Skin care pointers from Dermatology Specialists

“Dermatology is a good mix of hands on and general medicine,” Hagen said. “Plus, the skin is the organ that everyone sees, and it can play a big role in people’s confidence. Being able to help aide people with their skin conditions and restore their confidence is very rewarding.”

Hagen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. From there she went on to earn her Master of Science in physician assistant practice from Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee.

Hagen’s passion for dermatology comes from her commitment to total wellness. Through helping her patients maintain their healthiest skin, she can play an integral part in her patients’ overall health.

Hagen also enjoys the cosmetic side of dermatology and is certified in Botox and laser hair removal.

She enjoys helping people put together a skin care routine that is tailored to their skin type.

“I get to select products for different people’s skin issues,” she said. “It’s not like a one size fits all. I customize different skin care routines and treatments for different skin types.”

Skin comes is all types. You could have dry, oily or combination skin and Hagen can help you find the right product to combat that.

“There are certain ingredients for brightening the skin, texture, pigment, and evening the skin tone for areas that are red, darker areas of the skin or hyperpigmentation,” she said. “We can recommend products containing certain ingredients that can help those problems.”

Worried about aging? The experts at Dermatology Specialists can recommend creams that help with fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can help with those deeper set wrinkles.

Hagen realizes keeping a daily skin care routine is challenging and forgetting to wash your face in the morning or at night is very common. She can even relate to forgetting every once in a while. She suggests some memory tips to help her patients prioritize skin care.

Setting an alarm on your phone to cleanse and moisturize your face every morning and evening can be helpful. Or you can place skin-care products next to something you use every day – like your toothbrush, deodorant or contact lenses. Seeing the product will act as a reminder to wash your face daily, Hagen said.

“Once you get into the habit of doing it, you’re going to see results,” she said. “It’s an obvious difference when I use products and when I do not.”

Consistency is key when it comes to skin care.

“You’ve got to be consistent in using products as directed to see results,” Hagen said.

And when it comes to what product to use – it depends on your skin type. As a general rule of thumb, you should cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen in the mornings (yes, even on the cloudy days). And cleanse and moisturize at night. Exfoliating at night about twice a week can be good to rid your skin of buildup. You can brighten the skin with a Vitamin C serum in the morning.

Set up a consultation with Dermatology Specialists and see what products are best for your skin type.

“Skin is the one thing people notice the most about themselves” Hagen said. “And you can see the work that you’re putting in, so it’s very satisfying as a provider.”

With spring among us and the sun coming in hot, Hagen reminds everyone to wear sunscreen every day.

“I personally like zinc in my sunscreen,” she said. “It’s a physical blocker that sits on top of your skin and blocks the sun rays.”

She recommends Neutrogena sunscreen and CeraVe or Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers.

“Something gentle and fragrance free because fragrance can dry your skin out more,” Hagen said.

Aqua Medical Spa is connected to the Gulf Breeze location of Dermatology Specialists, where they sell highly recommended medical-grade skin care products.

Hagen also suggests wide brim hats and UPF clothing that blocks UV rays.

As part of a complete early-detection skin cancer strategy, Hagen recommends getting a full-body professional skin exam once a year, or more often if you are at a higher-risk for skin cancer.

“If detected early, it could save your life,” she said.

Dermatology Specialists of Florida
2053 Fountain Professional Court, Suite B 
850-932-1455 
DermatologySpecialistsFL.com