Skincare Secrets With Dr. Brooke Vasicek

In this episode of The Looli Gaggle podcast we sat down with Dr. Brooke Vasicek, a dermatologist, to get the lowdown on skincare: what actually works, what’s overrated, and how to take care of your skin without spending a fortune—or wasting time.

Whether you’re building a routine from scratch or upgrading your regimen, these dermatologist-approved tips are practical, effective, and easy to follow.

At-Home Skincare Basics: The 3 Essentials

Dr. Vasicek says your skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on three core steps:

1. Retinol at Night
   • Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that helps with fine lines, texture, and acne.
   • OTC retinol vs. prescription retinoic acid: Over-the-counter retinols are weaker because they need to convert in your skin (two steps) to the active form, while prescription versions work directly (one step).
   • Pro tip: Something is better than nothing. If OTC retinol is too irritating, start slow or stick with gentler options.
2. Sunscreen in the Morning
   • Sun exposure is the fastest way to age your skin—even through office windows or while driving.
   • Daily SPF is a must: SPF 30 minimum, SPF 50+ if you’re outside a lot.
   • Real-life studies show higher SPF products give more protection because most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to reach the labeled SPF.
   • Avoid sprays—they often provide less coverage than labeled. Opt for lotions instead.
   • Top Picks For Face: Tizot Tinted Sunscreen, Color Science Sunscreens, Isdin Sunscreen
3. Gentle Cleanser
   • Retinol can irritate, so pair it with gentle cleansers like Cetaphil or CeraVe.

Think of skincare like a 401K: it’s a long-term investment. You won’t see major results in 4 weeks, but consistency pays off.

Leveling Up Your Routine

Once you have the basics down, these additions can boost your skin’s health:

• Vitamin C (Morning)
  • Neutralizes daily damage from sun, air pollution, and blue light.
  • Look for formulas with Vitamin E and ferulic acid for maximum benefits.
  • Top picks: SkinCeuticals, Obagi.
• Hyaluronic Acid
  • Draws in water and helps plump fine lines.
  • Neutrogena HydroBoost is a great option: gel for oily skin, cream for dry.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
  • Supports healthy skin barrier function. You don’t need a dedicated product, many serums include it.
• Peptides
  • Emerging anti-aging ingredient, though data is still limited.
  • “They’re hundreds of dollars for these bottles or serums and for me the data is not there yet to ask people to spend their hard-earned two to three hundred dollars on these.”- Dr. Vasicek
• Eye Cream
  • Skin around the eyes is thin and prone to water loss so an eye cream can be really helpful.
  • Dr. Vasicek’s recommendeds: NeoCutis, Obagi Elastoderm Eye Creams

Skincare Order:

1. Wash (pat dry, leave skin slightly damp)
2. Rx creams (retinol, acne treatments)
3. Vitamin C
4. Eye cream
5. Moisturizer
6. Sunscreen

Trend Tip: Ice rollers or gua sha tools won’t harm your skin, but there’s no strong evidence they provide long-term anti-aging benefits.

In-Office Treatments: From Least to Most Invasive

Next, we asked Dr. Vasicek to give us the rundown of  office treatments:

• Microdermabrasion: Suctions dead skin cells, brightens complexion. Cost: low hundreds, 3-6 sessions.
• Chemical Peels: Gentle or aggressive; improves acne, fine lines, and dark spots. Cost: low hundreds for a 3-pack.
• Microneedling: Stimulates collagen with tiny needles. Cost: mid to high hundreds.
• Laser Treatments: IPL or BBL for skin rejuvenation.
• Injectables:
  • Botox reduces facial expressions to prevent lines.
  • Fillers restore volume and work alongside Botox.
  • Kybella dissolves fat under the chin.

Myth-Busting with Dr. Vasicek

• Sunscreen does not cause cancer—the sun does. Only some manufacturing ingredients, like benzene, pose a risk, mostly in sprays. You can check out this list for benzene free products.
• Natural products aren’t always better; they can actually irritate more than conventional options.
• Parabens, sulfates, aluminum: Animal studies exist, but doses aren’t relevant to humans. Avoid if you want, but are generally safe.

Common mistakes:

• Not wearing enough sunscreen.
• Getting weekend or vacation tans that undo your skincare investment. You can’t tan through sunscreen so if you are… you’re not putting enough on!
• Drinking through straws (may contribute to minor wrinkles around the mouth).

Brooke’s Best Advice:

Dr. Vasicek’s advice is simple:

• Be confident in your skin.
• Protect it daily with SPF.
• Supplement with Vitamin D (1,000–2,000 IU/day)
• Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.

With these basics, you can create a practical, effective routine without getting overwhelmed or breaking the bank.