30 Most Common Questions I Hear From My Patients: Candid Answers from the Clinic

Sun and protection

Question 1: "Is sunscreen really necessary on a cloudy day?" Yes. Although clouds partially filter UVB, 70-90% of UVA passes through. Protection is recommended for a UV index of 3 and above.

Question 2: "I sit in an office, is SPF still necessary?" Yes, glass transmits UVA; a mineral formulation is also recommended for blue light effect.

Question 3: "I have dark skin, do I need SPF?" Although dark skin types are more resistant to sunburn, there is a risk of DNA damage, melasma, and skin cancer. Lifelong protection is needed.

Question 4: "Does SPF inhibit vitamin D synthesis?" In real life, sufficient vitamin D needs are safely met with oral supplementation. Therefore, reducing photoprotection would be a wrong trade-off.

Sunscreen and application

Question 5: "Is SPF 100 really twice as good as SPF 50?" No. SPF 50 filters 98% of UVB, SPF 100 filters 99%. The difference is very small; the main difference is the correct amount and repeated application.

Question 6: "Is SPF 15 foundation under makeup sufficient?" No. The SPF of foundation remains very low in practice due to insufficient quantity. Apply a real SPF 50+ beforehand.

Question 7: "How safe is spray SPF?" It may not be sufficient alone as quantity measurement is difficult. I recommend spraying it on your face and spreading it with your hand.

Skincare routine

Question 8: "Should I apply retinol every day?" Initially 2-3 days a week, then every other day as the skin tolerates it, then daily. The dose is adjusted as needed in summer.

Question 9: "Should I store my vitamin C serum in the refrigerator?" It can be beneficial for some oxidation-sensitive formulations, but it is not mandatory for every formula. A dark glass bottle and a tightly closed cap are sufficient.

Question 10: "Is a 10-step Korean routine really necessary?" No. For most skin types, 4-6 steps are sufficient and more sustainable.

Question 11: "Should I wash my face every day?" Definitely in the evening. In the morning, only water or a gentle cleanser is sufficient depending on the dryness of the skin.

Medical aesthetics

Question 12: "Does it make sense to get Botox in the summer?" Yes, it is safe as long as you control UV exposure afterwards.

Question 13: "Does filler melt in the summer?" Hyaluronic acid fillers do not melt with heat; however, swelling may be slightly more pronounced in the first few days in excessively hot environments.

Question 14: "I am 25, is it too early to get Botox?" No, if there is mimic hyperactivity. The preventive dose is carefully planned.

Question 15: "How many PRP sessions should there be?" Usually 3-4 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart. Afterwards, maintenance every 6 months.

Question 16: "Does mesotherapy hurt?" Pain is minimal thanks to local anesthetic cream and thin needles.

Acne and spots

Question 17: "Is sunbathing good for acne?" No, although it may look good in the short term, increased melanin deepens spots and sabotages acne treatment.

Question 18: "Homemade lemon/vinegar recommendation for my spots?" No, it can be irritating and phototoxic. Physician-controlled professional depigmentants are safe.

Question 19: "Is toothpaste good for pimples?" No, it causes irritation. BPO or salicylic acid are more suitable for punctual spot treatment.

Question 20: "Can melasma be treated during pregnancy?" Some topicals (azelaic acid, niacinamide) are safe, others are contraindicated. Physician control is essential.

Nutrition and lifestyle

Question 21: "Is chocolate bad for the skin?" Refined sugar and dairy products trigger acne in some people; dark chocolate is an antioxidant. It is individual.

Question 22: "Does drinking water lighten spots?" Not directly; but adequate fluid intake is critical for overall skin health.

Question 23: "Do collagen supplements work?" There are studies showing the contribution of hydrolyzed collagen peptides to skin elasticity; but not as much as topical and lifestyle.

Question 24: "Does drinking coffee harm the skin?" Moderate consumption is fine, excessive caffeine can have indirect effects if it disrupts sleep quality.

Common mistakes

Question 25: "Will I apply the same routine every morning?" Yes, except for small seasonal adjustments. The discipline of the routine creates the effect.

Question 26: "Should I keep changing products?" No. The skin shows the true effect of the product after 6-8 weeks. Frequent changes prevent results.

Question 27: "More products mean better results?" No. A few correct products are always better than 15 wrong ones.

Question 28: "Can I try my friend's routine?" To a limited extent. Everyone's skin, hormonal status, and needs are different.

Question 29: "Is my skin getting used to it?" Tolerance develops to some actives; but the feeling of "losing its effect" is often wrong. Dose adjustment is done with a physician.

Question 30: "Is genetics enough to look good?" No. Genetics is the starting data; but what follows is entirely discipline, protection, and correct decisions.