Celebrity-approved dermatologist, Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, on caring for your skin after your workouts and as you age.
A regular day at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery in Manhattan might entail Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models getting facials to prep for red-carpet events. Beauty editors could be getting the newest laser treatments to perfect their skin tone. It may be a Wednesday for everyone else in the outside world — but inside the office near Hudson Yards, a celebrity or two could even be arriving at the reception, waiting to see renowned dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D.
Even if you aren’t a patient (sorry in advance, there’s a long waitlist), you may recognize Dr. Bhanusali’s celebrity-adjacent name, thanks to his very famous counterparts. He’s helped formulate skincare lines such as RHODE with Hailey Bieber and Elm86 with Martha Stewart, and has worked on SkinMedicinals, a platform to help make medications more affordable.
While many people follow the beauty advice and routines of celebrities, Dr. Bhanusali is the dermatologist who’s perfecting those very celebrities' skin. So how can you modify your routine throughout the decades for a smooth, glowing complexion — even if you’re not a superstar?
Read on to learn more about Dr. Bhanusali’s big break, his tips on how to halt post-workout bumps, and his advice for skin in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
When do you feel like you had your big career break?
Dr. Bhanusali: “I think it was early on when a few of my patient results had inadvertently gone viral. I treated a patient who was slashed in New York City. The news had covered her story and then followed up with her recovery when more slashing had occurred. Her scars were gone and a ton of news outlets picked up the story. From there, I have been fortunate to have had other patient stories gain attention and hopefully inspire patients out there to seek help when they need it.”
What’s your fitness routine like, and what skincare products are in your workout bag?
Dr. Bhanusali: “I usually have a salicylic acid cleanser if I feel like I had a good sweat. I cleanse shortly after finishing a workout. If I shower at the gym, I have a moisturizer — right now the RHODE Barrier Repair Cream — with me to apply before going out in the cold weather.
“I usually am in the gym by 7 a.m. each day. I usually lift three to four days a week and try to either swim or run on the other days. Activity is very important to me, and I need some sort of sweat to really wake up for the day. Especially on procedure days, it’s an absolute must.”
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Are there any other hydration products that are helpful for those who exercise frequently?
Dr. Bhanusali: “A simple moisturizer can go a long way. We work so hard to strengthen and sculpt our bodies, but it’s important to remember we must care for our skin as well. I usually wear gloves, but if I don't have them with me during a lift, I make sure to moisturize my hands after.”
How soon after working out should people wash their face and shower?
Dr. Bhanusali: “The sooner the better. We often see something called pityrosporum folliculitis — online it’s referred to as fungal acne — when patients don't shower soon after breaking a sweat. It causes an overgrowth of a yeast that can cause acne-like bumps or patches of hypopigmentation.”
How often should people change their regimens?
Dr. Bhanusali: “It depends on where you are but slight tweaks — [for] example, moving from a lotion to a thicker moisturizer when the seasons get colder — can make a big difference. As we get older, we may have different concerns, and so it’s important to make sure you understand the point of your routine and what you are targeting.”
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On the note of stages of life, what products do you recommend people use in their 20s, 30s, and 40s?
Dr. Bhanusali: “[In your 20s], keep it simple: cleanser, moisturizer with SPF. They can add a retinol if acne-prone. [In your 30s, try a] cleanser, moisturizer with SPF, [and] a serum that targets whatever concern you have: hydration, antioxidant procreation from the sun, pigment, acne, etc. Retinol at night.
“From [your 40s onward], it’s the same [products], but we tend to add certain types of ingredients into the routine. As skin matures, we look for richer moisturizers with more emollient properties.”
How often should you get a skin check at the dermatologist?
Dr. Bhanusali: “Yearly is fine if there are no issues. That said, skin health is important, and it’s important to make sure you don’t wait too long with an issue before seeking professional help. Whether acne, hair loss, or that mole that looks a bit off, it is always better to get things checked before they become something more.”