Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King's Guide to Spring's Best Skincare
When it comes to skincare, we like to work with the pros. Delivering the most results-driven, effective products out there takes a team, from scientists and researchers to skincare experts. Those skincare experts? There’s a name for them: dermatologists. And there’s a name for one of our favorite skincare pros: Dr. Hadley King.
We’re pleased to introduce you to Dr. King, a New York-based skincare pro with a specialty in medical and cosmetic dermatology. When she’s not working with clients, she’s a Dermatology Instructor at Cornell University. Dr. King has also been featured in publications like Men’s Health, Self and more. Suffice it to say - we’re thrilled to have Dr. Hadley’s skincare savvy on board.
The doctor's in
We’re right on the cusp of a new season - that means changes in the weather, different environmental toxins, and new stressors for your skin. Luckily, Dr. Hadley King's sharing her pro tips and favorite products for healthy, rejuvenated skin from spring into summer.
Blue skies? Moisturize!
“A moisturizer is important year round to hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. A moisturizer should contain three components: humectants, emollients and occlusives.
- Humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are mostly low molecular weight substances that bind water into the stratum corneum. They need to be used along with the other components in order to retain the water content.
- Emollients are saturated and unsaturated variable length hydrocarbons which help in skin barrier function, membrane fluidity and cell signaling leading to overall improvement in skin texture and appearance. Often used in combination with emulsifiers. Examples include cholesterol, squalene, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and ceramides.
- Occlusives are oils and waxes which form an inert layer on the skin and physically block transepidermal water loss. Examples include petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, silicones, lanolin and zinc oxide.
Relax and Repair is an ideal moisturizer because with glycerin, triglycerides, squalane, ceramides and moringa oil, it contains all three essential components. It hydrates, supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture, all without feeling heavy.”
MVP Ingredients
Two of Dr. Hadley’s favorite ingredients for skincare, centella and niacinamide, can be found throughout our Jaxon Lane lineup. Here’s why Dr. Hadley (and Jaxon Lane) loves them so much. We bet you will, too.
Cica Sensation
“Centella asiatica, nicknamed “cica,” is an antioxidant-rich herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been reported to be helpful for skin inflammation, burns, wounds, scars, ulcers, venous insufficiency, infection, post-surgical healing and psoriasis. Studies have shown that the cica extract is an effective wound healing agent and has also been documented to be effective in the treatment of keloids, phlebitis, cellulitis, slow-healing wounds and stretch marks. In vitro studies have shown that cica extract increased collagen and fibronectin synthesis during wound healing and in animal models the extract has been shown to stimulate collagen formation and angiogenesis.
Cica also has anti-inflammatory and highly moisturizing properties. A 2016 study showed that cica significantly improves skin's hydration and reduces moisture loss. This makes it a great ingredient for anyone with dry, flaky skin. And because it speeds up wound healing and decreases inflammation, it's also a great ingredient for anyone with acne, eczema or sensitive skin. And because it increases collagen production and improves skin firmness and elasticity it's a great anti-aging ingredient as well.
Asiatic acid is one of the active ingredients of cica. Asiatic acid stimulates glycosaminoglycans - part of the extracellular matrix of the skin, necessary for healthy and plump skin, helps the skin hold on to moisture.”
Find it in: Relax & Repair, Super Serum, Boom Cica Wow
Busy (Vitamin) B
“Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a great multi-tasking ingredient! It can help with oil regulation, barrier function, aging, hyperpigmentation, acne and eczema!
Niacinamide serves as a precursor to molecules in the body that are responsible for cell proliferation, the repair of cellular damage and other biochemical necessities. And studies have shown that topical niacinamide can have stabilizing effects on the skin’s barrier function - which can help improve moisture retention and the appearance of wrinkles! It can also reduce hyperpigmentation and regulate oil secretion, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties too!”
Find it in: Relax & Repair, Bro Mask, Bro Mask Eye Gels, Super Serum, Shake and Wake
Rise and shine
Wanna soak up the sun? Us, too. As the sunny months are upon us, it’s more important than ever to lock in a daily SPF routine. Here’s why Rain or Shine is a no-brainer choice.
“Sun smart behavior is the single most effective anti-aging option: Sun avoidance and sun protection including seeking shade, avoiding peak UV hours, wearing protective clothing and UV-shielding sunglasses and SPF.
Much of the sun damage that accumulates in our skin is the result of daily incidental sun exposure. Studies have been done in Australia that tracked the skin of people who used sunscreen everyday regardless of the weather or their daily activities and compared this to the skin of people who only used sunscreen on days that were particularly sunny and they felt they would be spending significant time outside. The skin of the people who used sunscreen everyday aged significantly better.
Sunscreen reduces your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of skin cancer and sun damage. Look for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum, like Rain or Shine. And a moisturizing formulation like Rain or Shine makes it easy to incorporate it into your everyday routine. The addition of ingredients with antioxidant properties like vitamin E and green tea allows it to offer even better protection for your skin because it helps to reduce damage from free radicals from UV rays and pollution."
Doctor’s orders!
We love it when the pros make it easy for us to take the best care of our skin. There you have it - dermatology’s best tricks to healthy skin all season long.