhancements, she visited Dr. Shereene Idriss, a renowned New York City dermatologist, to explore options like Botox and fillers. During her consultation, Lisa was confronted with a reality she hadn’t anticipated: “She told me it wasn’t freckles; it was all sun damage, and I was full of sun spots,” Lisa recounts.
Embarking on a Skin Transformation
Lisa’s journey to repair her sun-damaged skin began in earnest over a decade ago. At the time, laser treatments were not as widely embraced as injectables. However, Dr. Idriss emphasized the importance of addressing skin quality to combat aging. Lisa’s initial foray into skin rejuvenation involved Fraxel laser treatments, a cutting-edge technology designed to resurface the skin by shedding damaged cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy ones.
Throughout an eight-month period, Lisa underwent two Fraxel sessions. In between these treatments, she opted for intense-pulse-light (IPL) therapy every six weeks, a noninvasive procedure that targets sun spots, freckles, and age spots.
Price: $7,800
Verdict: It took a significant amount of her sun spots off, but not all of them.
Revamping Her Skincare Routine
Encouraged by the progress from her laser treatments, Lisa adopted a rigorous skincare regimen under Dr. Idriss’s guidance. A pivotal component of this routine was hydroquinone, a chemical known for its ability to lighten hyperpigmentation. Lisa followed a cycle of using hydroquinone-soaked pads for two months, then taking a break for another two months. This was complemented by a nightly application of tretinoin, a retinoid that enhances skin renewal.
Lisa’s mornings now began with a crucial step she had once neglected: applying sunscreen daily. Her newfound dedication to sun protection extended to wearing hats and limiting sun exposure.
Price: The medication was prescribed.
Verdict: Over time, being consistent with the routine for a few months, she started to see more results.
Maintaining Radiant Skin
Today, Lisa’s approach to skincare is one of consistency and commitment. She continues to receive IPL or Clear + Brilliant treatments every few months, but her focus remains on maintaining a disciplined skincare routine. She attributes much of her skin’s transformation to Dr. Idriss’s products, which she incorporates into her daily regimen.
“The positive change on my skin has made me happier and I’m more confident. Honestly, I haven’t even worn foundation since I started seeing Shereene. I don’t need it,” Lisa shares with a sense of satisfaction.
Lisa’s Skincare Arsenal
- Valmont Primary Veil: This milky mist acts as an essence, refreshing the skin with hyaluronic acid and strengthening it with liposome DNA.
Price: $140
- Medical Beauty Research Modukine Serum: An anti-aging serum designed for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, it calms irritation and provides a lifting effect.
Price: $240
Price: $4,644 (includes one treatment a year of Fraxel, IPL, and Clear + Brilliant and her skin-care routine)
Verdict: With consistency, this is working for her.
Lisa’s decade-long journey underscores the importance of proactive skin care and the impact of lifestyle choices on skin health. Her story serves as a reminder that while the allure of a sun-kissed glow may fade, the commitment to skin health can lead to lasting beauty and confidence.
