Dr. Ava Shamban on Slowing Down the Aging Process

Ava Shamban M.D. is a renowned board-certified dermatologist licensed to practice medicine in California, New York and Hawaii. In addition to serving as Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine, she is also owner and director of two practices, AVA MD, in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, CA.

She is not only recognized as the “Exterme Makeover” dermatologist and the resident expert on the Emmy winning daytime talk show, “The Doctors,” but Dr. Shamban is also author of the new book, Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal (Wiley).

Dr. Shamban graciously agreed to answer a beauty questions, revealing the easiest and fastest way to heal from a breakout and which foods we should avoid in order to slow down the aging process. And as usual I had to ask her about Red Lipstick and her philosophy on Kissing &Telling.

Anita: Thank you Dr. Shamban, I know you’re very busy – I’ll try to make these questions as quick as possible.

Dr. Shamban: No problem, it’s my pleasure.

Anita:  What makes Ava MD Skincare unique from other skincare brands?

Dr. Shamban: Ava MD skincare is based on extensive research, and over time drawing on experiences with patients’ skin issues and successful methods of addressing these concerns.  The line contains ingredients that have healing, soothing properties: each product contains a combination of anti-oxidants to fight free radicals and also has anti-inflammatory properties. All products are free of any fragrance and coloring agents. And the facial sulfate-free wash cleanses skin thoroughly, leaving it soft and smooth–never taut.

The products are designed to not only to provide healthy, glowing skin and smooth texture, but also to protect skin against environmental damage.

Anita: Your top five skincare products you recommend, besides your own?

Dr. Shamban:

1. Avene;  Diroséal Anti-Redness Skincare Lotion

2. IS Clinical; Active Serum

3. Glytone; Glytone Mild Gel Wash

4. Immunocologie; Eye Treatment Serum VenoMAX

5. MEG 21; Smoothing Radiance Advanced Formula

Anita:  What does ‘multi-modal’ mean? Why is this important?

Dr. Shamban:  A multi-modal approach combines medical with cosmetic treatments and is used to treat issues such as acne and rosacea.   For instance, after seeing a physician, an acne patient would receive a prescription for topical creams and a personalized program that would target his/her specific skin needs and speed up the result.  The program might include deep cleansing treatments, photodynamic therapy, and/or laser treatments along with an at-home regimen including special skin care products and prescription topical creams.  A multi-modal approach to rejuvenation would most likely include (based on the issues and skin type of the patient) glycolic peels, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion.

Anita:  What skincare regimen would you recommend to someone who suffers from skin allergies?

Dr. Shamban: For a patient with allergic conditions, the most important factors to consider include understanding which ingredients trigger the allergic reaction(s), his/her skin type, any underlying issues such as discoloration, and age.  After we determine all of these factors, I would recommend a basic multi-step skin care program, meaning 1) a gentle cleanser, 2) a morning moisturizer containing sunblock, 3) an evening moisturizer containing anti-oxidants, and 4) a gentle exfoliation treatment, such as a handmade scrub.  A clarisonic brush would also be a great addition.  All of these products should be fragrance free, have no coloring agents, and of course should not contain the ingredients that trigger the allergic reaction(s).

Anita:  What skincare regimen is most appropriate for a person who suffers from adult acne?

Dr. Shamban: Again, we have to take under consideration the patient’s skin type before recommending a specific regimen.  Depending on whether or not the patient is using prescription topical creams for acne, the regimen should consist of 1) a cleanser containing glycolic acid and/or salicylic acid, as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients such as calendula, and 2) a moisturizer that contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients such as black cohosh extract, iris extract, zinc and/or green tea.  Other ingredients to look for to help prevent acne breakouts include AHA and azelaci acid.

Anita:  If a person recently experienced a breakout, what would accelerate the healing process?

Dr. Shamban: One important thing to remember is not to touch pimples.  Popping pimples can create other unwanted problems such as scars, infection, and discoloration. There are available OTC acne products that can help with accelerating the healing process, but the important factor in clearing your breakouts is not to use harsh ingredients like alcohol that strip the skin of its natural oils and can lead to dry, irritated skin. There are also homemade remedies that can be very helpful in speeding up the healing process following breakouts.

Anita: What is your view on Prevention, Maintenance and Correction?

Dr. Shamban: Prevention is something all age groups and skin types need to keep front of mind.  When you prevent you skin from sun damage, you slow down the skin’s aging process as well as reduce the chances of discoloration. Prevention also means taking care of your skin by nourishing it with nutrients like anti-oxidants and keeping your skin hydrated from the inside and outside. Even simple steps like cleansing, removing makeup before going to sleep and gentle exfoliation are important steps to help prevent your skin from showing early signs of aging.

Maintenance is also key, and consistency is very important.  If you maintain a simple skin care regimen that is based on your skin’s needs, you will end up with healthy, glowing skin at all times.

 Correction affords the opportunity to regain a healthy, youthful appearance.  When we correct skin discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, or even changes of facial contouring created by the passage of time, the process gives us the chance to look in the mirror and once again like what we see.  What we have to always keep in mind after undergoing corrections is that maintenance is the key to longer lasting effects and slowing down the aging process.

Anita:   Are there foods a person should avoid to slow down the aging process/ prevent acne?

Dr. Shamban: In order to slow down the aging process and avoid unwanted breakouts, people should stay away from refined sugars, carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates, and processed foods. Caffeine should also be avoided because it can increase the amount of stress hormones which can lead to premature aging.  Stay away from white rice and white bread as well; since they are both high in glycemic index and low in fiber, they can increase sugar levels rapidly.

Anita:  Is there a Dermatologist in San Francisco you would recommend?

Dr. Shamban:  Dr. Vic A. Narurkar

Anita:   Kissing & Telling – any celebrities you’ve treated?

 Dr. Shamban: Kissing is good for us. Telling, on the other hand, we need to handle carefully.  It doesn’t matter if my patients are celebrities or not–in my practice all matters pertaining to my patients remain confidential.

Anita: (Great answer!) How does a person go about feeling their best when they look their worst?

Dr. Shamban: No matter what is going on in your life, it doesn’t need to be visible on your face or physical persona.  Simple steps such as taking care of your skin, combing your hair, putting on a little mascara or rouge, and/or using homemade treatments like masks and scrubs can make a tremendous difference in your appearance–which will, in turn, lead to you feeling better.  Life happens, but it doesn’t have to show on your skin.

Anita: Favorite shade of Red Lipstick?

Dr. Shamban: Dolce & Gabbana –  Iconic

Anita: Thank you Dr. Shamban! I enjoyed our conversation and can’t wait to do a little more kissing!

Dr. Shamban: You’re welcome!

I learned a lot during this interview and I hope you did to, for more information visit Dr. Ava Shamban.

Dr. Vic Narurkar

2100 Webster Street Suite 505

415-923-3377

Dr. Ava Shamban

2021 Santa Monica Blvd # 600E

Santa Monica, CA 90404-2166