10 Awesome Tips From Kim Kardashian’s Dermatologist On How To Be Healthier, Look Better, And Feel Great

Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian

I’m always on the lookout for beauty tips whether it’s from friends, the internet, or random books I end up impulsively buying. That’s what happened last month when I picked up Dr. Harold Lancer’s book Younger: The Breakthrough Anti-Aging Method for Radiant Skin while I was browsing a bookstore one afternoon.

“Dermatologist to the stars,” Dr. Lancer is renown for his work in skin care, advising everyone from Beyonce to Kim Kardashian on how they can improve the quality of their skin. Until Oprah reportedly begged him to release his products to the public, his skincare line The Lancer Method was only available to A-list clients that came into his L.A. office. In Younger, he explains what inspired him to get into dermatology, why he’s passionate about helping other people look great, and what people on every budget can do to take care of their skin.

After reading his book I decided to get in touch with the man himself and ask him what we can all do to look and feel our best. Here’s what he told me.

Thought Catalog: What’s the one thing most people don’t do that prevents them from having great skin?

Dr. Lancer: Eating well and wearing sunscreen every single day.  It may sound simple, but many people maintain habits like having a soda with lunch, or snacking when they are bored, which may not make an immediate difference in the skin, but over time can lead to accumulated damage.

In a perfect world, what’s the best diet and routine someone should maintain to look and feel their best? What foods should people limit or increase in their diet to have radiant looking skin?

Cutting out processed carbs- breads, pastas, rice and pastries – is the best place to start. Add fresh, cruciferous vegetables and lean proteins like fish and chicken into the diet. These are the foods that “feed” your skin.  Properly cleansing and exfoliating the skin is your next step – this needs to happen every day. Many people believe skin care is difficult or complicated – but it does not have to be. Prevention and care are the best medicines.

Aside from a healthy diet, what other influences can impact someone’s skin that we might not even think about?

Physical activity is extremely important to a healthy complexion – it allows the body to circulate freshly oxygenated blood to skin cells providing essential nutrients and oxygen.  Without exercise you see a pallid complexion – dark circles, puffiness.

What are the most common products or procedures women use that are actually a waste of time and don’t work?

It’s difficult to name specific products or procedures that are an utter waste of time because everyone’s skin requires slightly different treatment. In general, if a product promises an astronomical change – you can safely assume that it’s not going to accomplish what it claims.

What do you think are the most misleading skin care tips women hear?

Luckily in this day and age there is a great deal of easily accessible and valuable information on the internet – as long as you are checking your sources and ensuring the information is properly supported.  Skin care doesn’t need to be complicated – and people ought to keep that in mind.

How is The Lancer Method different from other skin care methods out there?

The Lancer Method differs in that exfoliating the skin happens first, followed by cleansing and moisturizing. This bucks the traditional regimen where you cleanse, tone, and moisturise.  Exfoliating first allows dirt, pollutants, sebum and other debris to lifted from the skin and then fully swept away by the cleanser.

What are the easiest things a woman with a low-maintenance style can do to look great and have better skin without spending a lot of money or time?

Wear a sunscreen every single day and routinely exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Having a healthy, gorgeous complexion is your best accessory. Prevention is also always cheaper than correction.

What are the most crucial mistakes people make with their skin care regime?

Forgetting to remove makeup at night, wearing makeup constantly, and leaving the house without sunscreen.

How should women change or alter their skincare routine now that it’s summer?

There is no need to change your skin care routine with the seasons unless you are noticing a change in your skin – if you’re feeling more oily in the hot weather, look for a lighter moisturizer.  If you’re dry but will be in a humid area – look for a gel-based moisturiser. Monitoring your skin and responding accordingly is the safest way to treat your complexion.

What’s your top tip for having flawless skin?

Protect and exfoliate – you can’t go wrong. Thought Catalog Logo Mark

Former senior staff writer and producer at Thought Catalog.

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