I have watched so many videos on retinoids to understand the difference in strengths - this video finally made it click in how you describe how many steps it needs to go through in addition to the percentage listed to get to the strongest form. THANK YOU!
@@DrAlexisStephens yr videos are always informative and helpful 💯...and yr the only Derm that stated 'palmitic and stearic acids' aren't great for pigmentation to date and they're in most creams at the top of the inci list!!! Thanks again😁....
Vitamin C serum during the day and using Retinol at night was a game changer for me. Been doing this for over 6 months and my skin looks healthy. Oh and sunscreen too helped a lot!
Your skin is so beautiful. When you said you had eczema/dry skin, my brain went "Girl! stop lyin'!" LOL But fr, its reassuring because your skin is a testament to your knowledge. I'm a pre-med student (and black woman) who is applying in the spring and is thinking about derm and seeing your videos the past couple weeks have been so encouraging to me :)
Congratulations to you Sis! Please become a dermatologist. There are not enough to go around. The wait time to get into an appointment is around 3 months. And there are definitely not enough Black Women Dermatologist. Wishing you the very best!🙌🏽
Growing up with a single dad meant all of my learning about beauty/beauty products came through trial and error. Not knowing anything about retinol always made me shy away from using it out of fear. That's why I am so grateful for your content! It really provides clear information not just about using certain products but about the basics of stewarding your beauty well. Thanks so much Dr. Stephens!
I wish your practice was here in Toronto. It’s hard to find a derma of colour who understands hyperpigmentation and even harder to find one who can break down things like retinol so simplistically. I always look forward to your videos
Same I keep looking for black dermatologist or black cosmetic dermatologist and I just can't find one .. do you know which city in the USA she is? I am tempted to drive to Buffalo and find a black dermatologist.. 🤦♀️
Found one information below DR. RENÉE A. BEACH  Dr. Beach is a dermatologist board-certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She completed her 5-year dermatology residency at the University of Ottawa after graduating from McMaster University with her M.D. (Medical Doctor). She practices medical and cosmetic dermatology across a broad range of skin tones and skin types. She prides herself on aligning her dermatologic plans with your treatment goals to help you achieve your best skin.
@donna dixon DR. RENÉE A. BEACH  Dr. Beach is a dermatologist board-certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She completed her 5-year dermatology residency at the University of Ottawa after graduating from McMaster University with her M.D. (Medical Doctor). She practices medical and cosmetic dermatology across a broad range of skin tones and skin types. She prides herself on aligning her dermatologic plans with your treatment goals to help you achieve your best skin.
Roc has been on the market for years, and Oil of "Olay" has been the market for decades. I remember when I was a little girl, my mother saw Oil of Olay on a commercial then ran out and bought it. She still uses it today.
I wanted to be a dermatologist when I was in high school. I didn't choose that career path because of how expensive schooling was. I REGRET! Dr. Alexis is so inspirational 🥰🎉
I’ve been working with the Skincare Industry, and Prestige Cosmetics Companies in PH, and this is the first time I’ve listened to a very detailed and easy to absorb knowledge on the Importance and Different Types Of Retinol. Amazing job Doc! I love your approach and content! 🥰
I have to watch since it is the first black female Dermatologist, with so much knowledge, I have sent this link to so many even my daughter, so went shopping to. Thank you beautiful intelligent Dr. A, I appreciate you. ❤🎉
I started using adapalene a few years ago for cystic acne that I’d never dealt with before. I continue to use it because it’s also improved my skin’s texture and eased fine lines. I know adapalene doesn’t have the same kind of research behind it as tretinoin for those uses, but it definitely works.
Could spend my entire life listening to this queen.✨✨ *BEST RETINOID DINASTY EXPLANATION EVER* ✨✨ In spite of being an advanced tret user, I love to keep myself updated and I found that gem💎 THANK YOU, ANGEL 🧛🏻♀️🖤
I have been using Differin gel for approximately 6 weeks now and incorporated Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum into my night time routine every other night and I am telling you, these two are truly my best friends now and I can not live without them! I am 28 and always had hormonal acne (just guessing, wasn’t diagnosed) and it has definitely stopped all breakouts and smooth my skin like a babies bottom and I am actually seeing my hyperpigmentation lightening up as well at this early stage of me using these two products. I can only imagine how my skin will looking in a 12 month use of these two products! 😇
I accidentally came across this video upload doing some research on my rosacea diagnosis, I can't remember what type. I have pustules, blotches, dark red skin colour on my light skin face. The sun, sweat, heat, dirt, sugar, spices seem to inflame my face more. People stare&ask What am I suffering from? I feel better right now looking& listening to this beautiful&educated, accomplished QUEEN!!! 👑 I AM A MAN&I AM ATTRACTED TO BLACK WOMEN JUST LIKE THIS WOMAN...FYI I AM A LIGHT SKIN MEXICAN NATIONAL WITH LIGHT RED/DARK BROWN/GREY COLOURED HAIR 😂🎉...THANK YOU 🙏 I am your new subscriber to your RU-vid channel...I look forward to hearing from you 🙏 With my up most respect&kind regards, Have a beautiful holiday& night's rest😂 Sincerely, Señor Jaimé Álvarez MÉXICO 🎉
Ive been binge watching skin care videos and yours are my favorite so far. I love how organized you are and straight to the point. It makes it very easy for me to understand. Thank you!
This was my first time watching a video of yours and I can’t believe I was missing out this bad lol. You covered literally everything and you answered any questions I had. Thank you so much ❤️
Your voice is so soothing! I don’t know if anyone has ever told you that!! thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, truly helping people around the world. 💜
Hi Dr. Alexis! I have learned so much about skin since I started watching your channel. If possible, can you do a video on what to cleanse your whole body with?
Yes, please, can you extend this to body products in general: cleansers, vitamin C, retinols, sunscreens and whatever else you recommend for the entire body.
@@DrAlexisStephens cleansing yes, and my thing is body skin moisturization and smooth texture. What turns over body skin best? Which luxury body creams do you personally use? Thanks doc! xo
@@serita-gayelevy6543 I second this comment! For example the hype about Shea butter, Jamaican black soap, Jamaican black castor oil etc... but only after stocking up on these products was I informed by a dermatologist that they’re actually quite drying and not the best for all skin types, particularly my dry, sensitive, eczema prone skin. We need your insight please @DrAlexisStephens!🙏🏿
I have been following many BIPOC derm providers to learn how to connect the knowledge and practices to my own skincare routines as a frontline healthcare worker myself, and I am so so so glad that I found someone who breaks down details with such an endearing demeanor like you, Dr. Stephens! I subscribed right away!! Thank you for all that you do!!
This was one of the most helpful & clear/simple/to the point videos I’ve watched on retinoids. THANk YOU 💞 I started with the CeraVe (love it for my sensitive redness prone skin) and was really unsure which product to try next and how much etc. Love the calendar, too!
THANK YOU!!! I have shied away from using retinol because I didn’t understand it and didn’t want to damage my skin as I’d heard so many bad stories about it-yet people were still singing its praises. I was totally confused until this video. It was so comforting to see someone who looked like me and has the credentials to talk about this in a competent, yet easy to understand manner. I now have mustered up the confidence to at least try it. I just turned 53, have never tried retinol in my life but noticing I needed to do something as my combination sensitive skin needs some rejuvenation. I am going to try the ROC capsules (and maybe even add the Oil of Olay for my neck, chest and hands!). My question-so with adding retinol to my night time routine, when (and with what )do you exfoliate? (still need to learn more about that too!)
Doc your skin is beautiful!!! Thanks for this video!!!! I use Roc sensitive skin and it works really well. I just got a trial size of Sunday Riley A+ and like it so far.
Thank you for sharing the importance of skin care. I have never had a skin care routine because my skin is sensitive and everything would cause irritation. Since watching your videos I have been able to use products that are working for me without irritation. It could also mean my skin has toughened up through age lol. I just ordered the ROC capsules and I look forward to using them as well. Thank you for all you do.
Dr Stephens, this is a very beautiful video on the difference of retinoids, retinols, and how to apply them to avoid irritation. Thank you so much for all the effort In making this information available to the general public. I wish you were in my town! You would definitely be my dermatologist!! ❤.
Hello 👋🏻 did you end up using those products together ? I’m also thinking about getting the Cerave and the olay. But not sure if I should just get one of them. Which one do you feel is more gentle on the skin ?
I'm sooo glad I found your channel! I'm a African American male and I've been really wanting to take better care of my skin and your advice here is exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you so much for what you do and take care!
Hi Dr. A, its me Melanie, the girl who stopped you at the door at ULTA the other day, lol How silly I felt after you left..Any Hu, thank you for all the work, you candor, ur incredible teachings and insite. Seeing beautiful you in person was simply more of a push 4me to continue to watch and share as much of you educational videos as possible. Thank you again, I have such admiration 4u ❤elanie
Hi Dr Stephens, can we have a series on ingredients to use for late 40s and beyond! Also if we lose 1%of collagen after the mid 20s as well as RETINOL what other ingredients would help make the 1% back?😁 It's said that after Menopause a woman can lose up to 30% of collagen in the first 5 years!!! I don't believe this for all women as we all look after our health differently + genetics and skincare play a role. Also ingredients to target under the chin and firmness, (I have no interest in invasive treatments) that will really make a difference...thankyou in advance💞, love yr videos 🙏💫 ...also what are your thoughts on the peptide Argiriline and which peptides in particular are the ones we should be using???
This video is very easy and effective. I really enjoyed it. I will need more help with anti aging. I have two children with acne problem and I have just shared this video with my daughter and my son. This is very clear and straight forward instructions.
I’m 27 years old, with what I thought was pretty good skin but a lot of the times it is dry. I didn’t have a skin care routine but I wanted one & didn’t know where to start. I watched this video and I’ve been using the Olay Cleanse with the Retinol 24 Max from Target atleast 4-6 times per week and when I say I love it ! I notice a difference in my skin in less than 2 weeks ! My skin is more bright and it has been correcting my hyperpigmentation! I had dark marks on my chin from plucking away the hairs with tweezers & those marks are gone ! I can’t wait to see the changes when I start incorporating a sun screen that you recommended in your previous video ❤️ thanks a lot
I’m 60 this year, can you talk about best anti aging products please. And how to use them. I’ve learned a lot by listening to your videos. Thanks for sharing.
I'm a retinA user (and lover😄) for years now, so when I recently bought the No.7 retinol I thought it would be fine...Nope! It broke me out sadly. I use it on my neck and chest now. I have started the avene retinaldehyde and I like it alot. No breakouts.
Thanks so much Dr Stephens for sharing of your time and gifts with us. I acknowledge your sacrifice. You truly are a blessing! QUESTION: What are your thoughts on using multiple different types of retinoids in your routine? For ex: Tretinon once a week and the avene retinal every other day?
Thank you for this video, Dr. Stevens. I've had severe chronic eczema (from head to toe) since childhood. The back of my hands was one of the places that had severe eczema flares for years. When I was in my early twenties, there was a little boy who asked me why my hands looked like I was 80 years old. The point of that story is skin ailments such as eczema can really destroy your skin and obviously it's appearance. So, as a dermatologist (with eczema too!?), please be more responsible with your words and STOP saying that "your hands show your age" without adding that different skin ailments can really ruin the skin. And because the general public is very ignorant about how severe eczema can be and all the damage it can do and how bad it makes your skin look, even when it's not raw/weeping/scaly/flaking/red, the look of the skin trauma from eczema is very ugly, and the SEVERE dryness that happens from eczema is easily misconstrued as "old skin". If your hands "show your age", then I've been 90 yrs old since I was a child. I've been through absolute hell with my skin and that's WITH going to see doctors, dermatologists and skin specialists for over a decade (I'm Canadian and live in Canada 🇨🇦 - free healthcare ☝🏽👌🏽). The damage that eczema has done to my skin, especially being a black woman, has been a nightmare. And trying to rehabilitate my skin after at least 25 years of constant raging eczema is no easy task because I'm having to figure it out alone. Rather than having a dermatologist in my city help me to rehabilitate my skin, I'm having to do my own research and turn to RU-vid to get help from P.O.C. dermatologists like yourself and Dr. Vanita Rattan to know what to use on my skin in terms of dealing with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which actives to use on my skin, which products to use for a skincare routine. The public needs to know that severe chronic eczema can destroy a person's life. It will literally r∆pe you of your ability to live. I won't even get into Topical Steroid Withdrawal and the catastrophe that it causes. Please put some more respect on eczema and the people who have to live with it. You may, or may not have had severe eczema in your case. But still, eczema flare-ups are very uncomfortable and very ugly - so at least you can identify with that experience. It wasn't your "age", it was the eczema.
Thank you for sharing your story. My 16 yr old son has severe eczema on the back of his hands and i praise God for his healthy attitude about it. You are right, it can make your hands look old. I wish you the best on your journey to healing and happiness. Learn that it’s a part of your life but try not to let it ruin your outlook. I know it’s hard. My heart goes out to you and be encouraged.
@@SFB-un3gg Thank you! 💖 My skin is doing waaaaayyyy better now and the backs of my hands are now finally looking like actual hands, rather than tree bark! Wishing your son the very best and may his eczema stop sooner rather than later! Wishing him much healing and healthy skin! 💖
This is soooo helpful. I'm in my 40s. In general, my skin is good, I've used Olay 7 Effects since my mid twenties, but I suffer from hyperpigmentation and have old acne scars. I've started thinking about adding a retinol to my skin routine, but honestly have been afraid. I don't have wrinkle issues, but started to realize there are many other benefits and now thanks to you I have a game plan for adding it to my regimen 😊
DR. Really enjoy this video, as a African American Male in my late 40s, this really help ,me understand some things about my skin problems. Keep it up.
New subscriber. This breakdown was thorough yet easy to follow. Plus I have the same skin type as you. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. 😊
This has got to be one of the best and most comprehensive videos on retinoids I have ever watched on here, and I've watched many. I'm a long-time retinol user but, after watching your video, I realized how much more I still needed to learn about this incredible ingredient, one that is very much an essential step in one's skin care routine. Thanks to you, I feel more confident and better informed to up my game in my very own use of retinoids. Thank you!
This was a GREAT video! Well-organized, concise, and easy to understand and remember. Thank you! Also, I appreciate you recommending products I've heard of and can find at the store easily.
Dr. I've been using a very mild retinol for about a month. I can attest my face has done a 240 on my way to 360 1. I suffered from 3 issues. Mild irritation from over using glycolic acid (I still use it but at a lower %) 2. Mild melasma in various places on my skin 3. Enlarges pores near my nose/under my eye sockets Now the irritation is 95 gone and my pores have stopped over producing oil. Im.sure the melasma will show improvement in 2 months. I use .30 %. The first two weeks I used it every night. Now I use it 5 days and skip two days. I do extend it onto my neck I also apply sunblock on every day.
I really love adapalene for targeting my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (I use Differin). It’s too strong for me to use all over, but I love focusing it on the worst of my PIH and it’s made a world of difference! If I still get some dryness in those areas, I do as Dr. Alexis says and create a sandwich. I just use a hydrating toner vs my moisturizer twice. It’s a staple in my skin care routine now!
This video was very helpful!! I was using the Olay Retinol 24 Hr but I didn’t know they had a Max moisturizer. I’m definitely going to try that once my 24 hr trial size is finished. I noticed that my face felt dry whenever I used the retinol.
What gentle cleansers do you recommend to use before putting on retinoid if you have dry skin? Btw I love your videos! So informative and straight to the point 🥰
@Chrystals Clear I did watch one of her videos. She recommended hydrating cleansers for dry skin. If your skin is extra sensative use a soothing cleanser (maybe one with oats or rice water). Foaming cleansers are known to make dry skin even more so.
Hi Dr. Alexis! This video was very informative, thank you. Question for your future Q&A video: I recently started taking a diuretic, and although I try to stay hydrated I am noticing that my skin is showing more fine lines (e.g., around my eyes, forehead and nasolabial folds). Is there anything you would recommend for getting moisture back into my skin?
@@rakitadavis1603 I've already had 3 treatments which had helped but since we hyperpigment I'm trying to correct the hyperpigmentation that I didn't have a lot of prior too. Any other suggestion is welcomed and thanks for your response. ❤
Question: how to build a weekly skincare routine? Such as rotating exfoliating actives and your retinol during the week since they cant be used in the same night.
This was my question! So far I've been using a glycolic acid serum and the olay retinol serum on alternating nights, always with just a neutral/gentle moisturizer and a lightweight oil to lock it all in. I have sensitive, dry-ish skin.
In the morning I use a SA cleaner> moisturizer> sunscreen. At night I double cleanse to remove my mineral sunscreen> retinol> moisturizer. So far it’s worked for me. I try to keep my routine simple. I did start very slow with the retinol as she suggested.
Thank you for the great content doc. Can you provide us with a video on how to treat body eczema and hyperpigmentation for POC? Specifically recommended soaps, moisturizers, body scrubs, oils, products to help with the scaly hyperpigmentation on legs and arms, etc? And also dietary changes?
Love your videos and have benefited greatly from them! Could you please do one on shower gels/ body soap for dry aging shin? Thank you so much for all you do. You’re amazing🦋
You have such beautiful skin! I wish I had you as my dermatologist.I currently do not have one but know that I need to find one that understands clients with deep skin tones
