When Dr. Brittany Carter-Snell, then just Brittany Carter, decided to become a dermatologist it was a technical and artistic decision.
“Everybody can’t do dermatology. Some people get a little freaked out by rashes especially,” she said. “Honestly, I think it’s dependent on everyone’s personality, which helps them figure out which part of medicine they’re going to practice.
“I’ve always been a visual person, and because I have that artsy eye, it’s contributed to my photographic memory. Anything that I was learning on the ‘derm’ side concerning rashes, how they present, color, and texture, that came naturally to me.”
Dr. Carter-Snell also used her artistic skills to design the interior of her Midtown Detroit-based skin care office herself.
“I make sure that when people walk in they feel welcome, comfortable, and know that everything is clean, that’s very important in a doctor’s office.”
In addition to sharing her story, Dr. Carter-Snell shared some time-honored beauty tips on how to maintain your skin’s healthy glow throughout the years.
“Start simple with sunscreen. For example, basic-like sunscreen. I get so many patients in here that do not wear sunscreen on a daily basis. Three-hundred-and-sixty-five days of the year, everybody needs to wear sunscreen.”
She continued, “Sunscreen is necessary because ultraviolet rays will age you quicker than anything else. The ultraviolet has to block on a broad spectrum. There are a few principal ultraviolet rays, mainly ultraviolet rays A and B. So your sunscreen has to be broad spectrum, so it covers both. Then there’s a minimum of SPF 30 that you have to purchase, so it’ll be worth your while.”
Dr. Carter-Snell also notes that in your twenties it is important to start incorporating washing your face twice daily in your skin care regimen.
In your thirties, moist, moist, baby!
Along with the basics from your twenties, Dr. Carter-Snell recommends paying close attention to moisturizing your skin.
“You start losing moisture in your thirties. It just naturally happens. The skin does not hold on to moisture like it did in your twenties. It starts to look dull and dry because we’re aging. I always encourage people to moisturize daily. Even if your skin is oily, you still need to moisturize. Just be sure to opt for an oil-free moisturizer,” she said.
In your forties, it’s time to build!
“In your forties, you’re adding in additional steps,” she noted. “You’re fortifying and also more established to spend a little more on yourself. (laughs) Not everyone can afford it; it’s an investment. No one on is inclined to use fillers to eliminate wrinkles and plump aging skin, but know that when you get it, you’ll have to keep getting it, over and over.”
Bonus tip for African-American skin… start from within
Dr. Carter-Snell’s dermatology’s office motto is “inner health for outer beauty,” and that motto is the basis for all skin care, especially African-American skin.
“I think in or communities we do ourselves a disservice because we don’t pay enough attention to our inner health. Culturally, we’re accustomed to eating foods that may not be the healthiest options for us. We notice diets that are high in sugar, so carbs and sugars are what drives acne,” she said.
“So when a patient comes in with problem skin, I ask them to tell me about their diet, ‘Do you like pasta and tomatoes? or Sweets, juice, pop?’ Typically they say, ‘Yes, I do.’”
Dr. Carter-Snell concludes that we have to go back to consuming whole foods, whole vegetables, and whole fruits. Our bodies will reap benefits including our skin.
The Carter-Snell Skin Center (CSSC) is committed to delivering Compassionate, Safe, & Sensible Care in Dermatology. Dr. Brittany Carter-Snell and her staff strive to be productive members of the Detroit community, fully devoted to its revitalization, by way of education and service.
Visit her office in
Midtown Detroit or visit
WWW.CARTERSNELLSKIN.COM.
About Post Author
