What can I accomplish with skin care products? I’m on a budget!

Hi Dr Irwin, I'm a 45 year old female with Rosacea, I have fine lines around my eyes and mouth and a dull skin tone. I'm on a budget that only includes skincare products at this time. I do have a prescription for metrocream for the rosacea. What products can I use that won't irritate my rosacea that will help with the fine lines and overall skin tone? Thanks for any help! Bonnie

The old wisdom was that using retinoids like Renova in patients with rosacea would aggravate the rosacea. In the past few years, there have been studies that question that.  I would recommend cautiously trying to add Renova 0.02% cream. Use it at night only.  Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, put your metrocream on and let it soak in for a few minutes, then apply your favorite moisturizer lightly all over and let that settle for a few minutes. Then, about a pea sized amount of the Renova all over your face. Try that every other night for a week or two and then go up to every night if you’re not irritated by it.  The Renova will help with the fine lines and overall skin texture.

Remember to use a good quality sunscreen with 5-10% zinc in it 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?!