There’s an obsessive (borderline psychotic?) satisfaction we all feel while watching Dr. Sandra Lee do her thing on the popular TLC show, Dr. Pimple Popper. Her social following is massive, and she receives close to 1 million views each time she hosts a pimple-popping session on YouTube. It’s no surprise, really: It’s nearly impossible to look away. As a board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer surgeon, and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Lee knows her stuff, from blackhead extractions to how to tweak your beauty routine before a big event.
Lucky for us, Dr. Lee has her very own skincare line. With SLMD, you can incorporate her expertise into your own beauty routine, and experience a bit of Dr. PP’s magic from the comfort of home. With Homecoming, holiday parties, and winter wedding season on the horizon, we chatted with Dr. Lee to get her before-party beauty tips–and hear just what makes her line so unique to the skincare market. Whether you’re gearing up your face for the big dance, looking for pre-wedding skin preparation hacks, or just curious about how to keep your skin in tip-top condition, you’re going to want to read on!
Lulus: Can you introduce yourself to the Lulus reader and explain your “special” skillset?
Dr. Lee: I’m a board-certified dermatologist in private practice for 13 years or so. I consider myself to be a cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, but 5 years ago I unexpectedly added expert “pimple popper” to that list!
After noticing interest to a blackhead extraction video posted to my IG account, it became a hobby and a devotion of mine to see how quickly my YouTube channel and social media accounts could grow, with me showcasing procedures ranging from blackhead extractions to surgeries of things that “pop” out of the skin.
Since then, it’s been absolutely crazy! I don’t think you can browse on social media without somehow coming across one of my pimple-popping videos. It’s led to a book deal, a successful television show, and allowed me to launch my own skincare line, SLMD Skin Care.
Lulus: We are always planning in advance for our next special occasion. Do we need to “plan” our skincare and beauty routine before a big event the way we plan our outfits?
Dr. Lee: Yes and no. Sometimes our skin is not looking [great] and it’s not under our direct control. For example, hormones play a big role with acne breakouts–if you’re about to get your period, that’s most likely when a pimple rears its head (literally), or your skin is more oily and not looking its best. Sadly, we can’t schedule our lives and big events around our menstrual cycle.
So, I guess my advice is to maintain a good general skincare routine, have a little stockpile of skin treatment products for those days when your skin is not looking its best, know that stress doesn’t help your skin, and always remember that a big smile beautifully lights up a room. If you’re looking for some products for your stockpile, I would recommend having the two SLMD spot treatments at the ready (Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment and BP Spot Treatment) as well as a good cleanser, like our Salicylic Acid Cleanser.
Lulus: With a big event coming up, what do you suggest we do for skincare one month in advance?
Dr. Lee: As dermatologists, we always make sure our patients are following a complete but uncomplicated skincare regimen—for both day and night. You should be using good skincare products and ingredients (in your beauty routine) whether you are breaking out or not. These products can really help keep your skin healthy and your pores clear—which can lead to less severe or fewer breakouts in general.
If you have acne and can’t see a board-certified dermatologist, I created an Acne System that’s very simple and easy to use (3 steps both morning and night) so that it would be something that people could actually stick to and stay consistent with [as part of their beauty routine before a big event]. All of the products in the system are great for treating active breakouts but are also safe to use on ALL skin types. Also, moisturize when needed, be well-rested, and be content (as much as you can). Don’t do anything that you know directly aggravates your skin.
Lulus: What beauty routine do you suggest if the big event is just one week away?
Dr. Lee: Get a good amount of sleep! Cells turn over while we sleep (which is why it’s so important to wash your face in the morning so you can wash away those dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin). Stress hormones like cortisol are also regulated in the evening. This hormone is a major factor in the formation of breakouts and blemishes, so catch those Z’s for good skin health! If you check the calendar and you see that your period coincides with your big event, you may want to make an appointment with your dermatologist in advance, in case you’re prone to getting a big pimple around your period (which is common). A dermatologist can get rid of a growing pimple with a little injection of low-dose corticosteroid in the office–and this can resolve the pimple in less than 24 hours!
Lulus: What about the night before and day of?
Dr Lee: Try to get a good night’s sleep and stay out of the sun. (Try to) have a peaceful, minimal-stress day–and know that you are ready and prepared for this special day!
Lulus: Any tips for taking care of last-minute blemishes?
Dr Lee: I would suggest using an acne spot treatment medication. This is the best way to target an area/specific breakout if you can’t actually see a dermatologist. If you have a blackhead or a whitehead, use a spot treatment with salicylic acid. The SLMD Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment contains maximum-strength Salicylic Acid and is applied using a rollerball directly onto your skin. It is compact and convenient enough to fit in your purse at all times.
If you have a big, angry, inflamed pimple, use a spot treatment with maximum-strength benzoyl peroxide. The antibacterial ingredient will actually destroy the bacteria that’s making a pimple or breakout inflamed, red, and painful. The SLMD BP Spot Treatment contains maximum strength Benzoyl Peroxide and is a really powerful, effective option.
For those that have sensitive skin, go for my SLMD Blemish Cream. Instead of Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid (which can sometimes irritate sensitive skin), Blemish Cream features Sulfur — a powerful ingredient that works hard to regulate skin’s oil production, stop growth of acne-causing bacteria and gently exfoliate. This is great for sensitive skin and can be used morning and night!
Lulus: Do you have any general skincare tips for young women in their 20’s and 30’s?
Dr. Lee: If there’s one thing I can convince you to do every single day, it’s to wear sunscreen. And I bet, many of you will reply “I do!” That’s wonderful. However, I do think one of the main mistakes people make is that they don’t apply sunscreen often enough. Chemical sunscreens lose their effectiveness after only two hours and physical sunscreens rub off or sweat off. If you apply sunscreen in the morning you certainly no longer have it on in the afternoon! Reapplication is so important.
Also, I’ve discovered that sunscreen POWDER can be life-changing. I’m psyched to introduce UV Bounce, a powdered mineral-based physical sunscreen that can be used throughout the day. It’s easy to apply (and reapply!) and convenient to carry. We are busy in our lives running from one place to another, so it’s great to have a product that doesn’t slow you down.
Do you use a special beauty routine before a big event? Tell us in the comments!
Join The Conversation (0)