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  • Writer's pictureDermatology Partners of the North Shore

What’s In My Bag

DPNS Dermatologists and Staff Reveal Their Favorite Skincare Products.

Dermatology Partners of the North Shore dermatologists and the staff at the Center for Aesthetics spend much of their time treating their patients’ skin, but we wanted to know how they care for their own complexions. Below, DPNS dermatologists and staff share their favorite skincare products and what they keep in their bags or on-hand. Read on to find out which products they can’t go without and why!


Dr. Huffman is a board-certified dermatologist who joined Dermatology Partners of the North Shore in 2012 and became a partner in 2017. She is on the medical staff of NorthShore University Health System, a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology, and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50

Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Face

This is my favorite facial sunscreen. It comes in a tinted and non-tinted version. It's a physical blocker with zinc oxide which literally reflects the harmful UV rays off my skin. The tint is very nice and subtle and works with many different skin tones. It can act almost like a light foundation and helps me get in the routine of putting on my sunscreen every morning. I never forget it. I don't leave the house without it.

Glytone Acne Tinted Spot Treatment

This tinted acne spot treatment is great. I put it on at night if I have any active pimples. It almost has the feel of calamine lotion. Two of the main ingredients in this are resorcinol and sulfur. Small breakouts are totally gone by the AM!

ILIA NightLite Bronzing Powder

ILIA and Ogee are two newer startup brands for makeup. I like both brands because they use all organic products in their makeup. The ILIA bronzing powder is great. Whether or not I'm wearing a foundation or just running out to the store, the bronzer helps give your skin a little bit of a glow.

Ogee Tinted Sculpted Lip Oil

Conditioning Lip Color Treatment

OGEE is tinted hydrating lip oil. I've never been a big lipstick fan because it cakes and makes my lips feel dry. This is an oil, so it really moisturizes the lips. Keep in mind that it doesn't have an SPF in it, so it's really important to make sure you're getting that SPF on first.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C Serum For Skin

This is a vitamin C serum that I put on in the morning before I put on makeup or sunscreen. I have underlying rosacea so it's really hard for me to use a retinol without getting irritated. This is a great way that I can get my anti-aging treatment in without being irritating and it's soothing and hydrating at the same time.

Dr. Jenkin completed her Ph.D. in Immune Regulation from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada in 1986. She then went on to complete medical school and her dermatology residency at the University of Toronto. Dr. Jenkin received her board certification from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada in 1995 and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

I wouldn't go anywhere without sunscreen and this is a nice portable one, so I can reapply it anywhere. I'm never caught without it. This one doesn’t have a tint, but you can get one that is tinted as well.

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser

The Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser just gives me a little exfoliant. It’s gentle enough to use every day for my acne prone skin.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum*

The TNS Advanced+ Serum is a new product for me, but I'm finding that it really does make my skin feel better. Within a couple of weeks, I did notice a smoother appearance with it.

L'Occitane En Provence Lavender Hand Cream

Hand lotion is key with our frequent hand washing. I like the L'Occitane products.

Mint Lip Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15

This is, of course, for my dry lips. A plain lip moisturizer with SPF is all that I'm using currently because anything with color ruins my mask these days.

Dr. Draluck is a board-certified dermatologist who has practiced on the North Shore since 1994. He became a founding partner of Dermatology Partners of the North Shore in 1999. Dr. Draluck is a lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago, a consultant at Cook County Hospital in the division of dermatology, is on the medical staff of NorthShore University HealthSystem, and is a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the Chicago Dermatologic Society.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46*

I love EltaMD Clear because it's oil free and it's noncomedogenic. It’s actually not a sunscreen. It’s a sunblock, so you get no sun if you use it correctly. And it's moisturizing, so I love it. I use it every day whether the sun is out or not. This is a good product especially now since there's a big push for mineral sunscreens rather than chemical sunscreens because mineral sunscreens are not systemically absorbed.

Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar Soap

I love unscented dove because it's gentle. I feel clean and it does not overly dry my skin.

Dermatology Partners of the North Shore Tretinoin Cream 0.05%*

For my nighttime skincare secret, the most science is behind tretinoin, which is the generic of Retin-A. It helps improve fine lines and wrinkles. At night, after I cleanse my face, I put a moisturizer on that's oil free and doesn't clog my pores, and then I put a drop of the tretinoin all over my face. That's it for my skin routine.

Kara is a Licensed Medical Esthetician and has a decade of dedication and advanced training in Aesthetic Sciences, including skincare, laser light, and energy-based technologies. ​Kara has advanced training from Coolsculpting University and Skin Medica University, which gives her the advantage of comprehensive consultation skills and multiple treatment options. Kara is passionate about skincare and her patients. Her first goal is to build a rapport and create an individualized treatment plan for all of her patients.

SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum SPF 34 / PA++++ Sunscreen*

This not only protects your skin, but it rejuvenates your skin because it's loaded with antioxidants. I use it every day and I like it because it has a tint to it. I have a lot of redness in my skin and it tones this out, so I don't have to put on cover up. I just wear this every day and it gives me overall protection against ultraviolet rays.

HydraFacial Lips Perk Hydrating Lip Balm*

There are add-ons to the HydraFacial treatment called Perk. The Lip Perk treatment comes with a lip balm, like a Chapstick. But this has SPF 30 and it's the best one that I've ever used. I use this every day on my lips.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum*

This helps with uneven skin tone and texture and increases skin firmness.

Latisse*

I use Latisse every day. This works on my own lashes and helps them to grow longer and fuller.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator*

This has five different types of hyaluronic acid in it and it gives you nearly eight hours of long-lasting hydration on your skin. Also, I like it because it fills out some of the finer lines on the face.

SkinMedica Lumivive System*

Lumivive Day Damage Defense Serum and Night Revitalize Repair Complex

The Lumvive Day protects your skin against pollution. The Lumvive Night helps your skin to repair itself while you sleep.


*These products are available for purchase at Dermatology Partners of the North Shore and the Center For Aesthetics. Call (847) 272-4433 for a consultation or more information.


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