"Weird" Things I Do for My Skin + Body That Make a HUGE Difference | Dr. Sam Ellis

Personal Skincare Insights from a Dermatologist 00:00

"These are not the standard beauty tips that you've heard a thousand times, but they work really well."

• Dr. Sam Ellis shares six surprising skincare and beauty practices that she believes are effective yet often overlooked. She emphasizes that these recommendations come not only from her training as a dermatologist but also from years of experience observing patient outcomes and aging.

Tretinoin Application Techniques 01:18

"I apply my topical tretinoin very carefully around my lips and ears."

• Dr. Ellis applies tretinoin around her lips and ears, areas often neglected, to combat aging signs and sun damage. She notes that while patients see benefits on visible parts of their skin, they often develop wrinkles in less treated areas like the ears and around the mouth. By applying tretinoin to these spots, she aims to prevent vertical lip lines and enhance overall skin health without requiring much extra time or effort in her routine.

Innovative Use of Minoxidil for Hair and Nail Growth 03:14

"Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical for scalp hair regrowth."

• In addition to using minoxidil for scalp hair growth, Dr. Ellis applies it to her eyebrows and nails. She explains that while it's commonly used for hair loss, consistent application can effectively promote eyebrow growth and potentially strengthen nails. She has incorporated this practice into her routine, applying it in the morning for brows and at night for nails to avoid transfer to unwanted areas.

Weekly Full Body Chemical Peels 06:47

"I do a full body chemical peel every single week without fail."

• Dr. Ellis integrates a weekly full body chemical peel into her regimen, highlighting its benefits for skin smoothness, brightness, and overall strength of the skin barrier. She clarifies that her method is not overly intense and focuses on prevention and maintenance rather than aggressive exfoliation, aiming to keep her skin healthy as she ages.

Effective Body Exfoliation Techniques 07:51

"You get a very comprehensive exfoliating experience."

• Dr. Sam Ellis emphasizes the efficacy of body exfoliation using a product containing 15% glycolic acid, which is one of the strongest alpha hydroxy acids, complemented by phytic, malic, lactic, and mandelic acids. These ingredients not only help remove dead skin cells, creating a smoother texture, but also draw moisture to the skin surface and stimulate collagen production.

• To incorporate this into a skincare routine, she recommends using it weekly post-shower. After towel drying, she applies the exfoliant generously from the neck down, paying special attention to areas prone to dead skin build-up, like elbows, knees, and feet.

• A key benefit of this peel is that it doesn't require rinsing off; it can be followed by body lotion after a few minutes, which is especially helpful for conditions like keratosis pilaris, or "chicken skin".

• Regular exfoliation has been personally rewarding for Dr. Ellis, as reflected in compliments about the softness of her skin.

Shampooing with a Twist 10:20

"Don't be afraid to flip that head over."

• Dr. Ellis introduces an unconventional method for shampooing hair: she does so with her head flipped upside down. This technique aids in removing residue and build-up from the scalp, which often accumulates due to hair products, oil, dirt, and sweat.

• She stresses the importance of shampoo as a scalp cleanser rather than just for the hair itself. When the hair is lifted off the scalp, shampoo can penetrate better, which is vital for preventing common scalp issues like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

• Adding to her routine, she practices double cleansing. The first wash lifts grime, and if her hair feels particularly dirty, a second application of shampoo ensures thorough cleansing. Her current focus on hair loss treatment includes using specific shampoos, such as her preferred Mielle Full Follicle Shampoo.

Sunscreen Application Strategy 13:09

"Applying sunscreen in two layers allows for more precision."

• For optimal sun protection, Dr. Ellis advocates applying sunscreen in two separate layers. This method helps achieve the effective coverage needed to reach the SPF protection indicated on the label.

• A common misconception is that people often don't apply enough Sunscreen; she recommends about a quarter teaspoon for facial coverage. By applying in two stages, starting with a smaller amount, she finds she can apply more evenly—particularly around sensitive areas like the eyes and hairline.

• This two-layer technique also helps in ensuring that gaps in coverage are filled, promoting more consistent protection against UV rays.

The Concept of Collagen Banking 15:04

"Your skin's collagen production peaks in your mid-20s."

• Dr. Ellis discusses the importance of collagen banking, which involves treatments targeting collagen production. She mentions that collagen levels start to decline significantly after the mid-20s, accelerating post-menopause.

• While lifestyle factors like topical retinoids, SPF, and antioxidants can help slow collagen loss, in-office treatments are suggested to effectively stimulate collagen production.

• The idea of collagen banking is crucial for long-term skin health and may involve professional treatments, which can vary in accessibility based on individual circumstances.

The Importance of Regular Skin Treatments 15:43

"I tend to do these treatments a few times a year, and I really consider them little skin nudges to help build up my collagen stores."

• Dr. Sam Ellis emphasizes the necessity of regular skin treatments to maintain collagen levels, particularly as one ages. She prefers procedures with minimal downtime, often opting for interventions that require only one to two days of recovery.

• Instead of intense, infrequent treatments, Dr. Ellis promotes smaller, more frequent procedures to gently stimulate collagen production, which she refers to as the "collagen treadmill."

• The choice of procedure often depends on individual patient preferences and their comfort with different treatment intensities and downtimes. Some patients prefer major interventions just once a year, while others benefit from frequent, less invasive treatments.

Microneedling and Clear + Brilliant 16:38

"Microneedling involves tiny little needles that are sterile. This is not painful because you're numb, and it stimulates a very controlled wound healing response."

• Dr. Ellis performs microneedling and Clear + Brilliant treatments most frequently for herself. Microneedling uses tiny sterile needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, promoting healing and collagen production without significant discomfort due to numbing.

• Clear + Brilliant, known as "baby Fraxel," is a fractional laser treatment that similarly stimulates a wound healing response, creating microscopic treatment zones within the skin. This method not only enhances skin resilience but also helps address issues like melasma and pigmentation.

• Dr. Ellis believes that maintaining collagen is easier than rebuilding it, advising patients concerned about premature aging to adopt consistent treatment practices to keep their skin healthy and youthful as they age.