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Published: July 19, 2012 3:00 a.m.

Visit office but treat skin at home, doctors say

Katherine Boyle | Washington Post

Skin-care procedures – such as chemical peels or intense facials – are notoriously expensive, and with so many options, it’s difficult to know what you should spend on.

“Every adult over age 18 should go in to the doctor for an annual (skin cancer prevention) checkup – they’ll help you get in a good skin-care routine,” said Elizabeth Hale, a doctor and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University. “As far as exfoliation and facials, money can always be saved by using products at home.”

Medical procedures are costly, but there are ways to avoid what you don’t need and invest in products that will save money over decades. Doctors weigh in on when to save and when to splurge:

Healthy habits

Invest in the basics. The easiest way to save money on procedures is to develop a skin-care routine at home. Products to have include sunscreen, cleanser, moisturizer, etc. Doctors agree that professionals can’t help much if you’re ignoring your skin on a daily basis.

Start young, avoid the doctor. Most cosmetic procedures are purchased to reverse the effects of aging. Doctors agree that starting a skin-care routine early is the best way to avoid those signs. “The goal is to start in your late 20s or early 30s, when you see the first sign of aging,” said Neil Sadick, a doctor and the author of “The New Natural: Your Ultimate Guide to Cutting-Edge Age Reversal.” “That means finding an excellent sunscreen and products that contain retinol.”

Office or home

Do it yourself. Natural treatments for home use are becoming popular, and doctors know the science of finding beauty on a budget. Sadick recommends using olive oil to alleviate dry skin.

Fire the laser. Laser procedures at a dermatologist’s office treat a variety of skin issues, including aging and acne. Now, similar hand-held lasers are sold in stores, but they’re not a true alternative. “They can act as compliment to procedures, but alone they won’t do the job,” Hale warns. It would be too risky to sell powerful lasers in stores, so if you’re buying one to avoid a treatment, think again.

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