From the Mouth of a Babe: Skincare Secrets From Sophia Phan: Editors' Blog: Wmagazine.com

In our August issue, we wrote about the high-tech, results-oriented facials administered in doctor's offices around the country. Admittedly, such treatments are more about pain than pleasure, using everything from surgical blades to stinging acids to renew and reenergize the skin. But for those unwilling to undergo chemical peels and suction -like treatments that vacuum dead skin cells up like unwanted dust bunnies. Sophia Phan, a clinical aesthetician who works out of Dr. David J. Goldberg's Manhattan office, shares her at-home skincare basics, as well as what to avoid.

NEW BALANCE: Soap can leave a film on skin - it's also very alkaline, and bacteria thrive in an alkaline environment. Choose a cleanser that helps stabilize the pH in skin - I like SkinMedica's Facial Cleanser. It comes out like a gel and foams, leaving skin nice and clean.

LAYER WITH CARE: Use an antioxidant serum to help with neutralizing free radicals that cause premature aging and pigment irregularities. One that I love is by SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF. Finish it up with SkinMedica's TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer + SPF 20. It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and growth factors to repair.

STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN: Patients tell me that they use olive oil on their faces because they feel their skin is really dry. It's great to ingest but it wasn't tested for skin and it could cause breakouts.

LEAVE THE PICKING TO THE PROFESSIONALS: Home extractions are a no-no. You're causing more problems underneath the surface, and I doubt you're using gloves and cotton pads. Stay away!