337 MAGAZINE The Secret to Stunning Skin

Everyone wants smooth, clear, and beautiful skin, but life has a way of saying “not so fast!” Let’s “face” it- whether oily or dry, or if you suffer from acne, dark circles or anything in between, you’re probably trying to figure out the secret to clear skin. You are not alone! With the rise of a variety of facial creams, face masks and all things “help my skin get clear”, it can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin to develop a skin routine that’s best for you? Well, that’s where Louisiana native and Dermatologist, Dr. Moneé Thomas, steps in. Dr. Thomas is giving us some keys to unlock that clearer skin that you (and I) have always wanted!

Having a breakout is something none of us want to have to deal with. Was it that one soda you drank that caused it? Or what about that new makeup product you tried? There can be all kinds of contributing factors, but Dr. Thomas says something everyone should do to get on the road to clear skin is to cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle facial cleanser.

“Another thing that’s super important is making sure you wear a moisturizer or facial sunscreen with SPF 30, or higher, every single day. This ensures that your skin tone can become (and remain) even,” she explained. While those are simple things you can do daily, it’s also important to know your skin type when trying to develop a skincare routine. “You should definitely figure out if your skin is oily, dry or in between. For example, most of my patients with acne have oily skin. In this case, you should avoid applying any products with oil or butter in the name or ingredients. This will only contribute to the oil on your face and lead to more acne. Exfoliating products can also promote more oil production. Also, make sure you know your allergies in order to avoid products that may irritate your skin.” she said. While it’s important to know what to avoid when it comes to your skin type, it’s also important to know what products are best. When it comes to dry skin, Dr. Thomas says a great ingredient is hyaluronic acid because it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Other very common issues are under eye bags and dark circles- the worst, right?! Dr. Thomas has some answers for us. “A great eye cream is a good investment. However, since most dark circles are due to loss of fat under the eyes, the best, most dramatic solution for dark circles are going to be cosmetic procedures like fillers or laser therapies.” And it turns out, eye creams work great for under eye bags as well. “An eye cream with caffeine is great for under eye puffiness. The caffeine constricts the tiny blood vessels in the area to reduce fluid collection and swelling.” she said.

I asked Dr. Thomas her advice on face masks. I see them everywhere but never know which one to get, so I asked her what to look out for when buying one. “Masks are great for a short-term skin boost. The effects of a mask will only last 24 hours. They’re great in addition to a great skincare routine but most definitely will not and should not replace it. The ingredients that are best for you will depend on your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, you may benefit from a hydrating mask. If you’re not sure about your skin type, I suggest seeing your local dermatologist for specific advice.”

When it comes to skin care, you know I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about makeup! How important are the ingredients in makeup? Are there things we should absolutely stay away from and products we should absolutely look for? According to Dr. Thomas, it all boils down to skin type. “If you have sensitive skin, mineral-based makeup products will always be a safe bet. If you have more oily skin, you want to avoid more oily, dewy makeup. However, a person with dry skin may feel really comfortable with those types of products.”

While it can be easy to hop online and look up all your skincare needs, Dr. Thomas reminded me that when it comes to your skin, always go the professional route. “For the best skin care advice, see a Dermatologist and avoid advice from people that are not healthcare professionals on Instagram, You- Tube, and Tiktok. And remember to always, always, always wear a moisturizer or facial sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your face every single day!”

If you happen to be in Texas anytime soon, feel free to make an appointment with Dr. Thomas - she currently works at Clear Dermatology in Houston, giving her patients something to smile about, one clear face at a time.

Dr. Moneé Thomas

Vicky Roe

With Vicky Roe, you’re getting the best of both worlds - born and raised in New York City but growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina gives her the Concrete Jungle hustle with a solid serving of Southern Hospitality!

After numerous opportunities, including working for “American Idol” during their stint in Charlotte, to interning for the “Rachael Ray Show”, to becoming a Television News Reporter in Alabama, she ultimately made her way back to Charlotte where she worked as the Executive Producer for a Morning Radio Show. The experience both behind the scenes and on the mic, set her up to be the next powerhouse on Q95.5 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now contributing writer for 337 Magazine.