No Appointment Necessary! Dr Dennis Gross Answers Your Skin Questions
July 21 | 3 minute read
Words by Kaylah Joelle Baker
This is why recruiting the advice of a dermatologist, an expert who understands the science behind the change, can be so beneficial. And who better to clear up a few concerns of yours (our MECCA community) than the world-renowned Dr Dennis Gross, a practising dermatologist and formula innovator who has already made in-clinic formulas much more accessible with his cult at-home facial peels.
So, take a seat: your one-on-one consultation in his Manhattan practice is now in session.
Concern: I’m 37 and I want to future-proof my skin. How do I protect skin longevity?
Dr Dennis Gross: At 37, your collagen production is naturally slowing down, and collagen is exactly what keeps your skin plump and lifted. As we get older, Matrix metalloproteinases (or MMP enzymes) begin to break down existing collagen, while your pores may appear larger due to that loss of structural support. To future-proof your face, you need to stimulate cell regeneration while protecting the ones you already have.
My daily prescription is simple. Start with an Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel to wash away dead cells and send a signal to your skin to make replacements. Follow that with three minutes of red light from the DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro to jump-start cellular energy and then a retinol product to replenish lost collagen. It is vital to protect the moisture barrier, which dries out and is easily injured as we age. Use hyaluronic acid to pull moisture back into the skin, then lock everything in with the Alpha Beta® pH Balance Replenishing Cream. This keeps your barrier reinforced, your pH balanced and your skin resilient.
My last piece of advice is that 37 is an age where, generally, you can see what is going on with your skin through daily tracking or even by looking at your parents. So, when you see something skin-related, chances are it won’t go away on its own. It’s very important that when you see something, you treat it promptly.
Concern: My daughter is in her 20s and struggles with breakouts. Help!
Dr Dennis Gross: The biggest mistake I see in my clinic is what I call skin rage. This happens when patients try to attack acne by stripping every drop of oil with harsh scrubs, but it actually backfires by injuring the moisture barrier and triggering more breakouts. If she is doing this, tell her to stop the scrub and be strategic instead. Acne is complicated and it takes more than just one or two ingredients to manage it effectively. It is especially vital to understand that the acne you see today actually started forming two weeks ago. Because of this delay, consistency in her skincare routine is the absolute key to preventing future flare-ups before they even surface. You have to treat the skin you can’t see yet.
To get ahead of that cycle, I recommend our Alpha Beta® line for acne. She should start with the Alpha Beta® AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel to deep clean without disrupting the skin’s pH, followed by the Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel. This peel is the real game-changer because it uses a potent blend of seven acids to flush out the gunk and oil trapped deep inside the pore while it is still in those early stages of formation. For any current active blemishes, use our Alpha Beta® On The Spot Gel to flatten bumps.
Finally, keeping the skin hydrated is key, so she should finish with a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser so her skin does not overcompensate by producing even more sebum, followed by an oil-free sunscreen to protect those healing pores from the sun.
Concern: I’ve hit menopause and it’s showing up on my face. What should I use?
Dr Dennis Gross: First, know this is a normal part of the ageing process. Menopause is a major hormonal shift where skin becomes thinner and loses collagen rapidly, but it is also a cruel joke because acne often comes back during this time too. Also, since menopausal skin is associated with increased sensitivity, you have to keep your skin in balance while you are treating it. Red skin is a red flag, so my goal is to provide a comprehensive morning and evening routine that focuses on prevention and maintaining your pH balance. Using the Alpha Beta® Ultra Gentle Daily Peels will give you that necessary exfoliation without causing irritation.
Retinol is my gold standard for this stage of life because it plumps sagging skin and addresses those stubborn dark spots. Use the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream at night to deeply hydrate and firm the skin while you sleep. For a serious glow during the day, our Vitamin C + Lactic Dewy Deep Cream is a powerhouse. It delivers intense moisture, while the vitamin C works to brighten and even out your complexion.
By layering these multitasking ingredients, you can effectively stimulate collagen and manage menopausal breakouts while keeping your moisture barrier reinforced and your skin perfectly calm.
