A luxe evening with Dove PLUS answers to fall-winter skin questions with Dr. Luftman

No need to mince words, right? That is how I imagine Dove came up with the name PitiCure for their latest at-home beauty solution for sensitive underarm skin. This ‘cure does for your pits what a pedicure does for your feet. Who knew that was necessary?

Creators say the treatment cares for the delicate area by removing dead skin and impurities through exfoliation, thus preventing unwanted irritation from shaving, sweating and contact with fabrics. I was a little skeptical. It actually just seemed like just another way to hawk their latest deodorant, the Ultimate Visibly Smooth Anti-Perspirant, which is supposed to help minimize the look and feel of underarm hair over time. After all, one whole step in the three-step process is dedicated to applying it.

I was invited to the luxe Spa Chakra on Fifth to decide for myself, where Dove reps and celebrity dermatologist Dr. Debra Luftman would be on hand to answer questions. While the experience was underwhelming – it is just a quick exfoliation and deodorant application – my underarms did feel really smooth and nice when all was said and done.

Curious enough to try it at home? Here are the complete three steps:

Step 1 – Exfoliate
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or wipe to cleanse underarms and remove impurities

Step 2 – Rinse
Rinse off and gently dry underarms with towel

Step 3 – Apply
Apply Dove Visibly Smooth Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant. According to the label, underarm hair will look and feel less noticeable over time and translucent moisturizers will care for delicate skin.

Yup, that simple, and seemingly, still all about the deodorant.

BATF: If your skin tends to be flaky and dry in the winter, what is the best type of moisturizer to use?

DL: For flaky and dry skin I prefer a moisturizer with three ingredients: water, glycerin, and petrolatum. These ingredients lock in moisture into the skin. I would recommend Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion, Hypoallergenic Moisturizer.

BATF: What is the best product to use for acne-prone skin in the winter when your skin is dryer than normal?

DL: Anything with glycolic and salicylic acids are more effective than benzoyl peroxide, which can over dry the skin. What’s even better is encapsulated salicylic acid because it allows for gradual 24 hour penetration of the product, not just bombarding the skin with free acids.

BATF: What about scrubs and toners?

DL: Most scrubs and toners are irritating , they scratch the skin and over dry. It is still important to exfoliate but without a physical exfoliant. Natural fruit acids like glycolic or beta hydroxy acids do the same job without the same complications. And micro exfoliants like home microdermabrasion are generally safe.

BATF: Any ways to get acne scars to fade?

DL: Topically, if scars are minimum or pigmented, a bleaching cream, retinol or glycolic acid is helpful along with a daily SPF. Acne scars can be treated with a variety of other procedures depending on the type and depth of the scar : microdermabrasion, silk peel, IPL, Fraxel Laser, Erbium or C02 laser (in order of least invasive to most).

BATF: How much SPF is generally enough to protect your skin?

DL: It was previously recommended that an SPF of 15 be used daily by the AAD. Last week, they changed the recommendations to 30 because they felt that people do not apply enough product.

BATF: Other tips for healthier looking skin?

DL: Take green tea bags and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, put them over your eyes to help with puffiness. Both the cold and the properties in green tea will help with this.

– Summar Ghias
BATF’S NYC Guest Blogger