Julie Russak (MD, FAAD) is the founder of the NYC-based Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center. She has had rosacea her whole life and learned how to look after her skin at a young age, owing to the fact that she grew up in a family of medical experts.
Her interest in dermatology grew as she researched cancer and genetics, notably melanoma, in the United States. Dr. Russak now works as the Consulting Dermatologist at Covey, an innovative skincare business that offers a minimalist comprehensive skincare routine with only three items. She also has her own clinic.
Dr. Russak explains that among the most widespread myths about skin diseases like eczema and rosacea is that they need a stockpile of treatments to manage them. Yet, the actuality is that utilizing eight, ten, or twelve steps on your skin might cause additional irritation. Dr. Russak has devoted effort to figuring out what works best for her skin.
Given how reactive her skin can get, Dr. Russak says that she has to be really picky with the things she uses on he skin. Whenever stressed, her rosacea acts up, and she gets itchy, red areas on her face. During this time, whatever touches her skin will aggravate it far more than it might usually.
Source: Dr Russak
She is a firm believer in “less is more.”
She states that a vitamin C serum, a mild cleanser, and a moisturizer that moisturizes, hydrates, and has SPF make up her skincare routine. She adds, “I use prescription products in conjunction with that core routine to treat my rosacea and fine lines.”
Vitamin C serum is a favorite of hers.
Vitamin C is a “workhouse ingredient” according to Dr. Russak, since it nourishes and protects the skin. If you want to know how she manages to achieve this given her very sensitive skin, then the answer is THD ascorbate.
She states that although many people with sensitive skin avoid other varieties of vitamin C, you get pure gentleness with Vitamin C’s preventive and restorative effects, all minus the irritation. She also states that it actually has 50 times the effectiveness of L-ascorbic acid, which is used more regularly.
For both her mornings and evenings, she utilizes the very same skincare items.
This includes her vitamin C serum, which is a milder version of vitamin C and is less irritating. The serum keeps her skin protected from environmental aggressors such as free radicals and UV radiation during the day when applied. It promotes collagen creation at night, when you are sleeping, which is when the skin is at its most reparative.
Source: Convey
She prefers to use a cleanser that is free of sulfates.
According to Dr. Russak, it is critical to use a cleaner that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS depletes the skin’s natural oils, causing dryness, inflammation, allergic skin reactions, as well as eye irritation.
She uses azelaic acid first thing in the morning.
She applies Finacea after her vitamin C serum. This is a prescribed topical foam containing 15% azelaic acid. She notes that Azelaic acid has been shown in numerous clinical investigations to decrease skin inflammation. Azelaic acid is also considerably milder than traditional AHAs, making it suitable for persons with skin problems or sensitive skin such as rosacea.
The skin around her eyes is well-cared for.
She applies Russak Dermatology Instant Firming Eye Gels every morning. She notes that the eye gels firm, brighten, depuff, hydrate, and tighten the region around the eyes.
She then applies Revision DEJ Eye Cream to her eyelids every morning before starting the day and every night before bed. Dr. Russak adds, “This cream strengthens the DEJ (dermal epidermal junction) of the skin where much aging occurs and it contains peptides to firm the skin.”
She opts for a sunscreen with a high SPF.
She uses Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 after moisturizing in the morning. Mineral-based sunscreens are her favorite since they are gentler on the skin and form a protective layer to prevent UV rays.
She utilizes retinol, although not on a daily basis.
Dr. Russak uses prescription retinol in her usual moisturizer 3 times a week at night. Because of her sensitive skin, she dilutes the retinol by mixing it with her moisturizer, without jeopardizing retinol’s significant advantages.
