HCD Blog

I once was asked if my daughter was a dermatologist because I have good skin or if I have good skin because my daughter is a dermatologist. The truth is that, while I’ve been lucky enough to have good skin my whole life, I now have great skin thanks to Shannon and the caring team at Carruthers & Humphrey.

Behind the clear appearance, I’ve always dealt with fair, reactive and allergic skin. Starting around age nine, Shannon spent many afternoons tagging along with me to the dermatologist’s office to address rashes, hives, and itching that resulted from my hyper-sensitive skin. I still believe that her early exposure to our strong, bright female dermatologist set her on this career path.

These days I go to the dermatologist with updated priorities: I always like to look my best, but I also want to look age appropriate. My goal is to slow down the signs of aging while graciously accepting that our looks change as time goes on.

My treatment plan and at-home products have adjusted and evolved over the years. Most recently, the team added IPL treatments for my hands, which are helping keep the telltale age spots in check and are making a world of difference!

Specific treatment programs aside, there are a few fundamental lessons I’ve learned over the years:

1. Be religious about sun protection. It doesn’t take long for a new skin care routine to become habit; I never leave the house without my SkinCeuticals Physician Fusion SPF 50 on my face and sunscreen on my hands.
2. Always hydrate.  I use a dense cream (Triple Lipid by SkinCeuticals), a neck cream (GrenzCine Neck by Vivier), and a brightener (Lytera 2.0 by SkinMedica) to diminish age spots — but the underlying goal remains the same.
3. Build healthy self-care routines. Taking time for yourself is not selfish and routines that make me feel and look my best will always remain a priority. I take vitamins and supplements, I care for my hair and nails, I stay physically active, I make healthier food choices, and I protect my skin.

I want to set an example for my grandkids of what it looks like to age gracefully — to be healthy on the inside and on the outside. I truly believe that aging is a privilege. It brings wisdom and perspective that is sometimes forgotten in our youth-obsessed culture. I want my grandkids to welcome the aging process — not fear it.

I’ve always been told that I look younger than my age, and love proudly telling people that I’m almost 71 years old — having great skin empowers me to confidently reveal my age each time.

I am grateful for the good skin I have to protect, for latest advances in modern cosmeceuticals, and most of all for my talented and skilled daughter, who helps me continue to put my best face forward.