Dr. Teo Soleymani: How to Improve & Protect Your Skin Health & Appearance

At a Glance

• Skin Health and Appearance - “Today we discuss all things related to skin appearance, skin health, and skin longevity.” This sets the tone for the entire episode, focusing on the importance of skin health and appearance.

• Sun Exposure Benefits - “There is a component of sun exposure that’s not just for vitamin D synthesis, but something that improves your overall wellness.” Dr. Soleimani emphasizes the positive effects of sun exposure on overall well-being.

• Sunscreen vs. Sunblock - “Sunblock seemed better than sunscreen, suntan, suntan oil. All of that’s been changed recently or has been proposed to get rid of to unify the field.” Clarifying the difference between sunscreen and sunblock and the recent changes in terminology.

• Importance of Hydration - “Research shows that even a slight degree of dehydration can really diminish cognitive and physical performance.” Highlighting the significance of staying hydrated for optimal brain and body function.

• Red Light Therapy Benefits - “Red light and near infrared light have been shown to have positive effects on improving numerous aspects of cellular and organ health.” Discussing the benefits of red light therapy on various aspects of health and wellness.

What to Do

• Get sun exposure early in the day - Setting your circadian rhythm properly can lead to elevated daytime mood, focus, and alertness, as well as improved nighttime sleep.

• Keep skincare simple and affordable - Using fewer products with simpler ingredients reduces the chances of negative skin reactions and saves money, as most over-the-counter products may not have high enough concentrations of active ingredients to be truly effective.

• Moderate sun exposure can be beneficial - Sun exposure can have a positive impact on overall wellness, mood, and appearance, as well as contribute to vitamin D synthesis. Aim for a balance between getting sun exposure and avoiding sunburn.

What to Get

• Roka Eyeglasses and Sunglasses - Amazon - To improve visual clarity and protect eyes from sunlight during outdoor activities like running and cycling.

• Red Light Therapy Devices - Amazon - To improve skin health, muscle recovery, and overall cellular and organ health using red light therapy.

• Zinc Oxide Sunscreen - Amazon - To protect the skin from UV exposure and prevent sunburn, premature aging, and potential skin cancer risks.

Summary

In this podcast episode, Dr. Teo Soleimani, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, joins host Andrew Huberman to discuss various aspects of skin health and appearance. The conversation delves into the turnover rate of the skin, highlighting the fact that the surface of the skin renews itself approximately every 28 days. This constant regeneration allows the skin to heal and regenerate, making it a unique organ in the body. The skin is also innervated, meaning it receives connections from the nervous system, which can impact its appearance and health.

One of the key topics explored in the episode is the impact of stress on the skin. Both acute stress, which occurs over a short period of time, and chronic stress, which is long-term, can affect the skin’s health and appearance. Stress can influence the structure of the skin, particularly the dermis where most of the biological activity takes place. Understanding how stress affects the skin can provide insights into managing skin conditions and maintaining skin health.

The conversation also covers a range of topics related to skincare, including the importance of sun protection, the use of retinoids and supplements, and the role of nutrition in skin health. Dr. Soleimani provides expert advice on selecting skincare products, managing skin conditions like acne and eczema, and the benefits of treatments like laser resurfacing and red light therapy. Overall, the episode offers valuable information on how to improve and protect the skin, highlighting the importance of skincare routines and healthy lifestyle choices for maintaining optimal skin health and appearance.