The Skinterrogation column is a new feature on BBJ! Here, I post Q&A seshes with major movers and shakers in the skin care industry. 


There’s a reason Madonna looks like she could be her own DAUGHTER, and it’s not just genes. Dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt is known around the world for cutting-edge, effective techniques and incredible anti-aging treatments. His suite of potions was my first foray into dermatologist-created skin care in 2002 when I first discovered his line, and I seriously never looked back. Aside from his amazing line of Dr. Brandt skin care products, Dr. Brandt also lays some derm deets on the world at large with his two books “Age-Less The Definitive Guide to Botox, Lasers, Peels and Other Solutions for Flawless Ski” and “10 Minutes, 10 Years.” Here, I caught up with the skin scholar to discuss anti-aging and acne–and find out how he himself keeps his skin in pristine condition. Check it:

Beauty Blogging Junkie: What is the best way to get rid of dark marks left from past acne?
Dr. Fredric Brandt: Depends on your skin type. At home, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation you can use retinol, glycolic acid, skin lightening agents such as my Light Years Away line which contains arbutin, an inhibitor of melanin. At-home peels and microdermabrasion are also helpful in getting rid of these spots. Remember sunscreen is essential with all these processes!

BBJ: What are your three skin care tips for oily/acne-prone skin?
FB: Always use an antibacterial gel or lotion on the skin that contains prescription products that include benzoyl peroxide. You can also use my Blemishes No More Instensolution, which also includes an anti-bacterial shield. Also, it is good to use a salicylic acid cleanser as well as a salicylic gel or solution to exfoliate skin and pores so bacteria and oils don’t accumulate. You can also do a weekly at-home peel or mask to further exfoliate the skin and clean out pores.

BBJ: What are your three anti-aging skin care tips?
Never leave the house without sunscreen, rain or shine. Use a retinol or peptide cream at night to stimulate collagen production. Eat a low-sugar diet to prevent glycation which breaks down collagen and elastin and leads to sagging.


BBJ: What is your own skin care regimen?
FB: AM – Lineless foaming cleanser, collagen booster which has amino acids and anti glycation properties. Glow by Dr. Brandt Ruby Crystal Retinol Hydracreme to convert the ambient light to red light to stimulate your own collagen production. R3p eye cream to hydrate and stimulate collagen and constrict blood vessels to decrease any puffiness under the eyes. V-Zone neck cream to tighten the neck and chest area. All followed by my UV SPF 30 sunscreen.

PM – Lineless Foaming Cleanser, Glow Overnight Resurfacing Serum followed by Time Arrest Crème Delux to provide extra hydration as well as collagen stimulating peptides and anti-oxidants.

Once a week I use my Detoxygen Experience Oxygenating Facial.

BBJ: Tell us a little about your background and what made you want to be a dermatologist?
FB: I started with the desire to become an oncologist but during my internal medicine residency, I became fascinated by how the skin manifested many of the disease processes occurring inside our body. This lead me into the field of dermatology and being a very visual person I became intrigued in the cosmetic aspects of dermatology and what we can do internally to slow down our aging process and keep us looking young and staying healthy.

BBJ: What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you throughout your career in beauty?
FB: Working with a variety of patients that inspire me to keep pushing the bar and discovering new techniques to keep people healthy and beautiful.

BBJ: How often do you recommend reapplying sunscreen?
FB: It depends on where you are and your daily activities. If you are indoors and not receiving a lot of light I would say once per day is fine. If you are outside at the beach, playing sports, etc. I would recommend reapplying every 2-3 hours.

Dr. Brandt products are available at sephora.com.

Thanks, Dr. Brandt!