If I only have time for one product, what should it be?

Dear Dr. Irwin, Your website is the best one out there and I have used it for my research prior to a Thermage treatment I'm having done next week. I am one of these women who have always been low maintenance and I hate putting on a bunch of products several times a day. I don't wear makeup unless it's a party but I do use metrocreme for rosacea now aggravated by hot flashes. My question for you is this: Is there a beauty regimen in which I only use one product that will moisturize, de-wrinkle, firm up and shield from sun damage. I know I'm asking for a miracle creme, but I know myself well, and I know I will not buy a handful of products, because they will sit around until I toss them out. I've spent hundreds of dollars on products, and would rather just buy one really good thing for maintenance. What do you say?

Thank you for that wonderful compliment!!  I would say that if you only had one product to use and you are over 40, use Renova or Refissa (if you’re really dry).  Retinoids are still the absolute gold standard with 20 years of data that they reduce wrinkles, improve collagen, and help prevent skin cancers.   They must be used at night and a sunscreen used every morning. Most people with rosacea do fine with retinoids – an occasional person will flare.  

 I know that’s 2 products but I think you can do it!  If you really have to choose just one, choose the sunscreen every morning.   Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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One of the best investments in your skin is your daily skincare. Why? Because you can prevent many problems with blotchy skin color, lack of glow, texture, some types of acne, and fine lines with good skincare products. You can also correct some of these problems with effective skincare products. Great skincare is often more expensive because quality ingredients are expensive. Some companies spend on research/development which benefits all of us and adds to the cost. Are they worth it? In general - yes! I have handpicked some of what I consider to be the best skin care products, and offer them for sale on SkinTour's shop. This is based on my team and I's testing and research at our clinic. Many of the products are in my own regimen. What could be better than using skin care products a dermatologist uses?!